Top election issue: Why this 14-year-old is concerned about affordability

CBC

16-04-2025

Abdullah, 14, is scared of prices getting more expensive
They may be too young to vote, but Canadian kids have told us they care about many of the issues up for debate in the lead up to the federal election on April 28. The CBC Kids News team has identified three key issues that matter to our audience. We've also looked at how Canada's major political parties have promised to address them. Today's story is about affordability and the cost of living.
The federal election is less than two weeks away.
Affordability and the cost of living were common issues that kids we spoke to brought up as important this election.
This mirrors what Canadian voters have been saying, too. In a recent poll by Abacus Data, 47 per cent of Canadians listed 'reducing your cost of living' as one of their top-two issues this election.
One 14-year-old we spoke to said he thinks it's top of mind for most Canadians.
'The main thing [people] will be focused on is if [leaders] will make the cost of living cheaper, because right now, it's very expensive,' said Abdullah Kamran Ahsan of Ottawa, Ontario.
Abdullah said kids like him care about this because they are influenced by their parents.
'Every day when we see them struggle, it doesn't make us feel good,' he said.
Abdullah said he wants whoever the next prime minister is to decrease the cost of living.
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Inflation, tariffs cause more uncertainty
The economy and cost of living have been a source of concern for Canadians.
A recent study funded by Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada found that 83 per cent of Canadians surveyed had changed their financial plans due to economic uncertainty.
One of the areas of concern is inflation, which refers to the increase in prices for many items and services.
WATCH — Here's why your family's groceries are getting more expensive
Prices normally go up over time, but in the last few years, the jump has been much bigger than Canadians are used to.
According to the Bank of Canada, a package of common consumer products that cost $100 in 2020 would cost nearly $120 today.
'I'm very scared that if it gets more expensive and more expensive, how am I going to survive?' said Abdullah.
In addition to the cost of essentials like gas and groceries, housing affordability has been a top issue.
According to RBC, Canadian homeowners need to use more than half of their income to cover the cost of housing.
Traditional guidance has been that people should spend more than 30 per cent of their housing.
On top of those concerns, the threat of tariffs from the U.S. has increased uncertainty.
Where the major parties stand
Each of the major parties has discussed affordability and cost of living issues. Here are some of their proposed plans.
The Liberal government cancelled the consumer carbon tax before the election was called. The party is campaigning on that as a cost-saving measure for Canadians.
They say they would introduce a 'middle-class tax cut' that would save a two-income household up to $825 a year.
Other proposals:
Eliminate GST for first-time home buyers on new homes that cost up to $1 million.
Prioritize new investment in affordable housing and seniors' facilities.
The Conservatives say they would cut income taxes by 15 per cent. They say that would save the average worker $900 a year, and a two-income household up to $1,800 a year.
They also say that in addition to the consumer carbon tax that was recently cancelled, they would also eliminate the industrial carbon tax.
Other proposals:
Remove the GST on new homes sold for less than $1.3 million.
Sell off 15 per cent of buildings owned by the federal government so the land can be used to build affordable homes.
New Democrats say they would put in place a $16-billion strategy to support building affordable homes and protecting affordable rentals that already exist.
The NDP pledges to raise the amount of untaxed income from to $19,500. That means workers wouldn't have to pay federal taxes on the first $19,500 they make. The current amount is $16,129.
The party would eliminate GST on essentials like energy, internet and cellphone bills.
They also want to put emergency price caps on essential grocery items to 'tariff-proof' Canadians' food security.
Other proposals:
The Bloc Québécois says it would introduce a GST rebate on new homes for first-time homebuyers. The party would also eliminate the GST for services related to the purchase of a first home, such as building inspections.
They would review how the child benefit is calculated for blended families (such as families with divorced parents) by basing it on the income of the parents who have custody of the children. Currently, it is based on the income of the whole household.
Other proposals:
Restrict credit-card interest rates.
Fight for consumers' right to repair tech products like smartphones so they don't have to buy new ones as often.
Cut the GST on all second-hand goods.
The Greens say they would raise the amount of untaxed income to $40,000. That means workers wouldn't have to pay federal taxes on the first $40,000 they make. The current amount is $16,129.
They also say they want to make it free to attend university and college.
Other proposals:
Expand paid leave to cover time off work for elder care, miscarriage and other family needs.
Stop corporations from buying single-family homes, leaving more housing available for individuals and families.
Provide a guaranteed livable income to all Canadians.
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