Quebec’s Immigrant Retention Improves, While Atlantic Canada Struggles
A recent Statistics Canada report reveals a significant shift in immigrant retention patterns across Canadian provinces. Quebec, traditionally a province with lower immigrant retention compared to other major Canadian destinations, has witnessed a substantial increase in newcomers choosing to stay. In 2021, nearly 94% of immigrants admitted to Quebec remained in the province a year later, an 8.8 percentage point increase compared to 2018. This improvement is particularly notable in the economic immigrant category. Experts attribute this rise to several factors, including Quebec’s control over its economic immigration stream, improved employment opportunities, and attractive social programs. This positive trend stands in stark contrast to the situation in Atlantic Canada, where immigrant retention rates have declined, emphasizing the diverse challenges and opportunities faced by different regions in attracting and retaining newcomers.
Quebec’s success in retaining immigrants is partly due to its provincial government’s direct control over economic immigration, allowing the province to select candidates whose skills and qualifications align with its specific labor market needs. This targeted approach, coupled with a relatively low unemployment rate of 5.7%, has created a more favorable environment for newcomers seeking stable employment. Moreover, the province’s social programs likely contribute to immigrants’ decision to stay, offering crucial support during their integration process. However, concerns remain about the potential impact of recent political developments in Quebec, including the government’s rhetoric surrounding immigration and the French language, as well as the decision to freeze several immigration programs. These factors could influence future immigration trends and potentially deter some newcomers from choosing Quebec as their long-term home.
While Quebec has seen a remarkable improvement in immigrant retention, Ontario continues to lead the country, with a 94.6% retention rate for immigrants admitted in 2021. British Columbia and Alberta also demonstrate strong retention rates, at 91.7% and 89.5%, respectively. These provinces offer robust economies, diverse job markets, and established immigrant communities, making them attractive destinations for newcomers. The high retention rates in these provinces highlight the importance of economic opportunities and social integration in encouraging immigrants to settle permanently.
In contrast, Atlantic Canada faces significant challenges in retaining newcomers. All four Atlantic provinces—Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and New Brunswick—experienced decreases in one-year immigrant retention rates between 2020 and 2021. This trend underscores the difficulties these provinces face in competing with larger, more economically dynamic regions. A significant proportion of immigrants who leave Atlantic Canada relocate to Ontario, highlighting the appeal of the province’s larger job market and more established immigrant communities. The lower retention rates in Atlantic Canada emphasize the need for tailored strategies to attract and retain newcomers, addressing specific regional challenges.
Analyzing five-year retention rates provides a longer-term perspective on immigrant settlement patterns. The Statistics Canada report reveals that Ontario, British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec generally experience higher five-year retention rates compared to other provinces. Ontario maintains its leading position with a 93.5% five-year retention rate, while British Columbia and Alberta maintain strong rates of 87.5% and 87.3%, respectively. Quebec’s five-year rate, however, stands at 79.7%, noticeably lower than its one-year retention. This difference suggests that while Quebec has become more successful in retaining immigrants in the short term, challenges remain in ensuring their long-term settlement.
Atlantic Canada’s five-year retention rates are considerably lower than the national average, reflecting the ongoing challenges faced by the region. Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, and Prince Edward Island all report retention rates below 70%. Experts attribute these low rates to factors such as limited employment opportunities, particularly for skilled immigrants, a lack of established cultural communities, and the perceived isolation of smaller communities. These issues present significant obstacles to attracting and retaining newcomers in Atlantic Canada. While national concerns about housing and social service capacity persist, the Atlantic region’s need for immigration-driven economic growth remains acute. Addressing the specific challenges faced by Atlantic Canada is crucial for ensuring the region’s future prosperity.
