The Canadian Goodbye: The 6 Reasons Behind Young Canadians Leaving Canada Behind

Farewell, eh? It appears our beloved Canucks are waving goodbye to the Great White North more often these days. Can we blame them? Not really.

Reason 1: Better work-life balance

Balancing work and life? Sounds like a fairy tale in Canada. And I’m not even lying, though! 

Look around, and you will find that one of the main reasons why young Canadians are leaving Canada behind is that they are looking for a better work-life balance. Many young Canadians report feeling burned out, overwhelmed, and dissatisfied with their work and life. And don’t expect any sympathy from your boss or co-workers, who are likely to dismiss your complaints as whining, laziness, or entitlement. 

And let’s be real here, this isn’t just about wanting to sip lattes and chill on a hammock all day. Young Canadians aren’t lazy; they’re just tired of feeling like a hamster on a wheel, running a race that never ends. Unlike Boomers and older Millenials, young Canadians want to have more control over their time, their tasks, and their goals, and they want to enjoy their life outside of work as well.

That’s why they are getting frustrated by Canada’s demanding and competitive labour market, which requires long hours, high productivity, and constant availability to afford even the smallest shelter and smidgen of food on your plate at the end of the day.

I got a chance to talk to Laura, who’s working as a manager at an established marketing agency. According to her,

“I’m constantly under pressure to meet deadlines, please clients, and be creative. I have to work overtime, weekends, and holidays, and I don’t get paid extra. I feel like I’m losing my passion and my sanity. I barely have time to eat, sleep, or see my family. I love my job, but I hate the way it consumes my life. What should I do when we don’t even have the option of work-from-home? I’m seriously thinking about moving out of Canada.” 

– My friend Laura

In contrast, many other countries offer more favourable working conditions, such as shorter working hours, generous paid leave, flexible schedules, and remote work options. For example, Italy, Denmark, Norway, Spain, and the Netherlands are among the top 10 countries with the best work-life balance, according to the OECD. Scandinavian countries, New Zealand, and Australia are also known for their high quality of life, low unemployment, and strong social welfare systems. 

However, OECD data shows Canadians work some of the longest hours, and Canada ranked 24th for work-life balance. That’s why other countries are attracting young Canadian professionals who want to pursue their careers without sacrificing their well-being. And many young Canadians who are leaving Canada to work abroad share their positive experiences and how they have improved their work-life balance. 

Reason 2: Avoiding the high cost of living

Finding affordable living spaces in Canada? Good luck with that. Mortgage prices are skyrocketing faster than a SpaceX launch!

Another reason why young Canadians are leaving Canada behind is that they are finding it hard to meet the high cost of living in the country. Many young Canadians dream of owning their own home, but for most of them, this dream is out of reach. The housing market in Canada is notoriously expensive, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where the average price of a detached home is over $1 million. 

Even in smaller towns and rural areas, the prices are still high, and the supply is low. To afford a mortgage, many young Canadians would have to save for decades or inherit a fortune. For most of them, mortgages are a luxury, and renting is the only option.

And renting? Renting is not much better either. The rent prices are sky-high, and the quality is often low. Many young Canadians have to spend more than half of their income on rent, just to live in cramped, unsafe, or unsanitary conditions, or share their space with multiple roommates, strangers, or even pests.  Thousands of young Canadians are stuck in a cycle of debt, insecurity, and stress as they struggle to afford the basic necessities of life. So, in this case, what do you think is better to move outta Canada? 

In contrast, some countries offer a lower cost of living, with comparable or better quality of life, such as Mexico, Spain, Singapore, Thailand, and Australia (you can check here). These countries have lower prices for rent, food, healthcare, and education, as well as higher local purchasing power, which means that the average income can buy more goods and services.

Countless young Canadians leaving Canada are drawn by cheaper housing options overseas, have opened up about their experiences highlighting the increased comfort, and sense of security they now enjoy. For example, Matt, who works as a web developer in Playa del Carmen Mexico, says that he pays only $600 for a two-bedroom apartment with a pool, a gym, and a rooftop terrace. He also loves the beach, the weather, and the culture of Mexico.

Anna, who studies Spanish in Madrid, says that she pays only $400 for a shared room in a flat with four other students, and $100 for utilities per month. She also enjoys the city, the food, and the history of Spain. For those yearning for an escape from the suffocating grip of unattainable housing prices, the narratives from Matt and Anna give hope.  Their experiences hint at a life where housing isn’t a distant dream but an achievable reality—a reality that invites many young Canadians leaving Canada to broaden their horizons.

Reason 3: Healthcare service declines

Once idolized, the Canadian healthcare system is now marred by frustrations, especially when patients find themselves spending more time in waiting rooms than receiving actual care. Healthcare trends in Canada indicate a disheartening pattern—a decline in quality and accessibility. And most young Canadians seeking better healthcare options find themselves at a crossroads.

Besides, the decline of healthcare services in Canada is not only affecting the patients, but also the providers. Many doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are leaving Canada for greener pastures, where they can earn more money, have more autonomy, and enjoy better working conditions. This exodus of healthcare workers is creating a shortage of skilled and experienced staff, which further worsens the quality and availability of healthcare services in Canada. The unhealthy trends in the healthcare system are driving away the very people who are supposed to heal it.

