Finance Canada
commissioned Environics Research Group to conduct qualitative and quantitative
public opinion research among Canadians in the fall of 2022. The research
objectives are to explore Canadians’ overall concerns and perceptions about the
current state of the Canadian economy and emerging issues, and their
expectations about the role of the Government of Canada in the economy and in
other measure intended to improve quality of life for Canadians. Specifically,
this report analyses current attitudes among Canadians toward such topics as:
·
The state of the economy;
· Inflation and the cost of living;
· Financial stressors;
· Fiscal issues such as the deficit and taxation;
· Housing supply and affordability;
· Priorities for the Fall Economic Statement
Qualitative Data Collection
Environics
Research conducted a series of 10 online focus groups in September and October
2022 to assess Canadians’ attitudes toward the current state of the economy. The
online focus groups were conducted using the Zoom platform; and a pair of
sessions, one for higher income and the other for lower income participants,
were conducted in each of the following regions: Ontario (September 29),
Prairies (October 3), B.C. (October 4), Quebec (October 5) and Atlantic Canada
(October 6). The two Quebec sessions were conducted in French and the other
eight sessions were conducted in English.
Participants
were 18 years of age or over, and included range of age, education, and
backgrounds. The groups
lasted approximately 90 minutes and consisted of between six and eight
participants (out of 8 people recruited for each group). Participants were provided
a $100 honorarium to encourage participation and thank them for their time
commitment.
Statement of
limitations: Qualitative
research provides insight into the range of opinions held within a population,
rather than the weights of the opinions held, as would be measured in a
quantitative study. The results of this type of research should be viewed as
indicative rather than projectable to the population.
Quantitative Data Collection
Environics
conducted an online survey with
a representative sample of 2,007 adult Canadians, conducted from September 23-October 4, 2022. As
the online survey uses an opt-in panel, this is a non-probability sample, and
no margin of sampling error is calculated. The regional distribution of surveys is described
below.
|
Regional distribution
|
Total
|
BC/YK
|
AB/NWT
|
SK
|
MB/NU
|
ON
|
QC
|
ATL
|
|
# of completed interviews
|
2,106
|
330
|
283
|
117
|
124
|
625
|
420
|
207
|
|
% of completed interviews
|
100%
|
16%
|
13%
|
6%
|
6%
|
30%
|
20%
|
10%
|
This
report presents an executive summary of key findings, followed by detailed
analyses of the focus group data and the survey data. Provided under a separate
cover is a detailed set of “banner tables” presenting the results for all
questions by population segments as defined by region and demographics. These
tables are referenced by the survey question in the detailed analysis.
In
this report, quantitative results are expressed as percentages unless otherwise
noted. Results may not add to 100% due to rounding or multiple responses. Net
results cited in the text may not exactly match individual results shown in the
tables due to rounding.
The
contract value was $279,189.10 (HST included).
Use
of findings of the research.
By gauging and analysing the opinions of Canadians, the Government of Canada
gains insights into important policy areas related to the mandate of the
department and related services. The information gained through this public
opinion research will be shared throughout Finance Canada to assist it when
establishing priorities, developing policies, and planning programs and
services.
A. Perceptions of Canada’s economy
Most
focus group participants expressed pessimism and concern about the Canadian
economy. The most
common top-of-mind issues among Canadians are inflation, rising interest rates,
and housing affordability – the uniting theme being the rising cost of living.
Canadians are experiencing sticker-shock when it comes to the cost of
day-to-day items and most expected prices for such staples as groceries and
gasoline to keep rising and become increasingly unaffordable.
When
asked to provide one word to describe the state of the Canadian economy, the
words used tended to convey these sentiments of uncertainty and pessimism, and
included “scary,”
“struggling,” “challenging,” and “expensive”. Other words used less frequently
included “uncertain,” “uneasy,” “inflation,” “recession,” “survival,”
“disappointing,” “weak,” “unpromising,” and “stressed”. Some words that were
more neutral or positive included “okay,” “depends,” “predictable,” “flat,” and
“recovering”.
Attitudes toward the economy were quite
consistent by region and income level, with participants feeling uncertain and
unhopeful about Canada’s current economic state and concerned about what the
future will look like. Most felt that the economy may not recover from current
challenges for another couple of years. The majority of focus group participants
are anticipating a slow economic upturn, with many saying it will be at least a
few years before we see any sort of relief when it comes to inflation and
interest rates. There was a mentality of having to “ride it out”, of things getting
worse before they gets better. There was some vestigial optimism about the
economy improving post-pandemic lockdowns, but this sentiment was fading compared
with how people felt earlier in the year.
B. Inflation/cost
of living concerns
When asked for examples
of things that have become harder to afford, groceries were most commonly
mentioned, followed by gasoline and utilities. Several people reported that
they found ways to manage in the face of rising prices. Participants spoke of
using coupons, eating out less, changing eating habits, and buying in bulk.
Other ways to manage rising costs of living include driving less and being
efficient with trips, buying used instead of new, less discretionary spending
in general, acquiring additional jobs, delaying purchases, and accumulating
debt.
Focus group
participants largely understood that the causes of the current inflation are
multifactorial and commonly cited pandemic-related supply chain issues and
scarcity of goods. This was followed by corporate greed and the idea that
companies are trying to recuperate their losses from COVID-19, using inflation
as an excuse to increase their prices. Many also believe inflation is at least partly
driven by global affairs such as the war in Ukraine and the economic situation
in other countries. Some felt inflation had been caused by too much government
spending during the pandemic and a perception that the Bank of Canada had
printed too much money.
Many participants
expressed concerns about the impact of rising interest rates, and they were
often confused about how higher rates - a measure that was seen to cause
people’s day to day expenses to increases – could also be a way of reducing
inflation and making life more affordable.
C. Affordability
measures
Participants were asked
how the federal government could make day-to-day life more affordable. Many
found it challenging to come up with ideas for how the federal government could
do this. Some suggested lowering income or sales taxes, reducing or eliminating
the carbon tax, grants for lower income families, a price cap on essential
goods, and investment in affordable housing.
There was little
awareness of new federal government initiatives announced that could make life
more affordable. When prompted, many recalled the dental program for low income
families, some had also heard of the increased GST rebate. Very few knew of the
housing credit. Many middle and higher income participants assumed that what
measures there were likely did not apply to them as they were above low income
thresholds.
D. Housing
concerns
Housing affordability
is a key concern and was brought up in general economy, interest rates, and
affordability discussions. Housing-related concerns were raised very frequently
by participants in all regions. Housing is no longer primarily a big city or an
Ontario and BC concern. It is now a huge issue in all parts of the country.
Many cited how during the pandemic housing prices and rents had surged in
smaller communities as well.
When asked what their
biggest housing related concern, the overwhelming response was cost/affordability.
Several were concerned with future generations and young people being able to
own a home, and many were concerned that they themselves would never be in a
position to own a home, writing home ownership off as a reality given the
current costs and future uncertainty. Participants also expressed concern about
the availability of housing, rising interest rates, and maintenance.
Those
with lower incomes tended to focus on immediate issues around housing
affordability, such as being able to afford rent, being able to afford to live
anywhere if forced to move and feeling priced out of their community.
Those
with higher incomes often already owned their homes, so their anxieties tended
to focus more on whether their children would ever be able to afford to live
anywhere – either as an owner or renter, and the rising costs of mortgages.
Some also worried about where they might live when they retired and wanted to
downsize.
E. Deficit
and debt concerns
Most participants were
vaguely aware of Canada’s deficit and debt. Overall, most were not very concerned
with either and did not feel they were affected personally by the national debt.
They were much more concerned about their personal debts as opposed to the
government’s. Most found Canada’s deficit understandable and unavoidable,
especially given necessary spending during the pandemic. Participants were
often relieved to know that Canada’s debt and deficit compared favourably with
those of other G7 countries.
Some who were concerned
about the deficit and debt worried about how they could impact future
generations. Even among those who agreed that the government at times needs to
run a deficit, there was a consensus that there needed to be some sort of plan
to eventually get the deficit under control. Some felt that the government needed
to better control its spending, especially when it comes to spending outside of
Canada on foreign aid. There was no desire for any drastic action to quickly
eliminate the deficit.
F. Fall
priorities
Participants felt that
the Fall Economic Statement should acknowledge that Canadians are struggling
and should focus on affordability. They wanted to hear increased transparency
and hope for the future. When asked for specific initiatives they would like
included some mentioned such things as cutting taxes, implementing a guaranteed
national income, more investments in the future of the young people, student
debt relief and better job opportunities, support
for lower- and middle-income families, and social programming to help those in
need.
Opinions were split on
whether the Fall Economic Statement should focus on short-term or medium- to
long-term priorities. Although most felt
the Economic Statement should focus on a longer-term economic strategy, many
felt a shorter-term focus was necessary in order to address the acute
affordability issues facing Canadians to create stability following the pandemic.
When rating the current state of the Canadian economy, two in ten
(21%) say it is good (score of 7 to 10), over three in ten (34%) are neutral
(score of 5 or 6), and over four in in ten (43%) say it is bad (score of 1 to
4).
Minorities of Canadians in all regions continue to rate their
provincial economy positively; pluralities in most locations rate it as
negative, with the exception Quebec, which is divided between rating their
provincial economy as negative or neutral. Half of Atlantic Canadians rate
their province’s economy as negative.
Eight
in ten Canadians (79%, up from 69% in February/March) have a negative
perception of the current cost of groceries. Three-quarters (77%) have a
negative impression of the current price of gasoline, and almost six in ten
(58%) give a negative rating to the cost of utilities.
Over four in ten (43%, up from 31%
earlier in the year) indicate inflation/rising prices/cost of living is the
most concerning economic issue. Housing affordability is a distant second, at
just over one in ten (13%). Seven percent now specifically mention rising
interest rates.
