這則新聞揭示一個令人深思的現象——曾經被視為夢想國度的加拿大，現在正逐漸出現「逃離潮」。在許多移民心中，加拿大代表著穩定、自由與高品質的生活，但現實生活的複雜性，卻讓越來越多的人選擇離開。

根據加拿大統計局（StatCan）最新的數據顯示，過去幾年中，選擇離開加拿大、移民到其他國家的加拿大公民與永久居民人數正在緩慢上升。2025年第一季就有超過2萬7千人選擇離境，而這個數字也比前幾年同期略有增加。雖然增幅不大，但卻是穩定的上升趨勢，顯示出這並非短暫的波動，而是一個正在醞釀中的長期變化。

與此同時，加拿大聯邦政府也開始下調移民配額，使得新移民人數明顯下降，這兩個趨勢交錯之下，造成了整體人口成長放緩的現象。對許多移民而言，加拿大的現實與他們原本的期待出現落差。高昂的房價是首當其衝的問題。在多倫多、溫哥華等大城市，一間普通家庭住宅的價格可能是普通家庭年收入的十倍以上，對於剛落腳的移民家庭而言，購房幾乎成為不可能的夢。而且不只是買房困難，租金也在不斷攀升，使生活壓力倍增。

除了房價，加拿大的高稅收制度也讓許多人感到沉重。收入稅、消費稅、地稅等各種稅項交織，令不少人覺得賺得多、扣得更多。再加上醫療資源緊張，看病等待時間長，這些都讓原本以為「加拿大生活會更好」的想法逐漸產生動搖。

而在文化層面，不少移民也提到「孤獨感」。儘管加拿大強調多元文化與包容，但真正要融入當地社交圈、建立深層人際關係，卻遠比想像中困難。語言障礙、文化差異、社交習慣的不同，都讓許多移民家庭難以真正「落地生根」。此外，值得一提的是，報告也指出，不同國籍的移民在離開加拿大的可能性上有顯著差異。例如來自中國、台灣、美國、法國、香港與黎巴嫩的移民，比較容易選擇離開；而來自菲律賓、越南、斯里蘭卡或牙買加的移民則較可能留下。

除個人與經濟因素外，加拿大整體社會環境的變化也成為一個隱性因素。例如，印度移民近年來大量湧入部分城市，造成社區擁擠、房價進一步飆升，社區環境出現髒亂與治安惡化的問題，讓不少原本期望穩定生活的移民感到不安。這些現象使得一些移民在衡量生活品質後，最終選擇離開，或返回原籍國，或移居他國。事實上，根據統計，許多移民會在登陸後5年內就離開加拿大，這個比例達到5.1%；而到20年後，更有17.5%的移民最終選擇離去，顯示長期定居並非所有人的最終選擇。

這一切讓人不得不思考：我們所追求的「海外生活」，究竟是真正的理想，還是一場誤解？面對高壓的生活成本、社會融合的挑戰，以及逐漸改變的社區環境，越來越多家庭開始重新思考「留下還是離開」的抉擇。而這也讓人明白，移民不是一條單向道，而是一場不斷調整、適應與選擇的長期旅程。

Canada: Once a Dream Destination, Now a Place to Leave?

Is it the soaring housing prices? The heavy tax burden? Or the deep loneliness of not being able to integrate? Real life is far more complex than most imagine. Would you choose to stay—or to leave?

A recent report from Statistics Canada (StatCan) reveals a slowly growing trend: more people are choosing to leave Canada, while fewer are immigrating in. As the federal government reduces immigration quotas and outmigration continues, Canada is experiencing a noticeable slowdown in population growth.

StatCan defines “emigration” as Canadian citizens and permanent residents who leave the country to resettle elsewhere. In the first quarter of 2025 alone, 27,086 people left Canada—up from 25,394 in Q1 of 2022, 25,536 in 2023, and 26,293 in 2024. The increase is steady, not dramatic, but enough to indicate a shift.

The highest number of departures in recent years occurred in Q3 of 2017, when over 31,000 people emigrated. Numbers topped 30,000 again in mid-2018 and 2019. The lowest point was Q2 of 2020, during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, when only 7,431 people left the country. Since then, the trend has been gradually rising again.

So, why are people choosing to leave Canada?

A 2024 StatCan report analyzed the likelihood of immigrants choosing to leave again. Among those accepted between 1982 and 2017, 5.1% left within the first five years. By 20 years after arrival, that number rose to 17.5%.

StatCan spokesperson Jada Cormier told The National Post that the agency doesn’t track where these individuals go after leaving, since there is no legal requirement to report it. However, the report did highlight certain trends. Immigrants born in China, Taiwan, the U.S., France, Hong Kong, and Lebanon were more likely to leave Canada, while those born in the Philippines, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, or Jamaica were more likely to stay.

Aside from economic reasons, personal factors also play a role. The death of loved ones back home, struggles with Canada’s harsh climate, language barriers, or cultural disconnection often lead people to reconsider their choice. Older immigrants may choose to return to their country of origin for retirement.

Many newcomers arrive in Canada full of hope, expecting a better life—but the reality is often much harder than anticipated.

Housing affordability is one of the most pressing issues. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, the cost of an average family home can exceed ten times the average household income. For many new immigrants, buying a home is simply out of reach. Even renting has become increasingly expensive, adding pressure to already tight budgets.

On top of that, Canada’s high taxes can be overwhelming. Between income taxes, sales taxes, and property taxes, many residents feel that no matter how much they earn, most of it is taxed away. Combined with long wait times for healthcare services, frustrations can build quickly.

There’s also the emotional toll. While Canada promotes multiculturalism and inclusion, many immigrants still experience a deep sense of isolation. It’s difficult to break into local social circles, and cultural differences often become barriers to building lasting connections.

The report also hinted at a broader shift in the social fabric. In recent years, there’s been a dramatic increase in immigration from India, particularly to certain urban areas. This rapid demographic change has contributed to overcrowding, rising home prices, and in some neighborhoods, concerns about cleanliness and safety. These environmental factors are pushing some immigrants to consider leaving, especially those who came with expectations of a clean, orderly, and secure life.

Ultimately, emigration isn’t just about one thing—it’s about accumulation. The cost of living, cultural adaptation, changes in local communities, and personal life events all play a role.

StatCan data shows that many immigrants decide to leave within the first few years: 5.1% within five years, and 17.5% within twenty. Clearly, long-term settlement isn’t a guarantee.

This raises an important question: is life abroad truly a dream—or a misunderstanding?

More and more families are now reevaluating their choices. What once felt like the ultimate goal—immigrating to Canada—is now being reconsidered in light of daily challenges. In the end, immigration is not a one-way journey. It’s a long path of trial, adjustment, and constant decision-making.