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New Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau’s Canada Over High Living Costs

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New Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau's Canada Over High Living Costs

Due to the high cost of living and rental shortages, many immigrants’ ambition of making it big in Canada is turning into a battle for survival, as soaring emigration rates hint at newcomers being forced to turn their back on a country that they chose to make their adoptive home.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has made immigration his main weapon in combating Canada’s major challenge of an aging and slowing population, while also helping to fuel economic growth. According to Statistics Canada, this year saw Canada’s population grow at its fastest rate in more than six decades.

However, a reversal of that trend is already taking hold. According to official figures, 42,000 people left Canada in the first six months of 2023, adding to the 93,818 who left in 2022 and the 85,927 who went in 2021.

According to a recent analysis from the Institute for Canadian Citizenship (ICC), an immigration advocacy group, the rate of immigrants departing Canada reached a two-decade high in 2019. While the numbers fell during pandemic lockdowns, Statistics Canada records suggest that they are already rising again.

While this is a small proportion of the 263,000 who arrived in the country during the same time period, a consistent increase in emigration has some observers concerned.

A rising trend of people departing Canada threatens to undermine one of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s signature achievements, which gave permanent residency to a record 2.5 million people in just eight years.

Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau's Canada

Because of the high cost of living, Reuters spoke with a half-dozen people who have either left the country or are planning to leave.

Cara, 25, arrived in Canada as a refugee from Hong Kong in 2022 and now pays C$650 ($474) a month for a single-room basement apartment in Scarborough, east Toronto, which is roughly 30% of her monthly take-home pay.

“I never realized that living in a Western country, you can only afford renting a room in the basement,” she told me. She refused to reveal her full identity since she fled Hong Kong after taking part in the 2019 protests sparked by a now-defunct extradition bill.

Cara works three part-time jobs, earning the minimum wage in Ontario of C$16.55 per hour, and attends an adult learning school to acquire university credits.

“I almost use every single penny,” she said, adding that she was able to save nearly a third of her monthly wage in Hong Kong.

To be sure, emigration as a percentage of Canada’s total population peaked at 0.2% in the mid-1990s and is now about 0.09%, according to official government figures.

While the numbers are minor right now, attorneys and immigration advisers warn that a surge might cast a pall over Canada’s desirability as a top destination for newcomers.

Immigrants Fleeing Trudeau's Canada

“There’s a real importance in creating positive experiences in those early years” so that individuals opt to stay, according to ICC CEO Daniel Bernhard.

Immigrants cite skyrocketing housing costs as the primary reason for considering a new nation.

In Canada, roughly 60% of household income is required to pay property ownership costs on average, up to about 98% in Vancouver and 80% in Toronto, according to RBC in a September research.

Myo Maung, 55, immigrated to Canada from Myanmar more than three decades ago and has established a successful career as a real estate agent and restaurateur. However, he intends to retire in Thailand since he cannot see himself maintaining his quality of living in Canada on his retirement income.

Rapid immigration, according to Phil Triadafilopoulos, a political science professor specializing in immigration at the University of Toronto (UofT), is increasing the housing problem.

“It’s not surprising then that people who have options… either go to another country or go back home having had a taste of the situation in Canada,” he said.

To relieve pressure on the housing market, Trudeau’s government set a quota of 500,000 new immigrants per year beginning in 2025.

However, for some, it is too little, too late.

Justinas Stankus, 38, who moved to Canada from Lithuania in 2019 to pursue a doctorate in political science at the University of Toronto, is thinking about relocating to Southeast Asia, where the cost of living is lower and he can continue his study.

Stankus, who pays C$2,000 per month for a one-bedroom apartment that includes utilities, says rising living costs have made it impossible to finance basic essentials.

“With a graduate student’s budget, it is not sustainable,” stated Stankus.

Cara from Hong Kong feels stuck and wishes to leave. “Whenever I get a chance to leave, I will take the chance.”

Geoff Brown is a seasoned staff writer at VORNews, a reputable online publication. With his sharp writing skills he consistently delivers high-quality, engaging content that resonates with readers. Geoff's' articles are well-researched, informative, and written in a clear, concise style that keeps audiences hooked. His ability to craft compelling narratives while seamlessly incorporating relevant keywords has made him a valuable asset to the VORNews team.

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NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh Vows to Topple Trudeau Government

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Jagmeet Singh, Trudeau
Jagmeet Singh says NDP will vote to bring down Trudeau government

Canada’s opposition leader said his caucus plans to vote against Justin Trudeau’s government. If the prime minister does not seek a temporary suspension of parliament, the country will be plunged into an election early next year.

If the NDP gains support from other major opposition parties, Trudeau’s government would be forced to step down, sparking an election shortly after Donald Trump’s expected return to the White House in Washington DC.

Trudeau’s Liberals currently lack a majority in the House of Commons and have relied on NDP backing to pass laws and remain in power. Singh and Trudeau previously agreed on a cooperation deal, but the NDP leader ended that arrangement in September.

