SoloS16April 15, 2026

They Want Your Kid To Pay This

How a controversial proposal to charge graduates for leaving Canada sparked debate about brain drain, tax policy, and the departure tax rules many Canadians already face.

Show Notes

A proposal was floated suggesting Canadian graduates should pay $500,000 if they leave the country to work abroad.

It sounds extreme — but ideas like this often start as applause lines before becoming policy discussions.

And what many people don’t realize is Canada already has something similar: an exit tax.

In This Solo, We Cover:

• The proposal to charge graduates for leaving Canada

• Why this targets young professionals – not wealthy taxpayers

• How Canada's existing departure tax already works

• Who actually pays departure tax – and who doesn't

• Why a 25-year-old graduate would typically owe nothing

• The bigger issue: why skilled Canadians are leaving

This isn't just about one idea – it's about how policy ideas star, evolve, and eventually affect real people.

If you have kids studying in Canada or thinking about working abroad, this conversation directly impacts their future.

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