New Brunswick — Canada's Only Officially Bilingual Province with Affordable Living

Overview

New Brunswick is located on Canada's Atlantic coast, bordered by Quebec to the north, Nova Scotia to the southeast, and the US state of Maine to the west. With a population of approximately 830,000, it is one of Canada's smaller provinces, but it holds a unique and important distinction: New Brunswick is Canada's only officially bilingual province, with both English and French recognized as official languages under the Canadian Constitution.

Approximately one-third of the population speaks French as their first language, primarily in the northern and eastern regions of the province (the Acadian regions). The southern and western parts of the province are predominantly English-speaking. The cities of Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton are the main urban centres, each offering distinct advantages for newcomers.

New Brunswick has been actively working to attract immigrants to address labour shortages and an aging population. The province offers some of the most affordable housing in Canada, a unique bilingual culture that benefits French-speaking immigrants, and clear immigration pathways through both provincial and federal programs. In recent years, immigration has become the primary driver of population growth in the province, and New Brunswick has invested in settlement services and community welcoming initiatives to ensure newcomers can thrive.

Cost of Living

New Brunswick is one of the most affordable provinces in Canada, making it an attractive starting point for newcomers who want to build financial stability quickly.

Housing and Rent

Moncton: Average one-bedroom apartment rent is approximately $1,100-$1,300 per month. Two-bedroom units average $1,400-$1,600.
Saint John: One-bedroom apartments average $1,000-$1,200 per month. Two-bedroom units average $1,200-$1,500.
Fredericton: One-bedroom apartments average $1,100-$1,300 per month. Two-bedroom units average $1,300-$1,600.
Miramichi / Bathurst / Edmundston: One-bedroom apartments can be found for $700-$900 per month.

Home ownership is very accessible in New Brunswick. Average home prices are among the lowest in Canada — a detached family home in Moncton, Saint John, or Fredericton can be purchased for $250,000-$400,000, a fraction of what similar homes cost in Ontario or BC.

Groceries and Daily Expenses

A single person can expect to spend $280-$370 per month on groceries. New Brunswick has a 15% HST, though basic groceries are exempt. A meal at an inexpensive restaurant costs $14-$18, and a three-course meal for two at a mid-range restaurant typically costs $55-$75.

Utilities

Monthly utilities for a standard apartment average $150-$220. NB Power provides electricity for the province. Natural gas is available in some areas through Enbridge Gas New Brunswick. Internet costs $55-$80 per month. Public transit is available in the three main cities but is not as comprehensive as in larger Canadian cities — a monthly bus pass in Moncton (Codiac Transpo) costs approximately $70. Many residents rely on personal vehicles.

Childcare

New Brunswick is working toward $10-per-day childcare under the national agreement. Current costs vary from $400-$800 per month depending on the facility and age of the child. Waitlists exist, particularly in urban centres.

Job Market and Top Industries

New Brunswick's economy is diversifying, with traditional resource-based industries being complemented by growing technology, cybersecurity, and service sectors.

Key Industries

Technology and Cybersecurity: Fredericton has emerged as a cybersecurity hub, anchored by the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity at UNB and companies like Beauceron Security. Moncton has a growing IT services and contact centre sector, benefiting from the bilingual workforce.
Manufacturing: Pulp and paper (Irving Pulp & Paper), food processing, and advanced manufacturing are significant employers. The McCain Foods global headquarters is in Florenceville-Bristol, NB.
Healthcare: Horizon Health Network and Vitalite Health Network are major employers across the province, with ongoing demand for nurses, physicians, and allied health professionals.
Energy: Irving Oil operates one of the largest oil refineries in Canada in Saint John. The province also has the Point Lepreau Nuclear Generating Station and is investing in small modular reactor (SMR) technology. Renewable energy, including wind and tidal power in the Bay of Fundy, is a growing sector.
Aquaculture and Fishing: Atlantic salmon farming (particularly on the Fundy coast and in Charlotte County), lobster fishing, and other marine harvesting are important to the coastal economy. New Brunswick is one of the world's largest producers of farmed Atlantic salmon.
Forestry: New Brunswick is heavily forested (85% of its land area), and the forestry industry remains a key employer in rural communities, producing lumber, pulp, and paper products.
Bilingual Services: New Brunswick's bilingual workforce gives it a competitive advantage for customer service, call centre, and shared services operations. Companies locate operations here to serve both English and French-speaking markets across Canada.
Tourism: The Bay of Fundy, Acadian cultural sites, national parks, and outdoor recreation attract visitors and support the hospitality sector.

In-Demand Occupations

Registered nurses, truck drivers, welders, electricians, cooks and food service workers, fish plant workers, IT professionals and cybersecurity analysts, early childhood educators, bilingual customer service representatives, and construction tradespeople.

