Tens of thousands of Canadians are emigrating from Canada to the United States, reaching levels not seen in over a decade, according to data compiled by CBC News. This surge reflects a variety of motivations, from economic opportunities to political discontent under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s leadership.
The American Community Survey (ACS), conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, reported that 126,340 people moved from Canada to the U.S. in 2022. This represents a nearly 70% increase from the 75,752 who made the move in 2012. Of those who emigrated in 2022, 53,311 were Canadian-born, 42,595 were Americans returning to their native land, and 30,434 were foreign-born immigrants to Canada opting for the U.S.
This Canadian-born figure is significantly higher than in previous years, showing a roughly 50% increase over the pre-COVID average.
Statistics Canada and United Nations data confirm that the U.S. remains the top destination for Canadian emigrants. As of 2020, about 800,000 Canadians were living in the U.S., a stark contrast to the 100,000 residing in the U.K. This trend has only accelerated in recent years.
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“People are definitely pissed off with the politics”
A combination of factors is driving this trend. Economic opportunities, political dissatisfaction, and the lure of a warmer climate are significant motivators. Real estate agents and immigration lawyers have reported a surge in interest from Canadians looking to relocate, often citing the high cost of living in Canada and dissatisfaction with the current political climate.
Marco Terminesi, a former professional soccer player turned real estate agent in Palm Beach County, Florida, has seen a dramatic increase in inquiries. “With Trudeau, I have to get out of here,” many clients have told him. “This last year, I got fifty times more calls than in the past decade, and most are saying politics is why they want to leave,” Terminesi said.
The cost of living in the U.S. can be significantly lower than in Canada. The average U.S. home price is about 20% lower than in Canada, after adjusting for exchange rates. Some states, such as Florida and Arizona, offer additional financial incentives, including no state income tax in Florida and a flat 2.5% state tax rate in Arizona.
Monica Abramov, who is moving from Innisfil, Ontario, to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, cited the high cost of living and declining public services in Canada as reasons for her move. “The health care system is a constant disappointment, with long ER wait times and lackluster access to family doctors,” she said. “Taxes are creeping up, and crime is an ongoing concern.”
Political dissatisfaction is also a significant factor. While some emigrants, like Mithra Saunders, are not primarily motivated by politics, others express a strong desire to leave Canada due to their discontent with Trudeau’s government. “I’m not some person trying to run away from Canada,” Saunders said. “But people are definitely pissed off with the politics.”
Len Saunders, an immigration lawyer based in Blaine, Washington, noted that while some clients cite political reasons, most are motivated by economic factors. “People grumble about Trudeau and they’re not happy with him, but it’s not a driving factor for my clients,” he said. “The main thing is just the cost of housing. It’s a lot of young couples.”
Despite the apparent advantages, moving to the U.S. comes with challenges. Health care costs can be substantial, especially for those without employer-provided insurance. A 55-year-old single man living in Naples, Florida, might pay around $10,000 annually for health insurance.
Information for this story was found via CBC News and the sources mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
