Canadians Moving Abroad for Better Affordability, McGill Study Reveals

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Key Takeaways:

Around 11% of Canadians live abroad due to affordability issues and career hurdles from unrecognized qualifications.
Primary reasons for moving include better job opportunities, education, and lifestyle abroad, with many settling in the U.S., U.K., and Hong Kong.
Senator Woo suggests Canada could better utilize expatriates’ skills and connections to strengthen the nation’s global economic and diplomatic presence.

Why Are Canadians Moving Abroad?

A recent McGill study has shed light on a significant trend: an increasing number of Canadians are choosing to live abroad. The data, intriguing as it is, points towards a lack of affordability and other systemic issues as primary reasons behind this migration.

Canadians Moving Abroad for Better Affordability, McGill Study Reveals

What Does the McGill Study Reveal?

According to the McGill Institute for the Study of Canada, an estimated 11% of the Canadian population, roughly four million people, were living outside Canada in 2016. This figure represents a significant portion of the population, especially when compared to our southern neighbors in the U.S., where the equivalent statistic is five times lower.

One stark revelation from the study is the difficulty Canada faces in retaining new citizens. There has been a 31% increase in onward migration between 2017 and 2019. Many naturalized Canadians are choosing to leave within four to seven years of their arrival, citing the cost of living and challenges in career advancements due to unrecognized foreign credentials.

What Are the Main Reasons Canadians Choose to Move Abroad?

There seem to be three primary motivators for Canadians moving abroad: employment opportunities, education, and travel. These opportunities are sometimes not as readily available or as appealing within Canada, especially when weighed against the high cost of living and other domestic challenges. The report also highlights the demographic most likely to move—the average age of Canadians abroad is 46.2 years, predominantly falling within the 45-54 age bracket.

Where Are Canadians Settling?

Canadians choosing to live abroad are mainly found in the United States, Hong Kong, and the United Kingdom. This distribution suggests that cultural similarities, language, and professional opportunities are significant factors in choosing a destination.

What Are the Implications of This Emigration for Canada?

Senator Yuen Pau Woo, who facilitated this study, pointed out that Canada could be doing more to harness the potential of its overseas citizens. He criticized the country for being inward-looking despite its internationalist claims. He suggests forming a strategy to better support Canadian expats and leverage their global connections and skills.

What Does This Mean for Policy Making?

Interestingly, the report notes that Canada lags behind other countries in supporting its citizens abroad. For instance, Canadian expatriates face restrictions like not being able to vote in provincial elections and limited access to healthcare, despite contributing to tax revenues. This lack of support is juxtaposed with the fact that these expatriates still hold strong ties to Canada and could potentially bolster Canada’s diplomatic and economic stature globally.

B.C. Sen. Woo rightly points out, “They are, to my mind, very much a hidden asset for the country. But we don’t quite know how best to utilize this hidden asset, which is why the thrust of the report is to call for deeper reflection.”

Why Does This Matter?

The trend of Canadians moving abroad due to lack of affordability and other reasons highlights significant policy gaps that need addressing. Enhanced understanding and subsequent policy adjustments are crucial for retaining talent and ensuring that Canadian expatriates can still contribute meaningfully to the country’s development, even from abroad.

For further information on the policies affecting Canadian migrants and expatriates, one could refer to Government of Canada’s immigration and citizenship page.

Conclusion

The increasing movement of Canadians abroad is a multifaceted issue stemming from both personal and systemic factors. While the allure of better job prospects and living conditions pulls individuals out of Canada, systemic barriers like unacknowledged qualifications push them away. Addressing these issues will not only help in retaining citizens but also in making Canada more appealing to international talent and repatriates. Better data and research on the motivations and experiences of Canadians abroad will provide the groundwork for informed and effective policies.

Learn Today:

Emigration:
- Definition: Emigration refers to the act of leaving one’s country of residence to establish permanent or semi-permanent residence in another country. In the context of the content provided, it pertains to Canadians choosing to live abroad for various reasons such as employment opportunities, education, or lifestyle preferences.
Expatriates:
- Definition: Expatriates, often shortened to expats, are individuals who reside outside their native country, temporarily or permanently, usually for employment opportunities or other personal reasons. In this context, Canadian expatriates are Canadians living abroad and are subject to policies that might impact their engagement with their home country.
Onward Migration:
- Definition: Onward migration refers to the movement of individuals from their initial destination to another location within a specified period. The content mentions a 31% increase in onward migration of naturalized Canadians between 2017 and 2019, suggesting that some Canadians are relocating to different countries shortly after immigrating to Canada.
Naturalized Citizens:
- Definition: Naturalized citizens are individuals who have acquired citizenship in a country through legal means, usually after meeting certain residency and eligibility criteria. The content indicates that some naturalized Canadians are opting to leave the country due to challenges like the cost of living and barriers to career advancement, despite having obtained Canadian citizenship.
Hidden Assets:
- Definition: Hidden assets refer to underutilized or unrecognized resources that could potentially provide significant benefits if properly leveraged. In this context, the Canadian expatriates are seen as hidden assets due to their skills, global connections, and potential to contribute to Canada’s diplomatic and economic standing. Senator Yuen Pau Woo emphasizes the need to tap into this resource by developing strategies to support and engage Canadian expatriates effectively.

This Article In A Nutshell:

As per McGill research, increasing numbers of Canadians move abroad due to high living costs and career hurdles. Policies lag in supporting expats who could benefit the nation globally. Understanding their needs is key to harnessing their skills and maintaining links. Addressing these gaps will aid in retaining talent and enhancing Canada’s international standing.
— By VisaVerge.com