Pierre Poilievre says Canada’s declining birth rate is closely tied to the country’s worsening affordability crisis, arguing that economic pressures are discouraging younger Canadians from starting families and threatening the country’s long-term demographic stability.
In a recent appearance on the The Diary of a CEO podcast, the Conservative Party of Canada leader pointed to rising housing costs and the broader cost of living as key factors behind delayed parenthood. According to Poilievre, many young adults simply cannot afford the financial stability required to raise children in today’s economic environment.
“If you cannot afford a home, then you have no place to raise children,” he said, noting that a growing number of Canadians in their 20s and 30s remain living with parents or in small rental units because homeownership is increasingly out of reach.
Housing and cost pressures shaping family decisions
Poilievre’s comments reflect a broader trend documented by economists and demographic researchers: Canada’s fertility rate has been steadily declining for years, reaching historic lows as housing prices, rent, and everyday expenses continue to rise.
High home prices in major urban centres, combined with increased mortgage rates, food costs, and transportation expenses, have made it more difficult for young families to plan for children. Many couples are choosing to delay starting families until they feel financially secure, while others are opting to have fewer children or none at all.
The affordability crisis, Poilievre argues, is at the centre of this shift. Without stable housing and predictable expenses, long-term family planning becomes a financial risk rather than a life milestone.
Immigration and labour market concerns
Poilievre also raised concerns about federal immigration and labour policies, particularly the expansion of international student and temporary foreign worker programs. He argued that rapid population growth without corresponding increases in housing supply can put additional pressure on the housing market and wages.
According to this perspective, increased demand for housing and labour competition can contribute to wage stagnation and rising rents, making it even harder for younger Canadians to achieve financial independence. As fewer Canadians feel economically secure enough to start families, governments may become increasingly reliant on immigration to sustain population growth and economic productivity.
Supporters of federal immigration policy, however, argue that newcomers are essential to addressing labour shortages, supporting economic growth, and offsetting the effects of an aging population. Many economists note that immigration has long been a cornerstone of Canada’s economic strategy and helps maintain workforce stability as birth rates decline.
Broader social and cultural influences
While economic pressures play a major role, Canada’s declining birth rate is also shaped by broader social and cultural changes. Rising childcare costs, evolving career priorities, later marriages, and changing family structures all contribute to shifting attitudes toward parenthood.
Access to affordable childcare remains a major concern for many families, even as federal and provincial governments work to expand $10-a-day childcare programs. For some households, the cost of raising children — including daycare, education, and basic living expenses — remains a significant financial burden.
At the same time, younger generations are increasingly prioritizing financial stability, career development, and housing security before starting families, a shift that mirrors trends seen in many developed countries.
Long-term economic implications
Canada’s declining birth rate carries significant long-term implications for the economy and social programs. An aging population means fewer workers supporting a growing number of retirees, placing pressure on healthcare systems, pensions, and government budgets.
Lower fertility rates can also slow economic growth, reduce consumer demand, and create labour shortages in key sectors. Without enough young workers entering the workforce, governments may face increasing challenges maintaining economic stability and funding public services.
Demographers warn that once fertility rates fall below replacement levels for extended periods, reversing the trend becomes difficult without major policy changes or sustained immigration.
Poilievre calls for affordability-focused solutions
To address the issue, Poilievre emphasized the need for broad affordability reforms, particularly in housing. He argued that increasing home construction, reducing regulatory barriers, and lowering costs would give younger Canadians greater confidence to start families.
The core of his argument is straightforward: when people can afford stable housing and everyday living expenses, they are more likely to plan for children and invest in long-term family life.
“If we make homes affordable and lower the cost of living, more Canadians will feel they can build a future here,” he said.
A growing national conversation
Poilievre’s comments reflect a wider national conversation about how affordability, immigration, and economic policy intersect with demographic trends. As Canada continues to grapple with rising costs and population pressures, the question of how to support family formation and long-term population growth is becoming increasingly urgent.
Whether through housing reform, childcare expansion, immigration adjustments, or broader economic policy changes, addressing the root causes of declining birth rates is likely to remain a central issue in Canadian politics and public policy for years to come.
In the end, the debate is not just about population numbers — it is about whether younger Canadians can realistically afford to build stable lives and raise families in the country they call home.
