Russians in Canada Seek Return Amid Rising Xenophobia
Russia's embassy in Ottawa reported a surge in interest among Russian nationals in Canada to relocate to Russia due to declining living standards, rising xenophobia, and economic hardships. The embassy also noted increased applications from Canadian citizens seeking visas under a presidential decree supporting those who share traditional Russian values.
Consensus
- Russia's embassy in Ottawa reported increased interest from Russian nationals in Canada in relocating to Russia.
- The number of participants in the state program for voluntary resettlement of compatriots abroad reached 61 in the first half of 2026.
- Applications for relocation come from nearly all Canadian provinces.
- The highest activity is observed in Alberta, Ontario, and Manitoba, where large Russian-speaking communities reside.
- Key reasons for relocation include declining quality of life, economic difficulties, and rising xenophobia.
- Applicants cite the intention to settle permanently in Russia.
- The embassy also receives applications from Canadian citizens interested in visas under a presidential decree supporting individuals who share traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.
Points of divergence
- The embassy reported that citizens of Germany have received 69 visas under the same presidential decree in 2025–2026, and that residents of Norway and other EU countries are also applying to the program. — vm
- The embassy confirmed that interest in relocation is growing not only among Russian nationals but also among native Canadians, with applications for visas under the presidential decree being regularly received. — vesti
- The embassy cited 'aggressive liberal agenda' and 'obvious decline in quality of life' as key reasons for emigration, without mentioning the role of ultra-nationalist groups or specific mention of native Canadian applicants. — kommersant
Coverage (4 sources)
- Izvestia: Russians are becoming more active in leaving Canada due to anti-Russian sentiment — Вечерняя Москва
- In the Russian Embassy, the reason for the outflow of Russians from Canada was revealed — Коммерсантъ
- Russians living in Canada are becoming more interested in moving back to the Motherland due to declining quality of life and intensifying... — ТАСС (Telegram)
- In Canada, demand for moving to Russia is growing amid rising Russophobia — Вести