Dec 4, 2025
Young Canadians are coming of age in one of the toughest financial environments in decades, and a new national survey suggests it’s reshaping how confident they feel about the future.
Research from GreenShield and Mental Health Research Canada (MHRC) (1) finds that more than 80% of youth feel stressed or anxious about what lies ahead — with the rising cost of living, unstable job markets and basic affordability forming the core of their financial worries.
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The survey shows that 70% of youth consider cost of living the biggest obstacle to the life they want to build, and 76% believe larger economic forces — inflation, wages, job availability — will determine their financial future no matter how hard they work.
“Canada’s youth are navigating a perfect storm of economic instability and emotional strain,” Zahid Salman, President and CEO of GreenShield, said in a statement. “Supporting youth mental health is not just about promoting well-being, it's about investing in Canada's future and ensuring every young person can thrive."
Youth feel squeezed as high costs collide with an uncertain job market
The data from MHRC paints a picture of a generation feeling financially stretched long before they can establish savings or stability. The report shows just how pervasive those concerns have become: Nearly half of young Canadians say they spend more than half of their income on necessities, and only a small minority feel they have the security to plan ahead.
Affordability worries also intersect with labour-market realities. One-third cite job insecurity as a major source of stress, and 30% say the broader job market is directly hurting their well-being — twice the rate of adults over 30. Limited career opportunities, shrinking entry-level openings and unpredictable contract work all contribute to the feeling that financial progress is increasingly out of reach.
Additional findings reveal that only 21% of youth feel financially secure today, and 41% spend half or more of their income on essential expenses.
Even regionally, concerns run high: In Ontario, 85% of youth report anxiety about their short-term financial future — the highest among all provinces.
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For many, these pressures add up to a simple reality: covering month-to-month costs leaves little room to save, invest or plan for the long term.
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Affordability barriers are preventing young Canadians from feeling whole
Beyond day-to-day budgeting, economic strain is also shaping how — and whether — youth access support.
According to the survey, 52% say cost is the biggest barrier to seeking mental-health services, and nearly as many cite long wait times and difficulty finding appropriate care. While the new GreenShield Youth Mental Health Ecosystem aims to remove some of these barriers, the underlying issue remains affordability itself.
"The data is clear: Canada's youth are seriously struggling and in need of help," Akela Peoples, President and CEO, Mental Health Research Canada, said in a statement. "As the mental health crisis continues and barriers to care persist, the release of these insights helps guide urgent action to support youth across the country.”
The findings show a generation struggling to establish financial security in an economy where essential costs are rising faster than early-career incomes. And unless broader affordability and labour-market pressures ease, many young Canadians will continue to feel as though the odds are stacked against them.
Article sources
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Mental Health Research Canada (1)
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Steven Brennan is a freelance finance writer based in Vancouver, BC. He holds a BA and an MA from Maynooth University, Ireland. His work regularly appears at Canadian Mortgage Trends, Lowest Rates, Loans Canada and other Canadian and US brands, while also working as a ghostwriter for financial influencers.
