{"id":58057,"date":"2025-03-31T14:18:07","date_gmt":"2025-03-31T14:18:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2025\/03\/31\/canadas-middle-class-and-why-they-are-important-to-the-election\/"},"modified":"2025-03-31T14:18:07","modified_gmt":"2025-03-31T14:18:07","slug":"canadas-middle-class-and-why-they-are-important-to-the-election","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/2025\/03\/31\/canadas-middle-class-and-why-they-are-important-to-the-election\/","title":{"rendered":"Canada\u2019s middle class and why they are important to the election"},"content":{"rendered":"<p> \n<\/p>\n<div id=\"\">\n<header aria-label=\"Beginning of Article\" class=\"article-header article-header--story\">\n<nav aria-label=\"Breadcrumb\" class=\"breadcrumbs\" data-aqa=\"nav-breadcrumb\">\n<p>Breadcrumb Trail Links<\/p>\n<ol class=\"breadcrumbs__items list-unstyled\">\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">Federal Election<\/li>\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">News<\/li>\n<li class=\"breadcrumbs__item\">Economy<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/nav>\n<div class=\"article-header__detail\">\n<div class=\"article-header__detail__texts\">\n<p class=\"article-subtitle\">Politicians&#8217; promises are aimed at this key voter base, but the challenges have changed<\/p>\n<div class=\"article-meta\">\n<p><span class=\"published-date__since\">Published Mar 31, 2025<\/span> \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 <span class=\"published-date__word-count\">5 minute read<\/span><\/p>\n<div class=\"article-meta__bottom\">\n<div class=\"bookmark-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"popover\" data-aqa=\"popover\" data-click-to-appear=\"True\" data-container=\"\" data-container-offset=\"\" data-no-style=\"\" data-popover-component=\"\" data-position=\"top\" data-sticky=\"\" data-tail-offset=\"200\" data-tail-position=\"right\"><button class=\"popover__trigger bookmark-button\"><span class=\"save-article-button save-article-button--default\" title=\"Save article\" data-article-id=\"909e9ffe-fd99-46bd-b508-0dcea22c0486\" data-evt-skip-click=\"true\"\/><\/button><\/p>\n<div aria-describedby=\"popover-desc-popover-bookmark\" class=\"popover__content\" hidden=\"\" role=\"dialog\">\n<div class=\"popover__content__wrapper\">\n<div class=\"popover__content__text\" id=\"popover-desc-popover-bookmark\">\n<div class=\"bookmark__popover__content\">\n<p>You can save this article by registering for free here. Or sign-in if you have an account.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><button class=\"popover__content__close\" data-evt-skip-click=\"true\" title=\"Close\"><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" xmlns:xlink=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/1999\/xlink\" viewbox=\"0 0 12 12\" class=\"icon--close\" height=\"12\" version=\"1.1\" width=\"12\"><polygon points=\"12 0.95 11.05 0 6 5.05 0.95 0 0 0.95 5.05 6 0 11.05 0.95 12 6 6.95 11.05 12 12 11.05 6.95 6\"\/><\/svg><\/button><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<figure class=\"featured-image\" data-aqa=\"featured-image\"><picture class=\"featured-image__ratio\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=ynQQ93y4CVNXCpUQbhz0Zg,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=KFrRZX8CPyuW9zDs2-zgAw 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 1200px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=564&amp;h=423&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=oTZc0_3p88wOXn2FZ3CRPA,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=1128&amp;h=846&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=Hg4AcerzWo1cW17mkJXVqA 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=-WCEwmhUsHMdmsCRnuBZ2Q,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=TPPed5_eAMK0qSnXiEoeSA 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><source media=\"(min-width: 768px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=472&amp;h=354&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=780ZZIVD3Nj9RlMtA1uOTg,&#10;                https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=944&amp;h=708&amp;type=jpg&amp;sig=a7HcF1uFbv06LwXlaSnOOQ 2x\" type=\"image\/jpeg\"><source media=\"(max-width: 767px)\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=288&amp;h=216&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=k1fRlCqyb-F5Qz57G-DnOQ,&#10;            https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/middle-class-0331-ph.jpg?quality=90&amp;strip=all&amp;w=576&amp;h=432&amp;type=webp&amp;sig=LMMqquUAyW1Tvp1T2gz-6A 2x\" type=\"image\/webp\"><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><figcaption class=\"featured-image__caption image-caption\"><span class=\"caption\">The typical middle-class household may not be able to afford the same things that previous generations could. \u00a0 <\/span> <span class=\"credit\">Photo by iStock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<h2 class=\"visually-hidden\">Article content<\/h2>\n<p data-async=\"\">During a federal election campaign, you\u2019re likely to see the vying political parties make promises and policy proposals to a key (but rather nebulous) voter base: the middle class.