Find out which provinces they're headed to
Ontario’s resident young adults are fleeing to the more affordable provinces of Alberta, BC, and Novia Scotia in record volumes, data from Statistics Canada shows.
In Q2 2022, the annual net migration from Ontario – or the total inflow of people from other provinces minus the outflow to other provinces – for those between 18 and 24 hit 13,900, over 40 times the number that left Ontario in 2018.
The young adults are moving just about anywhere else, with Alberta seeing the biggest net inflow for the age group at a 4,700, followed by Novia Scotia at 4,000, and New Brunswick at 2,400. All three provinces are notably more affordable than Ontario.
The problem is more dangerous than provinces may realize. Young adults between 18 and 22 represent future growth, statistically having the most disposable income and providing entry-level labour, housing news outlet Better Living reported. This demographic decides if the region is good enough to build a career or have a family in, providing the province long-term growth.
Read more: First-time buyers: Is now the right time to enter the market?
Ontario’s budding workforce is not the only waning demographic, either. StatCan data has also revealed that the same province has lost 15,900 more people aged 24 to 44 than it gained – a first for the immigration hub, Better Dwelling pointed out. Those in this age group are usually earning their highest incomes and having families. Where they settle determines where they see their future and easily grows the provincial economy.
BC saw the highest net inflow in this demographic for Q2 at 9,200, with Alberta (8,800) and Novia Scotia (4,700) once again rounding out the top three.
Read more: StatCan: Alberta population growth benefiting from migration
While immigration to Ontario’s capital may patch outflows for now, immigrants may soon pick up that its locals are fleeing fast and follow suit.
