The high growth rate of Metro Moncton (census metropolitan area) can be attributed mainly to an increase in immigrants and non-permanent residents.

A tri-communities-funded newcomer population study found 18,120 living in the region in 2021 according to census data.

“We’re delighted that newcomers and international students are choosing Greater Moncton,” says Moncton Mayor Dawn Arnold.

“Many of those who have recently arrived in the region are coming with young families as well as extended family and they bring a new vitality to the community.”

Nearly 52 per cent of all francophone immigrants and non-permanent residents destined for New Brunswick settle in the Moncton CMA.

One in four immigrants to the region is a francophone, a rate higher than all other CMAs across the nation excluding Quebec.

“We want to continue to make Greater Moncton a destination of choice for francophone immigration in Canada,” says Dieppe Mayor Yvon Lapierre.

“Arriving in a community with a strong francophone population helps make the transition easier for francophone newcomers and will encourage them to remain in our region long-term.”

The report showed retention rates have been improving especially among families and refugees.

Immigrants to the region also have high levels of education, with more than half having attended university.

But challenges were identified including housing and shelter costs, access to health care and aligning skills to the labour market.

“Newcomers bring with them considerable skills and experience that contribute to enriching and diversifying the local community,” says Riverview Mayor Andrew LeBlanc.

“We have been working hard to put strategies in place to ensure those newcomers who arrive here stay long-term and we are pleased to see those efforts are beginning to have an impact.”

The report also noted the newcomer population in the region is becoming more diverse, with immigrants from more than 150 countries now living in the tri-communities.