The hallmark Canadian politeness may soon become a distant memory as Statistics Canada reveals a troubling trend: Canadians are spending significantly less time with friends, particularly those in their prime working years.
A comprehensive analysis of time-use data collected between 2015 and 2022 shows that Canadians aged 25 to 54—the demographic backbone of our workforce—experienced the sharpest decline in social interaction, with time spent with friends dropping by nearly 40 minutes per day on average.
“This isn’t just about missing happy hours or weekend gatherings,” explains Dr. Melissa Chen, sociologist at the University of Toronto. “These patterns represent a fundamental shift in how Canadians are balancing work demands with their need for social connection—and the scales are clearly tipping toward isolation.”
The report, released Tuesday by Statistics Canada, attributes this social recession to multiple factors, with the rise of remote work environments and increasingly demanding job schedules topping the list. While the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this trend, researchers emphasize that the decline was already underway before 2020.
“We’re seeing the long-term effects of an ‘always on’ work culture,” says Raymond Desjardins, senior analyst at StatCan. “Even as pandemic restrictions have lifted, many Canadians find themselves trapped in patterns that prioritize productivity over personal connections.”
The findings paint a particularly concerning picture for urban professionals. In metropolitan centers like Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal, working-age adults reported spending an average of just 37 minutes daily on social activities outside their immediate household—down from 78 minutes in 2015.
Interestingly, the data reveals that Canadians aren’t simply substituting in-person interaction with digital communication. Time spent on social media and messaging platforms has remained relatively stable, suggesting that screen-based connections aren’t filling the void left by face-to-face engagement.
Mental health experts warn that this social withdrawal carries serious implications. Dr. Sarah Winters of the Canadian Mental Health Association notes that “consistent social interaction is a powerful buffer against stress, anxiety, and depression. As Canadians retreat from friendships, we’re likely to see corresponding increases in mental health challenges across the population.”
The economic implications are equally concerning. Research from the Business Council of Canada suggests that diminished social connections correlate with reduced workplace collaboration, innovation, and ultimately, productivity—creating a paradoxical outcome where working more leads to accomplishing less.
Some Canadian employers are taking note. Tech firm Maple Innovations recently implemented “Connection Fridays,” where employees are encouraged to end work by 3 PM and engage in social activities. “We’ve seen dramatic improvements in team cohesion and creative output,” reports CEO Danielle Laporte. “It turns out that giving people time to be human together makes them better at their jobs.”
Provincial governments are also beginning to address the issue. British Columbia’s Ministry of Labour is considering legislation that would establish a “right to disconnect” similar to policies already implemented in several European countries.
As Canadians navigate this shifting social landscape, the question becomes increasingly urgent: In our pursuit of professional success and economic stability, what lasting social bonds are we sacrificing, and at what cost to our collective well-being?
