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College Name: Conestoga College (Doon)

Program Code & Name: 1521, Business Analytics

Course Code & Course Name: INFO8136 -24S- Descriptive Analytics

Assignment Title: Practical Assignment (Reflection)

Student Name: Vineet Varma Rudraraju (8923991)

Date: 05-25-2024

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

 Appendix:

Contents
Appendix: ......................................................... 2
Executive Summary: ..................................... 3
Process and Lessons Learned: ...................... 4
Data Presentation: ........................................ 5
Conclusion: ................................................... 8
References and Citations: ............................. 9

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

Executive Summary:

Does Canada represent an “Opportunity” or a “Trap”?

The topic that ignited a classroom discussion was, about the factors affecting quality of life in
Canada. The debate covered viewpoints on matters like the advantages and disadvantages of renting
versus owning a home the cost of groceries and tuition fees. Students formed three groups; one
supporting Canada as a land of opportunities another seeing it as a pitfall and a third taking a position
by presenting arguments, for both sides. The discussion underscored the intricacies involved in
housing choices, grocery expenses and external economic influences.

Findings based on the data table:

A study, on mortgage interest rates between 2020 and 2021 shows a decrease in rates for all
durations (1 year, 3 year and 5 year). Yet from July 2022 there has been an uptick in interest rates that
has been steadily climbing. This change reflects a shift in the environment largely influenced by
surging inflation rates leading to increased borrowing costs.

Provide an argument (Ie, Does Canada represent an “Opportunity” or a “Trap”) and

reflection on the findings.

After examining the data and considering the aspects of the discussion I have come to the conclusion
that Canada presents both possibilities and challenges leaving me with a neutral stance. On one side
Canadas efforts to enhance living conditions are evident, through the decrease in mortgage interest
rates hinting at a brighter economic future. However, the sudden surge in interest rates since mid-
2022 poses obstacles within the housing sector where steep mortgage rates can deter many
prospective buyers.

Furthermore, the escalating costs of groceries and education contribute to the strain on citizens
adding complexity to the overall situation. While some individuals may discover opportunities, within
Canadas systems and diverse economy others might grapple with high living expenses and
inflationary trends.

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

Process and Lessons Learned:
Renting a House:
In my view opting to rent a house, in Canada can be more beneficial for those who prioritize flexibility
and reduced maintenance duties. Renting provides the freedom to move easily for work
opportunities or personal motives without committing to long term homeownership. Moreover, rental
expenses are often eligible for tax deductions providing some advantages. Tenants also avoid the
hassle of property upkeep and repairs as these responsibilities typically fall on the landlord.
Additionally Canadian tenants benefit from rights and safeguards under lease regulations enhancing
their sense of security.

Purchasing a House:
When it comes to buying a house, preferences differ greatly among individuals. Many individuals in
our group, those who initially leaned towards renting expressed an interest in owning a home—ideally
in a serene and spacious location. This reflects a shared desire for stability and investment in estate
once financial circumstances improve.

Preferred Home Location:

If I were to purchase a house I would opt for a residence in an area renowned for its blend of urban
conveniences and natural charm, like British Columbia or Ontario. These regions offer job prospects,
cultural experiences and picturesque environments that make them attractive places to establish
roots.

Impact of Grocery Prices and Tuition Fees, on Quality of Life:

When it comes to grocery prices the increasing costs have an impact on how people, including both
locals and international students experience their day to day lives. Many individuals turn to using
flyers and coupons as strategies to manage their grocery bills. The disruptions in supply chains have
only made things worse causing price hikes in essential foods like Basmati and Sona Masoori rice
due to restrictions on exports from India. This has resulted in panic buying and hoarding putting
pressure on the supply chain and pushing prices up further. Moreover the challenges of transporting
goods across Canada – from places like Vancouver to Ontario – contribute to the expenses especially
since perishable items often spoil during transit making them pricier.

As for tuition fees, international students face costs compared to domestic students. For instance
while domestic students might pay around CAD 4,663 international students could be looking at a
bill of CAD 18,652 – a financial strain that limits their options and requires careful financial planning
along with possibly relying on part time jobs.

When it comes to public transportation expenses there are some options that offer flexibility. For
example, there is a fee of CAD 306 for students along with a pass costing around CAD 90. Programs
like the U Pass provide savings for students, by reducing travel costs which can make commuting
more affordable.

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

Standard of Living Influences:
The harsh winter conditions, in Canada, where temperatures can plummet to 25°C to 40°C in regions
have an impact on daily life and living expenses. The extreme weather can make traveling challenging
limit activities such as farming and construction and lead to heating costs. Moreover the cold climate
increases the amount of calories needed to stay warm resulting in food consumption and grocery
expenses. On a note the winter season provides opportunities for activities like skiing that are unique
to colder regions.

For students and visitors obtaining permanent residency is a priority to access better job prospects
and security. However, the transportation infrastructure in Canada is often inadequate in weather
conditions making owning a car almost necessary for convenience and safety. This additional
requirement adds another burden to the cost of living.

Data Presentation:
1) Here is a detailed data chart showing mortgage rate trends in Canada for the
four years highlighting shifts and patterns influenced by the economic
landscape.
(Mortgage Lending Statistics, n.d.)

