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
Immigrant Advisory Council Volunteer Opportunity
Do you live in Western Nova Scotia? Are you a newcomer 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 by June 30, 2026.
Habitez-vous dans l’ouest de la Nouvelle-Écosse? Êtes-vous un nouvel arrivant au Canada? Voulez-vous avoir votre mot à dire pour faire de nos communautés des milieux accueillants? Voulez-vous vous connecter avec d’autres nouveaux arrivants provenant du monde entier? Si oui, joignez-vous au Conseil consultatif des nouveaux arrivants.
Nous nous réunirons une fois tous les trois mois. Les rencontres seront informelles et porteront sur un sujet ou une idée à discuter afin de recueillir vos commentaires pour le Conseil du Partenariat local pour l’immigration. Si vous êtes intéressé(e), veuillez soumettre votre candidature avant le 30 juin 2026.
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 who 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
Sign up for the WREN Newsletter or follow the Western NS LIP on Facebook to stay updated on the most recent information.
- Employer Toolkit: Navigating Hiring Overseas Complexities (coming late summer)
- Local Immigration Partnership Community Plan (coming early fall 2026)
- LIP Community Event: Meet your Neighbour (October – date to be confirmed)
