Local Immigration Partnership
Local Immigration Partnerships (LIP) are funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), a department of the government of Canada, and support communities in bringing together service providers, settlement agencies, community groups, and other key municipal organizations to create a welcoming and inclusive community for newcomers.
About the Western Nova Scotia Local Immigration Partnership
What is the Western NS LIP?
The Western Nova Scotia Local Immigration Partnership (LIP) is a collaborative community initiative sponsored by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
Led by Western REN, the partnership helps local and regional communities strengthen support for immigrants. This work also supports broader economic and business development across the region.
Our Vision:
Western Nova Scotia is a thriving, diverse region where newcomers are welcomed, economically empowered, and choose to put down roots by contributing their skills, cultures, and energy to communities that are stronger because of them.
Why This Work Matters
Employers in the Western Region invest significant time and effort recruiting the right newcomer talent. Through regional partnerships and workgroups, the LIP develops strategies to support these individuals and their families. Retaining newcomers benefits employers, communities and strengthens the region’s growth and prosperity for everyone.
Many small and rural communities across Canada face population pressures from youth out-migration, declining birth rates, and an aging population. Attracting new residents is a proven strategy to revitalize these communities. Doing it well means fostering real connections between newcomers and long-established residents. That breaks down barriers to social and economic integration, and actively addresses racism and discrimination.
Who Is Involved
LIP Council
The LIP Council consists of more than 30 representatives from across the region from Barrington to Digby. They are directly or indirectly working to make our communities more welcoming. The Council works to achieve the LIP community plan and collaborates on learning and working group initiatives.
To get involved in the Local Immigration Partnership Council reach out to Sara Bateman, our LIP Coordinator, at sbateman@westernren.ca
What We Do
- LIP Strategic Community Plan: Coming in September 2026
- Employer Resources and Tools for Hiring Newcomers
- Quarterly LIP Council meetings to discuss challenges and opportunities
- Host Working Groups on key areas of collaboration
- Amplify the experience of newcomers and immigrants to the community and create opportunities to share information and make connections
- Hold events and learning opportunities for employers, newcomers and the community
- Provide welcoming and information tools:
- Welcome Guide English French
- Welcome to Western NS site
- Welcome App
Events & Opportunities
Immigrant Advisory Council
- Do you live in Western Nova Scotia? Are you a newcomer who has immigrated to Canada? Do you want to have a say in making our communities welcoming? Do you want to connect with other newcomers from around the world? If so, join the Newcomer Advisory Council.
- We will meet once every three months. It will be informal and there will be a topic or idea to discuss for your input for the Local Immigration Partnership Council. If you are interested, please apply here. We are accepting applications on an ongoing basis.
Coming Soon
– Stay updated on the most recent information!
- Sign up for the WREN Newsletter
- Follow the Western NS LIP on Facebook
– Meet Your Neighbour Events (details coming Fall 2026)
– Employer Toolkit: Navigating Hiring Immigrants (coming late summer)
