Canadian Youth Face Delayed Milestones as Housing Crisis Deepens, Fertility Rate Hits 1.26

Eric Lombardi, a prominent Canadian commentator, recently articulated the profound societal impact of Canada's housing crisis, characterizing it as a "milestone recession" that is actively delaying and erasing traditional adult life benchmarks for the younger generation. This pervasive crisis extends beyond mere financial strain, significantly influencing critical life decisions from achieving homeownership to establishing families, and is notably linked to the nation's record-low fertility rate.

Lombardi stated in his widely circulated tweet, "Our country is facing a milestone recession: a broad, intergenerational collapse in the ability to hit the benchmarks that once signalled independence and progress in adulthood." This societal shift manifests in young people prolonging their education due to uncertain job markets and weak entry-level wages, and remaining in their parental homes because market rents remain largely unaffordable, even for those with decent incomes.

The escalating housing challenges are directly impacting family formation. Young Canadians are increasingly delaying partnerships, marriage, and having children, perceiving that a stable, independent life remains out of reach. This trend is reflected in national statistics, with Statistics Canada reporting the country's fertility rate plummeted to a record low of 1.26 births per woman in 2023, positioning Canada among "lowest-low fertility countries" globally, alongside nations like South Korea and Japan.

This significant financial burden compels many to either postpone parenthood or, in some cases, have fewer children than they initially desired, often under increased stress. As Lombardi highlighted, "Housing is not the only reason for Canada’s record-low fertility rate, but it is a significant one, compounded by a deeper cultural sentiment: that the future feels less secure, less free, and less worth betting on." A 2023 survey by Abacus Data further underscored this, revealing that 55% of young Canadians planning to have children cited the housing crisis as a direct influence on their decision and the timing of starting a family.

The pervasive sentiment of shrinking expectations and a perceived breaking of the promise for generational progress is, according to Lombardi, "hollowing out our culture." Experts and various reports, including those from Youthful Cities and Statistics Canada, consistently emphasize that this crisis is not just an economic challenge but a deeply personal one, impacting mental health and overall well-being, and necessitating urgent, comprehensive policy interventions from all levels of government.