B. Government
action
A
plurality of 37 percent of Canadians believe it will take one to two years for
the current period of high inflation to get under control. Two in ten think it
will take a year or less, one-quarter think it will take more than two years,
and six percent feel this is a permanent situation.
Most
Canadians believe that the policies of the federal government can have a major
impact on the inflation rate – just under six in ten (57%) say this is closest
to their view. Around one-quarter (23%) think inflation is largely driven by
global factors and that government policies have little impact on it. A
significant 20 percent do not know.
When asked to rate the importance
of 12 issues for the federal government to consider when making budget
decisions, the most important are related to bringing the cost of living (88%)
and inflation (84%) under control, making the cost of living more affordable
(88%), and improving the health care system (87%).
C. Financial well-being
Half (50%, up from 43%) Canadians give a positive rating (score of
7-10) to their own personal financial situation; three in ten (30%) give a neutral
rating, and two in ten (20%) are negative to some extent.
The rising cost of living is once again the most
stressful of the items rated, with over four in ten saying it is a major source
of stress (82% at least moderate, up from 73% in February/March 2022), and
three-quarters (75%) are stressed to some extent by the quality of the
healthcare system. Seven in ten (71%) are concerned about the cost of
groceries. Canadians are least stressed by terrorism (34%), their ability to
pay monthly bills (33%), lack of career advancement (32%) or job security
(29%).
Three in ten parents (31%) say it
is a major source of stress whether their kids will be able to afford a place
to live when they are older, and one-quarter (26%) say this about the quality of the environment when their
kids are older.
Over one third of
Canadians (36%) are now at least somewhat less confident that they can
manage paying their bills and buying the things they need, compared to this
time last year. Just over one in ten are at least somewhat more confident and half
are just as confident.
When Canadians are asked about
the one expense, they have that makes it the most challenging for them to make
ends meet, one-quarter each cite groceries (24%) or housing (24%) costs. Fewer
than one in ten say gasoline (8%) or utilities (7%) are the expenses they find
most challenging to meet. Three in ten say they have no difficulties paying
their expenses currently.
Three in ten (29%, down somewhat
from 34% earlier in the year) are extremely or somewhat worried about personal
or family job loss.
D. Taxes and fiscal policy
Majorities agree (score 7 to 10) with most statements about the
federal government’s approach to fiscal issues, but agreement is highest that the federal government should have a plan
to gradually reduce the national debt (71%).Two-thirds (66%) agree they should
provide more permanent health care funding to provinces, even if adds to the
deficit.
There is minority agreement with three new statements added this
wave: that the federal government is trying to support Canadians in difficult
economic times (43%), that the federal government understands the economic
issues Canadians are facing (35%) and that the federal government should
provide more financial aid to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia, even if
it adds to the deficit (32%).
Three-quarters think
big corporations (77%, up seven percentage points since February/March) and the
top one percent of income earners (74%) should be paying more tax. Seven in ten
(70%) now think financial institutions should be paying more, up from six in
ten earlier in the year. As previously, about half think small businesses (51%)
and middle-income earners (51%) are paying the right amount of tax, and six in
ten (59%) think lower income earners should be paying less.
E. Housing
Over
eight in ten (83%) Canadians agree (score 7 to 10) it is very difficult for
people to buy a house in the current economic climate, and seven in ten (71%)
agree the federal government has a responsibility to address the lack of
affordable housing in the country. One-quarter (25%) agree it would be easy to find somewhere to live
that is both affordable and in a safe neighbourhood, if someone was buying a
house today.
Three-quarters
(77%) of homeowners agree it was extremely important they own a home, and just
over half (53%) agree the cost of living in their home is affordable. Just over
half of renters (53%) agree it is extremely important they be able to own a
home in the future, and four in ten (39%) agree the rent they pay is
affordable.
As was the case in
February/March of this year, the top priority for the federal government
related to housing is increasing the availability of affordable housing (76%)
followed by continued supports for first time buyers (74%). Seven in ten feel
each of four other housing policies are priorities: increasing transparency in real estate transactions
(71%), cracking down on large landlords buying up
housing (71%), extending the temporary ban on foreign ownership of homes (71%)
and making mortgage payments more affordable (69%).
I hereby certify as
senior officer of Environics that the deliverables fully comply with the
Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the
Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, and Procedures for Planning
and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not
include information on electoral voting intentions, political party
preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a
political party or its leaders.
Derek
Leebosh
Vice President, Public Affairs
Environics Research Group
derek.leebosh@environics.ca
(416) 820-1963
Supplier name: Environics Research Group
PWGSC
contract number: 60074-221039/001/CY
Original
contract date: 2022-09-06
For
more information, contact Finance Canada at por-rop@fin.gc.ca
Finance Canada commissioned Environics Research Group to conduct
qualitative and quantitative public opinion research among Canadians in the fall
of 2022. The primary objective of the research was to explore current attitudes
among Canadians toward such topics as:
·
The state of the economy;
·
Inflation and the cost of living;
·
Financial stressors;
·
Fiscal issues such as the deficit
and taxation;
·
Housing supply and affordability;
·
Priorities for the Fall Economic
Statement
The research objectives are to explore Canadians’ overall concerns
and perceptions about the current state of the Canadian economy and emerging
issues, and their expectations about the role of the Government of Canada in
the economy and in other measure intended to improve quality of life for
Canadians.
The Department of Finance requires research to obtain information
on the public environment into which the Government’s actions will be
communicated. It is important for the Department of Finance Canada to conduct
public opinion research to provide a clear and current sense of the evolution
of the public mood toward the state of the economy, sense of personal economic
well-being and Government actions in the economic sphere, in order to remain
current on the public environment into which Government actions will be
communicated.
Word association and general assessment
To begin each session, participants were asked to share one word
that they felt best described the current state of the Canadian economy. The
words participants provided were typically conveyed feelings of uncertainty and
negativity, and often included words like “scary,” “struggling,” “challenging,”
and “expensive”. Other words used less frequently included “uncertain,” “uneasy,”
“inflation,” “recession,” “survival,” “disappointing,” “weak,” “unpromising,”
and “stressed”. Some words that were more neutral or positive included “okay,”
“depends,” “predictable,” “flat,” and “recovering”. Words used to describe the
economy were fairly consistent across regions. There was, however, slight
differences between income levels, with middle- to higher-income participants more
often using neutral or less pessimistic words to describe the Canadian economy.
Overall attitudes toward the state of the Canadian economy were
quite consistent by region and income level, with participants feeling
uncertain and unhopeful about the current state of the national economy now and
concerned about what the future will look like. The general sentiment was that
everything seemed to be becoming less affordable, and participants were anxious
about various aspects of their financial lives. For young people, the concerns were
about whether they can afford to move out on their own and whether home
ownership would ever be in their future. Older generations are worried about
retirement and about their own children being able to afford a home or build
financial security. Participants at every income level and region were concerned
with immediate needs such as groceries and gas and some have had to make
significant changes in their spending habits or resort to using credit cards
and food banks.
Specific concerns
When participants were asked
about specific economic concerns, responses were consistent: the most
top-of-mind issues among Canadians overall are inflation, rising interest
rates, and housing affordability – the theme being the rising cost of living.
There were very few differences between the various groups, with all showing
concern for these key economic issues. Ontario and Atlantic group participants
did mention wages more commonly, and the fact that salaries are stagnant and
not keeping up with the rate of inflation. Inflation was the key topic that
emerged most frequently. Canadians are experiencing sticker-shock when it comes
to the cost of day-to-day items and most expected prices for such staples as
groceries and gasoline to keep rising and become increasingly unaffordable. The
specific economic concerns raised by participants were almost always at the
personal micro-economic level and it was rare that any of them raised economic
concerns that were more at the macro level such as productivity or economic
growth or sustainability.
It was notable that one
thing participants rarely expressed any concerns about was unemployment. The
consensus was that there were many jobs available where they lived. The problem
was identified more as the lack of jobs paying living wages and with benefits.
It was noted that people could always find jobs paying close to the minimum
wage but that it was impossible to make a living on a job like that. Instead of
expressing concerns about unemployment some participants spoke about the issue
of labour shortages. There was a perception that many jobs were going unfilled
because wages were too low or because the work was undesirable. Participants in
the Atlantic sessions in particular noted seeing an inordinate amount of job
advertisements by both large and small businesses. This was seen as a struggle
for businesses who are trying to recuperate after pandemic losses but are
unable to find staff. Other noted many people are underemployed, unable to find
jobs that match their skillsets. Some felt that during the pandemic many people
with lower level jobs had collected the CERB and no longer wanted to go back to
jobs with low wages and deplorable working conditions.
In previous waves of qualitative
research on the state of the economy, other issues and concerns were often
raised. For example, participants in British Columbia in particular would often
mention environmental issues and climate change even in the context of a
discussion about the state of the economy. In this round of focus groups, these
issues were almost never raised spontaneously.
Future of the
economy
There was a sense of pessimism
about the future of the economy, at least in the short term. The majority of
participants are anticipating a slow economic upturn, with many saying it will
be at least a few years before we see any sort of relief when it comes to
inflation and interest rates. There was a mentality of having to “ride it out”,
of things getting worse before they gets better, and the state of the economy
being beyond ours or the government’s control. A minority of participants
expressed some optimism that things would improve as a result of the perceived
end of the pandemic and of lockdowns having ended, but this optimistic scenario
was less prevalent that last winter.
The role of the federal
government in the state of the economy was rarely mentioned spontaneously as
there was a perception that so many of the economic challenges we face are
caused by external factors such as the post-pandemic “hangover” and the impact
of war in Ukraine and rising energy costs. Uncertainty around the world
including post-pandemic recovery and the war were also causing anxiety among
participants. It was also clear that many participants were anxious about the
impact of world events such as the war in Ukraine and how that could cause
unpredictable disruptions to the world and Canadian economies.
