Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been focusing on a key economic concern during his election campaign: the idea that Canadians are finding it harder to achieve the same standard of living as their parents. This concept, known as “downward social mobility,” has become a central theme in Poilievre’s messaging.
During a recent campaign stop, Poilievre referenced a study showing that 56 percent of young Canadians are experiencing downward mobility compared to their parents. This statistic comes from research conducted by Statistics Canada and published in 2021.
The study tracked children born between 1963 and 1982 and compared their incomes to their parents’ when both groups were in their 30s. The research found that while most Canadians born in the 1960s earned more than their parents, this trend reversed for younger generations. For those born in the early 1980s, more than half were earning less than their parents did at the same age.
This decline in economic opportunity crosses education levels. Even young Canadians with university degrees are experiencing this downward trend, especially those born after 1980. The researchers noted that these patterns don’t just reflect temporary economic conditions but point to more persistent changes in economic opportunity.
Several factors contribute to this situation. Rising housing costs have made homeownership increasingly difficult for younger generations. Additionally, the changing nature of work, with more temporary and contract positions replacing stable career jobs, has affected income security.
Economists point out that while Canada’s overall economy has grown, the benefits haven’t been shared equally across generations. The Statistics Canada research showed that income inequality has increased within younger cohorts compared to their parents’ generation.
The decline in social mobility isn’t unique to Canada. Similar patterns have been observed in the United States and other developed countries, though some European nations with different social policies have managed to maintain higher mobility rates.
While Poilievre has cited this research to criticize current government policies, experts note that the trend began decades ago and spans multiple governments of different political parties. The report itself doesn’t assign blame to specific policies but rather identifies a long-term economic shift.
The social mobility issue has resonated with many voters who worry about their children’s future prospects. Polling shows economic concerns, particularly around cost of living and housing affordability, rank among the top issues for Canadian voters in the current election.
All major political parties have proposed different solutions to address these concerns, from housing initiatives to tax reforms and education investments. The debate continues about which policies would best reverse the trend and improve economic opportunities for younger Canadians.
