Something big went down in 2024: more Canadians left the country than in any year since the ‘60s — and one province clearly stood out.
According to Statistics Canada, 106,134 people left the country last year, up 3% from 2023. That’s the highest number of departures in nearly six decades. To put it in perspective: the last time more people left Canada was 1967.
Meanwhile, immigration hit a record high. 483,591 people arrived in Canada in 2024, making it the biggest year for newcomers in recorded history. So yes, people are coming in… but lots of folks are still saying “peace out.”
And here’s where it gets interesting: Ontario is leading the exodus. The province accounted for nearly half of all Canadians leaving — around 51,000 Ontarians. That’s more than Quebec, B.C., and Alberta combined. Considering Ontario only makes up 39% of the population, that’s a huge disproportion.
B.C. came in second at just under 20,000 departures — higher than Quebec’s 13,500, even though Quebec has nearly double the population.
It’s not just about leaving the country. Ontario also took the biggest hit in interprovincial migration, losing 23,585 more people to other provinces than it gained. Canadians are clearly moving west for better affordability, jobs, or a lifestyle change.
And the winner? Alberta. The province netted around 36,000 newcomers from across Canada, thanks to nearly 91,000 arrivals while losing about 55,000.
Quebec, on the other hand, seems to be holding steady. Despite being 22% of Canada’s population, it contributed only 12.7% of the country’s emigrants. Quebecers are staying put more than folks in Ontario, B.C., or Alberta — at least for now.
With housing costs skyrocketing, inflation still high, and affordability a major stress point, it’s no shock that Canadians are looking elsewhere. Whether it’s chasing cheaper rent, better weather, or a fresh start, 2024 was a year of big moves.
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