Singh’s declaration came just before Trudeau unveiled changes to his cabinet, a move aimed at steadying his government following Chrystia Freeland’s surprising resignation as finance minister earlier in the week. Polls show the Liberals are unpopular, and Trudeau is under internal pressure to resign after Freeland’s departure.

“The Liberals don’t deserve another chance,” Singh said. “That’s why the NDP will vote to end this government and let Canadians choose new leadership.”

Trudeau is expected to consider his political future over the holidays, and parliament will reconvene on January 27.

One option for Trudeau is asking the governor-general to prorogue parliament, which would end the current session. This move could delay Singh’s non-confidence vote by postponing lawmakers’ return to Ottawa.

The new cabinet begins its term amid economic uncertainty, worsened by Trump’s threat to impose 25 percent tariffs on Canadian goods.

Dominic LeBlanc — who joined the prime minister at a dinner meeting with Trump at Mar-a-Lago in November — was sworn in as finance minister on Monday after Freeland quit.

Today, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced changes to his Cabinet. He said the new cabinet will prioritize Canadians’ most important objectives: enhancing the economy and reducing the cost of living.

The team will continue to advance in housing, child care, and school food while striving to return more money to Canadians’ wallets, building on the investments made since 2015.

The changes to the cabinet are as follows:

  • Anita Anand becomes Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
  • Gary Anandasangaree becomes Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency
  • Steven MacKinnon becomes Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Labour
  • Ginette Petitpas Taylor becomes President of the Treasury Board

The Prime Minister also welcomed the following new members of his Cabinet:

  • Rachel Bendayan becomes Minister of Official Languages and Associate Minister of Public Safety
  • Élisabeth Brière becomes Minister of National Revenue
  • Terry Duguid becomes Minister of Sport and Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada
  • Nate Erskine-Smith becomes Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
  • Darren Fisher becomes Minister of Veterans Affairs and Associate Minister of National Defence
  • David J. McGuinty becomes Minister of Public Safety
  • Ruby Sahota becomes Minister of Democratic Institutions and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario.
  • Joanne Thompson becomes Minister of Seniors.

These new ministers will work with all members of the Cabinet to deliver real, positive change for Canadians. They join the following ministers remaining in their portfolio:

  • Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services
  • Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence
  • François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry
  • Jean-Yves Duclos, Minister of Public Services and Procurement and Quebec Lieutenant
  • Karina Gould, Leader of the Government in the House of Commons
  • Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
  • Patty Hajdu, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario
  • Mark Holland, Minister of Health
  • Ahmed Hussen, Minister of International Development
  • Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
  • Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth
  • Mélanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs
  • Kamal Khera, Minister of Diversity, Inclusion and Persons with Disabilities
  • Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
  • Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard
  • Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
  • Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
  • Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
  • Mary Ng, Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development
  • Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
  • Ya’ara Saks, Minister of Mental Health and Addictions and Associate Minister of Health
  • Pascale St-Onge, Minister of Canadian Heritage
  • Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development
  • Rechie Valdez, Minister of Small Business
  • Arif Virani, Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Canada
  • Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources

 

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Trudeau Accused of “Phony Feminism” After Freeland’s Departure

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Trudeau Accused of "Phony Feminism"
Freeland's resignation letter didn't mention gender, but Trudeau accused of phoney feminism anyway

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a backlash for claiming to be a feminist after firing Chrystia Freeland as Finance Minister and replacing her with Dominic Leblanc on Tuesday.

Justin Trudeau has positioned himself as a feminist leader, a central element of his political identity. In 2015, Canada made history by appointing its first gender-equal cabinet, a significant step in the ongoing effort to champion women’s rights policies.

Trudeau aimed to solidify his reputation as a pioneer in the fight for gender equality. Recent accusations of “phoney feminism” have sparked a heated debate regarding the consistency between his statements and his actions.

Chrystia Freeland’s resignation from the cabinet has sparked criticism directed at Prime Minister Trudeau, raising questions about his approach to women in leadership roles.

Chrystia Freeland, previously regarded as one of Prime Minister Trudeau’s closest allies, has officially resigned from her position as Finance Minister. In her resignation letter, she notably omitted any reference to gender issues.

Freeland’s departure mirrors Trudeau’s removal of several high-profile women;

  • Jody Wilson-Raybould, former Attorney General, was removed in 2019 after the SNC-Lavalin controversy.
  • Jane Philpott, then President of the Treasury Board, was also ousted following her support for Wilson-Raybould.
  • Celina Caesar-Chavannes, a Liberal MP, left politics after claiming Trudeau didn’t handle internal disagreements well.

These firings have fuelled debates about his handling of women in leadership positions and made a mockery of his claims of being a feminist.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre criticized Trudeau for the optics of replacing Freeland with a male cabinet member, calling it evidence of Trudeau’s “fake feminism.”

“Just blame Chrystia Freeland and make her wear it all. Some feminist,” Poilievre said at a news conference on Tuesday.

The same week as Trudeau was insulting Americans for not electing a woman president, he was busy throwing his own woman deputy prime minister under the bus to replace her with a man, Poilievre commented.

