Atlantic Canada is grappling with a severe workforce shortage as federal immigration cuts threaten to exacerbate the region’s labour crisis. Business owners and policymakers across Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, and Newfoundland and Labrador are sounding the alarm as the projected reduction in immigration could reverse years of progress in attracting skilled workers. With an aging population and a retiring workforce, the region heavily relies on immigration to sustain its economy. The construction industry is particularly affected, with an estimated shortage of 6,000 to 7,000 skilled workers, leading to project delays and increased costs. As the federal government reduces immigration targets, Atlantic Canada faces significant challenges in maintaining economic growth and meeting labour demands across various sectors.
