News. For Newcomers | June 24, 2026

IRCC has held its second Physicians with Canadian Work Experience draw of 2026, inviting 271 Express Entry candidates to apply for permanent residence.

The minimum CRS score was 223, higher than the first physicians draw in February but still very low by Express Entry standards. This suggests IRCC continues to invite most eligible physicians who have at least one year of Canadian work experience.

Earlier this month, we asked our newsletter readers how they feel about Canadian immigration in 2026, and the results are now in.

Here’s what 661 respondents told us:

Read the full survey results to see what newcomers and future immigrants are thinking about Canada’s immigration system right now.

Canada’s population has declined for the third quarter in a row, according to new Statistics Canada data. As of April 1, 2026, Canada’s population was about 41.4 million, down from a record high of 41.7 million in July 2025.

The main reason is not that immigration has stopped. Instead, Canada is seeing fewer temporary residents arrive, lower permanent resident targets, and more people leaving the country.

This follows several years of very fast population growth, driven largely by international students, temporary workers, and permanent residents. Even after the recent decline, Canada still has about 3.4 million more people than it did in 2020.

The bigger question now is what slower population growth means for Canada’s economy, housing market, and long-term labour needs.

As Alberta prepares for a referendum, a new CBC report looks at what Canada can learn from Brexit 10 years later.

While supporters hoped Brexit would reduce immigration and strengthen the economy, the UK continues to face labour shortages, higher costs, and political divisions.

For newcomers to Canada, the story is a reminder of how closely immigration is tied to a country’s economy. Many sectors in the UK that relied on immigrant workers have struggled to fill jobs since Brexit, highlighting the important role newcomers play in supporting businesses, public services, and economic growth.

As Canada continues to adjust its own immigration system, Brexit offers an interesting case study in how major policy changes can have long-lasting and sometimes unexpected consequences.

A new survey highlights just how difficult it has become for many Canadians to build financial security. Despite earning above-average salaries, nearly half of Canadian nurses say they would struggle to cover a $1,000 emergency expense without borrowing money.

The findings point to a growing challenge facing many middle-income households: rising housing costs, food prices, debt payments, and everyday expenses are making it harder to save, even for professionals with stable careers.

One of the most effective ways to reduce financial stress is to create a realistic budget and build an emergency fund over time. Even small automatic contributions can add up and help protect you from unexpected expenses.

Try our free Budget Calculator to see where your money is going, or learn about different types of budgeting and how to start building an emergency fund that works for your situation.

And if you are in Canada you can book a no-obligation appointment with a Scotiabank advisor and get guidance tailored to your situation.

While remote work is still available, many Canadian employers have shifted toward hybrid or in-office arrangements. By late 2025, only 11% of new job postings were fully remote, while hybrid roles accounted for 28% of openings.

If you’re hoping to work remotely, keep these tips in mind:

Remote work isn’t gone, but it’s no longer the norm. Understanding what employers expect can help you focus your job search and improve your chances of landing a flexible role.

Housing affordability has improved in most Canadian cities over the past two years, but many people in Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal still feel home ownership is out of reach.

A new Royal LePage survey found that 51% of residents in Canada’s three largest urban areas would consider moving to a more affordable city if they could find a local job or work remotely.

Some key findings:

Thinking about where to build your future in Canada? Explore our list of the most affordable cities in Canada and see which communities offer the best mix of affordability, job opportunities, and quality of life.