Here’s a different perspective on this matter. I am a Canadian citizen, born and raised in Canada to parents of French and British ancestry. I have spent my entire life in Canada, receiving my education and building a career in the greater Toronto area. However, in 2008, I decided to temporarily relocate to the UK and ended up staying there for two incredible years. I successfully navigated the immigration process and obtained settled status.
Fast forward to a decade later, when my partner and I found ourselves ready to settle down. After leading a frugal lifestyle and saving diligently, we were prepared to purchase a home. The possibility of returning to Canada had come up in previous discussions, and given our relatively stable financial situation, we decided to explore the idea further. We made a trip to Canada to conduct thorough research, meticulously comparing the advantages and disadvantages of staying in the UK versus moving back to Canada. We examined the job opportunities available to us based on our skills and assessed the overall cost of living. Our analysis revealed that, in almost every measurable aspect, our standard of living would diminish if we were to move to Canada. While wages were higher in Canada, the significantly greater expenses would ultimately negate any financial benefits. Our initial assumption that we could afford a larger property in Canada, such as a house with ample land, turned out to be true only if we were willing to settle in areas with limited job prospects. It quickly became apparent that the idyllic life we were already enjoying, and have continued to enjoy over the past four years, here in the UK, would be unattainable for us in Canada.
Through my involvement in various Canadian expat communities, I have learned that my experience is far from unique. Many Canadian citizens living abroad share the desire to return to Canada, whether to be closer to family or out of a lingering emotional attachment to their home country. However, the reality of the cost of living and the quality of life in Canada often renders this aspiration impossible for many.
For further insights into the topic, I recommend reading the article “Canada’s Immigrant Exodus: Unmasking the Startling Truth.” It delves deeper into the challenges faced by individuals considering a return to Canada and sheds light on the reasons behind this phenomenon.
