New Brunswick: A Home Away From Home For Indians

New Brunswick is a province in Canada with a population of around 770,000 people. It is one of the four Atlantic provinces and is bordered by Quebec, Nova Scotia, the Gulf of Saint Lawrence, the Bay of Fundy, and the U.S. state of Maine. The province has a strong sense of community and is known for its friendly and welcoming atmosphere. It is also very safe, with crime rates below the national average.

New Brunswick is officially bilingual, with around 30% of the population speaking French as their first language and the remaining 70% speaking English. The province has a rich cultural heritage from both its Francophone and Anglophone communities, as well as contributions from generations of immigrants from around the world.

The province offers a low cost of living, with housing and general living costs among the lowest in Canada. The average income for families is around $65,910, and the mandatory minimum wage is $10.30 per hour. The primary industries in New Brunswick are fishing and timber, with lumber products being one of the main exports. However, the province is also home to a modern service-based economy, with growing sectors in finance, insurance, information technology, and tourism.

Job opportunities and entrepreneurial possibilities

New Brunswick, Canada, has a range of job opportunities and entrepreneurial possibilities for those looking to relocate to the province. The province has a business-friendly environment, and its natural beauty and natural resources are a draw for many entrepreneurs.

For those seeking employment, there are various sectors with job openings, including:

• Health and social care
• Agriculture and Forestry
• Biotechnology and Pharmaceuticals
• Education and Training
• Hospitality and Food Service
• Human Resources and Recruiting
• Information Technology
• Logistics and Supply Chain
• Marketing and Advertising
• Media Arts and Entertainment
• Real Estate and Property Management
• Sales and Business Development
• Science and Research
• Skilled Trades and Labour

For entrepreneurs, there are several paths to consider when starting a business in New Brunswick. Here are some key points to keep in mind:

• Industry sectors: The provincial government has identified six priority industry sectors for investment and growth: advanced manufacturing and information and communications technology. Other established industries include agriculture, natural resources, and tourism.
• Business ideas: You can either focus on these priority sectors or explore other areas. For example, you could start a trucking company serving the agricultural industry or manufacture specialised packing materials for blueberry farmers.
• Location: Choosing the right location for your business is crucial. If you focus on natural resources, a rural area might be ideal. If you're exporting products, being near a port city could be beneficial. Tech businesses or those needing many employees may prefer Moncton, Saint John, or Fredericton.
• Type of business: Decide whether you want to offer goods, services, or both. You could be a manufacturer, a retailer, or a service provider.
• Online or physical store: Consider whether you want an online-only business or a physical store. New Brunswick offers both options, with available real estate and plans to improve broadband internet in rural areas.
• Regulations and costs: Familiarise yourself with government regulations and the associated costs of doing business in New Brunswick. This includes registering your business, selecting a legal structure, and complying with local and provincial laws.
• Financing: Explore financing options such as contributing your own money, seeking grants or loans, or finding investors. The New Brunswick Business Immigration Stream supports experienced entrepreneurs looking to establish and manage a business in the province.
• Support: Don't hesitate to seek help and inspiration from business directories, networking events, business associations, and mentorship opportunities.

Cost of living

New Brunswick has a low cost of living compared to other provinces in Canada. The average house price in the province is around $155,000 to $192,000, while the average price of a house in Saint John, the province's largest city, is approximately $160,000. In Fredericton, the provincial capital, the average price of a home is $216,000, and in Moncton, the second-largest city, it is $155,000. The cost of utilities such as water, gas, and electricity is also lower than in the rest of Canada. The cost of heating, power, and food is substantially lower than almost anywhere in North America.

The cost of transportation in New Brunswick is more expensive than the Canadian average. However, the cost of food is less expensive, scoring 9 out of 10, with 1 indicating the most expensive and 10 the cheapest.

The average salary after taxes in New Brunswick is $2414, which is enough to cover living expenses for 1.6 months. The mandatory minimum wage is $10.30/hr, and provincial personal income taxes are slightly above the Canadian average. The average income for New Brunswick families is $65,910, among the lowest in Canada.

Climate and weather

New Brunswick has a continental climate with snowy winters and temperate summers. The average daily high temperature is 11 degrees Celsius, and it is one of the warmer regions in Canada. The climate is similar to Central European weather conditions. The best time to visit is from May to September, as the rest of the year tends to be cold.

December is the wettest month, with 12 days of rain, while September has the least. June has the most rain in terms of volume, and March the least. The relative humidity is highest in November at 80%, and lowest in May at 66%.

The coldest parts of the province, in the far north, have a subarctic climate. The climate is more severe than in the other Maritime provinces, which have more shoreline to moderate the weather.

