For those feeling overwhelmed by traffic congestion, high housing costs, and the relentless pace of city life, Atlantic Canada offers a viable alternative. The region, particularly New Brunswick, combines affordable housing, strong job prospects in key sectors, and a slower pace of life closer to nature.
But this is more than just a personal retreat. For members of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at, it represents an opportunity to contribute to building a community in a region where the Jama’at presence remains small but growing.
A Call to Serve
The Ahmadiyya Jama’at in Atlantic Canada is still in its youth. During his 2016 visit, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad spoke to the National A’amla Canada about the importance of establishing a presence in new areas.
“What better way to do Tabligh in this area than actually living here and doing Tabligh daily!”
“What better way to do Tabligh in this area than actually living here and doing Tabligh daily!” he said, emphasizing that meaningful outreach begins with actually being present in a community.
Currently, Moncton and Saint John, NB anchor the Jama’at presence in New Brunswick. Moncton now has a mosque, and the regional Murabi resides there, providing spiritual guidance and support to the growing community. Halifax serves as Atlantic Canada’s largest city, with the region’s only pediatric hospital and an international airport. However, much of the region still awaits those willing to pioneer new communities.
Strong Economic Growth
New Brunswick has experienced remarkable employment growth over the past five years, with an average annual increase of 229.6 per cent. The provincial GDP has also risen by 1.6 per cent during this period, while the population continues to grow as newcomers arrive seeking opportunities.
Three sectors lead this growth. Real estate and leasing, public administration, and healthcare and social assistance are all expanding rapidly. Traditional industries like petroleum refining, public transportation, and metal refining continue to generate significant revenue. Meanwhile, construction, food services, and retail are growing quickly to meet the demands of the increasing population.
Housing costs remain one of the region’s biggest advantages.
The building permit data tells the story clearly. In November 2023, New Brunswick led all Canadian provinces with approximately 30 per cent growth in construction permits, reflecting strong confidence in the region’s future.
Opportunities Across the Region
While New Brunswick offers strong prospects, opportunities extend throughout Atlantic Canada. Each province presents distinct advantages for professionals and entrepreneurs.
Halifax, Nova Scotia
As Atlantic Canada’s largest urban center, Halifax serves as the region’s economic and cultural hub. The city hosts major employers in healthcare, education, defence, and technology sectors. The Halifax Health Sciences Centre, the IWK Health Centre for children and women, and several universities create a steady demand for healthcare professionals and educators. The thriving tech sector, anchored by companies in software development and digital services, attracts skilled workers in information technology. The port and shipping industry continues to generate opportunities in logistics and marine services.
Prince Edward Island
PEI’s economy centers on agriculture, tourism, and aerospace manufacturing. The province actively seeks skilled tradespeople, healthcare workers, and business professionals. The tourism industry creates seasonal opportunities in hospitality and services, while the agricultural sector supports food processing and agribusiness ventures. Charlottetown, the provincial capital, offers opportunities in provincial government, education, and small business development. The island’s Provincial Nominee Program provides immigration pathways for entrepreneurs and workers in high-demand occupations.
St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador
St. John’s combines a strong resource economy with growing technology and service sectors. The offshore oil and gas industry continues to drive economic activity, creating demand for engineers, skilled trades, and support services. The fishing industry remains significant, supporting processing facilities and export operations. Healthcare and education sectors actively recruit professionals, particularly in specialized fields. The city’s emerging technology sector, supported by Memorial University’s research programs, attracts entrepreneurs and innovators in marine technology and environmental sciences.
What You Need to Know
The Maritime provinces actively seek professionals in education and healthcare. Teachers, educational assistants, bus drivers, nurses, and physicians will find strong demand for their skills. Students looking for alternatives to large urban campuses will discover several colleges and universities. The Atlantic Immigration Program and New Brunswick’s Skilled Worker Stream provide pathways for international professionals, while the Labour Market Impact Assessment program helps facilitate work permits in sectors facing labour shortages.
Housing costs remain one of the region’s biggest advantages. Both Saint John and the Greater Moncton Area rank among Canada’s most affordable housing markets. Homes here typically cost half or even one-third the price of comparable properties in Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver.
However, challenges exist. The rapid population growth has strained the healthcare infrastructure. Wait times for medical services have increased, and accessing care can require patience. Anyone considering relocation should carefully evaluate their family’s needs, professional prospects, and personal circumstances before making a decision.
The Maritime Region
Atlantic Canada consists of four provinces. New Brunswick and Nova Scotia are connected by road. Prince Edward Island links to the mainland via the 12.8-kilometre Confederation Bridge, while Newfoundland and Labrador requires ferry or air travel.
The climate is moderate compared to other parts of Canada. Winters are milder than in Alberta or Saskatchewan, while summers are cooler than in Ontario. Snow is common in winter, sometimes with significant storms. Rain dominates spring and fall. While weather patterns have become less predictable everywhere, temperatures here tend to be less extreme than in other Canadian regions.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the region offers extensive opportunities. Camping sites dot the coastline and interior forests. Hunting and fishing are popular activities, with abundant wildlife and coastal access. Agricultural land remains accessible for those interested in farming, and Atlantic beaches provide summer recreation.
A Limited Window
The combination of economic growth, affordable housing, job opportunities, and the chance to build a faith community creates a unique moment. The Atlantic provinces are experiencing transformation, and those who arrive now will help shape that change.
These opportunities typically don’t last indefinitely. As more people discover the region and populations grow, the advantages of early arrival naturally diminish. For those considering this move, the time to decide is now.
Whether motivated by faith, family considerations, or a desire for a different lifestyle, those who move east will find more than a change of location. They will discover an opportunity to build something lasting for themselves, their community, and future generations.
_______________
References
- Economic data sourced from Statistics Canada and provincial economic development reports, November 2023.
- Building permit statistics from Statistics Canada, Monthly Building Permits Survey, November 2023.
- Immigration program information from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada and provincial immigration websites.
- Regional industry data from the Government of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia Business Inc., Innovation PEI, and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador economic development departments.
This is such an encouraging and timely message. As a resident of the GTA, I’m already there emotionally