Exploring the prospects of living in Nova Scotia? Sure, there are plenty of things that feature the good side of NS or any other place meant as an immigration destination, for that matter. But there are also things that make Nova Scotia look bad.
However, color us sensitive, but there should also be a presentation of unpleasant things that describe a destination to create a balanced set of views before concluding.
Speaking of unpleasant experiences, no place is devoid of them, and without further ado, these are what some residents don’t like about Nova Scotia.
What makes Nova Scotia bad for some prospective immigrants?
Limited job opportunities.
The provincial economy is heavily reliant on resources and relatively low on services, trading, and the manufacturing sector. This means there are fewer career options for new settlers to choose from.
If you are into finance, business, or technology, other provinces may offer better career opportunities.
Unneighbourly attitude by some residents.
Some residents observed that when they moved into a park community, neighbors initially said hello and engaged in small talk. However, they later experienced the cold treatment and ignored by neighbors. Fellow newcomers from other provinces were noticeably more friendly than old-timers. The ill treatment may also be observed in public facilities like a local grocery. The experience is also shared by tourists.
We are sure that this attitude doesn’t apply to all residents, and those with a surly attitude might just value more of their own peace and quiet and be unwilling to trade that with newcomers.
High tax rate.
Along with a few other Atlantic provinces, Nova Scotia has the highest tax rate in Canada at 15%. Such a rate is challenging, especially for young families who tend to consume plenty of domestic goods that are subject to sales tax. This rate won’t matter much if the services provided are adequate (more on this next). The high tax rate imposed in the province makes it less attractive to new immigrants compared to other provinces.
Lower quality of public services.
Healthcare and education aren’t funded as well as in other provinces, as public services are limited and waiting times are longer than normally tolerable. Public transport is less reliable, and you will need a car, especially if you live outside downtown Halifax.
Health services are also underfunded, and we knew how important this public sector is during the time of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Less accessible.
If you travel to another country, it takes longer (and more expensive) to fly out. Often, you need a stopover in Toronto or Montreal before leaving Canada. Other big cities in Canada have cheaper and more direct international flights.
Therefore, if you love to explore beyond the borders of the province, you will need to spend more to get to your desired destinations than residents of other Canadian provinces.
Too isolated.
Life in the province can be a pleasant, relaxing experience with less of the noise and chaos seen in big cities. But if you are more of a city person, you will miss the hustle and bustle of the urban scenery, as most of Nova Scotia doesn’t have such features.
You may get used to and eventually love the life offered in Nova Scotia, but adjusting may take a while, and the early stages of that adjustment can be difficult.
High maintenance cost.
Driver’s license and vehicle registration can cost $400 even for those with flawless driving records. Add a required vehicle inspection every two years. Utility costs for a modest 980-square-foot home can reach $650 for a couple of months, despite renovations to improve energy efficiency.
Conclusion
No place is perfect. There will always be negative things you’ll say about your city or country. Nova Scotia is no different. Setting expectations is important to better evaluate your choices when moving to Canada. The observations above may be significant to some people but others who have a higher level of tolerance may feel just fine.
A corresponding list of things to love about Nova Scotia should also be examined closely.