Period 1 Year 3 Year 5 Year

2020- JUL 3.13 3.33 3.64
AUG 3.06 3.25 3.57
SEP 2.98 3.16 3.51
OCT 2.94 3.08 3.45
NOV 2.95 3.05 3.42
DEC 2.92 3.00 3.36

2021- JUL 2.75 2.87 3.20

AUG 2.76 2.87 3.20
SEP 2.75 2.85 3.22
OCT 2.74 2.88 3.29
NOV 2.74 2.98 3.40
DEC 2.75 3.00 3.45

2022- JUL 4.82 5.20 5.51

AUG 5.03 5.35 5.58
SEP 5.21 5.39 5.64
OCT 5.55 5.58 5.75
NOV 5.85 5.78 5.88
DEC 6.04 5.86 5.89

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

 2023- JUL 6.83 6.26 5.99
AUG 7.09 6.44 6.17
SEP 7.22 6.64 6.27
OCT 7.39 6.76 6.42
NOV 7.47 6.81 6.47

Chart:

RATES OF MORTGAGE
25
20
RATES

15
10
5
0

YEAR AND MONTH

1 Year 3 Year 5 Year

2) The growing disparity, in tuition fees between students and Canadian students is
becoming more evident as per the information from government reports. This
difference has implications, for the challenges experienced by international
students studying in Canada:

2019 / 2020 2020 / 2021 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024

Canadian undergraduate 6,468 6,580 6,660 6,872 7,076

Canadian graduate 7,186 7,361 7,315 7,409 7,573

International
29,883 32,039 33,446 35,836 38,081
Undergraduate

International graduate 17,934 19,429 20,246 21,155 22,061

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

 Ontario
2019 / 2020 2020 / 2021 2021 / 2022 2022 / 2023 2023 / 2024

Canadian undergraduate 7,931 7,938 7,850 7,996 8,190

Canadian graduate 9,601 9,739 9,327 9,304 9,445

International
38,108 40,525 41,744 44,036 46,433
Undergraduate

International graduate 23,828 25,521 26,196 27,086 28,152

The percentage is used to show the change in the tuition fee through the years:

Canada
10.00

8.00
PERCENTAGE CHANGE

6.00

4.00

2.00

0.00
2020-21 21-22 22-23 23-24
-2.00
YEAR

Canadian undergraduate Canadian graduate

International undergraduate International graduate

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

 Ontario
8.00

6.00
PERCENTAGE CHANGE

4.00

2.00

0.00
2020-21 21-22 22-23 23-24
-2.00

-4.00

-6.00
YEAR

Canadian undergraduate Canadian graduate

International undergraduate International graduate

Conclusion:

1) Mortgage Rates:
Exploring the mortgage rate data, in Canada from 2020 to 2023 unveils patterns and
economic effects. Initially in 2020 mortgage rates were quite low offering conditions for
homebuyers. Moving into 2021 these rates decreased further creating an appealing
borrowing atmosphere. However the situation took a turn in 2022 and 2023 as rates surged
significantly peaking at 6.47%. This sudden spike can be attributed to the aftermath of the
COVID 19 crisis and subsequent inflationary pressures. Given these circumstances opting
to rent a home may seem like a financially viable choice than diving into homeownership
with soaring mortgage rates and related taxes

2) Tuition Fees:
The tuition fee data emphasizes a growing disparity between local students. The rise in
tuition fees has hit students harder exacerbating their struggles. While efforts by the Ontario
government have been made to slow down this increase rate slightly. Making education
more affordable compared to the average. The overarching trend is still upward. This
suggests that despite attempts to cushion the blow of inflation educational costs are on a
trajectory putting financial strain, on students especially those coming from overseas.

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju

In Canada the study of mortgage interest rates and university fees highlights the situation. The
changing mortgage rates indicate that renting might be a choice, for some at the moment steering
clear of the expenses linked with owning a home in a period of rising prices. At the time the widening
gap in tuition fees between international students highlights the need for specific assistance to
uphold accessibility to higher education. As Canada deals with these hurdles, policymakers and
individuals alike must adjust their approaches to maintain a balance, between affordability and
security.

References and Citations:

• GOVERNMENT OF CANADA , STATISTICS CANADA . (2023, SEPTEMBER 6). CANADIAN AND
INTERNATIONAL TUITION FEES BY LEVEL OF STUDY (CURRENT DOLLARS ).
HTTPS ://WWW 150. STATCAN. GC. CA / T1/ TBL1/ EN/ TV. ACTION? PID=3710004501
• MORTGAGE LENDING STATISTICS . (N.D.). CMHC. HTTPS://WWW.CMHC-
SCHL. GC. CA / PROFESSIONALS / HOUSING -MARKETS -DATA -AND-RESEARCH / HOUSING -DATA / DATA -
TABLES / HOUSING -MARKET -DATA / MORTGAGE -LENDING -STATISTICS
• GOVERNMENT OF CANADA , STATISTICS CANADA . (2022, SEPTEMBER 7). THE DAILY — TUITION
FEES FOR DEGREE PROGRAMS , 2022/2023. HTTPS ://WWW 150.STATCAN. GC. CA/ N1/ DAILY -
QUOTIDIEN /220907/ DQ220907 B-ENG . HTM

05-25-2024 INFO8136 Vineet Rudraraju