Nova Scotia. Office of Immigration

In January 2005 exclusive responsibility for immigration was transferred from the Departments of Education and Economic Development to the new Office of Immigration and a minister of immigration appointed. In February 2006 the chief executive officer of the Office was elevated to deputy minister status. In August 2006 the office assumed responsibility for operating and managing the Nova Scotia Nominee Program. The Office of Immigration takes a lead role in engaging and working with partners in the private, public, academic and non-governmental organization sectors to attract immigrants to, integrate immigrants into and retain immigrants in Nova Scotia; promotes the culture of a welcoming community for immigrants, including by raising public awareness of and education on immigration and diversity issues; markets Nova Scotia as an attractive immigration destination; strengthens immigration and settlement planning, policy and programming in order to improve opportunities to attract, integrate and retain immigrants; ensures planning and capacity for the effective delivery of immigrant settlement and integration programming; facilitates and promotes a coordinated approach within Government to immigration; and develops advice and provides support to Government in policy, planning, research and coordination in matters relating to immigration and settlement. In January 2011 the Office was integrated into the Department of Labour and Advanced Education (formerly Labour and Workforce Development) for administrative purposes, with the deputy minister becoming its chief executive officer.

Notes: Authority record based on Statutes of Nova Scotia 2005 c. 24; Orders in Council 2005-015 (21 Jan. 2005), 2005-331 (29 July 2005), 2006-116 (24 Feb. 2006), 2006-378 (17 Aug. 2006). Order in Council 2011-23 (11 January 2011).