Atlantic Canada is once again witnessing a net loss of young working-age residents, a trend that had temporarily reversed during the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a new report from the Fraser Institute, the region lost an average of 1,216 residents aged 25 to 39 per year between 2001 and 2019 due to provincial migration, representing more than 11 per cent of that demographic.
Pandemic Pause Short-Lived
Between 2020 and 2023, Atlantic Canada gained an average of 3,152 young working-age residents annually, as remote work opportunities and lower living costs attracted people from larger cities like Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. However, this growth proved temporary. In 2024, the region lost 1,203 young working-age residents, reverting to its historical pattern of out-migration.
Economic Implications
Fred McMahon, author of the report, emphasized the need for policies to create economic opportunities for younger residents. "Should these numbers continue to reflect its historical norm, it could mean negative implications for the economic future of Atlantic Canada," he said. The outflow of young people places additional pressure on rural communities, which already have an older demographic profile.
The report notes that the extent of the outflow depends on job prospects in other regions, particularly Alberta's oil sector. However, the consistent loss of young workers over the past half-century should prompt Atlantic leaders to reassess policies that discourage people from moving to the region.
Efforts to Retain Talent
Atlantic provinces have implemented various initiatives to attract and retain talent. The Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) offers a pathway for skilled foreign immigrants to settle in any of the four provinces. The report suggests this program may have encouraged international migrants who initially landed elsewhere in Canada to relocate to Atlantic Canada.
The Atlantic Chamber of Commerce has described the region's talent gap as "real and growing" and has called for improved immigration pathways, recognition of out-of-province and international credentials, and increased investments in settlement supports.
