Ottawa — New data from Statistics Canada shows the divide between Canada’s highest- and lowest-income households grew in 2025, reflecting a year in which asset owners benefited more than lower-income earners.
The agency reported that the national income gap — measuring the difference in disposable income shares between the top 40 per cent and bottom 40 per cent of households — rose to 46.7 percentage points in 2025, up from 46.4 the year before.
According to the report, lower-income households were hit by slower wage growth than the national average, weaker job market conditions, and declining investment income as interest payments on savings fell.
Wealth inequality also increased. The top 20 per cent of households held 65.7 per cent of Canada’s total net worth by the end of 2025, with an average wealth of $3.5 million per household.
By contrast, the bottom 40 per cent of households held just three per cent of total net worth, averaging $81,650 per household.
That pushed the wealth gap between the top 20 per cent and bottom 40 per cent to 62.7 percentage points, up 0.6 points from a year earlier.
Separate survey findings released by MNP Ltd. suggest many Canadians continue to feel financial stress despite signs of stability. While the average amount left over at month-end rose to a record $1,000, many households remain financially fragile.
The survey found 43 per cent of Canadians are within $200 or less of being unable to meet monthly obligations, while 29 per cent say they already cannot cover bills and debt payments.
The results underline a broader trend in which headline economic gains are not being shared evenly, with many Canadians still struggling with affordability, debt pressure, and rising essential costs.