Maple News reports that a new study from Statistics Canada highlights stark regional differences in the earnings of newcomers arriving through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). According to the data, immigrants who settle in Ontario, British Columbia, and Alberta earn significantly more than those who choose less populous provinces.
The report reveals that as of 2020, PNP newcomers earned the following average annual salaries within one to two years of landing: Ontario at $59,600, British Columbia at $58,100, and Alberta at $54,200. These figures stand well above the averages observed in other regions, such as Atlantic Canada, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
The disparity in wages can be attributed to several factors. Chief among them are local economic conditions like unemployment rates and the professional and educational backgrounds of the immigrants. Greater competition for jobs in provinces with weaker economies often results in lower average earnings, even for skilled workers. For instance, while British Columbia recorded a 5.3% unemployment rate in November 2023, Newfoundland and Labrador’s rate was nearly double at 10%.
Statistics Canada also found that background characteristics such as education level, prior Canadian work or study experience, and language proficiency significantly influenced outcomes. Candidates with lower levels of education or limited pre-arrival experience often had a harder time securing high-paying positions.
The study didn’t just look at regional differences but also compared the outcomes of immigrants based on their chosen visa stream. Since 2005, newcomers arriving through Express Entry programs like the Federal Skilled Worker Program (FSWP) and the Canadian Experience Class (CEC) have seen stronger entry-level earnings compared to PNP entrants.
Maple News notes that these findings underline the importance of both immigration stream and settlement location on newcomer prosperity. While the PNP remains a vital pathway to Canadian permanent residency, particularly for those targeting specific provinces, Express Entry programs now consistently lead to higher initial incomes.
In summary, the economic success of immigrants in Canada is shaped not only by the province they settle in but also by their education, experience, and the immigration program they use. As Canada continues to evolve its immigration policies, such insights can inform decisions for both policymakers and aspiring newcomers.