With 2025 now in the rearview, it’s time for us to take a look at the road ahead. Education, housing, the economy—the new year is bound to bring sweeping changes affecting us all. But how we respond—good, bad, or otherwise—to these changes is what matters.
By the end of this year, Canada will have seen its largest wealth transfer in history, with roughly $1 trillion trickling down from generation to generation. Similarly, according to a study conducted by the Canadian Federation of Independent Businesses, more than 75 percent of small- to medium-sized business owners plan on exiting their businesses within the next decade, leaving the door open for a $2 trillion transfer in business assets.
The effects of this may not be felt right away, but it’s looming. With most of these numbers garnering value from real estate—and considering the endless demands of our less-than-desirable housing market—it’s likely we’ll see an increase in supply, as well as a decrease in costs. (A small decrease, that is; I wouldn’t go pulling the trigger on that starter home just yet.)
As wealth inequality continues to shift, so too will the job market. With trade-war jitters beginning to settle, and Canada’s largest retirement wave hitting our shores, employment rates will continue to rise through 2026.
However, unless you have your sights set on health care or technology, I’d advise keeping those Indeed notifications on.
For years, the demands of the job market have played a significant role in the fluctuation of enrolment rates in post-secondary programs. For example, the arts and humanities have taken a direct blow due to the growing demands of the job market, which now prioritizes STEM and business skills over other, seemingly softer skills.
However, with the collective doomsday mentality of younger generations, I anticipate a slight increase in arts and humanities enrolment across the country. After all, why not get that bagpiping degree? We’re all gonna die anyway!
Moreover, with artificial intelligence worming its way into seemingly every public sector across the board, if there was ever a time to embrace humanity, it’s now. Because of this, the arts now hold a desirable edge over other programs and industries. In the age of automation, creativity is defiant. And who doesn’t want to be a little defiant these days?
Another example of this is population distribution. With an economy that largely depends on the financial success of densely populated areas, regardless of affordability, how should young people respond?
Well, the short answer is, they haven’t been. More and more young people are choosing to leave the once glamorous, fast-living cities behind them in favour of calmer, more rural communities. And this trend will only continue to grow as we move through the new year into 2026.
But what about the youngsters who are still living at home? What about those who haven’t yet reached financial independence? Well, truth be told, you may not find yourself in Yorkville, Toronto or in Calgary’s rapidly developing Design District any time soon. But who knows? This year could mark the beginning of adulthood for many 20somethings across Canada—the start of a collectively delayed future.
But how you approach this impending independence is up to you. The world is scary, yes, and full of uncertainty. But that’s not all that it offers. Despite everything, it can be beautiful, and I hope to see that truth come across in 2026.