When asked how they determine whether or not the economy is doing
well, participants listed personal factors, media reports, and economic
indicators. Middle- and higher-income participants typically mentioned economic
factors more broadly (e.g., employment, inflation, new housing starts), while
lower-income participants focused mostly on immediate and personal factors.
Consistently, participants relied on anecdotal evidence from friends and family
members and equated a good economy with others’ ability to live comfortably.
There was very clearly a perceived direct link between the cost of living and
how the Canadian economy is doing overall.
Specific concerns
As noted above,
inflation and the cost of living were leading top-of-mind concerns among
participants in all regions and all income levels. It was noted that wages have
not kept up with rising prices, and that life was becoming less and less
affordable on many levels. The inflation rate has increasingly become the main
indicator for how the economy is doing. Most participants reported having both
read news stories about rising inflation and also experienced it personally at
the grocery store or at the gas pump. The reaction to the spike in food prices
was often one of shock. While people have seen fluctuations in gas prices over
the years, this was seen as a new phenomenon. It has been many years since most
people had last experienced any significant inflation and for younger
participants this was the first time they had seen prices for core commodities
like food suddenly go up so much.
When asked for examples
of things that have become harder to afford, groceries were most commonly
mentioned, as well as the rising cost of gasoline and of utilities such as
heating and electricity. Participants routinely exchanged anecdotes about the
sticker shock they were experiencing at the grocery store over such products as
eggs, meat or produce. Many also spoke of how much more expensive it had
become to eat out even in fast food restaurants. The cost of gasoline was also
frequently discussed, though as noted most people have seen the price of gas up
and down in the past so it did not shock people the way the recent rise in food
prices has. The rising cost of housing was also mentioned occasionally in this
context – though usually when people talk about rising prices, they are
thinking of it more in a retail environment and housing is seen as a separate
issue.
Adaptations to inflation
Several people reported
that they found ways to manage in the face of rising prices. Participants spoke
of using coupons, eating out less, changing eating habits, and buying in bulk. Other
ways to manage rising costs of living include driving less and being efficient
with trips, buying used instead of new, less discretionary spending in general,
acquiring additional jobs, delaying purchases, and accumulating debt. Higher
income participants were less likely to state they had accumulated any debt in
order to make ends meet> some lower income participants had resorted to
using credit cards. Any large purchases or renovations have also largely been
put off due to cost of materials.
Lower-income participants mentioned having to make lifestyle
changes in response to the rising cost of living such as driving less and being
selective about what they buy in the grocery store. Middle- and higher-income
participants, while still showing concern about the rise of the cost of living,
were more likely to have had to cut out luxury and entertainment items as
opposed to basic necessities. Middle- and higher-income participants were also
more concerned with rising interest rates due to mortgages, loans, and
investments. While some higher-income participants elaborated on how they were
personally struggling economically, most were describing the state of the
economy more from what they were reading about as opposed to what they were
directly experiencing. Although middle- and higher-income participants had many
concerns about the economy, some noted that inflation and the cost of living
was more of an inconvenience for them as opposed to causing them genuine
hardship impacting those in higher income brackets less than those with lower
incomes.
Causes of inflation
The inflation we are
experiencing was seen to be very much a global issue, and not so much as a
“made-in-Canada” issue. Most participants understood that rising inflation was
happening in many other countries, such as the U.S. and various European
countries. As such, there was a belief that inflation is multifactorial. Many
participants attributed inflation to post-pandemic supply chain issues and
scarcity of goods. Pandemic measures (i.e., lockdowns) caused labour shifts in
many production industries that in the end reduced the supply of many goods. This
was followed by corporate greed and the “post-COVID hangover”.
Many also felt that the
current inflation was driven by global issues, such as the war in Ukraine and high
inflation in other countries that was causing imported good to get more
expensive. Some participants shared the idea that many retailers were likely trying
to recuperate their losses from COVID-19, using inflation as an excuse to
increase their prices. This sentiment was quite common among participants of
all income levels and across regions, though it was notable that lower income
participants were often the likely to blame inflation on corporate greed and
price gouging and profiteering. For the most part, participants felt that
inflation is out of the government’s control. As noted, the most commonly held
belief is that supply chain issues and corporate greed are causing the rise in
prices. However, some participants, often in the higher income sessions, also
felt that inflation was caused by government overspending during and in the
wake of the Covid pandemic. They often spoke of the government and the Bank of
Canada having printed too much money and led to a situation where too much
money was chasing too few goods.
Government remedies
When asked if the
government could do anything about inflation, there were often only vague
responses. It was clear that while people were unsure of what the government
could do the reduce the actual rate of inflation, there might be things the
government could do to help Canadian with the cost of living. The most common specific
suggestions were related to lowering income and/or sales taxes or of
eliminating or reducing the carbon tax. Others wanted to see more grants for
lower income families and investment into affordable housing.
It was also notable
that in most sessions at least a couple of participants also wondered if it was
possible for the government to impose price controls on some essentials such as
groceries or do some investigation as to whether there was price gouging and
profiteering happening and whether profit margins were getting out of hand. Some
also mentioned that the federal government should reduce foreign aid and other
forms of assistance to other countries and focus instead on what is happening
to Canadians at this time.
Interest rates
Many participants also
expressed concerns about the impact of rising interest rates, and they were
often confused about how higher rates - a measure that was seen to cause
people’s day to day expenses to increases – could also be a way of reducing
inflation and making life more affordable. There was a general understanding
that interest rates are set by the Bank of Canada, and that increasing interest
rates has historically been used to cool inflation, but some were confused
about how this was supposed to work. It was clear that some participants did
not understand that difference between interest rates and the inflation rate. While
most participants understood that the Bank of Canada was at least theoretically
independent of the elected government, several voiced suspicions that behind
the scenes the government was influencing monetary policy.
Lower income
participants were often less personally affected by rising interest rates since
many of them were not homeowners and did not have mortgages to pay. However,
some mentioned having to pay higher interest on credit card and other forms of
debt and they recognized the potential ripple effect of higher interest rates
on other day-to-day costs. Middle- and higher-income earners were more worried
about the impact of interest rates as many were homeowners facing mortgage
renewals. They felt they were getting squeezed both by the higher mortgage
payments due to higher interest rates coupled with seeing their investments
take a hit from the recent declines in the stock markets in reaction to inflation
and higher interest rates.
Suggestions for
government
Participants were asked
about whether there was anything the federal government could do make
day-to-day life more affordable. As noted above in the discussion about what
the federal government could do about inflation, people often voiced
uncertainty about what specifically could be done. While many struggled to come
up with specific suggestions, some again mention cutting taxes and in
particular the carbon tax or made suggestions related to regulated prices of
goods and putting a cap on things like profit margins for corporations and
housing costs. Some mentioned housing specific measures such as caps on rents
or more affordable housing These responses were very similar to those above, as
participants strongly linked inflation to overall cost of living and
affordability.
Awareness of current
initiatives
There was relatively
low spontaneous awareness of federal government initiatives recently announced
that could make life more affordable. The odd participant mentioned having
heard something about dental care or the GST rebate and some mentioned pandemic
era programs such as the CERB. Several participants also mentioned the federal
government’s childcare agreements with the provinces.
When prompted, some
participants had heard of the recently announced program to cover dental costs
for low and middle income families though this program had not yet been
implemented. A few had also heard of the recent doubling of the GST rebate. Very
few had heard of the housing credit. Reaction to these measures was generally
quite positive with the dental program being particularly well-received.
Several of the higher
income participants noted that these initiatives did not apply to them, either
because one had to have children requiring dental work or because one needed to
have an income low enough to qualify for the GST rebate. Some were under the
impression that the low income thresholds were so low that it was almost
impossible to qualify for these measures, making them difficult to access for
many who are still in need despite having higher incomes. Some noted that that
everybody is struggling, not just lower-income earners. Middle-income earners
are facing the same wage freezes and price increases but may not qualify for
the measures being put forth by government.
Housing-related
concerns were raised very frequently by participants in all regions. The nature
of the concerns varied slightly income group. Those with lower incomes tended
to focus on immediate issues around housing affordability, such as being able
to afford rent, being able to afford to live anywhere if forced to move and
feeling priced out of their community. The lower-income participants were often
resigned to the fact that buying a house would be out of reach for them and
were also anxious about the cost of rent and the ability to keep up should
rents increase. This was a concern irrespective of where participants were
located. It was noted, though, that housing in the Atlantic regions is
continuing to rise and people are noticing less affordable housing and have
seen encampments, which is unprecedented in that area. This drove the point
home how unaffordable housing is at this time.
Those with higher
incomes often already owned their homes, so their anxieties tended to focus
more on whether their children would ever be able to get into the market and be
able to afford to live anywhere – either as an owner or renter. Some also
worried about where they might live when they retired and wanted to downsize.
In general, though, the theme of housing affordability was present across all
regions and income levels.
There was an
overarching concern in all sessions that affordable housing was now in very
short supply. This was accompanied by a belief that the government should do
something to increase availability of affordable housing. Themes that emerged
when discussing what the government could do to support affordability of
housing were related to curbing foreign investment/home ownership, providing further
support for first time home buyers, and increasing availability of affordable
housing, including rentals. Many understood again that the federal government has
limited control over housing policy compared to the provincial and municipal
levels of government, but they still wanted to see some action in this area and
as noted above several participants did offer suggestions for ways the federal
government could help address the housing crisis.
Most participants were only
vaguely aware of Canada’s deficit and debt and was little sense of urgency or
anxiety about the deficit – at least not in the short term. Many were under the
impression that it is normal for governments to run a deficit and that this was
something that all government do. It was sometimes noted that the debt and
deficit are just “numbers” and that it’s hard to see how they affect the
average person directly. Most found Canada’s deficit understandable and
unavoidable, especially given necessary spending during the pandemic.
There were some participants
who when prompted found the deficit/debt situation in Canada to be more of a
matter of concern. Their key worry was about how Canada’s current debt would
impact future generations. Even among those who understood the government at
times needs to run a deficit, it was the consensus that Canada needs to control
its spending, especially when it comes to spending outside of Canada. Again, it
was believed that the focus of the government should be supporting Canadians through
these times rather than turning its attention outward.
