In the short term, we expect rents to ease due to reduced population growth and new rental and condo supply under construction. But the gap is still huge for most ordinary households. Higher minimum wages are needed but also fed/prov initiatives to build non-market housing

We also look at Statscan data on asking rents for unoccupied units -- that is, what you'd need to pay if looking for a pad next month. These rental wages run even higher, like >$40 per hour for Toronto and Vancouver

We use a standard affordability benchmark of max 30% of income spent on rent. Otherwise people will need to cut into other spending, live in smaller digs or get a roommate. The key is the link between local wages and housing costs, esp for low to middle income earners

We also compare the rental wage to the minimum wage. In only 8 cities (6 in Quebec) could you afford a 1-BR while working full-year full-time at minimum wage. In Toronto and Vancouver you need >2 min wage jobs for a 1-BR