A growing number of immigrants who arrived in Canada for work and education are now contemplating leaving the country, citing limited income and high living expenses. While Canada has been a preferred destination for those seeking opportunities abroad, the impact of inflation and increased costs of living is prompting immigrants to explore alternatives.
According to a Reuters news agency report, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has seen immigration as a key solution to address issues of population decline and aging, contributing to economic development. However, official data indicates a notable shift in migration patterns.
In the first six months of 2023, 42,000 people left Canada, a significant increase from the figures of 93,818 in 2022 and 85,927 in 2021. The Institute for Canadian Citizenship reported that the highest number of immigrants left Canada in 2019. While the number of people leaving decreased during the pandemic, there is now an observable rise.
Although 262,000 immigrants entered Canada during the same period, the increasing departure numbers are causing concern for authorities. The trend of people leaving the country might have influenced Trudeau’s recent policy decision to limit annual new residents to 500,000 from 2025, aiming to alleviate pressure on the housing market.
Individual stories reflect the financial challenges faced by immigrants in Canada. Cara, a 25-year-old migrant from Hong Kong, expressed her surprise at being able to afford only a basement in Scarborough, east of Toronto, with rent taking up 30 percent of her salary. Myo Maung, a 55-year-old from Myanmar, who built a successful career in Canadian real estate, is contemplating spending his retirement in a more affordable country like Thailand, as maintaining his standard of living in Canada seems challenging on his post-retirement income.
These narratives highlight the complex dynamics immigrants face in balancing economic opportunities and the cost of living in Canada. The evolving migration patterns raise questions about the long-term sustainability of Canada’s attractiveness for newcomers and the need for policy adjustments to address the concerns raised by those considering leaving.