The fact that Canada
has the lowest debt of all the G7 countries surprised many participants, and
many also found it comforting to know that other countries were “worse off”
than Canada. It also validated their relative lack of concern for the broader
economic issues of deficit and debt.
Despite the relative
lack of concern about the deficit and debt, participants still wanted to see
some signal from the federal government that it took the debt seriously and was
not completely oblivious to it. They would like to know that the government has
a plan and targets to eventually balance the budget and start reducing the debt.
Desired content for
Fall Economic Statement
There was a range of
opinions when it came to advice for the Minister of Finance in the context of
the upcoming Fall Economic Statement. Notably, lower-income participants want
government to focus on and be aware of the “average Canadian”. Advice for the
minister tended to lean towards support for those in need, immediate action,
and demonstrating understanding of what Canadians are going through. Middle-
and higher-income participants had higher level advice that focused more on fiscal
policy and a plan for the future. Participants also mentioned various areas
into which they hope to see government investments as part of the economic
plan. The consensus was that money should stay in Canada; there were several
participants who noted Canada should not be sending money to other countries
while Canadians are struggling at home. All groups expressed the desire for the
minister to be transparent, honest, and to show an interest in providing
meaningful relief for Canadians.
Participants felt that
the Fall Economic Statement should acknowledge that Canadians are struggling
and should focus on affordability. When asked about fall priorities, people
wanted increased transparency and hope for the future. Specific priorities
included implementing a guaranteed national income, more investments in the
future of the young people, student debt relief and better job opportunities, support
for lower- and middle-income families, and social programming to help those in
need. Many people are feeling lost and uncertain about their futures and are
hoping that the government can show them a plan that supports them and helps
them feel more financially stable now and in the future. Participants also
advised focusing on the “good news” that Canada has the lowest debt of all the
G7 countries; showing Canadians how we are doing overall was perceived as a way
to provide comfort and hope to citizens.
Short-term vs longer
term focus
Opinions were split on
whether the Fall Economic Statement should focus on short-term or medium- to
long-term priorities. Most felt the Economic Statement should focus on a longer-term
economic strategy, but many felt a shorter-term focus was necessary in order to
address the acute affordability issues facing Canadians and create stability
following the pandemic before looking too far into the future. The groups
clearly demonstrated a broader concern for the future, not just for
participants but for generations to come. The plan needs to consider the long
term in order to provide hope and certainty in Canadians’ future and their
children’s’ future, but a solid recovery plan that will provide a reprieve from
the current stresses of unaffordability is also something people are hoping to
see in the statement.
Current state of the Canadian economy
Over four in ten
Canadians have a negative view of the current state of the national economy, up
slightly from March; positive perceptions have also dropped.
Several questions were asked related to current economic well-being.
Respondents were asked to use a scale from 1 (terrible) to 10 (excellent) to
rate each factor.
When asked to rate the current state of the Canadian economy, two
in ten (21%, down six percentage points from February/March 2022) gave a score
indicating it is good (score of 7 to 10), over three in ten (34%) are neutral
(score of 5 or 6), and over four in in ten (43%) say it is bad (score of 1 to
4). Being negative about the This is very consistent with the qualitative
research, which also showed most people had concerns about the current state of
the Canadian economy and felt it had deteriorated in recent months.
Current state of economy
|
Q1a Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1
is terrible and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the following: The
current state of the Canadian economy
|
Positive perception (7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Negative perception (1-4)
|
Not sure
|
|
Fall 2022 (n=2,106)
|
21%
|
34%
|
43%
|
1%
|
|
Feb/Mar 2022 (n=2,007)
|
27%
|
34%
|
38%
|
1%
|
Responses are generally
similar across most subgroups of the population, with some exceptions. Positive
sentiment about the national economy (scoring 7-10) remains higher in Quebec (32%)
than in the rest of Canada (18%). Men continue to be more likely to be positive
than women (26% vs. 26%), but in this wave being positive increases as age
increases (18% age 18-34, up to 23% age 55+), the reverse pattern to
February/March 2022. Again, those with a university degree are the most
positive, but less so than in Feb/March (25% vs. 32%). Being positive is
highest among those who say their own personal financial situation is good (33%,
down from 46% earlier in the year).
Current state of provincial economy
Residents of the
Atlantic provinces, Ontario and B.C. have the most negative perceptions of
their provincial economies; Quebecers and Albertans are more divided
As in February/March 2022, minorities of
Canadians in all regions rate their provincial economy positively. Pluralities
in most locations rate it as negative, with the exception of Quebec, which is
divided; a slim plurality rate it as neutral (36%) and three in ten each rate
it as positive or negative. Just over half of Atlantic Canadians and just under
half of Ontarians rate their province’s economy as negative. Since
February/March negativity has notably grown in British Columbia (45%, up from
27%) and Ontario (46%, up from 34%).
Current state
of the provincial economy
|
Q1b Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is terrible and
10 is excellent, how would you rate the following: the current state of the
[PROVINCE] economy
|
Positive
perception (7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Negative
perception (1-4)
|
Negative
perception Feb/March 2022
|
|
Atlantic (n=207)
|
16%
|
27%
|
52%
|
47%
|
|
Quebec (n=420)
|
31%
|
36%
|
30%
|
34%
|
|
Ontario (n=625)
|
16%
|
35%
|
46%
|
34%
|
|
Manitoba/Saskatchewan (n=240)
|
20%
|
36%
|
42%
|
43%
|
|
Alberta (n=283)
|
28%
|
32%
|
38%
|
43%
|
|
British Columbia (n=330)
|
22%
|
30%
|
45%
|
27%
|
Feeling the provincial
economy is performing well is the minority, but somewhat higher among, men (28%
vs. 17% of women), those age 55 and over (26%, versus 19% of younger Canadians,
those with household incomes of $100,000 or more (26%, vs. 16% with incomes
under $40,000), homeowners (24% vs. 17% of others), and those who think who
give positive ratings to either the Canadian economy (72%) or their personal
financial situation (35%).
Current price of groceries
Eight in ten give a
negative rating to the current price of groceries and this sentiment has grown.
Eight
in ten Canadians (79%) now express a negative view of the current cost of
groceries, up ten percentage points from earlier this year. Fewer than one in
ten (6%) are positive to some extent (down eight points).
Current price
of groceries
|
Q1d Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is terrible and
10 is excellent, how would you rate the following:
the current price of groceries?
|
Positive perception (7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Negative perception (1-4)
|
Not
sure
|
|
Fall 2022 (n=2,106)
|
6%
|
14%
|
79%
|
1%
|
|
Feb/Mar 2022 (n=2,007)
|
14%
|
17%
|
69%
|
1%
|
Majorities across all subgroups rate the price of groceries
negatively. In this wave a majority in all regions is negative about the cost
of groceries, but this is lower in Quebec (71%) than elsewhere (80% to 87%). A
negative rating is also higher among the following:
· Women (83% vs. 76% of men)
· Age 35 and over (81%, vs. 75% age 18 to 34)
· Those whose own personal financial situation is poor
(96%, vs. 83% fair and 72% good)
· Those who rate the Canadian economy as poor (95%, vs.
78% fair and 52% good).
Current
price of gasoline and utilities
Three-quarters give
a negative rating to the current price of gasoline, and almost six in ten are
negative about the cost of utilities
Asked
for the first time in this wave, three-quarters of Canadians (77%) have a
negative impression of the current price of gasoline, and almost six in ten
(58%) give a negative rating to the cost of utilities. Only small proportions
are positive about these economic indicators.
Current price
of groceries
|
Q1e-f Using a
scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is terrible and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the following:
|
Positive perception (7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Negative perception (1-4)
|
Not
sure
|
|
The
current cost of utilities (e.g., home heating/electricity)
|
12%
|
26%
|
58%
|
3%
|
|
The
current price of gasoline
|
6%
|
15%
|
77%
|
2%
|
Majorities across most
of the country and all subgroups rate the price of gasoline negatively,
but this ranges from lows of 70 percent in Quebec and 74 percent in Ontario to
a high of 91 percent in B.C. There are few notable differences by most demographic
sub-groups, but negative perceptions are highest among Indigenous people (87%) and
those with a disability (84%), compared to those who do not identify as being
in an equity-seeking group (76%). As with other measures, negative perceptions
are more pronounced among those who think their personal financial situation is
poor (84%), or that the state of the Canadian economy is poor (79%).
Regarding the current cost
of utilities, majorities across most of the country are negative with the
exception being Quebec (45% negative), ranging up to a high of 71 percent in
Alberta. A negative rating is also higher among the following:
· Women (64% vs. 53% of men)
· Household incomes under $40,000 (68%, vs. 54% to 58%
of others)
· Those with a disability and Indigenous people (68%, vs.
56% to 60% in other equity-seeking groups and 57% not in equity-seeking groups)
· Those whose own personal financial situation is poor (84%,
vs. 64% fair and 46% good)
· Those who rate the Canadian economy as poor (79%, vs. 52%
fair and 28% good).
Main source of economic concern
Inflation, rising
prices and the cost of living continues to be the main source of concern when
it comes to the Canadian economy.
Canadians
were shown a list of 12 issues and asked which one they are most
concerned about (respondents could also write in a different concern). It is
clear that rising prices and the cost of living is by far the top issue of
concern. Over four in ten (43%) indicate
inflation/rising prices/cost of living is the most concerning economic issue,
up from 31 percent in February/March. Housing affordability remains a distant
second, at just over one in ten (13%, up from eight percent). Fewer identify each
of a number of other issues as being most concerning to them. It is notable
that seven percent now specifically cite rising interest rates.
Most concerning
economic issues
|
Q8. Thinking about the Canadian
economy which specific issue are you most concerned about?
