Nearly half of Canadians—45%—are highly concerned about housing affordability as the rising costs of rent and homeownership strain household budgets. This is among the findings of the latest Canadian Social Survey (CSS) focused on quality of life, health, and housing costs, released by Statistics Canada on Tuesday.
Affordability is not the only hurdle Canadians face; the report highlights challenges related to housing suitability, condition, and discrimination in securing a place to live. These issues underscore a growing crisis in meeting the basic housing standards outlined in the National Housing Strategy Act, which calls for housing that is secure, affordable, habitable, and culturally appropriate, said the federal agency.
Housing Costs Taking a Toll on Canadians
Between August 2 and September 15, 2024, nearly one-third (34%) of Canadians said rising housing costs caused financial strain, with 45% expressing grave concerns about their ability to afford housing. Young adults aged 20–35 were particularly affected, with 59% worried about affordability compared to 38% of those aged 36 and older.
Statistics Canada’s report shows the cost of renting rose 8% year-over-year in September, further squeezing renters, who make up 35% of young adults—a significantly higher proportion than among older Canadians (23%).
Beyond Affordability: Challenges of Suitability and Discrimination
Housing challenges extend beyond finances. Nearly one in ten Canadians (10%) are dissatisfied with the condition of their home, citing issues like disrepair or inadequate protection from weather. Suitability is another issue, with 9% dissatisfied with their home’s space or number of bedrooms.
Discrimination remains a barrier for some. Two percent of Canadians reported discrimination while seeking housing, with racialized groups disproportionately affected. Among racialized Canadians, 3% reported discrimination compared to 1% of non-racialized individuals, according to the StatsCan report.
Regional and Demographic Disparities
The housing crisis does not impact all Canadians equally. Young adults and racialized Canadians are more likely to face at least one housing challenge, with 83% of young adults and 81% of racialized individuals reporting issues compared to 62% of older Canadians and 63% of non-racialized individuals.
Challenges also vary by region. Canadians in Ontario (74%) and British Columbia (72%) are most likely to report housing difficulties, while those in Quebec (56%) report fewer problems.
Impact on Quality of Life
Housing struggles deeply affect well-being. The survey found only 36% of Canadians facing housing challenges reported high life satisfaction, compared to 70% of those without housing issues. These challenges also diminished satisfaction with local environments and community belonging, compounding the mental and emotional toll.
A Call to Action
With nearly 70% of Canadians experiencing at least one housing-related issue, Statistics Canada’s findings highlight the urgency of addressing affordability and suitability concerns to improve quality of life across the country.
For policymakers, advocates, and communities, this report serves as a stark reminder: housing is not just a financial issue—it’s a foundation for health, stability, and opportunity.
Mario Toneguzzi
Mario Toneguzzi is Managing Editor of Canada’s Podcast. He has more than 40 years of experience as a daily newspaper writer, columnist, and editor. He was named in 2021 as one of the Top 10 Business Journalists in the World by PR News – the only Canadian to make the list. He was also named by RETHINK to its global list of Top Retail Experts 2024.
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