A new survey reveals that 67% of Canadians believe the cost of living has reached its worst point in their memory, significantly higher than the 46% of Americans reporting similar concerns.
The study found that grocery prices are the top financial pressure, at 81%, followed by housing costs at 50%.
While affordability dominates the political agenda across all regions and age groups, 24% of Canadians identify immigration and refugees as a priority issue requiring government attention.
The findings suggest that despite various government interventions, household financial strain continues to intensify heading into 2026.
#cost_of_living, #canada_affordability, #housing_costs, #immigration_canada, #survey
December 17, 2025
Canada's postsecondary sector faces mounting challenges as international student arrivals plunged 60% between January and September 2025 compared to the previous year, following government-imposed caps designed to ease housing pressures.
The dramatic decline has triggered financial losses exceeding $140 million across just six Ontario institutions, while British Columbia anticipates annual losses surpassing $300 million.
Ontario colleges have suspended 600 programs and eliminated up to 10,000 positions. Saskatchewan Polytechnic reports a 40% decline in enrollment and significant revenue shortfalls.
Experts warn that the crisis extends beyond finances, with reduced capacity for domestic student programs, research activities, and essential student services, including mental health support and work-integrated learning opportunities.
#international_students, #higher_education_crisis, #postsecondary_funding, #immigration_canada, #student_enrollment, #canadian_colleges, #study_in_canada
December 15, 2025
A comprehensive analysis released by Statistics Canada on December 11, 2025, shows that non-permanent residents represented less than half a percent of all homeowners across Canadian provinces at the beginning of 2022.
The data indicate homeownership among this population ranged from 0.10% in Alberta to 0.39% in Prince Edward Island. Researchers found that while the non-permanent resident population surged from 1.4 million to over 3 million between early 2022 and 2025, their presence in the ownership market remained minimal.
These findings suggest population growth among temporary residents primarily impacts rental housing demand rather than home sales, though increased rental demand may indirectly influence investor activity in residential property markets.
#non_permanent_residents, #canada_housing_market, #statistics_canada, #homeownership_data, #canadian_real_estate, #immigration_housing, #rental_market_canada, #housing_affordability, #temporary_residents, #housing_statistics
December 15, 2025
The Canadian Council for Refugees has appointed Asma Faizi as its new President following the organization's Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg on November 20, 2025.
Faizi brings decades of advocacy experience to the role, having previously co-chaired the Overseas Protection and Resettlement Working Group and currently serving on multiple CCR committees.
A former Afghan refugee, she has led the Afghan Women's Organization Refugee and Immigrant Services since 2008. Basel Abou Hamrah, a settlement practitioner from Edmonton's Newcomer Centre, was elected Vice President. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to protecting refugees' rights amid rising global displacement.
#asma_faizi, #canadian_council_for_refugees
December 12, 2025
