Cities are a magnet for Canadians and immigrants, who stream into them in ever-increasing numbers. The swelling population of urban centres - now home to 80% of Canada’s citizens - reflects the economic, educational and cultural opportunities offered by cities. At the crossroads of people, ideas, and capital, cities are the engine of innovation, knowledge and national prosperity. But Canadian cities currently face a number of important challenges, including: income inequality, integration of newcomers, maintenance of social cohesion, and civic engagement.

 

Economic disparities are growing in Canada. In 1984, families in the top 10 wealth percentiles held 52% of all Canadian household wealth: by 2005, they held 58%. In Canadian cities, these disparities are particularly sharp. Among urban Canadians, the wealthiest 30% of families saw their incomes rise between 1990 and 2000. For all other families, incomes stagnated or declined over the same time period.