Canada's baby slump: why we aren't having kids episode artwork

EPISODE · May 18, 2026 · 22 MIN

Canada's baby slump: why we aren't having kids

from The Big Story · host Catherine Jette, Cara Stern

A recent report from Statistics Canada says our country hit a new fertility rating law in 2024, with over half of women aged 20 to 49 childless. Without immigration, the rate needed to maintain a steady population is 2.1 children per woman, but in Canada, it's now 1.25- below the 1.3 line that experts describe as "ultra-low". Host Catherine Jette is speaking with journalist Cara Stern from the Missing Middle Initiative, an organization dedicated to reviving Canada's middle class, about the many factors contributing to young people's decision not to have as many kids. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us:Through email at [email protected] Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

A recent report from Statistics Canada says our country hit a new fertility rating law in 2024, with over half of women aged 20 to 49 childless. Without immigration, the rate needed to maintain a steady population is 2.1 children per woman, but in Canada, it's now 1.25- below the 1.3 line that experts describe as "ultra-low". Host Catherine Jette is speaking with journalist Cara Stern from the Missing Middle Initiative, an organization dedicated to reviving Canada's middle class, about the many factors contributing to young people's decision not to have as many kids.

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Canada's baby slump: why we aren't having kids

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A recent report from Statistics Canada says our country hit a new fertility rating law in 2024, with over half of women aged 20 to 49 childless. Without immigration, the rate needed to maintain a steady population is 2.1 children per woman, but in...

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