Are fewer Canadians having children?
In 1915, babies made up 2.6% of the Canadian population, according to Statistics Canada. The number of Canadians under the age of one fluctuated over the years, peaking during the baby boomer era before declining in the 1970s.
Recent data suggests the COVID-19 pandemic affected birth rates in Canada. There were 374,617 reported births in 2018, but this number fell to 351,679 in 2022. Statistics Canada estimates that newborns will constitute about 1% of the population for the next twenty years.
A September report from Statistics Canada noted that those aged 20 to 29 are delaying family planning due to affordability concerns. High living costs, such as unaffordable housing and expensive groceries, along with rising unemployment, are significant factors. Statistics Canada also highlighted that today’s youth spend more on housing than previous generations.
“The affordability concerns facing youth are influencing their choices, such as where to live and whether to have children, in ways that are expected to affect Canada’s long-term demographic and geographic composition,” the report stated.
Economic stressors are also impacting Canadians’ mental health. The Canadian Institute for Health Information reported that 29% of adults aged 18 and older experienced depression, anxiety, or another mental health issue last year, up from 20% in 2016.
If you are reconsidering having children, we want to hear from you. What factors are influencing your decision? What changes would enable you to start a family? Please share your age and general location with us.