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>The Liberals just called for a \u201cmiddle class\u201d income tax cut to the lowest income tax bracket \u2014 which benefits Canadians with higher incomes as well \u2014 and the Conservatives followed up with an even bigger tax cut with the promise of slashing taxes \u201cfor everybody.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_2\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment3316499745844445622460836910989312\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 2<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-2\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[6,6],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"6x6\" data-ad-loc=\"2\" 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Joe O&#8217;Connor, Gabriel Friedman and others.<\/li>\n<li>Daily content from Financial Times, the world&#8217;s leading global business publication.<\/li>\n<li>Unlimited online access to read articles from Financial Post, National Post and 15 news sites across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>National Post ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on.<\/li>\n<li>Daily puzzles, including the New York Times Crossword.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"intro-body__anonymous\">\n<p>REGISTER \/ SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-unstyled list-checkmark\">\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account.<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments.<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month.<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"intro-body__registration_only hidden\">\n<p>THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK.<\/p>\n<p class=\"identity-intro__description\">Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience.<\/p>\n<ul class=\"list-unstyled list-checkmark\">\n<li>Access articles from across Canada with one account<\/li>\n<li>Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments<\/li>\n<li>Enjoy additional articles per month<\/li>\n<li>Get email updates from your favourite authors<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"identity-screen m-x-0 p-x-0 col-xs-12 col-md-6 flex-justify-center flex-align-center\" aria-live=\"assertive\">\n<section class=\"sail\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-sailthru-personalization-engine=\"\" data-sailthru-personalization-engine-component=\"\"\/>\n<div class=\"m-x-0 p-x-0 col-xs-12 col-sm-6 col-md-12 flex-align-justify-center\" data-auth-component=\"\" id=\"auth-screen-form\">\n<div class=\"identity-screen-form--active w-full flex-align-justify-center\">\n<div class=\"identity-screen-form identity-screen__content w-full\">\n<h2 class=\"blocker-title\">Sign In or Create an Account<\/h2>\n<p><span class=\"identity-divider__line\"\/><span class=\"identity-divider__text\">or<\/span><span class=\"identity-divider__line\"\/><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"identity-footer identity-screen__content m-x-0 p-x-0 col-sm-6 col-md-12\"\/><\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>The New Democratic Party proposed raising the basic personal amount to $19,500 and removing the goods and services tax (GST) from essential purchases, which it said would help \u201cworking and middle-class families\u201d over the ultra-rich.<\/p>\n<p>But who really makes up Canada\u2019s middle class \u2014 and why do politicians care?<\/p>\n<h2>What is the middle class?<\/h2>\n<p>Melanee Thomas, a political science professor at the University of Calgary, said the middle class can be difficult to define, particularly in the Canadian context.<\/p>\n<p>Some people define middle class by income, others look at power, status and family origins, Thomas said. The British drama series Downton Abbey showcases this idea, she said, where aristocratic families might be considered upper class even if they are cash-poor.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_3\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment2949134403240222244955020087787520\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 3<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-3\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[7,7],[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-interscroller=\"7x7\" data-ad-loc=\"3\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[7,7],[300,250],[320,50],[300,50]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-3\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>Barry Eidlin, a sociology professor at McGill University, said there is a stark difference between the \u201canalytical concept of class,\u201d which looks at statistical data, and the lived identity definition of class, which relates to how people perceive themselves.<\/p>\n<p>While some schools of thought view class through the lens of education and work, such as being an employee as opposed to an employer, Eidlin said people often think of the middle class as being able to afford certain comforts beyond essentials such as groceries and housing.<\/p>\n<p>In 2019, Ottawa Liberal member of Parliament Mona Fortier, then-minister of middle class prosperity, defined the middle class as families that can enroll their children in hockey.