In recent years, Canada’s reverse immigration trend has been going through a significant increase across the country.
with departures surpassing arrivals by 31% above the national average from 2017 to 2019. This trend prompted us to take a closer examination of the factors driving individuals and families to leave Canada.
Understanding Canada’s Reverse Immigration
Reverse immigration refers to the phenomenon where individuals and families who were once immigrants to a country choose to leave and return to their country of origin or relocate to another destination.
This trend has gained prominence in Canada in recent years, with a notable increase in the number of recent immigrant’s who’ve decided to move on from Canada, and settle elsewhere.
Data from Statistics Canada and a report titled “The Leaky Bucket” by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship both conclude a rise of Canada’s reverse immigration, showcasing a significant uptick in the number of individuals and families opting to leave the country within 10 – 15 years.
And, it’s they’re the ones that made a life for themselves In Canada when the you still could. Now, we’re seeing this phenomenon shift from the long-time immigrants to the recent ones which have been saying they’d go back to a war-torn country than stay in Canada.
But what’s causing this to happen? Well, we’ve researched, analyzed, and verified all angles to bring you a clear idea on the drivers around this situation.
Let’s look at them together.
The Driving Forces Behind Canada’s Reverse Immigration
Reverse immigration in Canada is driven by a variety of factors, each playing a significant role in the decisions of individuals and families to leave the country. Let’s delve into the driving forces behind this phenomenon:
1). Families and Commute Challenges
Many families in Canada face the difficult choice between spending quality time together and enduring long commute hours to work. The high cost of living near urban centers exacerbates this dilemma, forcing families to reassess their living situations. Here’s a closer look at the challenges they encounter:
Long Commute Hours: Families often find themselves spending significant time commuting to work, leaving little time for family activities or relaxation.
Impact of High Living Costs: The steep cost of housing near work centers adds financial strain, making it difficult for families to afford a suitable home close to their workplace.
Horrific Traffic: High living costs push people to live far away from cities and make them reliant on commuting to their place of work. This creates congestion on the highways and increases commute times and traffic incidents for drivers.
Commute time is often said to be a major aspect in one’s overall happiness levels. With Canada’s average commute time increasing to get to offices in major cities, it can make people a little less in love with the Canadian life-style and push them to pull the plug on the great white north.
2). Economic Immigrants Facing Financial Hardships
Economic immigrants, particularly those from less prosperous nations, find themselves grappling with financial challenges in Canada. Despite their aspirations for a better life, they encounter obstacles due to the high cost of living and limited earning opportunities.
Consider the limited earnings and large financial strain immigrants face in Canada. Economic immigrants may struggle to earn a living wage that covers the high expenses of Canadian cities. They’re often working 2 or 3 part-time jobs just to pay their rent when in their home country, they could work the same amount and live better.
The disparity between earnings and living costs forces many economic immigrants to reconsider their stay in Canada.
3). Canadian Climate Challenges
Canada’s harsh winters present a significant challenge for immigrants accustomed to sunny and moderate climates. The prolonged cold and dark winters can have a detrimental impact on mental health, prompting some individuals to contemplate leaving the country. Here’s a closer look at the climate-related challenges faced by immigrants:
- Struggle with Harsh Winters: Immigrants from warmer regions may find it difficult to adapt to Canada’s cold and snowy winters.
- Impact on Mental Health: The long, dark winters can exacerbate feelings of isolation and depression, leading some individuals to consider relocating to more temperate climates.
4). Retirement Concerns
Naturally, Canada’s absurdly high cost of living brings concerns about the feasibility of gaining enough retirement savings in a country which charges 36$ for 1KG of chicken breast.
Furthermore, many younger Canadians themselves have given up on retirement completely and have resigned themselves to be working at Walmart or the LCBO for the rest of their lives.
Canada’s cost of living is increasingly prompting immigrants to explore other options for financial security in their old age. Despite their initial aspirations for a better future in Canada, the realization of insufficient retirement funds can lead to decisions to relocate elsewhere. Consider the following:
- Worries About Financial Security: Immigrants may realize that their take-home pay in Canada won’t be sufficient to secure a comfortable retirement. Especially when they work 40/hours a week just to survive.
The pursuit of financial security in retirement motivates some immigrants to seek opportunities in countries where the cost of living is lower. If you’re a Canadian looking for a low-cost retirement destination, check out our article on the 6 safest and most affordable retirement destinations for Canadians.
5). Healthcare System Disillusionment
While attracted to Canada’s reputedly strong healthcare system, some immigrants are disappointed to discover the reality of doctor shortages and limited access to medical care. The following points shed light on their disillusionment:
- Expectations vs. Reality: Immigrants may arrive in Canada with high expectations for the healthcare system, only to encounter challenges accessing timely medical care.
- Struggles to Find a Family Doctor: The shortage of family doctors in Canada can leave immigrants without a primary care provider, leading to frustration and disillusionment.
Personal stories of immigrants unable to find a family doctor serve as reminders of the gaps in Canada’s healthcare system and the challenges faced by newcomers in accessing essential medical services.
As our government and economy grapple with the complexities of Canada’s reverse immigration, understanding the diverse factors driving individuals to leave the country is crucial for informing policy and support initiatives aimed at addressing these challenges.
Economic and Social Consequences of Canada’s Reverse Immigration:
Impacts on People:
Attracting Top Talent: The departure of skilled individuals and professionals poses a challenge for Canada in attracting and retaining top talent. This can hinder innovation and business creation, as skilled workers play a crucial role in driving economic growth and competitiveness.
Effect on Foreign Investment: Canada’s reverse immigration may also impact foreign investment inflow into Canada. With fewer skilled workers and professionals, foreign investors may perceive Canada as a less attractive destination for investment, potentially leading to a decline in foreign capital inflows.
Economic Reliance on Traditional Industries: Canada’s economy may become increasingly reliant on traditional industries as a result of Canada’s reverse immigration. The departure of skilled workers from sectors such as technology and innovation could lead to stagnation in these areas, further exacerbating Canada’s economic dependence on industries such as resource extraction.
Impacts on GDP and Spending Power:
Impact on GDP Per Capita: Reverse immigration can have a negative impact on Canada’s GDP per capita. The departure of skilled workers and professionals may lead to a decline in productivity and economic output, reducing GDP per capita over time.
Overall Spending Power: The outflow of skilled individuals and professionals may also affect Canada’s overall spending power. With fewer skilled workers contributing to the economy, household incomes and consumer spending may decline, impacting economic growth and development.
Are You Looking To Joining Canada’s Reverse Immigration:
Canada’s reverse immigration poses significant challenges for Canada’s economic and social development. The solution to these challenges lies in attracting and retaining top talent, diversifying the economy, and promoting innovation. However, Canada doesn’t have to drain you and your bank account. If you’re looking for a new place to call home, consider taking our Leaving Canada Quiz to help you find which country works best for you:
Looking to leave Canada?
Take the country quiz to see where you belong!
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