(Feb/March: Apart from the pandemic…)
*=issue was shown to
respondents
|
Total
online
(n=2,106)
|
Feb/March
(n=2,007)
|
|
Inflation/rising prices/cost of
living*
|
43%
|
31%
|
|
Housing affordability* (Feb/March:
Housing)
|
13%
|
8%
|
|
Rising interest rates*
|
7%
|
n/a
|
|
Taxes*
|
7%
|
2%
|
|
Deficit/national debt*
|
5%
|
5%
|
|
Labour shortage*
|
5%
|
n/a
|
|
Retirement*
|
4%
|
n/a
|
|
Supply chains*
|
3%
|
n/a
|
|
Slow economic growth*
|
3%
|
n/a
|
|
Transitioning to a net zero
economy*
|
2%
|
n/a
|
|
Unemployment/jobs*
|
2%
|
4%
|
|
Business competitiveness*
|
1%
|
n/a
|
|
Other mentions (1% or fewer each)
|
14%
|
14%
|
|
Not stated
|
9%
|
9%
|
As was the case earlier in the
year, results are generally similar across the country and among most
subgroups, with some notable differences.
Inflation/rising prices/cost of
living is higher among the following:
·
Women (49% vs. 38% of men)
·
Household incomes under $80,0000
(48%, vs. 40% with higher incomes)
·
Those not planning on buying a
home in the next year (45%, vs. 34%)
·
Personal finances fair or poor (49%
vs. 39% good personal finances)
·
Canadian economy fair or poor (47%
vs. 32% good personal finances)
Housing affordability is higher among the following:
· B.C./Yukon (15%) and Ontario (18%)
· Age 18 to 34 (24% vs. 13% 35-54 and 7% 55+)
· Major urban (16%) and urban centres (16%, vs. 9% town
and 7% rural)
· Renters (28%) and others (24%, vs. 6% of homeowners)
· Those planning to buy a home in the next year (24%,
vs. 11% of others)
How long current inflation in
Canada will last
A close to four in
ten plurality feel it will take one to two years for inflation in Canada to get
under control
A plurality
of 37 percent of Canadians believe it will take one to two years for the
current period of high inflation to get under control. Two in ten think it will
take a year or less, one-quarter think it will take more than two years, and
six percent feel this is a permanent situation. One in seven do not know.
When inflation
in Canada will get under control
|
Q10 When do you think the current period of high
inflation in Canada will get under control? Will it be…?
|
Total
online
(n=2,106)
|
|
In the next 6 months
|
3%
|
|
6 months to a year from now
|
16%
|
|
One to two years from now
|
37%
|
|
More than two years from now
|
23%
|
|
Never
|
6%
|
|
Don’t know
|
15%
|
Results are generally
similar and across most subgroups, with a few notable differences:
· Women are more likely than men to say they do not know
when inflation will be controlled (20% vs. 11%)
· Pessimism increases as age increases, with those aged
55 and over being more likely than those aged 18 to 34 to say it will be one to
two years from now (41% vs. 34%). Younger Canadians are the most likely to say
they do not know (29%, vs. 15% aged 35-54 and 12% aged 55+)
· Thinking inflation will be controlled one to two years
from now is highest among those with household incomes of $150,000 or more
(48%); those with household incomes of under $40,000 are the most likely to
think inflation will never be controlled (12%, vs. 3% to 5% of others).
· Thinking inflation will take one to two years to
control is highest among those with a university degree (41%).
· Thinking inflation will require more than two years to
be controlled is highest among those in rural communities (31%).
· Thinking inflation will take two years or less is
higher among those whose personal financial situation is good; those whose
situation is only fair, or poor are more pessimistic. This same pattern is seen
for those who think the Canadian economy is good or only fair/poor.
If government policies impact inflation
Close to six in ten
somewhat or strongly feel federal government policies can have a major impact
on the inflation rate
A
majority of Canadians believe to some degree that the policies of the federal
government can, in fact, have a major impact on the inflation rate – just under
six in ten (57%) say this is closest to their view, though it should be noted
that 32 percent only somewhat agree with this sentiment, indicating some
ambivalence. Around one-quarter (23%) think the inflation rate is largely the
result of global forces and that federal government policies have little impact
on it. Two in ten (20%) are unsure.
If government policies impact inflation
|
Q9 Here are two statements about inflation in Canada.
Which is closer to your own view?
|
Total online
(n=2,106)
|
|
The policies of the federal
government can have a major impact on the inflation rate
|
Net:
|
57%
|
|
Strongly
|
25%
|
|
Somewhat
|
32%
|
|
The inflation rate is mainly determined by world conditions
and
federal government policies have little impact on it
|
Net:
|
23%
|
|
Somewhat
|
17%
|
|
Strongly
|
6%
|
|
Don’t know
|
20%
|
Strongly or somewhat believing
that federal government policies can have a major impact on inflation is the
dominant position across the country and most subgroups, but somewhat higher
among the following:
· Alberta/NWT (65%, vs. 50% to 61% elsewhere)
· Men (60%, vs. 54% of women)
· Those planning to buy a home in the next year (61% vs.
56% not planning)
· Those who think the state of the Canadian economy is
poor (62%, vs. 53% who think it is fair or good)
Strongly or somewhat believing
that inflation is mainly determined by world conditions is a minority view, but
higher among those with household incomes of $150,000 or more (29%), those 55
years of age and over (29%) and those with university degrees (26%).
Importance of issues in making
budget decisions
Addressing the
rising cost of living, making the cost of living more affordable and improving
health care are top issues for the federal government to consider for budget
decisions
Canadians
were asked to rate the importance of 12 issues (from a list of 13) for the
federal government to consider when making budget decisions. The most important
are related to bringing the cost of living (88%) and inflation (84%) under
control, making the cost of living more affordable (88%), as well as improving
the health care system (87%). Eight
in ten also rank as important fostering an economy that works for everyone
(79%), and around three-quarters indicate this for making housing more
affordable (77%), ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share (75%),
addressing mental health (74%) and making communities safer (73%). Two-thirds
rate other issues as being important. In general, the issues also covered in
February/March 2022 are rated consistently with the previous results.
Importance of
issues in making budget decisions
|
Q7 How important is it
for the Government of Canada to keep the following issues in mind when making
Budget decisions? Please rank each on a 1 to 10 scale, where 1 means it is
not at all important and 10 means it is very important.
|
Important (7-10)
|
Neutral (5-6)
|
Not important (1-4)
|
Not
sure
|
Feb/
March Impor-tant
(7-10)
|
|
Addressing the rising cost of living
|
88%
|
9%
|
2%
|
1%
|
n/a
|
|
Making the cost of living more affordable (n=1,054)
|
88%
|
8%
|
2%
|
2%
|
84%
|
|
Improving the health care system
|
87%
|
9%
|
2%
|
1%
|
n/a
|
|
Bringing inflation under control (n=1,052)
|
84%
|
12%
|
2%
|
2%
|
80%
|
|
Fostering an economy that works for everyone
|
79%
|
15%
|
4%
|
3%
|
n/a
|
|
Making housing more affordable
|
77%
|
16%
|
5%
|
2%
|
77%
|
|
Ensuring the wealthiest Canadians pay their fair
share
|
75%
|
14%
|
8%
|
3%
|
78%
|
|
Addressing mental health
|
74%
|
17%
|
6%
|
2%
|
73%
|
|
Making communities safer
|
73%
|
19%
|
6%
|
2%
|
71%
|
|
Helping Canadians save for
retirement
|
68%
|
22%
|
8%
|
2%
|
n/a
|
|
Fighting climate change
|
65%
|
17%
|
15%
|
2%
|
66%
|
|
Helping Canadians get a good job
|
65%
|
25%
|
8%
|
2%
|
70%
|
|
Keeping the country’s debt and
deficit as low as possible
|
65%
|
22%
|
11%
|
3%
|
n/a
|
There are just a few regional differences
in budget items to prioritize. Quebecers are the most likely to indicate
addressing mental health (81%), fighting climate change (77%) or supporting
Ukraine (54%) should be important priorities. That the government should
prioritize ensuring the wealthiest pay their fair share (65%) or addressing
mental health (61%) are lower in Alberta than elsewhere.
Thinking most of these is
important is somewhat higher among women and those age 55 or more. Those who
think the Canadian economy is good are the most likely to rate as important fighting
climate change, helping Canadians get a good job, making communities safer, and
supporting Ukraine.
Current state of your own personal financial situation
Half of Canadians are
positive about their own personal financial situation, up from March.
Half (50%) Canadians give a positive rating (score of 7-10) to
their own personal financial situation; three in ten (30%) give a neutral
rating, and two in ten (20%) are negative to some extent. Being positive has
increased seven percentage points since February/March of this year.
Current state
of your own personal financial situation
|
Q1c Using a scale from 1 to 10, where 1 is terrible and
10 is excellent, how would you rate the following: the current state of your
own personal financial situation
|
Positive perception (7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Negative perception (1-4)
|
Not sure
|
|
Fall 2022 (n=2,106)
|
50%
|
30%
|
20%
|
1%
|
|
Feb/March (n=2,007)
|
43%
|
29%
|
26%
|
1%
|
Reporting a positive
personal financial status ranges from a low of 41 percent in the Atlantic to a
high of 60 percent in Quebec; and increases along with an increase in household
income, from a low of 28 percent under $40,000 to a high of 71 percent (up 10
points) for those $150,000 or more. It is higher among the following groups:
· Men (53% vs, 47% of women)
· Age 55 and over (57%)
· University graduates (53%)
· Full time workers (49%) and retired
Canadians (61%)
· Homeowners (56%)
· Those with no children under 18 at home
(52%, vs. 42% who do)
· Those who think the Canadian economy is
good (78%)
Top economic stressors for Canadian households
The
rising cost of living remains the top economic stressor for Canadian households,
followed by quality of the healthcare system and the cost of groceries. Despite
this, most are not worried about being able to pay their monthly bills.
