Statistics Canada reports a net emigration of 35,337 between mid-2022 and mid-2023, the highest since 2017, driven by high costs of living. The British Columbia Business Council’s analysis of federal data indicates these pressures may persist. The Council’s recent report states, “Government forecasts do not anticipate a living standards recovery in Canada or BC until at least 2027.” Canada’s real GDP per person is now around $1,000 less than pre-pandemic levels. Canada ranks fifth worst in pandemic economic recovery among the 38 OECD member countries. According to the UN, Canadians are most likely to emigrate to the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand. The Numbeo data shows Mexico, Spain, Portugal, and France are also of interest.
