Newcomers to Nova Scotia will be welcomed by majority, poll says

There is no doubt the people of Nova Scotia are friendly, but are they truly welcoming?

Immigrants "often have difficulty gaining a foothold in the province," in part because of barriers that stem from "negative attitudes and even racism when it comes to welcoming new people into our communities and hiring people 'from away,'" according to the Ivany report.

Today, March 8, CBC Radio's Mainstreet will be at the Keshen Goodman Library in Clayton Park for Beyond Hello — a community conversation about how Nova Scotians can be more welcoming to newcomers.

Rising to the occasion

The Ivany Report published by the One Nova Scotia commission says we need to be more welcoming to newcomers. A recent government fact sheet draws the same conclusion.

Previous public opinion research by Corporate Research Associates found fewer than a third of Nova Scotians believe the province would be best served by having more immigrants come to the province. 

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​About 40 per cent of those polled thought the province was getting the right number now, and a quarter said we'd be best served by having fewer newcomers.

But Danny Graham at Engage Nova Scotia says Nova Scotians will rise to the occasion as more opportunities to meet newcomers present themselves. 

Phrasing the question

Graham says when you personalize the question you get a more welcoming response.

A poll commissioned by Engage Nova Scotia asked 1,000 Nova Scotians if they agree with the idea that having a variety of cultures and ethnic backgrounds enriches a community. Eighty-four per cent responded positively.

Respondents were also asked how they'd react if a family from another country moved in next door. Eighty-one per cent chose the answer: "I would immediately welcome the family and look forward to getting to know them."

Only three per cent chose: "I would be nervous of the family and how they might impact my neighbourhood."

Engage Nova Scotia is a province-wide network that works to make Nova Scotia a more inclusive place. Among other things, it encourages people to Share Thanksgiving.

Check out the Engage Nova Scotia poll results.