While Canada is set to welcome 500,000 new immigrants annually from 2025 onwards, a recent study titled 'The Leaky Bucket,' conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC) and the Conference Board of Canada, has raised concerns about the increasing number of newcomers choosing to leave the country.
The study identifies housing affordability, a challenging job market, and strained healthcare services as the primary factors driving immigrants away.According to the report, the trend of immigrants departing Canada escalated notably between 2017 and 2019. Most individuals chose to leave after residing in Canada for four to seven years.
With new immigrants contributing nearly 1.3 percent to Canada's population each year, Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, emphasized that an increasing number of immigrants are departing after giving Canada a try. He noted that this isn't solely a concern for immigrants but a challenge affecting the entire nation. As Canada increasingly relies on immigrants to address shortages in critical sectors like housing and healthcare, retaining them has become a matter of national importance.
Stefan Fournier, Executive Director at The Conference Board of Canada, explained that research has shown how immigration fuels economic growth, improves the worker-to-retiree ratio, and helps alleviate labor shortages that can lead to inflation. However, attracting immigrants is just one part of the equation, and retaining them once they arrive in Canada is equally crucial.
The study recommends that federal, provincial, and local governments implement programs to assist new immigrants in settling in Canada, invest in housing and healthcare infrastructure, and support employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining immigrant workers. It highlights the need for a comprehensive approach to ensure the successful integration of immigrants into Canadian society.