One of the top destinations for expats from around the world for decades, Canada continues to welcome foreign nationals despite its recent immigration reforms. However, a growing number of Canadians are choosing to move abroad. While this is not a new trend, it has been steadily increasing, which is quite troubling for a nation grappling with an aging population and seeking to retain its citizens. So why are more and more Canadians moving abroad?
Understanding the context of Canadian emigration
There's a common misconception that Canadians, like the British, who rely on the ubiquity of their language and see no need to learn another, aren't so keen on moving abroad given their country's status as a historical haven for immigrants. The fact is, "everyone wants to live in Canada." However, just as it's mistaken to believe that English natives speak only English, it would be wrong to think Canadians do not seek greener pastures.
In both instances, these assumptions are based on distorted facts. Speaking English is not enough to integrate in all countries worldwide. While Canada is indeed a favorite destination among expats, it also faces criticism. Those who decide to leave often cite the continuously rising cost of living as a significant factor. Their reasons for moving mirror those of many other nationals who leave their countries to secure better jobs, earn higher incomes, and enjoy better living standards. According to the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), the United States, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom, Australia, South Korea, China, and Japan are the countries with the highest numbers of Canadian expatriates.
Who are these Canadian expats?
Around 4 million Canadians, approximately 11% of the population, live abroad—an increase of 36% since 1990. These figures were revealed in the latest report by Statistics Canada, published on April 22, 2024, and prepared by McGill's Institute for Canadian Studies. Experts note that more recent data isn't available, a concern that prompted Senator Yuen Pau Woo to commission the study. Senator Woo believes the country isn't doing enough for its nationals abroad and urges the government to establish a support plan for overseas Canadians.
The report indicates that 51% of Canadian expatriates are citizens by descent, 33% were born in Canada, and 15% have been naturalized. The study observed a gradual increase in emigration among naturalized citizens after spending 4 to 7 years in Canada. Another report by Statistics Canada in February 2024 showed that over 15% of immigrants leave Canada within 20 years of arrival, with higher departure rates among individuals born in France, the United States, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Lebanon. Entrepreneurs and investors are also more likely to return to their countries or move elsewhere.
The reasons for departure
Beyond the rising cost of living, the report highlights a significant issue for foreign nationals who have become Canadian or reside in Canada: the challenge of having foreign credentials recognized. This difficulty is compounded by numerous other obstacles, such as the struggle to secure employment without having had a "significant first experience with a Canadian employer," being underemployed relative to one's skills, and low wages. These are lesser-known aspects of immigration in Canada that have disappointed many immigrants, who face bureaucratic hurdles and struggle to find good jobs despite their qualifications.
According to Statistics Canada, people who leave the country within 4 to 7 years do so for these reasons, making it nearly impossible to integrate when struggling to find a job, housing, and stability. This is why Immigration Minister Marc Miller decided to reform the Immigration Plan, adopting a new approach of welcoming fewer immigrants but better. The aim is to understand foreign nationals' profiles better, more accurately meet their expectations, and provide more effective support.
Economic reasons are not the only explanation for departures. Canadians living abroad cite other motives similar to those mentioned by expatriates in general, such as being attracted by another country, having broader career prospects, or having a desire to build a career abroad. However, faced with the critical issue of an aging population, the government hopes to reverse or at least slow down this trend as a key strategy to sustain its economy and remain attractive.
