Atlantic Canada Emerges As A Preferred Destination For Newcomers

Statistics Canada reveals trends in immigrant retention rates in Canada, focusing on one and five years after arrival where Atlantic Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Prince Edward Island, Newfoundland, and Labrador) shows an increase in retention rates, contrasting with declining rates in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Five-year retention rates were analyzed using tax filing data from 2012- 2016- and one-year rates used data spanning 2016-2020. The study emphasizes the importance of family-class sponsorship programs in retaining permanent residents, with 91.7% of immigrants sponsored by families staying within the province they landed in.

Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta have the highest overall retention rates after five years, with Ontario leading at 93.1% for newcomers landing in 2016.

Saskatchewan and Manitoba experienced significant drops in retention rates for newcomers landing between 2012-2016, both in one-year and five-year measures.

New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island report increased retention rates for immigrants admitted in 2016, with New Brunswick reaching its highest five-year rate at 56%.