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New Brunswick Then vs Now: Immigration, Jobs, Business, and the Reality Newcomers Face in 2026


Why Understanding the Change Matters


Ten years ago, New Brunswick was often described as a province people left rather than moved to. Population growth was slow, immigration numbers were modest, housing was widely available, and the economy moved at a steady but quiet pace. Job opportunities existed, but competition was lower, and communities were relatively stable with little pressure from rapid growth.


In 2026, New Brunswick looks very different. Immigration has become one of the province’s primary drivers of population growth. People are arriving from around the world and from other Canadian provinces, especially Ontario. Communities are more diverse, businesses are changing, and demand for housing, healthcare, and jobs has increased significantly.


This blog post is written for newcomers considering New Brunswick, those who have recently arrived, and Canadians relocating from larger provinces. It is meant to offer a realistic picture of how things used to be, how they are now, and why finding work in New Brunswick is often harder than expected despite the province’s smaller size. The goal is not to discourage people, but to help them make informed decisions before and after they move.



A city in New Brunswick

Immigration in New Brunswick: Then and Now


Ten Years Ago


Around 2014, New Brunswick welcomed fewer than 3,000 international immigrants per year. Immigration programs existed, but they were smaller and less visible. Employers had limited experience hiring internationally, and settlement services operated on a much smaller scale.


At the same time, the province struggled with population decline. Many young people left for Alberta, Ontario, or western Canada, and retaining residents was a greater concern than managing growth.


Immigration Today


By 2024 to 2026, immigration has become essential to New Brunswick’s workforce and economic sustainability. Annual international immigration now exceeds 15,000 people, making it one of the fastest growing provinces by percentage.

Year

Approximate International Immigrants

2014

~2,800

2024

~15,500

Immigration now supports healthcare, education, trades, business growth, and public services. At the same time, the scale of growth has created pressures that did not exist a decade ago.


Where Newcomers Are Coming From


Ten years ago, newcomers largely came from a small number of countries. Today, immigration to New Brunswick is far more globally diverse.

Year

Common Countries of Origin

2014

China, India, Philippines

2024

China, India, Philippines, Nigeria, Cameroon

This diversity has strengthened communities and the labour force, but it has also increased demand for language training, credential recognition, housing, and employment supports.


Canadians Moving to New Brunswick


Immigration is not only international. Interprovincial migration has increased dramatically over the last decade.

Year

Net Interprovincial Migration

2014

+500

2024

+5,500

Many Canadians move to New Brunswick for affordability, lifestyle, or family reasons. However, people arriving from larger provinces often underestimate how different a smaller labour market can be, especially when it comes to job availability and career progression.


Immigration Pathways: Clearer but More Targeted


New Brunswick’s immigration pathways are more structured than they were ten years ago, but also more selective and employer driven.


Key pathways include:


Compared to the past, pathways are clearer and better aligned with labour needs. However, they now place more emphasis on employer support, language proficiency, and credentials that match provincial priorities.


Employment: Why Finding Work Is Often Harder Than Expected


The Job Market Ten Years Ago


A decade ago, New Brunswick’s job market was smaller and slower, but competition was often lower. Wages were modest, but long term employment was common, and career paths were relatively stable.


The Job Market Today


Today, the job market is more competitive despite population growth. While demand exists in healthcare, skilled trades, education, and some technical roles, the number of employers and job openings remains limited.


This is where many newcomers are surprised. Smaller provinces do not mean fewer competitors. They mean fewer employers, fewer openings, and longer hiring cycles. Networking and Canadian experience carry significant weight, and senior level or specialized roles are limited.


Many newcomers and interprovincial migrants now spend six to twelve months finding work aligned with their experience. Temporary or transitional roles are common starting points.


Credential Recognition and Underemployment


Credential recognition has improved, but it remains one of the biggest barriers for newcomers. Regulated professions such as healthcare, engineering, education, and trades often require licensing, exams, or Canadian work experience.


As a result, underemployment is common, especially in the first year. Many people work below their qualification level while navigating licensing and building local experience.



The Business Landscape: Old New Brunswick Versus New New Brunswick


Businesses That Historically Thrived


Traditionally, New Brunswick’s economy was rooted in forestry, fishing, agriculture, and manufacturing. Many businesses were family owned, locally operated, and tied to natural resources. Retail and service businesses served stable, local populations, and entrepreneurship grew slowly.


The Business Environment Today


The business landscape has diversified. While traditional sectors remain important, growth has occurred in technology, digital services, cybersecurity, advanced manufacturing, healthcare related services, and professional services.


Remote work and digital connectivity have allowed some businesses to operate nationally or globally from New Brunswick. However, smaller populations still mean smaller customer bases. For newcomer business owners, success depends on understanding local demand, building relationships, and adjusting expectations around scale and growth.


Support resources include:https://onbcanada.cahttps://nbif.ca


Housing: A Clear Shift


Housing has changed dramatically over the last decade.

Indicator

2014

2024

Average 2 bedroom rent

~$750

~$1,050

Average home price

~$180,000

~$275,000

Vacancy rate

~3.5%

~1.8%

While New Brunswick remains more affordable than many provinces, availability has tightened, especially in Moncton, Fredericton, and Saint John.


Cost of Living Beyond Housing


Lower housing costs do not always mean a low cost of living. Groceries, utilities, heating, transportation, and childcare have all increased. Winter heating costs in particular can surprise newcomers.


Budgeting realistically is more important now than it was ten years ago.


Healthcare and Public Services


Healthcare access has long been a challenge, but population growth has increased demand. Finding a family doctor and accessing specialists can take time, especially in high growth areas. Public services are expanding, but infrastructure has not always kept pace.


Expectations Versus Reality


Many newcomers expect an easier transition because New Brunswick is smaller. In reality, smaller labour markets often mean fewer opportunities and more competition per role. Progress tends to be slower, and building stability takes time.


Impact on Long Term Residents


Long term residents are also adjusting. Rising housing costs, pressure on healthcare, and changing community dynamics are real concerns. At the same time, immigration supports economic growth, keeps schools open, and sustains essential services.


Community Response and Adaptation


Despite challenges, New Brunswick remains known for its welcoming and community focused culture. Settlement agencies, volunteers, and local organizations continue to support newcomers while adapting to a changing landscape.


Helpful organizations include:https://www.workingnb.cahttps://nbmc-cnb.ca


What to Consider Before Moving to New Brunswick


Before moving from another province or country, consider:

  • smaller job markets with fewer openings

  • longer timelines for career aligned work

  • competitive housing in urban areas

  • healthcare access varies by region

  • success often depends on networking and patience



New Brunswick Scenery

A Changed Province That Still Offers Opportunity


New Brunswick today is not the province it was ten years ago. Immigration has reshaped the population, economy, job market, housing, and business environment. Opportunities exist, but they require realistic expectations and preparation.


Finding work here can be harder than in larger provinces because the labour market is smaller and more relationship driven. Housing remains more affordable, but availability is tighter. Businesses are evolving, but growth looks different than in larger markets.


For newcomers who understand these realities and plan accordingly, New Brunswick can offer stability, community, and a meaningful quality of life. The key is arriving informed, adaptable, and ready for a slower but achievable path forward.


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