March 2025
Spotlight on data and research
Recent trends in migration flows from the United States to Canada
Canada has long been a destination for Americans expatriates due to its proximity and similar socioeconomic lifestyle. Migration flows from the U.S. to Canada have fluctuated in response to economic, political and social factors. This study highlights some major shifts over the past four decades.
In the early 1980s, nearly all U.S. immigrants to Canada were U.S. citizens, with most born and last residing in the U.S. In contrast, in the early 2020s, over three-quarters of U.S. immigrants were either U.S. non-citizen residents or U.S. citizens who were former temporary residents in Canada. These changes likely stem from the large increase of temporary foreign workers in Canada, and evolving U.S. immigration policies.
The number of U.S. non-citizen residents moving to Canada quadrupled from 2016 to 2019 before the COVID-19 restrictions were placed on international travel. Meanwhile, Canadian permanent residents returning from the U.S. increased by 15% from 2016 to 2021.
Familial support in entering the Canadian housing market
This article found that from 2019 to 2023 there was an increase in the amount Canadian homeowners received from their families, in the form of an inheritance or down payment gift, to help enter the housing market.
In 2019, three in ten homeowners reported receiving an inheritance at a median value of $67,000, while two in ten renters received a median value of $33,000. During the years of the COVID-19 pandemic, the value of homes appreciated strongly, but inheritances for homeowners increased as well. By 2023, the median inheritance Canadian homeowners received went up to $85,100.
Financial support from relatives was more common among young families whose primary owner was under 35. Although fewer young families had received an inheritance than older families, homeowners under 35 years of age were twice as likely to report that at least part of their down payment was a gift (18%). In addition, 6% reported living in a home that was acquired in part or in full from a gift.
Leveraging Statistics Canada data integration opportunities for program evaluation
Data collected as part of a government program can be integrated with Statistics Canada data to provide a far more comprehensive program evaluation than program data alone can offer. Statistics Canada researchers can also assist program providers in analyzing the data as part of the program evaluation.
This article discusses the many benefits of combining program data with Statistics Canada data in the conduct of a program evaluation, the steps involved in the data integration process, and the expert analytical services that Statistics Canada researchers can provide. It also summarizes a recent example of an evaluation of the Canada Summer Jobs program that benefited from Statistics Canada data and research services.
Insights
Responsiveness of small businesses to corporate income taxation in Canada
This study examines how private small businesses in Canada react to small business deduction taxation thresholds. Results indicate that there is large and significant bunching (or clustering) of firms at six small business deduction thresholds between 2001 to 2019.
Furthermore, by examining firms’ reactions to changes in the small business deduction threshold, the study establishes that bunching is highly persistent. After an increase in the threshold, many Canadian-controlled private corporations bunch at the new threshold within a year. The analysis suggests tax planning to avoid crossing the small business deduction threshold, rather that changes in economic behavior, were responsible.
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