Canadians were asked to indicate how much of a stress
several things are for them and their household. To reduce respondent burden respondents
were asked to rate 11 of 22 items, and all respondents were asked about saving
enough money to buy a home, rising interest rates, and paying down their
personal debts. The rising cost of living is once again the most stressful of
the items rated, with over four in ten saying it is a major source of stress
(82% at least moderate, up from 73% in February/March 2022). Seven in ten are stressed
about the cost of groceries, a new item for this wave.
Extent to which economic
issues are sources of concern for Canadians
|
2. How much of a stress is each of the
following are for you and your household. Is each a major, moderate or minor
source of stress, or is it not a source of stress at all?
|
Net:
major/
moderate
|
Major
source
|
Moderate
source
|
Minor
source
|
Not
a source
|
Feb/
March: Major
|
|
The rising cost of living (n=1,052)
|
82%
|
42%
|
39%
|
15%
|
3%
|
73%
|
|
Quality of the healthcare system (n=1,052)
|
75%
|
37%
|
37%
|
20%
|
6%
|
51%
|
|
The cost of groceries (n=1,054)
|
71%
|
34%
|
38%
|
24%
|
5%
|
n/a
|
|
The global economy (n=1,054)
|
64%
|
20%
|
44%
|
30%
|
7%
|
47%
|
|
The Canadian economy (n=1052)
|
63%
|
18%
|
44%
|
31%
|
7%
|
49%
|
|
Rising interest rates (n=2,106)
|
60%
|
25%
|
34%
|
25%
|
15%
|
n/a
|
|
Being financially secure in retirement
(n=1,052)
|
58%
|
25%
|
33%
|
26%
|
16%
|
49%
|
|
Climate change (n=1,054)
|
58%
|
20%
|
36%
|
31%
|
13%
|
44%
|
|
Middle class falling further behind
top 1% (n=1,052)
|
57%
|
21%
|
36%
|
29%
|
13%
|
45%
|
|
The cost of heating and electricity
(n=1,052)
|
57%
|
19%
|
39%
|
32%
|
11%
|
n/a
|
|
The quality of the environment (n=1,052)
|
56%
|
23%
|
34%
|
28%
|
14%
|
46%
|
|
The health of you and your family (n=1,054)
|
56%
|
18%
|
38%
|
32%
|
13%
|
44%
|
|
Saving enough money to retire (n=1,054)
|
54%
|
24%
|
30%
|
23%
|
23%
|
46%
|
|
Crime (n=1,054)
|
53%
|
19%
|
34%
|
34%
|
13%
|
37%
|
|
The performance of the stock market
(n=1,054)
|
51%
|
16%
|
35%
|
30%
|
19%
|
29%
|
|
The size of the federal deficit (n=1,052)
|
51%
|
16%
|
34%
|
32%
|
18%
|
40%
|
|
The mental health of you/your
family (n=1,052)
|
48%
|
16%
|
32%
|
32%
|
20%
|
39%
|
|
Income inequality in Canada (n=1,054)
|
44%
|
16%
|
27%
|
33%
|
24%
|
35%
|
|
The spread of COVID in Canada (n=1,054)
|
40%
|
12%
|
28%
|
38%
|
22%
|
51%
|
|
Paying down your personal debts (n=2,106)
|
37%
|
16%
|
22%
|
27%
|
36%
|
n/a
|
|
Saving enough money to buy a home (n=2,106)
|
36%
|
18%
|
18%
|
17%
|
47%
|
32%
|
|
Terrorism (n=1,052)
|
34%
|
12%
|
22%
|
36%
|
31%
|
32%
|
|
Your ability to pay bills end of
month (n=1,054)
|
33%
|
11%
|
22%
|
31%
|
35%
|
31%
|
|
Lack of career advancement opportunities
(n=1,052)
|
32%
|
11%
|
21%
|
21%
|
47%
|
28%
|
|
Job security (n=1,054)
|
29%
|
11%
|
18%
|
28%
|
43%
|
26%
|
Concerns about
most things related to finances and health are generally up from in the spring.
Concern about the quality of the healthcare system has increased (from 51% to
75% at least moderately concerned), and personal mental health concerns are
also up (48%, up from 39%). Likewise, concern about the Canadian and global
economies also increased over the summer, as are concerns about the stock
market. However, concern about the spread of COVID is down (to 40% from 51%).
Concerns are lower than four in
ten for several things, including paying down personal debts (37%), terrorism
(34%) and job security (29%). Around one-third (36%) express major or moderate
concern about saving enough money to buy a home, but this is notably higher
among those planning to buy in the coming year (72%) than those who are not (29%).
The proportions saying each of
these is a major source of stress are generally similar across the country and
subgroups of the population, with a few notable differences. Those in Quebec
are the most concerned about climate change (64%) and quality of the environment
(62%). There are differences in concerns by age, with younger Canadians (those
under age 55) being more concerned than their older counterparts about rising
interest rates, being financially secure in retirement, saving enough to retire
or to buy a home, mental health, income inequality, paying down personal debts
and ability to pay monthly bills. Older Canadians (aged 55 and over) are more
concerned than younger ones about terrorism, the spread of COVID, the federal
deficit, the stock market, crime, climate change and the healthcare system.
Women continue to be more likely
than men to find a number of things a major source of stress; the exceptions,
about which concern are similar by gender, are the global economy, personal and
family health, crime, stock market performance, the federal deficit, the spread
of COVID, saving money to buy a home, ability to pay monthly bills and job
security.
Those who think their own personal
financial situation or the Canadian economy in general are in a poor state, are
the most likely to find most things to be major stressors.
Top economic stressors for Canadian parents
Parents are most
stressed about whether their kids will be able to afford a place to live when
they are older.
Canadians
who indicated they have a child under age 18 in the home were asked to rate seven
addition potential stresses. Between one-third and six in ten are at least
moderately stressed by these. Three in ten say it is a major source of stress
whether their kids will be able to afford a place to live when they are older,
and one-quarter say this about the
quality of the environment when their kids are older. Two in ten or fewer are
very stressed about the impact of other factors on their children.
Extent to which economic
issues are sources of concern for Canadian parents (n=551)
|
3. Please
tell me how much of a stress each of the following things are for you and
your household. Is each a major, moderate or minor source of stress, or is it
not a source of stress at all?
|
Major
source
|
Moderate
source
|
Minor
source
|
Not
a source
|
Does
not apply/ dk
|
Feb/
March Major source
|
|
Whether your kids will be able to
afford a place to live when they are older
|
31%
|
29%
|
24%
|
11%
|
5%
|
n/a
|
|
The quality of the environment when
your kids are older
|
26%
|
32%
|
27%
|
11%
|
4%
|
19%
|
|
The impact of Canada’s national
debt on your kids when they are older
|
21%
|
32%
|
27%
|
13%
|
7%
|
n/a
|
|
Paying for your kids’ education
|
20%
|
35%
|
23%
|
16%
|
7%
|
18%
|
|
If your kids will get jobs out of
school
|
18%
|
28%
|
27%
|
20%
|
8%
|
16%
|
|
Your kids’ ability to pay off
future student loans
|
17%
|
28%
|
26%
|
18%
|
11%
|
n/a
|
|
Finding affordable childcare spaces
|
16%
|
17%
|
13%
|
17%
|
37%
|
15%
|
Major or moderate concern about most
of these stressors tend to be lower in Manitoba and Quebec than elsewhere.
Women are more concerned than men about whether their kids will be able to
afford a place to live when they are older (66% vs. 55%) or their kids’ ability
to pay off future student loans (51% vs. 38%), but other concerns are similar
by gender.
Identifying as major stresses
paying for education and finding affordable childcare is more likely for
parents with lower incomes ($40,000 or less), those whose personal financial
situation is poor, and those who think the Canadian economy is poor.
Confidence in managing bills
compared to last year
Over one third of
Canadians are less confident than they were last year that they can manage
their bills and buy what they need
In a new question this wave, Canadians were asked how confident
they are that they can manage paying their bills and buying the things they
need, compared to this time last year. A minority of just over one in ten (14%)
indicate they are at least somewhat more confident, half (50%) are just as
confident, and about one-third (36%) are somewhat less (25%) or much less (10%)
confident than they were last year.
Confidence in
managing bills compared to last year
|
Q4 Compared to this time last year how confident are
you that you can manage paying your bills and buying the things you need? Are
you…?
|
Total online
(n=2,007)
|
|
Net: More confident
|
14%
|
|
Much more confident
|
5%
|
|
Somewhat more confident
|
8%
|
|
Just as confident
|
50%
|
|
Net: Less confident
|
36%
|
|
Somewhat less confident
|
25%
|
|
Much less confident
|
10%
|
|
Don’t know
|
1%
|
Those most likely to now feel less
confident than last year about their ability to manage paying their bills
include the following:
·
Women (40% vs. 31% of men)
·
Those with annual household
incomes under $80,000 (43%)
·
Those with high school educations
or less (42%)
·
Those who are not employed (49%)
·
Renters (41%)
·
Those with children under 18 (40%)
·
This in Canada outside of Quebec
(38% vs 26% in Quebec)
Most challenging expense
Canadians are most
challenged to pay for groceries and housing; three in ten have no difficulties
making ends meet
In
a new question this wave, Canadians were asked what is the one expense they
have that makes it the most challenging for them to make ends meet. They were shown
four potential responses and could write in something else, or say they have no
difficulty. They could select only one response.
One-quarter
each say groceries (24%), or housing costs (24%) are their most challenging
expenses. Fewer than one in ten indicate other expenses such as gasoline (8%)
or utilities (7%) as being their most difficult to meet. Three in ten say they
have no difficulties paying their expenses currently.
