Canada is losing 35% of its French-speaking migrants within the first five years of their arrival, according to a new report from the Conference Board of Canada, raising concerns about the country’s ability to meet its immigration goals.
The study, commissioned by the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, highlights the critical importance of the early years of permanent residency. It finds that new immigrants are most likely to leave during this period, citing language barriers, housing challenges, and difficulties with social integration as key factors influencing their decisions.
“There is an urgent need to act so that these initial years are excellent,” said Daniel Bernhard, CEO of the Institute for Canadian Citizenship, during a press briefing. “Otherwise, our data shows that many immigrants are very comfortable exploring other options.”
The findings pose significant challenges for Canada’s plans to boost French-speaking immigration outside Quebec. The federal government has set ambitious targets, aiming to increase the proportion of French-speaking immigrants to 8.5% in 2025, 9.5% in 2026, and 10% in 2027. However, the high attrition rate could undermine these efforts.
Without improved retention strategies, achieving these objectives could become difficult, the report warns. The government has acknowledged that fostering a more welcoming environment for French-speaking immigrants is essential to reversing this trend.
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