The latest installment of a Global News series called ‘On the Brink’ profiles an ordinary Ontario family struggling with the rising cost of living. Cheyenne Allen, a 34-year-old event planner from London, Ont., and soon-to-be mother of two, talks about having to count every dollar her family has just to get by. With a combined income of roughly $147,000 a year before taxes, Allen and her husband, a boilermaker, find it difficult to make ends meet in today’s economy, especially since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University, Canadians’ purchasing power has been steadily declining since the 1980s, with a noticeable drop in the past five years. He explains that the prices of goods, like a McDonald’s Big Mac, have risen faster than the dollar amounts earned at jobs, resulting in a decrease in the number of goods that can be purchased. As a result, many families, including Allen’s, are feeling the strain of the post-pandemic increase in the cost of living, coupled with the needs of a growing family.
With a one-and-a-half-year-old and a second child on the way, Allen worries about the mounting costs, such as the price of baby formula at $50 per week. She also faces challenges with the rising costs of housing and condo fees, as well as the uncertainty of childcare expenses. Despite trying to find deals and economize, Allen often finds it difficult to provide for her family without sacrificing something else. The 15th annual food price report predicts a three to five percent increase in food prices in 2025, further adding to the financial burden on families like Allen’s.
In an effort to combat food costs, Allen’s family has started gardening and preserving food, but with the impact of the U.S. trade war, she is considering expanding her garden. She believes that essential items like food should be better controlled in terms of pricing, as the rising costs are making it difficult for families to afford basic necessities. Allen emphasizes the importance of food and water for survival, and questions the fairness of paying high prices for essential items like blueberries. Despite their efforts to manage expenses, Allen and her family continue to feel the financial strain of the increasing cost of living.
The struggles faced by Allen and her family are not unique, as many Canadians are feeling the impact of the rising cost of living. The affordability of essential items such as food remains a major concern for families across the country. As the cost of living continues to increase, families are forced to make difficult decisions about where to allocate their limited resources. With no clear resolution in sight, many families, including Allen’s, are left feeling overwhelmed by the financial challenges they are facing. The ‘On the Brink’ series aims to shed light on the stories of those grappling with the economic realities of today’s society, in the hopes of sparking conversation and potential solutions to address these pressing issues.
