How can we encourage newcomers to stay?

The single biggest threat to our future is not from the global financial and economic crisis hanging over us, believes Kim West, but whether we can grow our population
 
Fifty years ago, Atlantic Canada had the youngest population in the country. Today we have the oldest, and our numbers are dwindling fast. Without more people, the quality of life we enjoy today, our tax base, and the vibrancy of our businesses, services, and communities are not sustainable.

We have been comparatively slow to recognize that attracting and retaining more people is the key to a region’s prosperity and well-being. For years, places such as Manitoba and others have been attracting people through family connections for bright job prospects and through effective immigration programs. All of these options are open to us as employers and economic developers.

We all worry about our businesses and jobs in today’s uncertain economic climate. But let’s not lose sight of one of our biggest challenges—one we can really do something about if we work together and focus.

We have available, interesting, well-paid job opportunities in the public and private sectors. And we live in a fabulous part of the country. Atlantic Canada has a solid value proposition to encourage people to come here and prosper. Those of us already fortunate enough to live here will only be richer for the experience of welcoming more newcomers and encouraging them to stay. 

 
Kim West is a partner at MT&L Public Relations and chair of the board of the Halifax Chamber of Commerce.