Some people dream of immigrating to Canada, while others dream of leaving it!
Let’s look at the numbers — in 2024, a record number of Canadians left the country, and nearly 50% of them were from one province.
Recent data shows that in 2024, a record number of Canadians left Canada to settle abroad — the highest level in recent years. One province in particular stood out, accounting for nearly half of all departures.
Amid ongoing concerns over the cost of living and housing affordability, it’s no surprise that many are searching for a better life in other countries.
The reasons vary:
– higher salaries,
– more affordable living,
– or simply the desire to start fresh.
In 2024, 106,134 people left Canada — the highest emigration figure since 2017, when 104,013 departures were recorded, according to Statistics Canada.
According to the same source:
– Ontario: nearly 48% of all departures (50,705 people)
– Quebec: 12%
– Alberta: 13%
The high percentage of emigrants from Ontario can be explained by the fact that the province accounts for 39% of Canada’s total population.
However, the 12% leaving from Quebec is especially notable, given that Quebec is the second most populous province (about 22% of the country’s population).
From coast to coast, in 2024 Canada saw a 3% rise in emigration — a trend that has continued since the pandemic began in 2020.
Here is how many people emigrated from each province in 2024:
- Ontario: 50,705 (47.77%)
- British Columbia: 19,620 (18.49%)
- Alberta: 13,646 (12.86%)
- Quebec: 12,456 (11.74%)
- Manitoba: 3,831 (3.61%)
- Nova Scotia: 3,734 (3.52%)
- New Brunswick: 3,476 (3.27%)
- Saskatchewan: 2,783 (2.62%)
- Newfoundland and Labrador: 1,180 (1.11%)
- Prince Edward Island: 1,172 (1.10%)
- Yukon: 247 (0.23%)
- Northwest Territories: 57 (0.05%)
- Nunavut: 11 (0.01%)
These figures remind us that immigration is a two-way movement.
While some strive to enter Canada for stability, opportunity, and a new life, others leave it in search of something greater or simply something that suits them better.
The world is changing — and people move along with it.
Immigration has always been and will remain a personal decision, influenced by many factors: from cost of living to a sense of belonging.
What matters is not just choosing a country, but building a life there that aligns with your values and expectations.
If you want to leave Canada, I can help you prepare for your departure and/or answer some important questions:
– Can you keep your status after leaving Canada?
– Can you still obtain citizenship?
– What should be done with your Canadian documents?
– How to get an Apostille that will be useful abroad?
– Do you need to notify anyone about your departure?
If you choose Canada, I’m here to help you make that journey thoughtful and confident.