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Resetting Canada’s Immigration Policy and the Impact on Smaller Provinces

A group of seniors on the beach

May 15, 2025

During this event we will discuss how changes in Canadian immigration policy are expected to affect immigration in Atlantic provinces. You will hear from academicians, policymakers and settlement sector.

Date: Thursday, May 15, 2025
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

Hosted by: Atlantic Research Group on Economics of Immigration, Aging and Diversity  (ARGEIAD)
Location: Scotiabank Theatre, Sobey Building, Saint Mary’s University
Contact: Manar Salem IMTE '23, Manager, Strategic Initiatives and Special Projects

Tentative Agenda

8:30 - 9:00am  Registration and networking
9:00 - 9:15 am  Greetings
Dr. Ather H. Akbari – Event Chair
Welcome and Opening Remarks
Adam J. Sarty (Associate Vice-President, Research Dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research
Saint Mary's University
TBC (Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency)
9:15 -10:15 am Keynote Address
Dr. Herbert Emery (Professor, University of New Brunswick
Speech title: Immigration and Economic Growth Strategies for Small Provinces in an Integrated National Labour Market
Moderated by: TBC
10:15 -10:25 am   Break
10:25 - 11:55 am Panel: Immigration policy impacts in Canada and Atlantic Provinces
Speakers:
  • Omar Abdellatif, Immigration and Population Growth, Government of Nova Scotia
  • Jeffry Young, Office of Immigration, Government of Prince Edward Island
  • Gabriel Williams, Immigration, Population Growth and Skills
    Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
  • IRCC (yet to confirm participation)
    Moderated by: TBC
11:55 - 12:55 pm  Networking Lunch
1:00 - 2:30 pm Settlement issues in Atlantic Provinces in a changing policy environment
Speakers:
  • Paula Knight, Immigrant Settlement Association of Nova Scotia
  • James Murphy, Association for New Canadians, Newfoundland & Labrador
  • Dean Constable, Immigrant & Refugee Services Association of PEI
  • Lisa Bamford De Gante, Multicultural Association of Fredericton
  • Moderated by: Wendy Luther, Halifax Partnership
2:30 - 2:35 pm Closing Remarks
Dr. Akbari – Event Chair

Keynote Speaker

Dr. Herbert Emery of the University of New Brunswick

Herb Emery, has been the Vaughan Chair in Regional Economics at the University of New Brunswick since 2016.  Prior to 2016, Herb was a Professor in Economics and Research Director for The School of Public Policy at the University of Calgary.  From 2010-2015, he served as managing editor of Canadian Public Policy/Analyse de politiques, Canada's foremost journal examining economic and social policy.