Moving to New Brunswick

Overview

Moving to New Brunswick

New Brunswick is Canada’s only officially bilingual province. Moncton, Fredericton and Saint John have different employment bases, while smaller communities can offer lower housing costs but more limited transportation and specialized services.

Choose among three distinct urban markets

Moncton is a bilingual transportation, distribution and customer-service centre; Fredericton has government, universities, cybersecurity and technology; Saint John has port, energy, industrial and health employment. Northern and rural regions include forestry, agriculture, fisheries and public services.

The required balance of French and English depends on employer and community.

Test housing against the local wage

Housing can cost less than in Canada’s largest cities, but vacancy and quality vary and wages may also be lower. Ask about heating fuel, insulation, snow clearing and whether water is from a municipal or private system.

A rural rental may require two vehicles for a family.

Plan regional transportation

Municipal transit operates in the three main urban areas, with limited intercity and rural options. Winter weather and long drives affect access to work, health care and airports.

Verify the actual commute before accepting a shift-based job.

Use bilingual public and settlement services

Health, education and government services operate within the province’s bilingual framework, though immediate service availability differs by place. English and French school systems have separate governance.

Newcomer organizations serve the main cities and regional communities.