Job Search Resources

WorkingNB: Provincial employment services. workingnb.ca
Job Bank: jobbank.gc.ca
Opportunities New Brunswick (ONB): Economic development agency. onbcanada.ca

Immigration Programs

New Brunswick Provincial Nominee Program (NBPNP)

The NBPNP has several streams designed to attract workers, entrepreneurs, and international graduates to the province:

Skilled Workers with Employer Support: For workers with a valid, permanent, full-time job offer from a New Brunswick employer in a skilled occupation. This is the most common pathway.
Express Entry Labour Market Stream: For Express Entry candidates with a connection to New Brunswick — either through a job offer, work experience in the province, or an Expression of Interest draw.
Strategic Initiative Stream: Specifically targets francophone immigrants who wish to settle in New Brunswick. This stream reflects the province's commitment to maintaining and growing its francophone population.
Entrepreneurial Stream: For experienced business people who want to start or purchase a business in New Brunswick. Requires a business visit, a business plan, a minimum investment, and job creation commitments.
Post-Graduate Entrepreneurial Stream: For recent graduates of New Brunswick post-secondary institutions who want to start or buy a business in the province.

Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP)

The AIP is a major pathway for newcomers to New Brunswick, and many NB employers are designated under the program. It requires a job offer from a designated employer and a settlement plan from a recognized settlement service provider organization. The program covers skilled workers, intermediate-skilled workers, and international graduates. The AIP has been particularly successful in bringing workers to healthcare, food processing, and hospitality positions in New Brunswick.

Francophone Immigration

New Brunswick actively recruits French-speaking immigrants through dedicated programs and partnerships. Bilingual and French-speaking newcomers have a significant advantage in the job market, particularly in government, healthcare, education, and customer service roles. The province's francophone communities in the north and east (Acadie) offer a supportive environment for French-speaking immigrants.

Learn more: welcomenb.ca

Federal Programs

Express Entry: New Brunswick nominates candidates through the NBPNP Express Entry stream.
Family Sponsorship: Available for Canadian citizens and permanent residents in New Brunswick.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program: Used by NB employers in agriculture, seafood processing, and hospitality.

Healthcare System

New Brunswick's healthcare is publicly funded through New Brunswick Medicare, administered by two regional health authorities: Horizon Health Network (primarily English-speaking regions) and Vitalite Health Network (primarily francophone regions).

Getting a Medicare Card

New permanent residents should apply for a New Brunswick Medicare card upon arrival by visiting a Service New Brunswick office with immigration documents and proof of residency. There may be a waiting period of up to three months, during which private health insurance is recommended.

What Is Covered

Physician and specialist visits
Hospital services (emergency, inpatient, outpatient)
Medically necessary diagnostic tests
Maternity care
Some mental health services

What Is Not Covered

Prescription drugs (the province has the New Brunswick Drug Plan for eligible residents without private coverage)
Dental care for adults
Vision care for most adults
Physiotherapy, chiropractic, and other paramedical services outside hospitals
Ambulance services (partially covered)

Finding a family doctor can be a challenge in some parts of the province. Tele-Care 811 provides health advice by phone, and walk-in clinics are available in the main cities.

Learn more: gnb.ca/health

Education

Public Schools (K-12)

New Brunswick operates separate anglophone and francophone school districts, reflecting the province's bilingual character. The anglophone sector is governed by Anglophone School Districts, while the francophone sector is governed by Districts scolaires francophones. Education is free and compulsory from ages 5 to 18.

Schools provide English as an Additional Language (EAL) support for newcomer students, and many offer French immersion programs. Settlement workers in schools are available in some communities to help newcomer families navigate enrolment and school life. The province's bilingual education system offers newcomer children the opportunity to learn both official languages.

Post-Secondary Education

University of New Brunswick (UNB) — Canada's oldest English-language university, with campuses in Fredericton and Saint John. Strong in engineering, computer science, nursing, and business. UNB's cybersecurity research programs are nationally recognized.
Universite de Moncton — The largest French-language university outside Quebec, with campuses in Moncton, Edmundston, and Shippagan. Offers programs in arts, science, business, education, and health sciences. A major cultural and educational anchor for Acadian communities.
Mount Allison University (Sackville) — Consistently ranked among Canada's top undergraduate universities, known for its small class sizes and strong liberal arts programs.
St. Thomas University (Fredericton) — A small liberal arts university with a strong focus on social justice and community engagement.
New Brunswick Community College (NBCC) — Anglophone applied learning institution with six campuses across the province, offering programs in trades, technology, business, and health.
College communautaire du Nouveau-Brunswick (CCNB) — Francophone applied learning institution with five campuses.

Tuition for permanent residents averages $5,000-$8,000 per year at universities and $3,000-$5,000 at colleges, among the most affordable in Canada.

Language Training

LINC: Free English classes for permanent residents, available in Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, and other centres.
French language training: Available through settlement organizations, the Societe Nationale de l'Acadie, and community programs. Learning French in New Brunswick is particularly advantageous and can significantly improve employment prospects.

Climate and Weather

New Brunswick has a maritime climate with four distinct seasons, influenced by both the Bay of Fundy and the Gulf of St. Lawrence.

Winter (December-March)

Winters are cold, with average January temperatures of minus 8 to minus 15 degrees Celsius, depending on the region. Inland areas tend to be colder, while the coast is moderated by the ocean. Snowfall is significant — the province averages 200-300 centimetres of snow per year. Nor'easters can bring heavy snow and strong winds.

