A Canadian province with many lakes and beautiful scenery, Nova Scotia is one of the few places where you can find the right balance between a stimulating work environment and a rewarding and fulfilling personal life. We paint you a picture of this charming region that welcomes French and English nationals, as well as people from around the world, with open arms.
As part of the Atlantic region of natural beauty and heritage, Nova Scotia has been the birthplace of Acadia since the 17th century. It also owes its prosperity to its rich cultural heritage, the diversity of its population, and hundreds of community groups active in all areas of social, cultural, and economic life. So, without further ado, let’s dive into this blog and learn some of the things you need to buy a property in Nova Scotia.
1. The Community
There is a multitude of Francophone organizations that promote and encourage the French language and support Francophones in all aspects of life. One example is Nova Scotia Francophone Immigration, which offers pre- and post-arrival services to French-speaking immigrants to Atlantic Canada! In addition, there are several settlement services for immigrants.
2. The Language
Although Nova Scotia is a predominantly English-speaking province, it is possible to live in French thanks to the various cultural, recreational, and sports activities offered everywhere. Permanent residents can take advantage of free English courses. Those who are not bilingual upon arrival have the opportunity to become so!
3. Education
Education in French is a right, not a privilege, in the Atlantic Provinces. Nova Scotia has over 400 private and public schools. Among these are the 21 schools of the Conseil Scolaire Acadien Provincial, which provide French-language education at the elementary and secondary levels.
The political and economic heart of Nova Scotia, Halifax, is also a city of learning with 5 universities serving some 30,000 students. Post-secondary and university education is available in both English and French. Université Sainte-Anne, a francophone institution with several campuses, is a leader in sustainable development and ecology.
4. What about the economy?
Synonymous with dynamism and diversity, the economy is marked by innovation, openness to foreign markets, and growing industry sectors such as financial services, transportation, logistics, and ocean technologies. Its marine vocation is evident: Nova Scotia is home to Canada’s largest military naval base in the second largest natural harbor in the world. This shows the impact of the ocean on the Nova Scotia economy!
Sectors of activity related to marine resources still hold the upper hand in the Acadian regions. In addition to fishing, seafood processing, and shipbuilding, tourism offers encouraging prospects. Employers are increasingly recruiting bilingual personnel. In this way, French-speaking newcomers represent excellent potential for the economy.
5. Climate and outdoor activities
Nova Scotia is characterized by a temperate climate thanks to the Atlantic Ocean. Winters are mild, and summers are pleasant! Extreme heat or cold is very rare! The seasons are very distinct and offer a variety of activities. Families enjoy visiting zoos, museums, wilderness, amusement parks, or the science center.
For the active, there are adventure tours: biking, hiking, skiing, and kayaking, to name a few. For those who love nature: whale watching, bird watching, wildlife viewing, relaxing on a beach, surfing or fishing. For those who love comfort: a visit to the city or a wine and food tour. The people of this beautiful province are warm and welcoming. It’s a place where neighbors still care about each other and where everyone can turn their dreams into reality.
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