Author: Azadeh Haidari-Garmash, RCIC
Exploring Canada's Emigration Trends
Unpacking the recent surge in Canadians leaving for greener pastures
Canada Faces Rising Emigration Rates Amid Economic Challenges
Canada is witnessing a significant rise in emigration, reaching a seven-year high in 2024, as 81,601 Canadians moved abroad. This trend has raised concerns about the underlying socio-economic factors, including escalating living costs, stagnant wages, and a challenging housing market.
In recent analysis, every Canadian province has reported increased emigration rates, with economic difficulties prompting residents to seek better opportunities elsewhere. Ontario is at the forefront of this exodus, contributing nearly half of the total emigration figures. In 2024, 39,430 individuals left Ontario, marking a 66.52% increase in the departure of non-permanent residents compared to the previous year. The province's housing issues, characterized by rising rents and inaccessible homeownership, are significant contributors to this trend.
British Columbia experienced a notable shift, with 14,836 residents emigrating in 2024, a departure from previous patterns. Meanwhile, Alberta is emerging as an attractive destination for migrants, offering better job prospects and more affordable living conditions.
Conversely, Quebec presents an anomaly in the national trend. The province saw a decrease in emigration, with only 937 residents leaving in 2024, alongside a 6% increase in immigration. Experts attribute Quebec's stability to Montreal's limited housing supply and its cultural allure.
The net flow of non-permanent residents in Canada has sharply declined by 50% in 2024, influenced by recent changes in federal immigration policies. This reduction has further implications for Canada's demographic and economic landscape.
Housing market challenges persist, particularly in Ontario and British Columbia, where a decline in housing starts and completions exacerbates the rental market supply crisis. In contrast, Alberta's rental market is experiencing growth, while cities like Vancouver and Toronto report stagnating or declining rent prices, underscoring the shifting economic dynamics across regions.
As Canada navigates these demographic and economic shifts, policymakers and stakeholders are closely monitoring trends to mitigate potential future impacts on the nation's housing and economic health.