There is evidence of climate change in New Brunswick, with more intense precipitation, more frequent winter thaws, and less snowpack. The sea level is about 30 cm higher than it was 100 years ago and is expected to rise by another 60 cm by 2100.

Immigration pathways

The province of New Brunswick offers several pathways for immigration, including the New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP) and the Express Entry System. Here is an overview of the different streams available under these programs:

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

• New Brunswick Express Entry Stream: Targets candidates with profiles in the federal Express Entry Pool who have the skills, education, and work experience to contribute to the province's economy. Candidates must demonstrate their intention to live and work permanently in New Brunswick and meet specific eligibility requirements.
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream: Aimed at candidates who have secured a permanent, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer in an eligible occupation. Candidates must demonstrate their qualifications for the position and meet certain age, language proficiency, and education requirements.
• New Brunswick Skilled Worker Stream for Truck Drivers: Specifically aimed at candidates under NOC 7511 for Transport Truck Drivers who have a permanent, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer. Candidates must have two years of work experience, including nine months in New Brunswick on a supported work permit, and a valid Class 1 Driving License.
• New Brunswick Entrepreneurial Stream: Targets professionals ready to invest in and actively manage a business in the province. Requirements include a minimum personal net worth of $600,000 CAD, a monetary investment in the business, and at least two years of post-secondary education.
• New Brunswick Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream: Targets international graduates from recognized New Brunswick universities or community colleges who have started or acquired a business in the province and operated it for at least one year while holding a Post-Graduation Work Permit. Candidates must be between 22 and 40 years old and meet language proficiency requirements.

Express Entry System

• Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP): Part of the Express Entry System, tailored for skilled workers with experience and qualifications to contribute to the Canadian economy. Requirements include at least one year of continuous full-time work experience in a skilled occupation, minimum language proficiency, and sufficient settlement funds.
• Canadian Experience Class (CEC): Enables individuals with at least one year of skilled work experience in Canada to apply for permanent residency. This pathway is advantageous for international students and temporary foreign workers already established in Canada.
• Federal Skilled Trades Program (FSTP): Designed for skilled tradespeople wishing to become permanent residents. Requirements include at least two years of full-time work experience in a skilled trade, language proficiency, a valid job offer or qualification in the trade, and the ability to become economically established.

Other Pathways

• Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP): A joint initiative between the federal government and the Atlantic provinces, addressing labour market needs by attracting skilled workers and international graduates. Applicants must have a job offer from a designated employer in one of the participating provinces.
• Agri-Food Pilot: Addresses labour shortages in the agriculture and agri-food sector. Open to temporary foreign workers and international graduates with work experience in specific agri-food occupations.
• Home Care Provider Pilots: Allows foreign nationals with relevant work experience to work as home childcare providers or home support workers and obtain permanent residency.
• Start-up Visa Program: Designed for innovative entrepreneurs with the potential to create jobs and contribute to the economy. Requirements include a qualifying business idea, a letter of support from a designated organization, and meeting language and financial criteria.
• Self-Employed Program: Intended for individuals with experience in creative cultural activities and athletics who wish to become self-employed in Canada. Applicants must demonstrate their intention and ability to establish and manage a business contributing to Canada's cultural and athletic aspects, along with meeting language and financial requirements.

Education

New Brunswick has a lot to offer in terms of education for international students, including Indians. The province is known for its friendly and welcoming nature, and its safe and healthy learning environment. It is also the only officially bilingual province in Canada, offering students the opportunity to learn and practice both English and French, which can be beneficial for their future careers. The cost of living in New Brunswick is relatively affordable, which can be an attractive option for international students.

The province has a mix of public and private universities, as well as colleges, catering to a range of educational needs. Here is a list of some of the universities and colleges in New Brunswick:

• Mount Allison University
• St. Thomas University
• Université de Moncton
• University of New Brunswick
• Kingswood University
• St. Stephen's University
• University of Fredericton
• Yorkville University
• Canadian School of Natural Nutrition
• Collège communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick
• Maritime College of Forest Technology
• Moncton Flight College
• New Brunswick College of Craft and Design
• New Brunswick Community College
• Union of New Brunswick Indians Training Institute, Inc. (UNBITI)
• Atlantic Business College

New Brunswick's post-secondary institutions offer a wide range of programs to suit different interests and passions. The province is also known for its strong research focus, with some of the oldest and best research centres in the country. Smaller class sizes and experiential learning opportunities are also highlighted as benefits of studying in New Brunswick.

For younger students, the New Brunswick International Student Program (NBISP) welcomes students between the ages of 11 and 18 from around the world. This program offers a variety of up-to-date classroom technology and educational programs. Students live with host families, attend classes with local students, and participate in extracurricular and community activities, allowing for a full cultural immersion experience.

Frequently asked questions