Canada has long been seen as an ideal destination for those seeking safety, stability, and prosperity. With its high-quality services, strong economy, and well-functioning government, it has been regarded as a country where people can earn well while maintaining a good quality of life. However, according to Canadian YouTuber Dom from the channel “Explained with Dom,” this perception is increasingly far from reality for many Canadians.
The Changing Mood in Canada
Dom notes that while Canada is often stereotypically portrayed as a country full of happy and cheerful people, the mood has shifted dramatically. Surveys indicate that over half of Canadians are unhappy with how the country is being managed, with two-thirds believing that Canada is “deeply broken.” The pessimism surrounding the economic situation and quality of life is palpable, leaving many Canadians feeling dissatisfied.
Housing Crisis: A Major Issue
One of the most pressing issues highlighted by Dom is Canada’s housing crisis, which he describes as one of the worst in the world. In the past decade, the average value of a Canadian home has more than doubled, making it nearly impossible for many to buy a home. Even renting is becoming increasingly unaffordable. For instance, in Toronto, residents spend an average of 120% of their income on rent. Meanwhile, buying a property in Vancouver requires an income of at least $250,000 to qualify for a mortgage. This has led to Canada having the highest household debt among G7 countries.
Economic Pressures
The economic pressures in Canada extend beyond housing. Canadians face some of the highest costs in the world for basic necessities, such as groceries, banking fees, cell phone charges, and air travel. Dom explains that this is largely due to the dominance of monopolies and oligopolies across many Canadian industries. This lack of competition leads to higher prices and lower-quality services, placing an additional financial burden on consumers.
Lack of Job Opportunities
Despite Canada being a wealthy nation, Dom points out that its economy relies heavily on exporting commodities like oil, gold, and other natural resources. This creates a lack of well-paid white-collar jobs, making it difficult for college-educated workers to find opportunities. The current labor shortage mostly affects low-paying positions, further exacerbating the challenges faced by the middle class.
Deteriorating Public Services
Canada has long been praised for its public services, particularly its healthcare system. However, Dom reveals that only 37% of Canadians now believe they would receive proper medical care in an emergency, compared to 70% of Americans who share this confidence. An increasing number of Canadians are dying in emergency rooms due to staff shortages, despite the country spending more on healthcare than any European nation.
The Reality vs. The Ideal
According to Dom, the once-idealized image of Canada as a modern-day utopia is quickly unraveling. Life satisfaction among Canadians has been declining over the past decade due to the housing crisis, high cost of living, monopolized economy, and deteriorating public services. These issues have led to a growing disconnect between Canada’s reputation and the lived reality of its citizens.
Rising Discontent Among Immigrants
Even immigrants, who have traditionally seen Canada as a land of opportunity, are increasingly dissatisfied. Dom cites studies showing that more immigrants are choosing to leave Canada voluntarily due to dissatisfaction with the quality of life and economic opportunities. This trend is indicative of the broader disillusionment felt across the country.
“So Sad”
People in the comments shared their thoughts: “Healthcare is in ruins. I just spent 11 hours in a downtown emergency department. The nurses were making it clear how burnt out and overworked they are. What a shame.”
Another commenter said: “Grew up in Toronto in the 70s. It was lush with trees and flowers. Tons of rabbits, foxes, raccoons and squirrels roamed the streets. It was safe, quiet, clean, friendly, and when I went to uni, I lived in a 4 bedroom Georgian house I shared with 4 friends. I left in the 90s, and recently returned. Horrible! Little greenery, tons of ugly condo high rises everywhere. No one talks to anyone anymore. So sad.”
A Call for Urgent Action
In conclusion, Dom argues that unless Canada urgently addresses these pressing issues, the country risks losing its reputation as a desirable place to live. The once-idyllic perception of Canada is at risk of becoming more detached from reality as Canadians face escalating challenges. The need for reform and innovation is clear if Canada is to retain its standing as a prosperous and welcoming nation.
Increasing Competition in Industries
What do you think? How can Canada address its housing crisis to make living more affordable for its residents? What steps can be taken to increase competition in Canadian industries and reduce monopolies’ influence on prices? How can Canada diversify its economy to create more well-paying jobs outside of natural resource industries?
Explore the full insights by viewing the video on Explained with Dom’s YouTube channel here.
