Indians Flock to Canada, Canadians Rush to Leave in Record Numbers

In a surprising twist of fate, Canada is experiencing a migration phenomenon that defies expectations. While Indians are increasingly eager to call Canada their new home, a growing number of Canadians are seeking to escape their own country. What is even more astonishing is that the last quarter of 2021 saw more people leaving Canada than in any year since the 1970s.

The Canadian dream, once a beacon of hope for many, has now turned into a nightmare for a significant portion of its population. In the past, the basic necessities of life - roti (food), kapda (clothing), and makaan (shelter) - were considered sufficient for a fulfilling existence. However, today's generation aspires for much more than mere survival. When opportunities fail to materialize in their homeland, migration becomes the last resort.

Canada, renowned as one of the most sought-after destinations for immigrants, ranks second only to the United States in accepting the highest number of newcomers in the world. Last year alone, Canada welcomed over 437,000 new permanent residents, with a staggering 118,095 individuals originating from India. Remarkably, the number of Indian migrants to Canada has tripled since 2020.

The allure of Canada lies in its promise of quality education, friendly visa and immigration policies, and the prospect of a better life. However, beneath the surface, the Canadian dream often proves to be a mirage, a realization that dawns on many only when it is too late to turn back.

Currently, at least 30% of immigrants in Canada desire to leave, but find themselves trapped by the burden of debt incurred in pursuit of their dreams. Shockingly, it is not only immigrants who yearn to escape the country. Native-born Canadians are also seeking greener pastures elsewhere, seeking to break free from the confines of their homeland.

What is happening in Canada that compels people to take such drastic measures? A significant portion of those traveling to Canada are either students seeking additional income or immigrants hoping to improve their standard of living through low-skilled jobs. However, the job market is saturated with an oversupply of low-skilled workers, driving wages down and making it challenging to secure stable employment.

Moreover, the high cost of living in Canada exacerbates the situation. While the country boasts a relatively low unemployment rate of around 5%, this figure fails to capture the reality of individuals struggling to find better-paying jobs. As a result, many individuals are forced to settle for low-wage positions simply to make ends meet.

The pursuit of a better life, whether through studying abroad or seeking employment opportunities, becomes an uphill battle when one struggles to earn a living wage. Even well-educated individuals who work diligently and take on second jobs find themselves living in poverty in Canada due to the exorbitant cost of everyday necessities. Taxes, rent, and food consume the majority of their earnings, leaving little room for savings or a comfortable life.

The housing crisis in Canada further compounds the challenges faced by its residents. Cities like Toronto have become densely populated, driving up the cost of housing. The average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Toronto stands at a staggering $2,478, while the average monthly salary is a mere $3,500. This means that a significant portion of one's income goes towards housing expenses, leaving little for other essential needs.

While moving to less populated provinces may seem like a viable option, the extreme cold weather experienced in these regions throughout the year can be unbearable for non-native Canadians. Thus, many individuals find themselves with no choice but to seek opportunities beyond Canada's borders.

Finding an affordable house in Canada has become an ongoing struggle, with the housing crisis worsening day by day. Unfortunately, the government's response to this pressing issue has been lackluster at best. Corruption and arrogance plague all levels of governance, diverting attention from addressing the housing crisis and focusing instead on personal gain and retaining power.

Additionally, Canada's renowned healthcare system, once a point of pride, is gradually becoming unsustainable. With an aging population and a life expectancy of 82 years (placing Canada in the top 14 worldwide), the number of individuals aged 65 and over has nearly reached 7 million. However, Canada's healthcare system was primarily designed to cater to a relatively young population, dealing with acute and episodic care. As a result, the system struggles to adequately support elderly patients with complex and ongoing health issues.

The impact of these challenges was starkly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where Canada, despite its reputation, suffered greatly and continues to grapple with the aftermath. Despite the numerous hardships faced by both immigrants and native Canadians, Canada continues to welcome more and more immigrants. Why? The answer lies in Canada's heavy reliance on immigration for population growth.

With its fertility rate steadily declining and reaching a record low of 1.4 children per woman in 2020, Canada faces a demographic challenge. A country's inhabitants drive its national spending and consumption, and a strong labor force is vital for consistent production of goods and delivery of services. Immigration has played a significant role in fueling Canada's labor force growth, with immigrants accounting for 79.9% of national workforce growth.

While this immigration-driven population growth has benefited Canada's economy, the country's immigrant policy is designed in a way that takes advantage of newcomers. Exploiting their hard-earned savings and utilizing them as inexpensive labor until they become disheartened and eventually choose to leave.

The situation at hand calls for urgent action and a comprehensive reevaluation of Canada's approach to immigration, housing, and healthcare. The Canadian dream, once a beacon of hope, has turned into a nightmare for many who find themselves trapped in debt, struggling to make a living, and unable to provide a better future for themselves and their families.

It is crucial for the Canadian government to prioritize the well-being and prosperity of its citizens, both new and old, by addressing the underlying issues that contribute to this migration meltdown. Only through comprehensive reforms and a genuine commitment to the welfare of its people can Canada reclaim its status as a land of opportunity and fulfill the aspirations of those who seek a better life within its borders.