The ‘Brain Drain’

Explores the emigration of high-skill workers from Canada to the United States and the cost of this ‘brain drain’.

‘Brain Drain’ refers to the emigration of highly skilled Canadian workers to the United States. Some economists identify it as a significant and growing problem. They prescribe a variety of remedies. However, a second group of economists argue that it is not a problem. This essay concludes that it is not a significant problem; Canada enjoys a net ‘brain-gain’ and examines the ideological agenda motivating the advocates of a crisis.