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"js-widget-content article-content__widget-group article-content__widget-group--content-slot23 article-content__widget-group--newsletter-slot\">\n<section class=\"newsletter-widget__new-story-page fp-headlinenews background--primary-light-gradient\" aria-labelledby=\"FinancialPostTopStories9181678677505663621230335470075904\" data-account-id=\"b9d3df2fccd108b5eff3c44f573b2cd6\" data-aqa=\"widget-newsletter\" data-newsletter=\"single\" data-newsletter-component=\"\" data-target-list=\"FP_HeadlineNews\" data-widget=\"newsletter\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-new-story-page-template\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__header__new-story-page\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__banner__new-story-page\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Top Stories\" loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/dcs-static.gprod.postmedia.digital\/18.3.3\/websites\/images\/newsletters\/icon-fp-topStories.svg\"\/><\/div>\n<div>\n<p>Top Stories<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page\">Get the latest headlines, breaking news and columns.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"newsletter-widget__body__new-story-page\">\n<div class=\"js-replace-main__new-story-page\">\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__disclaimer__new-story-page text-size--tiny\">By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"js-submit-success\" hidden=\"\" id=\"submitSuccessFP_HeadlineNews\">\n<p>Thanks for signing up!<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page\">A welcome email is on its way. If you don&#8217;t see it, please check your junk folder.<\/p>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page newsletter__feedback--last\">The next issue of Top Stories will soon be in your inbox.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"newsletter-widget__text__new-story-page js-submit-error\" style=\"margin-top: 8px\" hidden=\"\" id=\"submitErrorFP_HeadlineNews\">We encountered an issue signing you up. Please try again<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_4\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment58805156807766321022529645314048\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 4<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-4\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"4\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-4\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s a very Canadian way of thinking about it,\u201d Thomas said, but added it relates to the idea of middle-class families having the means to pay for small luxuries.<\/p>\n<h2>How much money do middle-class families have?<\/h2>\n<p>While the latest data from Statistics Canada pegged the median after-tax income adjusted for inflation at $70,500 in 2022, Maria Solovieva, a Toronto-Dominion Bank economist, said she looks at the distribution of statistics to define the middle class.<\/p>\n<p>Statistics Canada divides Canadian households into five income quintiles, so the third quintile and sometimes even the second quintile could be attributed to the middle class, Solovieva said.<\/p>\n<p>The most recent data pegs the average third-income quintile household as having had about $78,100 in disposable income in 2023 while the average second-income quintile household had $59,000.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_5\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment2562333726983775173291697799954432\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 5<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-5\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"5\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-5\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>In comparison, the lowest-income quintile had $29,300 and the highest-income quintile had $200,900 in average household disposable income.<\/p>\n<p>These numbers can also vary depending where in Canada you live. For example, the average third-income quintile household in Ontario had more than $86,800 in disposable income, while in Saskatchewan this figure came to just under $70,000.<\/p>\n<p>Using the middle-income definition, Solovieva said middle-class households would likely have less in investments and savings compared with upper-class households, which might benefit from extra income from assets such as rental properties.<\/p>\n<p>While middle-class families are typically associated with homeownership, Thomas said that in Calgary and similar metro areas someone with a reasonable salary might still be unable to purchase a home today since housing prices have skyrocketed.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_6\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment1087890532975233017727060342210560\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 6<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-6\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"6\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-6\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<h2>How are rising prices squeezing middle-income households?<\/h2>\n<p data-async=\"\">The rising cost of living and income inequality further complicate the definition of what constitutes the middle class, since this can mean the typical household is not able to afford the same things that previous generations could.