Spring (April-May)

Spring arrives gradually, with temperatures rising from near zero to 15 degrees Celsius by late May. The landscape comes alive with melting rivers and early wildflowers.

Summer (June-August)

Summers are warm and pleasant, with July temperatures of 20-26 degrees Celsius. The Bay of Fundy coast is cooler and foggier, while inland areas can be warmer. Summer is the time for outdoor festivals, farmers markets, and beach days.

Fall (September-November)

Fall brings spectacular foliage colours — New Brunswick's hardwood forests turn brilliant shades of red, orange, and gold. Temperatures drop from 15 degrees to near zero by November.

What to Pack

A warm winter coat, waterproof boots, warm hat and gloves, and layers are essential for winter. A rain jacket and layered clothing work well for the shoulder seasons. In summer, bring light clothing and swimwear.

Top Cities for Newcomers

Moncton

The fastest-growing city in Atlantic Canada (approximately 170,000 in the metro area, including Dieppe and Riverview). Moncton is a bilingual city with a growing economy, affordable housing, and a central location within the Maritimes. It has become the preferred destination for many newcomers to the province, with a diverse immigrant community, good settlement services, and employment in IT, healthcare, and services. The adjacent city of Dieppe has a strong francophone identity and is one of the fastest-growing communities in the province.

Saint John

New Brunswick's largest city by metro population (approximately 130,000). Saint John is an industrial port city undergoing significant revitalization, with very affordable housing, a growing arts and restaurant scene, and employment in energy (Irving Oil refinery), healthcare, and manufacturing. The uptown (downtown) area has been revived with craft breweries, restaurants, and cultural events.

Fredericton

The provincial capital (approximately 110,000 metro) is a charming university town situated along the Saint John River. It has a strong public sector, growing cybersecurity and tech industry, excellent quality of life, and a vibrant cultural scene anchored by the Beaverbrook Art Gallery and the Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival. Fredericton is consistently ranked among the best small cities to live in Canada.

Cultural Highlights

Bay of Fundy — Home to the highest tides in the world, rising and falling up to 16 metres twice daily. The Bay creates dramatic coastal landscapes and a unique marine ecosystem.
Hopewell Rocks — Iconic flowerpot-shaped rock formations carved by the Fundy tides, which visitors can walk around at low tide.
Acadian culture — Northern and eastern New Brunswick have a vibrant Acadian francophone culture with festivals (Festival acadien de Caraquet, Tintamarre), traditional music, and distinctive cuisine including poutine rapee and fricot.
Kings Landing Historical Settlement — A living history village near Fredericton depicting 19th-century New Brunswick life.
Magnetic Hill (Moncton) — A famous optical illusion where cars appear to roll uphill, and the surrounding entertainment area.
Kouchibouguac National Park — Coastal park with lagoons, sand dunes, bogs, and cycling trails.
Fundy National Park — Waterfalls, hiking trails, and Fundy tidal pools on the Bay of Fundy coast.
Harvest Jazz and Blues Festival (Fredericton) — One of Atlantic Canada's premier music festivals.

Newcomer Settlement Services

New Brunswick has a growing network of settlement organizations across the province.

Key Settlement Agencies

Multicultural Association of the Greater Moncton Area (MAGMA): Settlement, employment, and language services for newcomers in the Moncton region. magma-amgm.org
Saint John Newcomers Centre (PRUDE Inc.): Integration and settlement services in Saint John.
Multicultural Association of Fredericton (MCAF): Settlement, employment, and community programs in the capital region. mcaf.nb.ca
CAFI (Centre d'accueil et d'accompagnement francophone des immigrants du sud-est du Nouveau-Brunswick): French-language settlement services for francophone newcomers in the Moncton area.
MAGMA Northern New Brunswick: Services in Bathurst, Campbellton, and other northern communities.
Multicultural Association of Carleton County: Settlement support in Woodstock and surrounding areas.

Services Typically Offered

Airport pickup and initial orientation
Language assessment and referral to LINC or French classes
Employment counselling and job search workshops
Resume and interview preparation
Housing search assistance
Help navigating government services (Medicare, driver's licence, school enrolment)
Community mentorship and buddy programs
Cultural orientation sessions
Programs for newcomer women, youth, and seniors

Key Government Links

Government of New Brunswick: gnb.ca
WelcomeNB (Immigration): welcomenb.ca
New Brunswick Medicare (Health): gnb.ca/health
WorkingNB (Jobs): workingnb.ca
Opportunities NB (Economic Development): onbcanada.ca
IRCC: canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship

Final Thoughts

New Brunswick offers newcomers a rare combination of affordability, bilingual culture, and Atlantic Canadian charm that is hard to find anywhere else in Canada. The province's low cost of living, active immigration programs, and growing demand for workers across multiple sectors make it an excellent choice for immigrants — especially those who speak French or are eager to learn. The bilingual advantage is real: newcomers who develop proficiency in both English and French significantly expand their career options in New Brunswick and across Canada. The communities are welcoming, the landscapes are beautiful, and the path to building a stable and fulfilling life is well-supported by settlement organizations and government programs.