Halifax 2026

Summary

The 28th annual National Metropolis Canada Conference

CHANGING COURSE? ESTABLISHING CONSENSUS ON CANADA’S IMMIGRATION FUTURE

March 11-13, 2026
Halifax Convention Center
Halifax, Nova Scotia

In October 2024 Canada unveiled a new Immigration Multi-Year Levels Plan that considerably reduced the targets for both permanent and temporary migrants. It constituted a dramatic modification from rising immigration numbers that characterized the previous decade. The move represents a departure from a vision for the country which saw immigration as critical to growth. The cuts have raised important questions about policies and programs. Reaching the targets has important ramifications for categories of immigrants, different regions of the country, and migrant countries of origin. Given the asymmetry in immigration policies in Canada, the effects of these immigration level reductions will inevitably be uneven.

What does this imply for the future of immigration in Canada? Is the direction we’re headed the best for the country in meeting future challenges? What are the unintended outcomes of these policy decisions? Do they advance Canada’s competitiveness in the current global economy or impede it? Do we need to consider changing course?

This important national gathering, co-chaired by Paula Knight and Emmanuel Nahimana, will seek to address the above questions.

Co-Chairs of The Conference

Paula Knight
CEO
Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS) and Chair of the Atlantic Region Association of Immigrant Serving Agencies (ARAISA)

Emmanuel Nahimana
Deputy Director General
La Fédération acadienne de la Nouvelle-Écosse (FANE) (The Acadian Federation of Nova Scotia)

Register today by clicking on the registration tab

Head over to the photo wall at our event, made by Snaptique and take some snapshots of the fun! With branded booths, floral walls, and premium setups, they are the photo booth rental in Calgary, Niagara, and Toronto.

Program

Featured speakers

Reception and Visit to the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21

From 1928 to 1971, Pier 21 served as Canada's primary gateway for nearly one million immigrants and refugees, providing a safe landing place for people who would rebuild their lives across Canada.

Then, like now, volunteers played a key role in welcoming newcomers. JIAS volunteers were here at Pier 21, welcoming Jewish refugees. We are grateful to ACS Metropolis Canada for the opportunity to return to this place where we have deep roots.

Join us in celebrating the legacy of Pier 21 and Canada's rich history of immigration.

First, explore the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21's main exhibit.

Then, join us for a warm welcome including live music, finger foods, and networking.

Wednesday, March 11
5:00pm-7:00pm
Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21
1055 Marginal Road, Halifax, Nova Scotia

Visit the Registration tab to register for $25.

about the Metropolis Institute

The Metropolis Institute (MI) pursues research and supports policy deliberations while providing key national and multinational platforms for knowledge mobilization.

Research

Supporting cross-sectoral cooperation, the Metropolis Institute serves as a trusted bridge for interaction, dialogue and learning between practitioners, policymakers, researchers and civil society through national and multinational knowledge mobilization programs.
We aim to provide reliable and timely research, data and analysis to enhance understanding of migration, integration and inclusion.

Publications

Metropolis Institute has three flagship publications that are integral to its knowledge transfer mandate.
1. The Canadian Issues magazine showcases academic work in the form of short essays designed to expand Canadians’ knowledge about their country.
2. A second publication, Canadian Diversity, introduced in 2000, focuses on the challenges confronting Canada and other countries arising from migration and rapid demographic change.
3. A third publication - The Metropolis eBook - highlights a selection of the cutting-edge cross-sectoral presentations in the immigration field intended for the annual Metropolis Canada Conferences.