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 Western NS LIP

What is 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.

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.

 À propos du PPI de l’Ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse

Le Partenariat local pour l’immigration (PPI) de l’Ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse est une initiative communautaire collaborative financée par Immigration, Réfugiés et Citoyenneté Canada (IRCC).

Piloté par le Réseau d’entreprises de l’Ouest, nous travaillons à renforcer le rôle des communautés locales et régionales dans le soutien aux immigrants, contribuant ainsi au développement économique et commercial de l’ensemble de la région.

Les employeurs de la région ouest investissent temps et efforts considérables pour recruter les bons talents parmi les nouveaux arrivants. Grâce à des partenariats régionaux et à des groupes de travail, le PPI élabore des stratégies pour soutenir ces personnes et leurs familles. Car fidéliser les nouveaux arrivants profite aux employeurs, aux communautés, et renforce la croissance et la prospérité de la région pour tous.

De nombreuses petites communautés rurales du Canada font face à des pressions démographiques causées par l’exode des jeunes, la baisse du taux de natalité et le vieillissement de la population. Attirer de nouveaux résidents est une stratégie éprouvée pour revitaliser ces communautés. Pour y parvenir efficacement, il faut favoriser de véritables liens entre les nouveaux arrivants et les résidents de longue date, éliminer les obstacles à l’intégration sociale et économique, et lutter activement contre le racisme et la discrimination.

Nous travaillerons à traduire davantage de documents du PPI en français au cours des prochains mois.

Events & Opportunities

Meet Your New Neighbour Events

Every year the Western NS LIP invites and welcomes all Newcomers who have chosen the Western Region as their new home. It doesn’t matter where you are coming from, be it another part of the province, another part of the country or another part of the world.

We also invite all locals to welcome our newest neighbours as friends, to learn more about them, and to join the celebration. There is food from other cultures to try, activities for the kids, and new friends to meet.

It’s a great opportunity to expand our social circle and feel more at home in your neighborhood! This year it will be in October. Watch for details coming soon. Follow our Facebook page to stay up to date.

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.

If you are interested in joining the Council, please contact Sara at sbateman@westernren.ca

Coming Soon

Stay updated on the most recent information.

Sign up for the WREN Newsletter. Follow the Western NS LIP on Facebook

  1. Employer Toolkit: Navigating Hiring Overseas Complexities (coming late summer)
    1. Local Immigration Partnership Community Plan (coming early fall 2026)
    1. LIP Community Event: Meet your Neighbour (October – date to be confirmed)

Funded by: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada.

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