Nova Scotia (Latin for New Scotland) is a Canadian Maritime province located along the eastern coastline, almost exactly halfway between the equator and the North Pole. Nova Scotia is the second-smallest province in Canada by area at only 55,283 km². Though the area is small, a population of close to 1 million people establishes the province as the second-most densely populated in Canada. Capital city is Halifax and it is technically an island, or rather a series of over 3800 coastal islands, with a mixture of Continental and Maritime climates, which result in cold wet winters, and warm summers.
Health Care
You must register for Nova Scotia Medical Service Insurance (MSI) benefits as soon as you arrive in the province. You will need proof of your immigration status for the application process.
Weather
Most Canadian cities enjoy very warm summers where temperatures can go above 30 degrees Celsius. However, it can get very cold in almost all parts of Canada in the winter, when temperatures can go below upto -30 degrees Celsius. It is very important to Invest in warm winter clothing, including sweaters, winter jackets, boots, hats, scarves and gloves or mittens to be ready for the winter. If you do not dress adequately in the winter, you will risk becoming ill or getting frostbite.
Education
Nova Scotia has 10 Universities, including Acadia University, Atlantic School of Theology, Cape Breton University, Dalhousie University, Mount Saint Vincent University, NSCAD University, Saint Francis Xavier University, Universitè Sainte-Anne, and the University of King’s College, as well as over 90 private commercial collages.
Career/Jobs
In order to be employed in the Nova Scotia, the first step is to apply for your Social Insurance Number (SIN) as soon as you arrive. Ensure your credentials are assessed with the Canadian Centre for International Credentials. In order to obtain a trade certification, begin by contacting Red Seal, a nation-wide trade certification organization. Register with the appropriate territorial regulatory organization for your profession. If required, register for language classes to improve your English or French language skills. After completing these steps you’ll be prepared to begin working in Nova Scotia.
Note: Foreign workers must have valid authorization to work in Canada on either a temporary or permanent basis.
Housing
There are multiple housing options across Canada. If you have not visited your new city prior to immigrating, it may be best to rent an apartment on a temporary basis when you first arrive, and/or hire a real estate agent to guide you through the housing process and provide you with knowledgeable advice on the best areas for you and your family.
Many families prefer to live in suburbs where housing is more affordable as housing is generally more expensive in cities. Suburbs often provide all facilities such as safe neighbourhoods, schools, shopping centres and healthcare, all within close proximity to the amenities of the city.
It is important that you take your family, your place of work, neighbourhood and finances into account before deciding on a place to live.
Cost of living
Nova Scotia is the perfect location to set up your roots, with a high quality of life and low cost of living. The province has some of the lowest housing costs with a brand new home setting you back by approximately $143 000.This is almost half of what you would expect to pay in an area like Ontario or British Columbia.However you will find the transportation cost a little bit on the higher side.
Economy
Nova Scotia’s traditional economy was based on its abundant natural resources, especially its fisheries. Today, the economy is supported by off-shore oil rigs and tourism with over 200,000 cruise ship passengers passing through the capital port of Halifax each year. Nova Scotia has a fast-growing information and technology industry and is the world’s largest exporter of Christmas trees, lobsters, and wild berries. This offers immigrants interesting job opportunities in fields including trade and export, fishing, and tourism.