Yes, retaining international students, as well as immigrants, has been a challenge for the region. Governments have introduced different programs to retain international students. The Nova Scotia government has a graduate stream in the PNP program. The government itself has adopted different initiatives to employ graduated students. But it does remain a challenge. Many graduate students are also encouraged to open their own business, and there is support for that, so they can become self-employed. Universities are also facilitating the employment of international students through their graduate recruitment offices. Those initiatives are having their results, but yes, it does remain a challenge for the region.
On October 17th, 2017. See this statement in context.