Canada Faces Rising Homelessness Global Ranking Claims Are Misleading

Canada is grappling with a growing homelessness problem, with tens of thousands of people experiencing homelessness on any given night.

According to the latest Point‑in‑Time count conducted in 2024, nearly 60,000 Canadians in 74 communities were identified as homeless, while annual estimates suggest that over 235,000 people experience homelessness across the country at some point during the year. Indigenous Canadians are disproportionately affected, representing a significant share of those experiencing homelessness.

Recent trends indicate a rise in unsheltered homelessness, with more people living on the streets or in encampments rather than in shelters. The federal and provincial governments have acknowledged the challenge, emphasizing the need for affordable housing, social support programs, and interventions targeted at vulnerable populations.

Despite some social media claims that Canada ranks eighth globally for homelessness, experts caution that this assertion is misleading.

There is no authoritative international ranking placing Canada in the top ten for homelessness rates. Comparisons between countries are difficult because definitions of homelessness vary widely, counting methods differ, and some forms of hidden homelessness — such as couch-surfing or precarious housing — are not consistently included.

Based on available data, Canada’s estimated homelessness rate of roughly 26 people per 10,000 population in 2024 is lower than in many other developed nations.

Analysts note that while homelessness in Canada is a pressing domestic issue, claims about its global ranking should be treated with skepticism unless supported by transparent and comparable data.

As Canada continues to address housing insecurity, experts emphasize that the focus should remain on implementing effective solutions and providing support for those affected, rather than relying on potentially misleading global comparisons.