Recent Survey Series on People and their Communities (SSPC) data shows a third of Canadians struggling financially in the past year, with recent immigrants disproportionately affected. Specifically, 43% of recent immigrants reported hardship versus 29% of established immigrants and non-immigrants. Financial difficulties also affect satisfaction with personal free time. Only 12% of those facing financial hardship were satisfied with their free time, versus 40% who were not. The level of financial difficulty varies greatly depending on the immigrant’s origin, with Asian immigrants reporting the most hardship. The findings underscore the need to consider intersectionality, including immigration experiences, when studying financial difficulties.
