Canada’s living standards gap with the US has more than doubled since 1999

Canada’s living standard gap with the United States has more than doubled over the past quarter-century, with the average American now earning roughly CA$23,757 more per year in GDP per capita terms than the average Canadian, according to a new report from the Fraser Institute.

It shows that, in 1999, Canada’s GDP per capita stood at CA$48,076 compared to CA$58,842 in the US (a gap of CA$10,766). By 2024, Canada’s figure had reached $59,529 while the US surged to $83,286, widening the gap to CA$23,757. That represents an increase in the shortfall of more than 120 per cent over 25 years.

“After squandering the first quarter of the 21st century, it’s up to policymakers in Canada to enact bold economic reforms,” said Munro, senior policy analyst at the Fraser Institute.