Record Number of Canadians Leaving the Country, Nearly Half from One Province
Canadians Are Leaving the Country in Record Numbers—And Nearly Half Are from One Province
New data reveals that Canadians aren’t just moving between provinces—they’re leaving the country entirely in growing numbers.
In 2024, emigration from Canada surged to levels not seen in years, with tens of thousands of residents seeking new opportunities abroad. Many cited the rising cost of living and the search for a better quality of life as key reasons for their departure. While this trend has been building for some time, last year marked a record high—and one province played an outsized role in the exodus.
According to a recent report from rental platform liv.rent, which analyzed Statistics Canada data, 81,601 people left Canada in 2024, marking the highest emigration level since 2017. The most surprising revelation? Nearly half—48%—of these departures came from Ontario.
This represents Ontario’s highest emigration rate since 2011, signaling that an increasing number of Ontarians are opting for life beyond Canada’s borders. While Ontario’s large population naturally contributes to its share of emigrants, the numbers still stand out—especially considering the province accounts for 39% of the country’s total population but a disproportionately high 48% of those leaving.
Other provinces also saw significant numbers of residents leaving, with British Columbia (18%), Alberta (13%), and Quebec (13%) following behind. However, none came close to Ontario’s share of departures.
Quebec’s emigration rate is particularly striking given its status as Canada’s second most populous province, making up 22% of the national population yet contributing only 13% of emigrants—placing it fourth on the list.
Ontario also led the country in net interprovincial migration losses, meaning more people left the province for other parts of Canada than moved in. Conversely, Alberta remained the top destination for Canadians relocating within the country, despite a slight dip in in-migration compared to 2023.
Beyond permanent residents and citizens, Canada also saw a sharp decline in the net flow of non-permanent residents, including temporary workers and international students. Ontario, once again, was at the center of this shift, experiencing a staggering 66% decline in this category.
With housing affordability reaching crisis levels and the cost of living remaining a major concern, it’s clear why more Canadians are seeking opportunities elsewhere. Whether driven by job prospects, financial pressures, or the pursuit of a fresh start, 2024 has been a year of significant migration—and Ontarians are leading the charge out the door.
