From lifestyle changes to climate change, why some Canadians are delaying having children
CTV
Some Canadians feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when considering starting a family, while others are concerned about what their child's future could look like.
Some Canadians feel stuck between a rock and a hard place when considering starting a family, while others are concerned about what their child's future could look like.
CTV News asked Canadians to explain why they're delaying their family planning, and, naturally, many pointed to a higher cost of living coupled with fears of being unable to adequately provide for their prospective little ones.
Even though Ashley Ruhl, 31, says she and her fiancé have minimal debt and a combined income of more than $100,000, she can't fathom how they can afford to have a kid when they are already struggling to buy a house in London, Ont.
"How in the world am I supposed to bring life into this world? To raise a child I feel it deserves the best start. It's our next generation we're raising," Ruhl told CTVNews.ca via email.
"(They) deserve education, healthcare, sports, social activities. I can't guarantee that I will even have a roof over my head let alone be able to afford to put my future kid in sports."
Affordable housing is top of mind for most Canadians, according to a recent survey, with the average cost of a home across the country hovering around $696,179 in June. Average asking rents for a one-bedroom in Canada sat at $1,918 in June, which is up 7.7 per cent from 2023, while two-bedrooms sat at just over $2,300.
"Why would I have a child knowing that I will probably end up relying on government help, child tax credits, etc. We are forced to pay $2,500 a month for rent but aren't given the opportunity to own but yet can have children freely and get on welfare for the ultimate discounts and programs," Ruhl said.
