There are many benefits to living in the UK. For starters, there’s free healthcare, free public education, a great social scene with lively pubs, thousands of music venues, great transport, and every summer, you get to watch Ben Stokes hit nearly every other country for six in cricket test matches.
Things are pretty good. So why are more Britons than ever travelling across the Atlantic to live in Canada? According to recent statistics, there has been a nearly 10% increase in British residents moving to Canada over the last few years, with residents born in Britain amounting to approximately 2% of the population – 600,000 residents overall.
So what have the British immigrants found in Canada that couldn’t be here in the UK? Similarly, is moving to Canada really a good idea in 2023 if you have called the UK your home since you were born?
The Cost-Of-Living
There is no doubt that the cost of living has been affecting the whole world, but the UK has certainly been feeling the pinch more than some other countries.
The cost of living in Canada vs UK, according to the Numbeo’s cost-of-living index, shows that Canada has a better score of 63.70 compared to the UK’s 69.87. In this way, Canada represents an opportunity to work and save – without the majority of your earnings going into rent, bills, or supplies.
The Recruitment Possibilities
Speaking of work, Canada also has better recruitment opportunities when it comes to the range of industries and fields in need of a larger labour force. This is part of the reason why Canada is aiming to welcome 1.5 million immigrants by the end of 2025.
Because the country has a low fertility rate, the country is looking to make immigrants responsible for 100% of their population rate over the next ten years, helping to keep their economy strong and thriving amid the global financial turmoil. For this reason, there are countless jobs that are looking to recruit immigrants with certain skills, and the process of getting there has become more streamlined too.
The Crime Rate
Crime is a part of every country, but the UK has certainly been growing more aware of the crime issues that are plaguing the country. In 2023, a BRC Crime Survey showed an increasing pattern of violence throughout the UK, with police recording a crime increase of 14% towards the end of 2022. While the UK is struggling with its crime rate, however, Canada is named among the top ten safest nations in the world, with a crime rate that is 23% less than the UK.
As mentioned before, of course, no country is without crime. But Canada certainly offers more chances of a peaceful livelihood for immigrants and their families. This also ties into the fact that Canada is one of the most welcoming multicultural countries in the world. This means that, while Britons might be travelling thousands of miles to get there, it doesn’t take very long for them to feel at home.
Of course, whether you choose to stay in the UK or move to Canada is up to you. But with Canada offering so much to skilled immigrants looking for a new way of life, it’s hard to argue that it’s a bad idea!