Addressing the Challenge: The Conference Board of Canada Highlights Rising Immigrant Departure Rates and Calls for Enhanced Retention Strategies

I had a chance to review the briefing by the Conference Board of Canada that offers a comprehensive analysis of immigrant retention trends in Canada, highlighting a concerning pattern of increased immigrant departure, or "onward migration," from the country. This phenomenon challenges the prevailing narrative of Canada as a universally welcoming and beneficial environment for immigrants.

It provides a sobering look at the challenges facing Canada's immigration system and the need for a strategic approach to not only attract but also retain immigrants. It underscores the importance of creating a supportive environment that addresses the economic, social, and infrastructural needs of immigrants to foster long-term commitment to Canada. Acknowledgment is due to The Conference Board of Canada for conducting this pivotal study, which sheds light on the critical issue of immigrant retention in Canada.

Reasons Behind Increased Immigrant Flight from Canada

The study suggests several underlying reasons for the increase in immigrant flight:

Economic and Professional Challenges: Immigrants may struggle to find employment that matches their skills and qualifications, leading to underemployment or unemployment.

Settlement Services: There may be gaps in the settlement services provided to immigrants, particularly in smaller communities or for those not eligible for such services.

Infrastructure Strain: As the immigrant population grows, there may be insufficient investment in infrastructure, such as healthcare, education, and transit, which can affect the quality of life for newcomers.

Social Integration: Challenges in social integration and forming a sense of belonging can also contribute to the decision to leave.

Recommendations for Addressing Immigrant Retention

The briefing provides several recommendations to improve immigrant retention:

Monitoring Onward Migration: There is a need for continuous monitoring of the onward migration rate to inform policy decisions.

Enhancing Settlement Services: Investing in settlement services that address the needs of immigrants in their first ten years can be crucial for retention.

Supporting Employers: Governments at all levels should assist employers in recruiting, hiring, and retaining immigrant workers, ensuring that immigrants can find work commensurate with their skills.

Infrastructure Investment: Planning for and investing in infrastructure to support a growing population is essential for creating communities where immigrants can thrive.

Challenging the Assumption of Positive Immigrant Experiences

The study challenges the assumption of universally positive immigrant experiences and commitment to Canada by presenting data on the increasing rates of immigrant departure. It indicates that while Canada is seen as a land of opportunity, the reality for many immigrants involves facing discrimination, underemployment, and challenges in accessing services, leading to disillusionment and the decision to leave.

The findings of this study are significant as they not only reflect on the state of immigration but also provide a mirror to the broader societal conditions in Canada. It is a call to action for policymakers to consider not just the number of immigrants arriving but also the quality of their experiences and the opportunities available to them.

Complete study can be found on the link: https://www.conferenceboard.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/the-leaky-bucket-2023.pdf