Most
challenging expenses (2% or more mentions)
|
Q5. What is the one expense you have in your life that
makes it the most challenging for you to make ends meet?
|
Total (n=2,106)
|
|
Groceries/food
|
24%
|
|
Housing costs (e.g., rent,
mortgage)
|
24%
|
|
Gasoline
|
8%
|
|
Utilities (e.g., heating, hydro)
|
7%
|
|
Something else
|
4%
|
|
None, I have no difficulty making
ends meet
|
29%
|
|
Don't know
|
3%
|
Responses are generally
similar across the country and most subgroups. Below are some notable findings.
· Saying groceries/food ranges from a low of 18
percent in Manitoba to a high of 29% in Quebec. It is higher among women (27%
vs. 21% of men) and those with household incomes under $40,000 (36%). It is
also higher among those with children under age 18 at home (29% vs 23%) and
those whose personal financial situation is poor (31%) or fair (28%, vs. 19%
good).
· Housing costs
as the most challenging event ranges from 15% in Quebec to 30% in Ontario; it
is higher among those aged 18 to 34 (37%) and decreases as age increases (to
13% age 55+). It is higher among those with a university degree (28%) and those
living in cities with over one million people (31%). It is also higher among
those whose personal financial situation is poor (37%) or fair (30%, vs. 16%
good). Housing also is more likely to be a challenging expense for those who
are planning to buy a home in the next year (39%, vs. 21% not planning to do
so).
· Gasoline as the
most challenging expense ranges from 5 percent in Quebec to 17 percent in B.C.
· Having no difficulty making ends meet is highest in Quebec (41%, vs. 22% to 29% elsewhere)
and among men (32% vs 27% women) and those with university degrees (34%); it
increases as age increases (from 20% age 18-34 up to 39% age 55+) and as
household income increases (from 16% under $40,000 up to 43% $150,000 and
over).
Level of worry about being laid
off/losing job
Three in ten
Canadians are at least somewhat worried about personal or household job loss,
down from March.
Three
in ten (29%) of Canadians are extremely or somewhat worried about personal or
family job loss, down somewhat from one-third (34%) earlier in the year; two-thirds
(67%) are not very or not at all worried, with four in ten of these being not
at all worried, up six points. It is clear that job loss is less and less of a
concern for Canadians and the proportion saying they are not worried at all has
increased six points in the last few months.
Level of worry
about being laid off/losing job
|
Q6. To what extent are you worried about you or anyone
in your household losing their job or being laid off?
|
Extremely worried
|
Somewhat worried
|
Not very worried
|
Not at all worried
|
Not
sure
|
|
Fall 2022 (n=2,106)
|
8%
|
22%
|
26%
|
41%
|
3%
|
|
Feb/March (n=2,007)
|
12%
|
23%
|
26%
|
35%
|
4%
|
Response patterns are generally
similar across subgroups of the population. Being concerned is higher among
those with lower household incomes and decreases as income increases. Net
concern (extremely or somewhat worried) is a minority but higher among the
following groups:
· Those in Ontario and B.C. (33%)
· Canadians under age 55 (37% vs. 18% age 55 and over)
· Those in major urban centres (33%, vs. 25% in towns
and rural areas)
· Those whose language at home is neither English nor
French (48%)
· Those with children under 18 at home (43% vs. 25%)
· Those planning to buy a home this year (48% vs. 26%)
· Those whose personal financial situation is poor (50%,
vs. 34% fair and 18% good)
· Racialized Canadians (38%) and recent immigrants (68%).
Agreement with statements about
fiscal issues
Canadians would
like the country’s budget to eventually be balanced, but do not want this to be
rushed at the expense of health care or essential services, or by requiring
taxes to be higher.
Canadians were asked to rate their level of agreement with ten
statements about the federal government’s approach to fiscal issues. As was the
case earlier in the year, Canadians would like the national debt to be reduced,
but they still want more permanent healthcare funding for the provinces, and
they do not want a balanced budget at the expense of essential services or
funded by higher taxes.
Majorities of from 52 percent to 71 percent agree (score 7 to 10)
with most statements, but agreement is highest that the federal government should have a plan to gradually
reduce the national debt (75%, similar to 71% in February/March), and
two-thirds also agree the federal government should provide more permanent
health care funding to provinces, even if adds to deficit (66%) or that if the
federal government tries to balance the budget too quickly it would mean either
cuts to essential services or higher taxes on people like them (64%).
There is minority agreement with three new statements: that the
federal government is trying to support Canadians in difficult economic times (43%)
or understands the economic issues Canadians are facing (35%), and that Canada
should provide more financial aid to help Ukraine (32%).
Agreement with
statements about fiscal issues
|
Q14 Please tell me to what extent
you agree or disagree with each of the following statements using a 10-point
scale, where “10” means you strongly agree, “1” means you strongly disagree?
|
Agree
(7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Disagree (1-4)
|
Not
sure
|
Feb/March Agree
(7-10)
|
|
I think the federal government should have a plan to
gradually reduce the national debt
|
71%
|
19%
|
2%
|
5%
|
75%
|
|
Fed. gov't should provide more permanent health care
funding to provinces, even if adds to deficit
|
66%
|
21%
|
7%
|
6%
|
67%
|
|
I worry that if the federal government quickly tries
to balance the budget it would mean either cuts to essential services or
higher taxes on people like me
|
64%
|
19%
|
9%
|
8%
|
66%
|
|
I don’t expect the federal gov't to balance its
budget until economy has completely recovered from pandemic
|
59%
|
19%
|
14%
|
9%
|
67%
|
|
If the federal government restores the budget to
balance or a surplus, it will have a positive impact on the economy
|
56%
|
21%
|
9%
|
14%
|
64%
|
|
The federal government should focus on restraining
future government spending
|
56%
|
24%
|
4%
|
7%
|
63%
|
|
I think the federal government
should return to a balanced budget as soon as possible
|
52%
|
25%
|
14%
|
8%
|
59%
|
|
The federal government is trying to
support Canadians in difficult economic times
|
43%
|
25%
|
26%
|
6%
|
n/a
|
|
The federal government understands
the economic issues Canadians are facing
|
35%
|
23%
|
36%
|
5%
|
n/a
|
|
The federal government should
provide more financial aid to help Ukraine defend itself from Russia, even if
it adds to the deficit
|
32%
|
26%
|
36%
|
7%
|
n/a
|
Agreement with statements is
fairly similar by region and most subgroups. Agreement tends to increase along
with an increase in age. Agreement is similar by gender, although women are
more likely than men to agree more permanent health care funding should be provided
and that they worry that if the federal government quickly tries to balance the
budget it would mean either cuts to essential services or higher taxes on
people like them; men are more likely than women to agree balancing the budget
will have a positive impact on the economy, and that they should return to
balance as soon as possible.
Whether groups are paying the
right amount of tax
Canadians
increasingly think big corporations, the top 1%, and financial institutions
should be paying more tax
Canadians
were asked if, in their opinion, six groups are currently paying the proper
amount in taxes, or if they should be paying more or less. It is notable that
there is a consistent increase in the extent to which people think the
wealthiest groups should pay more tax. Three-quarters think big corporations
(77%, up seven percentage points in February/March) and the top one percent of
income earners (74%, up five points) should be paying more tax. Seven in ten
(70%) now think financial institutions should be paying more, up 11 points from
earlier in the year. As previously, about half think small businesses and
middle-income earners are paying the right amount of tax, and six in ten think
lower income earners should be paying less.
If groups are
paying the right amount of tax
|
Q11 In your opinion, are each of the
following groups currently paying the proper amount of taxes, or should they
be paying more tax, or less tax, than they are now?
|
Should be paying more tax
|
Currently paying proper amount of
tax
|
Should be paying less tax
|
Don't
know
|
Feb/March Should be paying more tax
|
|
Big corporations
|
77%
|
14%
|
2%
|
7%
|
70%
|
|
The top one percent of income earners
|
74%
|
15%
|
3%
|
8%
|
69%
|
|
Financial institutions
|
70%
|
16%
|
2%
|
12%
|
59%
|
|
Small businesses
|
5%
|
51%
|
32%
|
12%
|
6%
|
|
Lower-income earners
|
4%
|
30%
|
59%
|
7%
|
5%
|
|
Middle-income earners
|
2%
|
51%
|
39%
|
7%
|
6%
|
That
big corporations and the top one percent of income earners should
be paying more in tax is the dominant view across the country and all
subgroups. That big corporations should pay more is higher among women and
renters. Wanting financial institutions to pay more take is a majority
across most groups but is higher among those age 55 and over and renters.
Feeling
that lower-income earners should pay less in tax is also a dominant view
nationally, although higher among women, those with low to middle household
incomes (68% under $80,000), those age 55 and over, renters, those who think
the Canadian economy is poor, and those identifying as having a disability. It
is also higher among those who think their own personal financial situation is
poor (62%) and decreases as perception of situation improves (down to 55% who
think their situation is good).
Wanting
middle-income earners to pay less in tax is a minority view across the
country and most subgroups, but higher among those age 35 to 54, those working
full time, those with children under age 18, those in a poor or fair personal
financial state, and those who think the economy of the country is poor.
That
small businesses should be paying less tax is generally similar across
subgroups, but highest among those in rural areas and those who think the
economy of the country is poor. It is lower in Quebec (22%) than elsewhere (34%
to 41%).
Housing affordability
Over eight in ten
agree it is very difficult to buy a home in the current economy and seven in
ten agree the federal government has a responsibility to address this
Canadians were asked their level of agreement with a
number of statements regarding home ownership. Just over eight in ten (83%)
continue to agree (score 7 to 10) it is very difficult for people to buy a
house in the current economic climate, and seven in ten (71%) agree the federal
government has a responsibility to address the lack of affordable housing in
the country. One-quarter (25%) agree it
would be easy to find somewhere to live that is both affordable and in a safe
neighbourhood, if someone was buying a house today. These are all statistically similar results to earlier
in the year.
As in February/March, three-quarters (77%) of
homeowners (n=1,396) agree it was extremely important they own a home, rather
than rent, and just over half (53%) agree the cost of living in their home is
affordable on their current household income.
