Rising costs prompt Ukrainian immigrants in Canada to reconsider stay

Canada has historically been a beacon for immigrants seeking better prospects, attracting a substantial influx of Ukrainian arrivals since the conflict’s onset. 200,000 refugees from Ukraine have arrived in the past 2 years. However, the reality of navigating daily life in major Canadian cities amidst soaring expenses poses significant challenges, particularly impacting vulnerable newcomers, Bloomberg reported.

Reports indicate a handful of Ukrainians opting to return home from the Greater Toronto Area due to financial strains, further supported by research suggesting a trend of immigrants departing due to affordability concerns, healthcare strain, and employment challenges. This trend complicates Prime Minister Trudeau’s economic agenda reliant on relaxed immigration policies to sustain growth in the face of declining birth rates and staggering housing costs, which surpass income growth.

The government’s aim to welcome half a million new permanent residents annually stands in contrast to the struggle to retain them. Newcomers encounter a labyrinth of obstacles, primarily in housing where skyrocketing rental costs, amid limited availability, add strain. In Toronto, average rent nearly matches a full-time minimum wage income.

Rising inflation compounds these issues, with grocery and gas prices surging annually. Nevertheless, many newcomers appreciate Canada’s attributes, including its diverse population and healthcare system. However, decisions to stay or leave also hinge on factors beyond expenses—war proximity, safety, and patriotic duty.