Prominent Conservative MP Michelle Rempel Garner asked how any woman in that caucus could “defend that man instead of calling for an election now,” while Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Trudeau needed to start proving himself if he was going to keep declaring himself “to be such a supporter of women.”

MP Melissa Lantsman referred to an “old boys’ club” being in charge.

“It’s time for credible leadership in the seriousness of this moment, not the fake feminism of this phoney prime minister,” said Lantsman, who represents the Conservatives in the Thornhill riding.

Former Liberal MP Celina Caesar-Chavannes said she believes there is a pattern of female cabinet ministers who were “thrown under the bus” after “challenging someone whose name is Trudeau.”

Trudeau Defended

However, while Freeland’s resignation has sparked accusations of sexism, political experts suggest that focusing solely on gender may oversimplify the issue.

Freeland, an accomplished politician and the country’s first female Finance Minister left primarily due to policy disagreements. Her decision was less about being a powerful woman and more about divergent views on leadership and economic strategy.

Political scientist Dr. Melanee Thomas remarked that qualified women in politics often face frustrations when their expertise is dismissed.

She cautioned against reducing complex political dynamics to gender alone. By framing Freeland’s resignation solely as evidence of sexism, the broader challenges faced by all leaders in Trudeau’s cabinets—men and women alike—are overlooked.

Trudeau has remained relatively quiet, stating that Freeland’s departure was not an “easy day” for him.

Unlike previous controversies, he has not publicly defended his feminist credentials since Freeland’s resignation, leaving a vacuum for critics to dominate the narrative.

Over the years, Trudeau has said that “adding women changes politics,” presenting himself as an ally for feminist causes. His silence now begs the question: does he believe his track record speaks for itself, or is he struggling to respond to the growing skepticism?

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Liberal MPs Call on Trudeau to Resign

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is actually planning resignation
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau may actually planning to resign.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing extreme political pressure, with Liberal MPs publicly urging him to step down for the sake of the Liberal Party of Canada.

Yesterday, Trudeau faced a triple setback: the resignations of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland and Housing Minister Sean Fraser and a crushing byelection loss in British Columbia.

Trudeau is facing an uphill battle to maintain his grip on leadership as dissatisfaction among Liberal MPs is mounting. The recent events have added fuel to the fire.

Freeland, formerly one of Trudeau’s most prominent cabinet members, resigned in protest after allegedly being informed she’d be shuffled out of her role as finance minister. Many MPs believe this was poorly handled and symbolic of deeper issues within Trudeau’s leadership.

Adding insult to injury, the Liberals lost a B.C. byelection by 50 percentage points to the Conservatives—a seat they had held in the last general election. This loss has amplified concerns that Trudeau can no longer resonate with voters.

For the Good of the Party

Some Liberal MPs said Tuesday that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cannot continue as party leader and needs to resign for the party’s good.

Liberal MPs like Wayne Long and Ken Hardie are now outspoken critics, claiming that Trudeau’s leadership is a huge liability for the party. Long described the Prime Minister as “living in a false reality,” warning that staying the course could lead the Liberals to electoral disaster.

Ontario MP Francis Drouin, a longstanding defender of Trudeau, has joined the chorus of dissent. He doubted the party’s ability to move forward under Trudeau, saying, “I’ve been a great defender, but I just don’t see how we recover.”

Other MPs, including Alexandra Mendès and Sean Casey, have echoed similar sentiments. Mendès stated she was deeply affected by Freeland’s treatment, while Casey suggested that Trudeau no longer enjoys the confidence of the caucus.

The Liberal caucus appears more divided than ever, with roughly a third of MPs reportedly favouring Trudeau’s immediate resignation. According to Long, between 40 and 50 MPs actively push for his resignation, while around 50 remain loyal to him. The rest are seemingly undecided or staying silent.

Trudeau’s Unwillingness to relinquish power

This lack of unity is becoming a significant issue. MP Chad Collins admitted, “I can say we’re united.” He suggested a secret ballot within the caucus would reveal overwhelming opposition to Trudeau’s continued leadership.

At a Liberal caucus meeting today, Trudeau acknowledged the growing discontent; however, he hasn’t shown any signs of stepping down. He assured MPs he understood their concerns, but many doubted his willingness to relinquish power.

The Liberals are at a crossroads. Liberal MPs worry they could lose the next general election if Trudeau remains in office, with polls showing Trudeau’s public support hovering around 20 percent.
MPs have called for a change before it’s too late, calling Trudeau’s leadership a “drag” on the party’s prospects.

The internal division might deepen if Trudeau doesn’t resign. According to some political analysts, more backbenchers will switch sides against Trudeau, especially if they are left out of the next cabinet move.

One thing is certain: the Liberal Party must decide soon. The longer the ambiguity persists, the more difficult it will be to regain voters’ confidence. For now, Canadians are left wondering whether Trudeau’s tenure as prime minister is ending—or if he will beat the odds once more.

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Dominic LeBlanc Sworn in as Canada’s New Finance Minister

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