Nova Scotia is breaking immigration records and business is benefiting from the influx of newcomers.

For the first time in a generation, Nova Scotia’s population growth is almost the same as Canada’s overall average.

Immigration has given several newcomers a chance to start businesses in the province. A Syrian family whose chocolate factory was bombed opened Peace by Chocolate in Antigonish in 2016. After coming to Canada as refugees, they now ship chocolates all over the world.

Jake Tohme, a newcomer with a passion for flowers, started Jake’s Florist and Chocolatiers in Halifax. He fled Lebanon during the civil war and spent several years in the pizza business before following his dream. He says he likes to make everybody happy, just like he is happy when producing his products. Tohme wishes success to Canadian newcomers, calling Canada the best place in the world.

Another success story is Dimitri Christeas, who inherited Quinpool Shoe Repair from his father. His parents immigrated from Greece in the 50s. Today, their business has been in operation for 62 years.

Jennifer Watts, Immigration Services of Nova Scotia CEO, also spoke to CTV News about entrepreneur immigrants. She noted that immigration is a key player in being more globally competitive, since diversity helps communities thrive by fostering innovation.

Source: Globalnews.ca