Should I stay or should I go?

To deepen our community’s understanding of why young English-speaking Quebecers choose to remain in Québec or leave for opportunities elsewhere, Youth 4 Youth Québec launched its longitudinal research project, Should I Stay or Should I Go?, in September 2025.

Over a 2 year period, a cohort of 30 English-speaking youth from across Québec are being followed as they navigate important life transitions related to education, employment, housing, finances, identity, and belonging. Approximately every two months, participants complete a survey exploring how these experiences shape their plans for the future and their relationship with Québec.

By tracking the same participants over time, the project aims to provide a deeper understanding of the factors influencing whether young English-speaking Quebecers envision building their futures in the province. The study is expected to conclude in March 2027, and Y4Y plans to share its findings with the community in the months that follow.

If you have questions about this research, please email alex.pettem@y4yquebec.org

Research led by:

Alexandre Pettem
Director of Policy