Reason 4: Food inflation

The flavours of Canadian cuisine are losing their charm as they become less about taste and more about breaking the bank. Grocery shopping is turning into a financial tightrope walk, literally. 

The food inflation rate in Canada was higher than the world average of 3.93 percent and ranked 14th out of 197 countries. The main drivers of food inflation in Canada were meat, dairy, fruits, and vegetables, which saw significant price increases due to supply chain disruptions, climate change, and trade tensions.

In contrast, some countries offer cheaper food with more variety, quality, and nutrition. For example, Mexico, Spain, and Thailand are among the top destinations for Canadians who want to live abroad and enjoy lower food prices. These countries have more diverse and affordable food options, such as local markets, street food, and restaurants, with cuisines that are rich in flavour, freshness, and health benefits. The draw of these countries isn’t merely financial; it’s a protest against the inflationary spiral that’s turning basic necessities into luxuries back home.

Reason 5: Income inequality

The Canadian promise of equality is slipping away, leaving a chasm between those at the top and the struggling majority. Climbing the income ladder in Canada? It’s starting to feel like reaching for the stars—a dream that’s distant and almost unreachable for many. What was once a Canadian dream now feels like a shattered hope, especially for the younger generation grappling with income disparities.

Another reason why young Canadians are leaving Canada behind is that they are experiencing a widening gap between the rich and the poor and how they are losing opportunities, mobility, and fairness. They feel that the economic system is rigged against them and that they have little chance of improving their situation.

According to Statistics Canada, the income distribution in Canada is highly unequal, with the top 10% of earners taking home 34.4% of the total income, while the bottom 50% of earners only received 17.8%. The income inequality in Canada is higher than the OECD average and ranks 12th out of 37 countries. Moreover, the poverty rate in Canada increased from 6.4% in 2020 to 7.4% in 2021, affecting 2.8 million Canadians, especially children and seniors.

In contrast, some countries offer more equality, with more social justice, solidarity, and democracy. For example, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland are among the top countries with the lowest income inequality and poverty in the world, according to the World Bank and the Legatum Prosperity Index. These countries have progressive tax systems, strong social welfare programs, and high-quality public services. For many young Canadians tethered to their income brackets, struggling to advance economically or, worse yet, facing the plunge into poverty, these countries present attractive alternatives and is a huge reason for the influx of young Canadians leaving Canada.

Reason 6: Searching for the Ideal Family Nest

The final reason why young Canadians are leaving Canada behind is that they are searching for the ideal family nest. Raising a family is a Canadian dilemma, and many young Canadians are seeking solutions.

They want to find a place where they can raise their children or plan to have children in a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment. They are not satisfied with the family options and opportunities in Canada, which are limited by the high cost of living, the low quality of education, and the lack of diversity.

According to the UNICEF Family-Friendly Policy Index, Canada is not the best country for families, ranking 25th out of 35 countries. Canada has low scores in terms of parental leave, childcare, and child well-being. Moreover, Canada has a progressive tax system, which means that the higher the income, the higher the tax rate. In addition, there are other taxes, such as the GST/HST, the fuel charge (carbon tax), the luxury tax, and the underused housing tax. 

In contrast, some countries offer better family nests, with more stability, safety, comfort, and stimulation. For example, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland are among the top countries with the best family policies, according to the UNICEF index. These countries have generous parental leave, affordable childcare, and high-quality education. They also have high levels of child well-being, health, as well as  tax breaks that make raising children far more affordable. 

Many young Canadians who have moved abroad for the ideal family nest share their stories and how they have more stability, and comfort. For example, Sophie, who works as a journalist in Copenhagen, says that she and her husband decided to have their first child in Denmark because they felt more supported and secure by the family policies and the social welfare system. She also loves the Danish culture of Hygge, happiness, and equality. 

Ryan, who studies environmental science in Oslo, says that he and his wife chose to raise their two children in Norway because they wanted them to have a better education and a healthier lifestyle. He also enjoys the Norwegian culture of friluftsliv, nature, and freedom. Leah, who teaches English in Reykjavik, says that she and her partner adopted their daughter from Ethiopia, and they felt welcomed and accepted by the Icelandic community. She also appreciates the Icelandic culture of sagas, creativity, and resilience.

These are just some examples of how young Canadians have moved abroad for the ideal family nest. They have not only found a place to call home but also a place to grow and thrive.

Embracing the Goodbye – Understanding Motives Behind Young Canadians Leaving Canada

Canada is a beautiful and diverse country that has a lot to offer to its citizens and residents. But is now not enough for an increasing amount of many young Canadians who are looking for more. The goodbye of leaving Canada is a hard and emotional decision. But, to help with your transition out of Canada, we’ve delevoped an algorithm to match you to your ideal country outside of Canada.

If you’re looking to start embracing the goodbye and search for greener pastures check out our Canadian Emigration Country Quiz here. Many young Canadians are seeking new opportunities, experiences, and lifestyles that they believe they can find in other places. So, I don’t think it’s bad to say goodbye to Canada and hello to the world that’s standing there with its arm wide open to welcome young Canadians!