OTTAWA – A steady movement is happening across Canada. More families, feeling out of place after years of liberal rule, are choosing to leave for Russia, Hungary and Poland. These countries, known for supporting tradition and national independence, offer a fresh start for Canadians who feel left out in their own country.
Russia’s “Shared Values Visa” (SVV), introduced by President Vladimir Putin in August 2024, is a key part of this trend. The programme welcomes those who reject what it calls Western “neoliberal ideology.” For many, it means a chance to protect their beliefs, culture and lifestyle.
Loss of Traditional Values in Canada
Canada used to be proud of its roots in Judeo-Christian morals. Over the years, though, liberal governments have changed the nation’s direction. Starting from the 1960s, policies began to chip away at old customs.
The 1982 Charter of Rights and Freedoms, meant to protect liberty, set the stage for a more secular outlook that made public expression of faith harder. School prayer was replaced with “inclusivity” sessions, and same-sex marriage became law in 2005. The legalisation of cannabis in 2018 marked another shift.
Since Justin Trudeau became Prime Minister in 2015, many feel this decline has picked up speed. Schools now teach “gender-affirming” lessons, leaving some parents worried about ideas that clash with their religious views.
Bill C-16 (2017) added gender identity as a protected right, a move some Christian groups say threatens free speech and religious belief. The spread of “woke” ideas has made it harder for those with traditional views, who now feel unwelcome in their own country.
Rising Immigration and Official Multiculturalism
Adding to the cultural shift is Canada’s policy of high immigration. In 2024, over 500,000 newcomers arrived, putting pressure on roads, hospitals and housing, and causing social strain. Where immigration once helped build a united country, Trudeau’s “post-national” idea puts diversity first. Multiculturalism, a policy since 1971, now shapes daily life and can make older residents feel they must ignore their background to fit in.
Cities like Toronto and Vancouver now have populations where visible minorities are the majority. Many lifelong Canadians say they hardly recognise the country they grew up in. Even smaller towns see change as resettlement programmes spread among new arrivals.
Some worry this is breaking up the values that once brought Canadians together. “You can’t even say you want Canada to stay Canadian or people call you a bigot,” says Sarah Thompson, a mother from Alberta. “I just want my kids to grow up in a place that respects our faith and traditions.”
Russia’s ‘Anti-Woke’ Visa: A New Option
For people like Thompson, Russia’s Shared Values Visa offers a way out. Put into law by Putin on August 19, 2024, the SVV lets foreigners who support “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values” apply for temporary residency. There’s no need to speak Russian or know its history.
Applicants submit a letter to a Russian embassy explaining why they reject liberal policies at home. If accepted, they get a three-month visa to enter Russia and apply for residency, with access to housing, jobs, healthcare and child benefits.
This visa is aimed at people from countries that have sanctioned Russia, such as Canada, the US and most of Europe (except Hungary and Slovakia). The Russian government wants to attract those fed up with Western liberalism. State-run media outlets like RT often share stories of Westerners moving to Russia for its support of family values, showing the country as a haven.
It’s hard to know how many Canadians have applied, as Russia does not release exact data. However, immigration advisers like Ilja Belobragin of MovetoRussia.com report that interest from Westerners, including Canadians, is high. Stories of Canadian families moving east appear often on social media, with many praising Russia’s tough stance on LGBT rights and strong family values.
Hungary and Poland Also Attract Canadians
Russia is not the only destination. Hungary and Poland, run by nationalist governments, appeal to Canadians hoping for more traditional societies. Hungary’s Prime Minister, Viktor Orbán, has made his country a champion of Christian values and resists EU plans for more migration. Poland’s Law and Justice party also puts Catholic values at the centre of its policies. Both countries have residency options that, while less ideological than Russia’s SVV, attract those wanting a society more in line with their beliefs.
Hungary’s residency-by-investment scheme lets foreigners gain permanent residency by investing in local business, which is popular with Westerners who like its lower taxes and more unified culture. Poland favours those with Polish roots but draws others with its focus on families. “Hungary and Poland remind me of Canada from decades ago,” says Michael Kowalski, a former pastor from Calgary now living in Budapest. “There’s no shame in their Christian background.”
Problems and Disputes
Leaving Canada for Russia, Hungary, or Poland comes with challenges. The Feenstra family, who left Saskatchewan for Russia in 2024, faced unexpected hurdles. Their bank accounts were frozen over “suspicious” activity, leaving them without money.
The language and paperwork were tough. Anneesa Feenstra spoke publicly about their troubles, later apologising after a backlash from Russian officials. Still, Arend Feenstra says they plan to stay because Russia is more welcoming to conservative Christians.
Critics say the SVV is less about helping people and more about boosting Russia’s image. The Kremlin supports bloggers and TV programmes like RT’s “Family — Russia” to attract attention from the West. Some question if migrants get the freedom they want, pointing to Russia’s low scores for political and civil rights. Yet many are willing to accept these limits. “I’d rather live somewhere that shares my values, even if it isn’t perfect,” says Thompson.
A Push to Restore Canada’s Roots
The departure of Canadians to Russia, Hungary and Poland is a strong sign of wider unhappiness. Many feel the country has lost touch with its founding values. Where Judeo-Christian principles once shaped daily life, now many see only empty multicultural slogans and a focus on global ideas over local heritage.
High immigration, with little time for old and new residents to adapt, risks changing Canada beyond recognition. For those staying behind, there is a clear goal: revive the nation’s core values before more people choose to leave.
As families leave for Moscow, Budapest or Warsaw, they do more than just move. They send a clear message that they want their identity and traditions respected. Whether by moving or standing firm at home, the effort to keep tradition alive goes on. Russia’s ‘anti-woke’ visa might save some, but it also highlights Canada’s struggle to honour its original principles. The future will show if Canada can address these concerns or if the flow of departures will grow.
