Canada Faces Talent Exodus as One in Five Immigrants Leave

UPDATE: A startling new report reveals that Canada is struggling to retain its immigrant talent, with one in five immigrants leaving the country within 25 years of arriving. The findings, released by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship and the Conference Board of Canada on October 3, 2023, highlight a growing crisis as the country faces significant workforce challenges.

The data indicates that highly educated immigrants are departing at alarming rates. Those holding doctorates are over twice as likely to leave compared to individuals with a secondary education or less. Notably, about 25% of immigrants in fields like science and health care are exiting Canada within the same timeframe.

“This trend is alarming,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship. “Too many of the people we most need — engineers, health-care professionals, scientists, and senior managers — are packing up and leaving. They can only contribute to Canada’s success if we can keep them and their talents in the country.”

As Canada grapples with a declining birth rate and an aging population, the need for a robust immigration model is increasingly critical for sustaining economic growth. Yet, the situation is expected to worsen. Officials plan to reduce the number of immigrants accepted into Canada, projecting a 1.7% drop in the country’s gross domestic product by 2027, according to Canada’s parliamentary budget officer. The new immigration targets will cut the expected permanent resident admissions from 464,265 in 2024 to 365,000 in 2027, resulting in 1.4 million fewer people over the next three years.

The risk of onward migration peaks within the first five years after a newcomer arrives, making the initial years a critical period for retention. If these trends continue, Canada risks losing not just its current immigrants but also future talent essential for its economy.

As policymakers face these daunting challenges, the need to implement strategies for retaining skilled immigrants is more urgent than ever. The implications for Canada’s workforce and economic stability are profound, and immediate action is required to reverse this trend.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation develops.