Canadians are still leaving in near record volumes. Statistics Canada (StatCan) data shows emigration—citizens and PRs leaving permanently—rose in Q2 2026. In fact, it was the third highest outflow for the second quarter ever reported. Even fewer Canadians are returning, mirroring the country’s peak “Brain Drain” era. Except this time the numbers show this rise wasn’t a shock, but a trend with few signs of slowing anytime soon.
Canadians Are Ditching Canada In Near Record Volumes
Canadian emigration. Citizens and permanent residents who permanently relocated to another country in Q2.
Source: StatCan; Better Dwelling.
Canadians continue moving in staggering volumes. The agency estimates 24.93k emigrants in Q2 2026, 1.1% (+264) more than the same quarter last year. Over the past 71 years, Q2 outflows have only been higher three times—2023, 2022, and 1968. This may have fallen short of a new record, but it’s part of a persistent and worsening trend.
Not A Blip: Canadians Leaving In Near-Record Volumes Is A Trend
Canadian emigration, rolling 12-month trend.
Source: StatCan; Better Dwelling.
StatCan reported 112,116 emigrants left in the 12 months ending Q2 2026, 1.1% (+1,202) more than a year prior. Going all the way back to the 1950s, only a handful of times have had higher outflows over any 12-month period. Every quarter in 2023 came in higher, Q2 2017, and Q2 1968. This is a rare event. Canada’s typically known for its ability to attract immigrants, not lose citizens.
“Sure, but you need to focus on the net immigration,” is an argument we frequently hear. We disagree. One person in doesn’t equal one person out, especially considering where they are in their careers. Canada’s emigrants are mostly young, high-skilled workers in global demand. Returning emigrants tend to be older workers coming home.
Rising outflows are a sign that Canada is failing to create opportunities. It’s nice to see older workers return, but losing young talent creates a critical skill gap today. Assuming young expats return is also a risky bet, as developing countries mature. The economic edge Canada once offered is starting to shrink.
That said, even net emigration is starting to go in the wrong direction.
Fewer Canadian Ex-Pats Are Moving Back To Canada
Canadian net emigration: The balance of emigrants leaving and returning, Q2.
Source: StatCan; Better Dwelling.
Net emigration climbed to 12,889 in Q2 2026, 1.1% (+135 people) higher than last year. That means almost 13k more Canadians moved than returned, the second biggest Q2 on record. It’s only surpassed in 1997, the peak of the “Brain Drain” era. The period saw a mass exodus following the rollout of NAFTA TN visas and the Dot-Com Boom.
The 12-month rolling sum hit 61,829 net emigrants in Q2 2026, 1.1% (+663) more than a year prior. That’s the highest net outflow in a generation, with only two higher quarters in history: Q3 and Q4 of 1997. There’s that “Brain Drain” era again, but the current trend is arguably worse.
Back in the 90s, Canada’s outflows were driven by a shock, as a new immigration program was being rolled out. There were plenty of young adults and families, so it faced minimal friction. The current outflows are a trend that’s built up over time, and shows no sign of slowing. At the same time, Canada is scrambling to find young adults. This is a problem that has led policymakers to quietly ease the tighter immigration plans they promoted. Apparently, retaining the young adults that Canada already has isn’t an option they’re considering.
