Canadians are leaving the country in record numbers but Quebecers are staying put

More Canadians packed their bags and left the country in 2024 than in any other year since the 1960s — but people in Quebec didn't seem to get the memo.

According to new data from Statistics Canada, 106,134 people emigrated from Canada last year, the highest number of departures since 1967. The number marks a 3% jump from 2023 and highlights a growing trend of Canadians seeking opportunities elsewhere, whether it's for cheaper rent, better weather, or a fresh start abroad.

But while provinces like Ontario and B.C. are seeing people leave in droves, Quebec is holding on to its residents.

Ontario led the country's latest exodus, accounting for nearly half of all departures despite only making up 39% of the population. That's nearly 51,000 people who left Ontario in 2024 — more than Quebec, B.C., and Alberta combined.

B.C. came in second with just under 20,000 departures, while Quebec saw only about 13,500 people leave, despite having nearly double B.C.'s population.

That puts Quebec at just 12.7% of Canada's total emigration, far below what you'd expect from a province that makes up about 22% of the national population. The numbers suggest that Quebecers are more likely to stay put, even as other Canadians head for the exits.

Quebec also saw relatively low numbers in interprovincial migration, meaning people aren't just staying in the country; they're staying in the province. That could be due to family ties, language, or simply the cost of moving being too high in a shaky economy.

Meanwhile, Alberta came out ahead, gaining a net 36,000 people from other provinces in 2024, while Ontario lost over 23,000 through interprovincial moves.

As inflation, rent, and housing stress continue to drive major life decisions, one thing's clear: 2024 was a year of big moves — just not so much in la belle province.

You can explore the entire StatCan report here.

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