Immigration is changing in New Brunswick, group says

The Multicultural Association of theGreater Moncton Area (MAGMA) says most new immigrants coming to New Brunswick possess higheducation, savings and good language skills.

Justin Ryan, the public education and communications coordinator with MAGMA, says people immigrating to New Brunswick used to come in far more desperate circumstances.

"Traditionally, it was economic. 'I come here, I've got a dollar in my pocket and a dream in my heart,'" saidRyan.

"Now we're getting people who are coming here who are much more well educated, much more affluent;however the barriers are more in terms of turning their experience and professional skills into something that is useful for us locally," he said.

Ryansays fewer than 10 per cent of MAGMA's total clients are refugees.

"Around 80 per cent of immigrants who come to New Brunswick actually come under the provincial nominee program. So they're coming here as well-educated professionals. They're coming here with higher language skills, and they're coming here as entrepreneurs," he said.

Zohreh Rad took the Oath of Citizenship during a ceremony in Moncton Wednesday, and fits the trend. She was among 65 people from 23 countries to become a Canadian citizen.

When Rad moved to the province from Iran with her family in 2008, she says they weren't fleeinga bad situation, they were seeking a new opportunity.

"We had a good life, you know a relaxing life and we just came here for our kids, to make a better life for our kids."

Rad says she moved to New Brunswick because of the provincial nominee program.

Once a teacher in Iran, she says she feels fortunate to have her education degree recognized here. She wants to give back to the community that welcomed her to Moncton. Rad teaches English to other new immigrants at MAGMA.

"I'm able to teach in public schools but I choose to be at MAGMA, because I love working with immigrants because I'm part of them you know. Meeting people from all around the world, from different cultures, from different nationalities, it's amazing."

Rad's 11-year-old son,Ashkan Amini-majd, says this is a day he will never forget. As a Canadian he hopes to see more of the country when he's older.

"I'm looking forward to taking a tour around Canada."

The family plans to visit other parts of the country, but saythey plan to stay in New Brunswick.