This Century Initiative study captures the experiences and attitudes of second-generation Canadians aged 18 to 40 years with at least one immigrant parent.  

The Canadians surveyed placed significant emphasis on the importance of preserving their ethnic and religious identities. It was clear that they had strong connections to their cultural heritage alongside their Canadian identity. The respondents were also notably active in civic life and politics. In addition, the results showed that they were more engaged than other generations.  

While the study suggested that second-generation Canadians value education slightly less than first-generation immigrants, they face similar challenges to many other young Canadians, which affects their overall life satisfaction. The high cost of living (e.g., housing affordability) is one topic of concern.  

The study’s findings highlight that second-generation Canadians share many positive outcomes and viewpoints with their peers, but also face similar societal challenges. Addressing broader societal and economic issues could improve living conditions for all young Canadians, creating an environment conducive to prosperity for the diverse populations in Canada.  

This research provides critical insight into the effectiveness of current policies and identifies areas for improvement. Change is needed to ensure a supportive and inclusive society for future generations.