While tariffs make the news cycle, an even bigger—and quieter—crisis is looming: how we’re going to care for our aging population. This isn’t a story about geopolitics or trade wars. It’s a human story. And it’s one that will touch every single Canadian in the coming years.
The greatest threat to Canada’s future isn’t tariffs. It’s our aging population.
The Silver Tsunami Is Here
By 2030, all Baby Boomers will be over 65. That means nearly 10 million Canadians—or 1 in 4 —will be seniors. Many will live into their 80s and 90s. But with age comes a higher risk of chronic illness, mobility challenges, cognitive decline, and the need for daily support.
And already, the signs of strain are everywhere:
- Over 430,000 Canadians are on waitlists for homecare or long-term care beds.
- 1 in 3 seniors is admitted to long-term care prematurely due to lack of homecare services.
- More than 75% of Canadians aged 85+ live with at least one disability that limits their independence.
We’re not talking about a future problem. It’s here. And we’re unprepared.
Care Is the Economic Issue No One’s Talking About
We often treat care as a personal or family issue. But make no mistake—this is an economic crisis in the making. When people can’t access the care they need:
- Families leave the workforce to provide unpaid care.
- Seniors end up in emergency rooms, costing the system thousands per visit.
- Communities lose productivity, and governments are forced into reactive, expensive stopgaps.
Here’s a reality check:
- Over 8 million Canadians become unpaid caregivers—mostly adult children—losing wages, time, and health in the process.
- Unpaid caregiving costs the Canadian economy over $1.3 billion per year in lost productivity.
- Delays in accessing care lead to preventable ER visits and hospital stays, costing the system over
$2 billion annually.
The situation is only becoming more urgent. According to the Parliamentary Budget Officer, Canada needs to double its long-term care spending by 2030 just to keep up.
We Need to Shift the Conversation
Tariffs may influence prices at the pump or the cost of a smartphone. But they won’t decide whether your mother gets the care she needs after surgery. Or whether your grandfather lives his final years in isolation or surrounded by compassionate support.
We need to stop treating care as an afterthought or a private burden. It’s a national priority.
We need:
- Investment in home and community care, where over 90% of seniors say they want to age
- Stronger homecare infrastructure that supports aging in place
- Incentives for caregivers, both family and professional
- Tech-enabled care solutions to bridge workforce gaps and improve access
- Smart investment in community-based programs that promote connection, mobility, and well-being
- Public-private partnerships to deliver innovative, integrated care solutions
The Time to Act Is Now
So, the next time we get caught up in tariff headlines, let’s zoom out. Let’s ask the harder question: What kind of country do we want to grow old in?
Because the real crisis isn’t what’s coming off container ships; it’s what’s quietly unfolding in homes, hospitals, and communities across Canada. The good news? We can still change course. But only if we choose to care now.
