12/24/2025
The difference is staggering, isn't it?
We hear a lot about the "wealth gap" between Canada and the US, but the "support gap" for women is even wider. 🇨🇦
Following our breakdown of the Average Joe, we looked at the data for the Average Jane in 2025. The results paint a picture of two very different systems: one designed to support working mothers, and one that leaves them to figure it out solo.
Here is the context behind the numbers:
👶 The Motherhood Penalty: This is the biggest economic difference. In Canada, $10-a-day childcare and 12-18 months of paid leave allow women to return to work on their own terms. In the US, average childcare costs ($1,300/mo) often exceed a mortgage payment, forcing many women to quit their jobs entirely. That is why Canadian women have an 85% employment rate compared to 77% south of the border.
🏥 The Survival Gap: The most shocking stat is Maternal Mortality. An American mother is nearly 3x more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than a Canadian mother. This isn't just about genetics; it's about access to prenatal care without fear of a bill.
💸 The Cost of Entry: In Canada, the cost to deliver a baby is $0. In the US, even with insurance, the average out-of-pocket cost is ~$3,000. Without it, you’re looking at $19,000+.
It turns out that "freedom" for Canadian women looks a lot like financial security and physical safety than it does a pistol and a soapbox.