<\/p>\n<p>Middle-class individuals with a decent job and a reasonable budget are usually associated with being able to comfortably afford groceries, transportation and extracurricular activities for their children, Thomas said. But a \u201cgood middle-class income\u201d for many has a weaker purchasing power today.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAverage personal disposable income for middle-income families have not kept pace with rising prices,\u201d wrote TD\u2019s Solovieva\u00a0in a note last year.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_7\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment8982110789744196237261374088019968\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 7<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-7\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"7\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-7\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cWith lagging growth in real incomes and high debt burdens, these families are more likely to remain liquidity-constrained in the coming years and will be forced to make more economical choices.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>Solovieva said this means middle-income families are likely to pull back on spending, especially in discretionary areas.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cYou have an idea that typically inflation would be a tax on the poor,\u201d she said. But, for example, middle-income families who bought homes during the COVID-19 pandemic and renewed their mortgages at higher rates took on more debt. \u201cIn this particular case, there was inflationary pressure on the middle-income families as well.\u201d<\/p>\n<h2>Why do politicians make promises to the middle class?<\/h2>\n<p>Canadians view themselves as a predominantly middle-class society, akin to the idea of the American Dream, Eidlin said.\u00a0Politicians like to make promises to the middle class because they appeal to this unifying identity \u2014 and the lion\u2019s share of their voters, he said.<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<div class=\"ad__section-border article-content__ad-group ad_counter_8\">\n<section aria-describedby=\"advertisment4286118531720163071365206224404480\" class=\"ad\">\n<p>Advertisement 8<\/p>\n<div class=\"ad__container\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner\" id=\"ad__inner-8\">\n<div class=\"ad__inner__container\" data-ad=\"[[1200,250],[1200,90],[970,90],[970,250],[728,90],[300,250]]\" data-ad-loc=\"8\" data-ad-mobile=\"[[320,50],[300,50],[300,250]]\" data-aqa=\"advertisement\" id=\"ad-8\" style=\"--desktopHeight:250px;--mobileHeight:250px\">\n<div aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"ad__placeholder\">\n<p>This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s this idea of the people versus the elite, and it\u2019s deliberately vague, as opposed to the working class versus the bosses,\u201d Eidlin said. Politicians announce policies aimed at the middle class because \u201cit allows people who, in a more class analysis framework would be part of the (upper class), to become part of the people.\u201d<\/p>\n<p>And with rising costs, many Canadian families that have been financially strained are likely hoping to see changes that provide them with more disposable income, Solovieva said.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a reason why both the (parties) are proposing cuts on the lowest tax bracket, because that\u2019s designed to help everyone, even people who are in upper tax markets,\u201d Thomas said.<\/p>\n<section aria-labelledby=\"moreTopicLabel7238535569020336859756785337106432\" class=\"more-topic\" data-aqa=\"embed-more-topic\" data-carousel-component=\"\" data-carousel-icon-button=\"\" data-carousel-type=\"list\">\n<p>Recommended from Editorial<\/p>\n<p><button aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"more-topic__button-prev\" data-carousel-prev=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"previous\" type=\"button\"\/><\/p>\n<ol class=\"more-topic__items list-unstyled\" data-carousel-slide-list=\"\" tabindex=\"0\">\n<li data-evt-val=\"{\" control_fields=\"\" tax=\"\" cut=\"\" promises=\"\" stack=\"\" up=\"\" to=\"\" the=\"\" cost=\"\" of=\"\" living=\"\" data-carousel-item=\"\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"The average family of four is expected to pay $801 more for food in 2025, according to Canada's Food Price Report.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cost-of-living-0325-ph.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=LJdhlvoOhVm0A_yEIOIaXg\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cost-of-living-0325-ph.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=29q9uU1Jrs2uOwYiCrzfcg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cost-of-living-0325-ph.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=LJdhlvoOhVm0A_yEIOIaXg, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cost-of-living-0325-ph.jpg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=ix2j94XQXt3creUXeBDLlQ 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/cost-of-living-0325-ph.jpg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=sE9Ei29JJNPZuI-LQv_4fQ 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">How tax cut promises stack up to the cost of living<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-evt-val=\"{\" control_fields=\"\" middle=\"\" class=\"\" is=\"\" losing=\"\" momentum=\"\" as=\"\" wealth=\"\" gap=\"\" widens=\"\" data-carousel-item=\"\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"middle class\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/middle-class-weath-gap-0423.