Canadians Still Leaving At Near Record Pace Echoing 90s “Brain Drain”

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...