Immigrants to Canada are increasingly leaving this country for opportunities elsewhere, according to a study(opens in a new tab) conducted by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada.
In fact, the number of immigrants who left Canada rose by 31 per cent above the national average(opens in a new tab) in 2017 and 2019.
According to the study, factors that influence onward migration include economic integration, a sense of belonging, racism, homeownership, or a lack thereof, and economic opportunities in other countries, the report revealed.
As an immigrant, I can concur. What I thought Canada would be and what it turned out to be are very different things. I’m not happy with the financial stress nor with how my international experience is not taken into consideration when applying to jobs. I am an undesirable candidate. I was lucky enough to find a job that is somewhat similar to what I used to do but my partner is restarting his career just to make money. At the end of the day, we barely make ends meet because rent is so expensive. Just to get an apartment we had to go through hell because we have no credit score and we couldnt afford to pay 6-12 months in advance. I generally felt unwelcomed.
This is what I fear about returning to Canada. It is my home, but all of my post-uni work experience is abroad. I have no credit score in Canada, just a student loan that I did pay back. I own nothing there, cannot vote either… I know now that there are systems that work better. My father is 72 and still works 16 hours a day, 6 days a week! He only takes off Christmas day. I get 5 weeks paid vacation, paternity leave, bonuses, paid training, 100% free and nearly immediate health care—I had a CT scan the other week THE SAME DAY I was told to get one—meal vouchers, free public transport, etc. I don’t make a lot of money, but I also only work 33 hours per week for 36 weeks of the year and my wife works about 20. We make ends meet and have zero debt. I don’t think I could have the same lifestyle in Canada as I do here… But I sure do miss the trees and snow and nature and “going out for a rip, eh”