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To understand why many Canadians are feeling unsafe in their own country, we sought insights from four experienced individuals, including founders and CEOs. Their perspectives range from auto theft raising community safety concerns to identity theft becoming a persistent threat. Dive into these four compelling reasons that shed light on this pressing issue.
- Auto Theft Raises Community Concerns
- Cost of Living Crisis Fuels Insecurity
- Housing Affordability Issues Breed Unease
- Identity Theft Becomes a Persistent Threat
- Cooperative Planning and Zoning Issues
Auto Theft Raises Community Concerns
Axel Hernborg, Founder and CEO, Tripplo
According to a study, the auto theft crisis is causing over 80% of Canadians to worry about community safe measures, and the number of stolen cars is still rising after reaching all-time highs in 2022.
Four percent of Canadians express concern about increased crime in their community due to increased auto theft. Of those surveyed, 65% believe cooperation between the government, automakers, law enforcement, and the courts is necessary to resolve this problem.
Terri O’Brien, President & CEO of Équité Association, said, “Canadians are feeling vulnerable. It is evident that most Canadians are concerned about the impact this alarming rise in auto theft will have on local crime rates, and they are apprehensive about their own and their families’ protection.
Cost of Living Crisis Fuels Insecurity
Adam Purvis, Founder, AdamJohnPurvis.com
As a remote sales worker living in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, I can see on people’s faces that they’re clearly struggling. Struggling people are desperate, and desperate people do irrational things. I definitely pay much closer attention to my surroundings than I did just a few years ago.
I also think that Canada’s astronomical cost of living and the housing crisis are causing young people to feel unsettled and demoralized. Feelings of insecurity can bleed into feeling not safe. It’s wild to think that as someone who is in the top 5% of earners for my age bracket, who got a STEM degree in university, and who did all the right things, I can’t afford to buy a tiny shoebox of an apartment in Hamilton, a traditionally gritty and undesirable city.
Not feeling like I can get ahead in this country has caused me to seriously consider emigrating, which is sad, because my family lives here, and it’s my home. Canada is not the country it once was.
Housing Affordability Issues Breed Unease
Samantha Odo, Real Estate Sales Representative and Montreal Division Manager, Precondo
One significant reason is the rising cost of living. It’s no secret that housing prices have been climbing steadily, especially in major cities like Toronto and Vancouver. Many folks are finding it challenging to afford a home in these bustling urban centers.
This not only impacts their financial stability but also creates a sense of insecurity about their future. People want a comfortable place to call home, and when that dream feels out of reach, it can certainly contribute to a feeling of unease.
Identity Theft Becomes a Persistent Threat
Abid Salahi, Co-Founder and CEO, FinlyWealth
As a tech CEO, my experience highlights the issue of identity theft, which is particularly increasing in Canada, leading to an alarming sense of insecurity.
Despite being a digital-age issue, it’s surprisingly an effect of offline data breaches too. From credit card information to social insurance numbers, once this sensitive information is stolen, the ripple effect can leave the victim feeling persistently at threat.
We need an urgent, comprehensive approach to tackle this, from tighter data-protection measures to reformed identity-recovery processes.
Cooperative Planning and Zoning Issues
Sebastian Jania, CEO, Ontario Property Buyers
In my opinion, the primary factor contributing to the lack of affordable housing in many Canadian cities is the lack of cooperative planning and zoning departments.
Being a real estate investor in Canada myself, I’ve seen just how difficult it can be for various departments to allow an increase in density. This increase in density keeps the supply very low, which in turn results in an increase in real estate prices.
So long as the supply is kept very low due to local governments not being willing to increase density through zoning changes and minor variances, there will be a continual increase in prices, which will keep more and more people out of the real estate market, thus increasing homelessness as well.
If planning and zoning departments can be more cooperative, there will be more units per city, which means a lot more available housing and, in turn, resulting in a lower price and more affordable housing.
Last Updated on by Sanjana
This insightful exploration delves into the intricate web of challenges that contribute to urban insecurity. By tapping into the expertise of seasoned professionals, this piece not only identifies the root causes but also illuminates the pathways towards effective remedies. As our cities evolve, understanding the dynamic landscape of safety becomes paramount, and this commentary serves as a compass, guiding us through the complexities of metropolitan security. A must-read for anyone committed to fostering safer, resilient urban environments.