Across Canada, social mobility is under threat, but some provinces are buckling down to make a difference. Alberta has taken the top spot in a new study that measures how feasible it is for residents to out-earn their parents and improve their living standards.
The Montreal Economic Institute (MEI) created a social mobility index, which reveals that Alberta's residents have fewer legal and regulatory barriers to mobility than other provinces. This makes it easier for them to pursue quality education and training, enter occupations, and find adequate housing close to where they work. While Alberta came out on top with 57 points out of a possible 100, there is still room for improvement.
The report highlights the importance of social mobility in empowering individuals to move up the income ladder and break free from inherited poverty. "Social mobility is what makes the difference between having agency in moving up the income ladder, or being stuck in inherited poverty," said Justin Callais, one of the report's co-authors.
Interestingly, the study found a strong link between physical mobility and social mobility. If individuals can't access economic opportunities where they live, they may need to move to find better prospects. "If you happen to live somewhere where there's no economic opportunity, the quickest way to improve your lot is to go where the jobs are," said Vincent Geloso, another co-author.
Quebec, unfortunately, ranked dead last in terms of social mobility, with a score of 24 out of 100. The province faces significant barriers to mobility, including compulsory certification rules for trades like painting and carpentry, which can be a major obstacle for those looking to enter these fields. This can make it harder for workers to climb the income ladder.
The study also incorporated "natural barriers" like childhood poverty and family instability into its assessment of social mobility. Quebec struggled in both categories, with low social capital and high government-imposed barriers to mobility hindering its residents' ability to improve their situation.
In contrast, western provinces generally ranked higher on the index, with Ontario falling right in the middle at number five. The study suggests that governments can play a crucial role in promoting social mobility by reducing regulatory barriers and increasing economic opportunities. By adopting less restrictive housing and construction policies, for example, provinces like British Columbia could leapfrog Alberta to become top performers.
Ultimately, the report emphasizes the need for Canada to prioritize mobile marketing strategies that promote upward mobility and break down the barriers that hold people back.