What does ‘middle class’ mean in Canada, and who does it leave behind?

The middle class has always been a key demographic for Canadian politicians, with promises of tax cuts and breaks being a common theme during election campaigns. However, the definition of what it means to be middle class has evolved over time, especially for younger adults who are finding it increasingly difficult to achieve the traditional markers of middle-class status.

According to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, anyone earning between 75 per cent and 200 per cent of the median household income after tax falls within the middle-class range. In Canada, this translates to a wide income range of $52,875 to $141,000. For many young Canadians, reaching this income level is a challenge.

Opeyemi Kehinde, a third-year nursing student and mother of five, works part-time as a personal support worker while juggling school and family responsibilities. Despite her hard work, she struggles to make ends meet and doesn’t see herself as part of the middle class. For her, being middle class simply means being able to survive for two weeks without a paycheque, a threshold her family currently does not meet.

The 2023 Great Canadian Class Study found that 42 per cent of Canadians consider themselves middle class, but the term is murky and hard to define. University of Alberta sociology professor Michelle Maroto believes that a more progressive taxation system could help level the playing field and make it easier for young adults to achieve middle-class status.

Sam Reusch, the executive director of a charity called Apathy is Boring, notes that the meaning of being middle class has changed for younger Canadians. Many are focused on basic needs like paying rent and buying groceries, rather than traditional aspirations like owning a home. Paul Kershaw, founder of Generation Squeeze, points out that age and housing patterns are transforming class dynamics in Canada, with younger generations sacrificing financial security to protect the housing wealth of older generations.

As politicians continue to promise tax cuts and breaks for the middle class, Kershaw believes that more needs to be done to address the challenges faced by younger Canadians. He suggests that policy should be aimed at compensating younger demographics who are struggling in today’s economy. By acknowledging and addressing these issues, Canada can work towards creating a more equitable society for all its citizens.