A significant number of immigrants in Canada are grappling with the escalating cost of living, leading to a notable increase in emigration. Recent data reveals that 42,000 individuals left Canada in the first half of 2023, with 93,818 departing in 2022 and 85,927 in 2021. Emigration, currently standing at about 0.09% of the population, spiked to 0.2% in the mid-1990s, as per official government statistics.
Emigration Trends in Canada: Soaring Living Costs Drive Immigrants Away
The Institute for Canadian Citizenship reported that the emigration rate reached a two-decade high in 2019, and though it decreased during pandemic lockdowns, recent Statistics Canada data indicates a resurgence. High living costs, particularly skyrocketing housing expenses, are cited as the primary factor influencing the decisions of many immigrants to leave.
According to Reuters, approximately 60% of household income is required on average to cover home ownership costs in Canada, reaching 98% in Vancouver and 80% in Toronto, based on data from the Royal Bank of Canada’s September report. Interviews conducted by Reuters with immigrants reveal the struggles they face due to the soaring cost of living.
Canadian Living Challenges: Personal Stories Reflecting the Struggles of Immigrants Amid Rising Costs
Cara, a 25-year-old refugee from Hong Kong who arrived in Canada in 2022, pays C$650 ($474) monthly for a single-room basement apartment, constituting 30% of her income. Despite working three part-time jobs at the minimum wage and attending adult learning school, she finds it challenging to save compared to her previous situation in Hong Kong.
Stankus, paying C$2,000 for a one-bedroom apartment, highlights the difficulty of affording basic necessities on a graduate student’s budget. Additionally, recent changes announced by Immigration Minister Marc Miller will more than double the cost-of-living financial requirement for incoming international students, impacting those from India, a leading source of study permit holders in Canada. Parents in Punjab express concerns about the added financial burden on those sending their children to study in Canada.
