This week’s newsletter is brought to you by our trusted partner, Rentals.ca
Canada’s Rents Dropped Again, Hitting Their Lowest Level in 2.5 Years
The latest Rentals.ca National Rent Report puts the average asking rent at $2,060, with rents dropping for 15 months in a row.
Big cities are easing up, too. Vancouver and Toronto are at their lowest rent levels since early 2022. Calgary is cooling as well, down 5.0% year over year to $1,824, so it’s not just BC and Ontario seeing movement.
If you’re relocating to Canada soon or planning a move, this is a good moment to shop around. Compare a few neighbourhoods, and even nearby cities, to find the best mix of rent, commute, and availability. A little flexibility can save you a lot right now.
One more thing to watch for: many landlords and property managers are offering move-in incentives to fill units, like a free month (or two), free parking, or other perks. It’s worth asking what’s available before you sign.
And since listings often sit longer in winter, renters usually get more breathing room: more options, less competition, and sometimes a bit more space to negotiate.
Our Video Update This Week
A historic number of work permits are set to expire in 2026, and that could change what “staying in Canada” looks like for a lot of people.
Watch our video for the quick breakdown.
Most Read News This Week
Even though Canada’s unemployment rate rose to 6.8%, the LMIA freeze is based on local rates. Some regions are now back below 6%, so low-wage LMIA applications are being processed again in 8 regions.
If you’re relying on a TFW pathway, this may reopen options that were basically blocked last quarter.
This week’s email is brought to you by our partner, Rentals.ca.
News This Week, In Case You Missed It
French is playing a much bigger role in Express Entry, and you may be wondering if it’s worth studying.
Ottawa was the only Canadian city in Numbeo’s global top 50 for quality of life.
In many Canadian workplaces, AI skills are becoming as normal as email.
Canada’s temporary resident share is trending down, but it’s still above the federal target for 2027.
In a tighter job market, a smaller number of targeted applications each week can beat mass applying.
CEC has been a rollercoaster, with recent huge draws raising questions about how long that pace can last.
Ontario removed a major barrier for some self-employed doctors applying through the OINP.
ESDC reopened low-wage LMIA processing in 8 regions after local unemployment rates fell below 6%.
Canada’s job market is changing, but many of the fastest-growing roles for 2026 are still “people-powered.”
Plus, we saw a PEI draw, a Manitoba draw, and Yukon announced its quota for the year.
Latest IRCC Updates
The Government of Canada announced new funding to support the integration of French-speaking newcomers and strengthen Francophone minority communities across Canada. Read more.
IRCC posted a program delivery update on the Rural Community Immigration Pilot (RCIP). Read more.
IRCC posted a program delivery update on the Francophone Community Immigration Pilot (FCIP). Read more.