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=vSy1EMwg8W3tVgw0dlrQqg\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/middle-class-weath-gap-0423.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=9Ql0Jd62Teak2YC4lubNMA\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/middle-class-weath-gap-0423.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=vSy1EMwg8W3tVgw0dlrQqg, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/middle-class-weath-gap-0423.jpg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=tUEIbxPCGJdB-ypjz7TBrg 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/nationalpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/middle-class-weath-gap-0423.jpg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=W9LGU9OXb0uv4sO2Lkr5Sw 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">Canada\u2019s middle class is losing momentum as wealth gap widens<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<li data-evt-val=\"{\" control_fields=\"\" trudeau=\"\" legacy=\"\" is=\"\" larger=\"\" tax=\"\" burden=\"\" for=\"\" the=\"\" middle-class=\"\" data-carousel-item=\"\" data-evt=\"click\" data-evt-typ=\"click\"> <picture class=\"more-topic__item-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"By eliminating tax credits, Justin Trudeau helped simplify the tax system, which is a good thing, but in doing so he also raised the amount middle-class families pay in income tax.\" data-src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/0109-mg-trudeau.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=EEQiBGuK6TUMqomwhHm_ug\" src=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/0109-mg-trudeau.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=5&amp;sig=_Rxlu6M9LO9y9-5Z7CIERg\" srcset=\"https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/0109-mg-trudeau.jpg?h=96&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=EEQiBGuK6TUMqomwhHm_ug, https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/0109-mg-trudeau.jpg?h=192&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=G_yxJw2G1dEuIYzdx_ObOQ 2x,&#10;                                             https:\/\/smartcdn.gprod.postmedia.digital\/financialpost\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/0109-mg-trudeau.jpg?h=288&amp;strip=all&amp;quality=80&amp;sig=9QJzU1gzo7GQCX64h3edQQ 3x\" class=\"lazyload\" height=\"96\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"96\"\/><\/picture>\n<p><span class=\"more-topic__item-text-clamp\">Opinion: Trudeau\u2019s legacy is larger tax burden for the middle-class<\/span><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><button aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"more-topic__button-next\" data-carousel-next=\"\" tabindex=\"-1\" title=\"next\" type=\"button\"\/><\/section>\n<p>She said most Canadian households likely have concerns about the cost of living.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThat\u2019s a significant shift, and \u2026 speaks to the fact that lots of folks feel squeezed because things that they used to be able to manage now seem to be harder and harder and harder (to afford).\u201d<\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\"><em>\u2022 Email: slouis@postmedia.com<\/em><\/p>\n<p data-async=\"\"><em><strong>Bookmark our website and support our journalism:<\/strong> Don\u2019t miss the business news you need to know \u2014 add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__content-group article-content__content-group--story\">\n<p>Article content<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<section class=\"article-content__share-group article-delimiter\" data-evt-val=\"{\" control_fields=\"\" data-evt-typ=\"page_scroll\">\n<p>Share this article in your social network<\/p>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n\n<br \/>Canada\u2019s middle class and why they are important to the election<\/a><br \/>\n<br \/>2025-03-31 14:18:07<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Breadcrumb Trail Links Federal Election News Economy Politicians&#8217; promises are aimed at this key voter base, but the challenges have changed Published Mar 31, 2025 \u00a0\u2022\u00a0 5 minute read You&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":58058,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[31],"tags":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-58057","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-economy"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58057","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58057"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58057\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/58058"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58057"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58057"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.pantheregroup.com\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58057"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}