The Centre for Civic Engagement
View papersOur purpose
The Centre for Civic Engagement conducts research on topics of public interest
including those relating to governance, law, global affairs, economics, trade, technology, the environment, and culture, and publicly disseminate its research findings through seminars, workshops, courses, and conferences.
What we do
CCE seeks to inform and engage Canadians
Through its work the CCE seeks to inform and engage Canadians from all walks of life in a conversation about the country’s public policy priorities and opportunities all focused on creating the pre-conditions for economic growth, international relevance and individual human flourishing. The CCE is explicitly non-partisan and does not accept funding proposals. For more information on the CCE’s work visit the research page on this website.
Our research
Research papers
Measuring Housing Affordability in Canada
DownloadThis study argues Canada’s housing affordability crisis stems from persistent supply constraints and stacked policy costs. Using a savings-to-affordability metric (25% of after-tax income, mortgage under 60% of take-home pay), it finds extreme wait times to build the capital necessary to buy a home—especially in Vancouver and Toronto—and recommends reforming development charges, GST rules, and zoning to boost supply
24/02/26
A Retreat from Opportunity: Is the Canadian Dream Still Alive?
DownloadDrawing on Canadian evidence, this report argues intergenerational mobility is declining and purchasing power is squeezed by housing, debt, and rising living costs. It links reduced opportunity to inequality and policy-created barriers in housing, education, post-secondary training, licensing, immigration alignment, and tax-benefit clawbacks, proposing reforms to restore meritocracy for Canadians.
22/01/26
How Canadian Childcare Became Politically Untouchable
DownloadThis study analyzes Canada’s $10-a-day childcare rollout (CWELCC). Fees fell for families with regulated spots, but demand surged faster than supply, leaving provinces behind space targets and longer waitlists. Federal conditions favour non-profit, centre-based, credentialized care, squeezing home and for-profit providers. The paper argues that this model is politically untouchable and costly
08/01/26
Canada’s Future (Might Be) Conservative: A Look at Falling Birth Rates Among Progressives
DownloadThis study finds that birth rates and family formation are significantly higher in Conservative-leaning Canadian ridings than in Liberal or NDP ones. Differences in education, housing costs, marriage rates, job security, and climate anxiety help explain the divide, with long-term implications for Canadian politics, culture, and national cohesion.
08/12/25