Cost of housing is hurting more Canadians than it was 2 years ago, says StatsCan

Affordable housing remains top of mind for many Canadians who are dealing with the ongoing cost of living crisis.

A new Statistics Canada report shows more people are having a tough time meeting their daily expenses than they were two years ago.

According to the report, 45 per cent say rising prices are hurting their bottom line, compared to 33 per cent in 2022.

The report says younger adults are particularly concerned about rising prices, especially when it comes to housing.

Peter Waldkirch is the director of Abundant Housing Vancouver, which advocates for more housing in Vancouver and across B.C. He says the housing crisis affects every aspect of life in the city.

“I think some people who have stable housing, who bought housing decades ago, sometimes don’t really appreciate how difficult it is, especially for young people, to make it in this city,” he said.

While B.C.’s housing ministry has forced municipalities to commit to new housing targets — legislated for more density around transit — and put millions into building new homes, Waldkirch says it hasn’t been strong enough.

“Especially for younger people, for renters, for people who are trying to start a family, it is impossible to actually build a life here in Vancouver because housing is so expensive,” he said.

“And that’s driven by our severe housing shortage. Sadly, over the last two years, things haven’t been getting better. At the provincial level, the government has instituted some strong pro-housing policies, which is a step in the right direction, but I think how severe the crisis is, shows we need bold action from our leaders – and I don’t think we’re really getting it yet.”

Statistics Canada’s report also says families with children and people with disabilities are also struggling with daily expenses.

With files from Maria Vinca.