Repatriation!

"Going down the road".  For many East Coasters, this is a familiar phrase.  It’s what many Nova Scotians did in the past, seeking opportunity and fortune.

That trend is changing and more expatriates are deciding to return to the province they call home.

CEO's and government leaders are hoping the trend will continue and are making efforts to ensure expatriates know about the opportunities Nova Scotia has to offer.  For instance, by 2014 there will be more than 56-thousand jobs in Nova Scotia due to retirement and growth.

Out migration was a topic at the recent Atlantic Business in Toronto, organized by East Coast Connected.  Nova Scotia's Deputy Premier, Frank Corbett, told a room full of expatriates about the success happening in Nova Scotia. "We want our expats to be a part of our growth, a part of our future”, said Mr. Corbett.  "Things have changed in Nova Scotia.  Our province is moving forward."  The Deputy Premier pointed to a number of success stories happening in Nova Scotia including Amherst's LED Roadway, HB Studios, Techlink and DSME Trenton, a large and diversified company from South Korea.

Ian Thompson, the Deputy Minister of Economic and Rural Development, echoed the Deputy Premier’s sentiment, pointing to recent statistics and real life examples.  "There are now more people moving from Alberta to Nova Scotia than from Nova Scotia to Alberta," said Thompson. “This is a very positive indicator."   

Nova Scotia Come to life has been hearing from expatriates who've made the decision to come back to Nova Scotia.  Many of those stories are being told on our website.

There is Todd, who was born in Bridgewater, but has lived in Calgary for 13 years. In April, he moved back home and is now living in St. Margaret’s Bay, where he set up his own production company called Treetop Studios.   Todd is featured in the above image, spending Father’s Day with his family.

David Worth, just moved back to Halifax from Toronto.  He’s heading up a new catering business.

The truth is - things are happening in Nova Scotia.  So make sure you stay connected.  Sign up for the Friends of Nova Scotia email blast, get connected with East Coast Connected or search for us on Twitter and Facebook.  Perhaps we'll be telling your story someday.