Renters (n=549) were asked two specific questions,
again with similar results to earlier in the year: just over half (53%) agree
it is extremely important they be able to own a home in the future, and four in
ten (39%) agree the rent they pay is affordable on their current household
income.
Agreement with
statements about housing affordability
|
Q12 Using a scale from 1 to 10,
where 1 is strongly disagree and 10 is strongly agree, to what extent do you
agree or disagree with the following statements?
|
Agree
(7-10)
|
Neutral
(5-6)
|
Disagree
(1-4)
|
Not
sure
|
Feb/March
Agree
(7-10)
|
|
|
It is very difficult for people to buy a house today, in
the current economic climate.
|
83%
|
10%
|
5%
|
2%
|
81%
|
|
|
It was extremely important that you own a home, rather than
rent. BASE: Owners (n=1,396)
|
77%
|
14%
|
7%
|
2%
|
76%
|
|
|
The federal government has a responsibility to address the
lack of affordable housing in Canada.
|
71%
|
17%
|
8%
|
3%
|
72%
|
|
|
The costs of living in your home (including mortgage
payments and property taxes) are affordable on your current household income.
BASE: Owners (n=1,396)
|
53%
|
23%
|
22%
|
2%
|
54%
|
|
|
It is extremely important you be able to own a home in the
future. BASE: Renters (n=549)
|
53%
|
19%
|
24%
|
4%
|
49%
|
|
|
The rent you pay is affordable on your current household
income. BASE: Renters (n=549)
|
39%
|
25%
|
35%
|
1%
|
39%
|
|
|
If you
needed to buy a home today, it would be easy to find somewhere to live that
is both safe and affordable.
|
25%
|
19%
|
52%
|
5%
|
28%
|
For the most part response to these statements does not vary
significantly by subgroup. Significant differences are noted below:
· It
is very difficult for people to buy a house today, in the current economic
climate: Agreement is very high in all subgroups, but somewhat lower
in Alberta and Atlantic Canada and among those in rural areas.
· The
federal government has a responsibility to address the lack of affordable
housing in Canada: Agreement is higher among women, younger people, renters,
and racialized Canadians.
· Costs
of living in your home are affordable on current household income: Agreement
is higher among Ontarians, those 55 years of age and older, those with higher
incomes and university graduates. Agreements is lower among those with lower
incomes and among those in British Columbia.
· If
you needed to buy a home today, it would be easy to find somewhere to live that
is both safe and affordable: Agreement is higher among those
in Alberta and Quebec, men, homeowners, those 55 years of age and over and those
with household incomes $150,000 or more.
· It
is extremely important that you own a home rather than rent:
Agreement is very high across in all sub-groups particularly among those in
Quebec and those living in rural areas.
Federal government housing policies
Majorities think
each of a range of housing policies should be government priorities with the
highest priority given to policies that offer direct assistance to Canadians or
crack down on speculators and developers. Putting pressure on municipalities is
seen as less of a priority.
Canadians were shown a series of 14 housing-related issues and
asked to indicate the extent to which each should be a priority area for the
federal government. As in Feb/March, the top priority identified by Canadians
is increasing the availability of affordable housing (76%), and three-quarters
(74%) indicate continued supports for first time buyers is important. Seven in
ten feel each of four other housing policies are priorities: increasing transparency in real estate
transactions (71%), cracking down on large landlords buying up
housing (71%), extending the temporary ban on foreign ownership of homes (71%)
and making mortgage payments more affordable (69%).
Other policies that majorities of Canadians feel should be high
priorities for the federal government include making down payments more
achievable (67%), Requiring developers to ensure that at least twenty percent
of new housing is affordable for lower income families (64%), working with
municipalities to speed up the approval of new housing developments (63%), a
ban on people buying and owning multiple homes that aren’t being used to
provide needed rental supply (59%), continued investment in cooperative housing
(58%) and increasing down payment requirements for investors (54%).
The lowest priority
policies are those requiring municipalities to change their zoning rules to
allow for denser communities (42%) as well as reducing federal funding to
municipalities who do not increase the number of homes over the previous year
(37%).
Priorities for
housing affordability policies
|
Q13A To address the issue of
housing affordability, to what extent do you think each of the following
should be a priority area for the federal government? Please use a scale from
1 to 10, where 1 is not at all a priority and 10 is an extremely high
priority.
|
Priority (7-10)
|
Neutral (5-6)
|
Not a priority
(1-4)
|
Not sure
|
Feb/ March Priority
(7-10)
|
|
Increasing the availability of affordable housing
|
76%
|
15%
|
6%
|
3%
|
76%
|
|
Continued (Fall: supports/Feb-Mar: incentives) for
first-time home buyers
|
74%
|
17%
|
2%
|
4%
|
71%
|
|
Increasing transparency (Fall: and consumer
protection) in real estate transactions, like banning blind bidding)
|
71%
|
15%
|
2%
|
9%
|
71%
|
|
Cracking down on large landlords buying up housing,
reducing supply for individuals
|
71%
|
16%
|
8%
|
6%
|
72%
|
|
Extending the temporary ban on foreign ownership of
residential property
|
70%
|
14%
|
9%
|
7%
|
n/a
|
|
Making monthly mortgage payments more affordable for
middle-/lower-income Canadians
|
69%
|
18%
|
9%
|
5%
|
70%
|
|
Making down-payments more (Fall: achievable/Feb-Mar:
possible) for people
|
67%
|
21%
|
7%
|
5%
|
69%
|
|
Requiring developers to ensure that at least twenty
percent of new housing is affordable for lower income families
|
64%
|
20%
|
11%
|
6%
|
70%
|
|
Working with municipalities to speed up the approval
of new housing developments
|
63%
|
21%
|
4%
|
6%
|
68%
|
|
A ban on people buying and owning multiple homes
that aren’t being used to provide needed rental supply
|
59%
|
18%
|
16%
|
7%
|
n/a
|
|
Continued investment in co-operative housing
|
58%
|
24%
|
9%
|
9%
|
66%
|
|
Increasing down payment requirements for investors
|
54%
|
21%
|
12%
|
12%
|
61%
|
|
Requiring municipalities to change their zoning
rules to allow for denser communities
|
42%
|
27%
|
21%
|
10%
|
n/a
|
|
Reducing federal funding to municipalities who do
not increase # of homes over previous year
|
37%
|
26%
|
21%
|
16%
|
n/a
|
There are few significant differences by sub-group in the extent to
which Canadians feel that each of these policies should be prioritized. There
is some tendency for residents of British Columbia and Ontario, renters, those
55 years of age and over and those with lower incomes to put a higher priority
on most of these items, while residents of Alberta, homeowners and those with
higher incomes tend to rate most of these as somewhat less of a priority.
Those with lower
incomes and renters tend to place a higher priority on measures aimed at people
with lower incomes such as requiring developers to ensure that at least 20
percent of new housing is affordable to low income families and continued
investment in cooperative housing.
Environics Research conducted a series of 10
online focus groups in September and October 2022 to assess Canadians’
attitudes toward the current state of the economy, with a particular focus on
attitudes toward such issues as the cost of living, housing, and priorities for
the federal government looking ahead to the Fall Economic Statement.
The online focus groups were conducted
using the Zoom platform; and a pair of sessions were conducted in each of the
following regions: Ontario (September 29), Prairies (October 3), B.C. (October
4), Quebec (October 5) and Atlantic Canada (October 6). The two Quebec sessions
were conducted in French and the other eight sessions were conducted in
English.
|
Location (Language of groups)
|
Date
|
Time
|
|
Ontario (English)
|
Thursday, September 29
|
5pm EST – Group #1
7pm EST – Group #2
|
|
Atlantic provinces (NL,
NS, NB, PEI) (English)
|
Thursday, October 6
|
4pm EST (5pm AST)–
Group #3
6pm EST (7pm AST ) – Group #4
|
|
Prairie provinces (MB,
SK, AB) (English)
|
Monday, October 3
|
6pm EST (5pm CST/4pm
MST) – Group #5
8pm EST (7pm CST/6pm MST) – Group #6
|
|
B.C./Territories
(English)
|
Tuesday, October 4
|
7pm EST (4pm PST) –
Group #7
9pm EST (6pm PST) – Group #8
|
|
Quebec
(French)
|
Wednesday, October 5
|
5pm EST – Group #9
7pm EST – Group #10
|
NB: Participants in groups 1, 3, 5, 7
and 9 were lower income. Participants in groups 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 were higher income.
Participants were 18 years
of age or over; and included range of age, education, and backgrounds. The groups lasted approximately 90 minutes and
consisted of between six and eight participants (out of eight people recruited
for each group). Participants were offered a $100 honorarium to encourage
participation and thank them for their time commitment. Each evening, one
session was conducted with Canadians with lower incomes and one session was
conducted with those with higher incomes.
Environics developed
the recruitment screener and provided it to Finance Canada for review prior to its
deployment. The recruitment was carried out by Environics’ qualitative partner
Trend Research, which is one of Canada’s most well established and respected
qualitative research recruiting operations. All recruiting was conducted by
telephone and by e-mail by Trend’s professional team of experienced and
trained qualitative research recruiters. Trend maintains a panel of prospective
qualitative research participants across Canada. The panel is composed of
people who have taken part in quantitative surveys and agreed to be contacted
to be potential paid participants in qualitative research projects, as well as
people who are recruited to the panel through social media promotion. Participants
were contacted randomly by phone and e-mail and screened to ensure they were
invited to the appropriate session. Participants were also screened to ensure
the groups included a mix of gender, education, and age, and that they would be
comfortable voicing their opinions in front of others. Normal focus group
exclusions were in place (marketing research, media and employment in the
federal government, and recent related focus group attendance). Participants
were offered a $100 honorarium to encourage participation and thank them for
their time commitment.
All groups were video-
and audio-recorded for use in subsequent analysis by the research team – during
the recruitment process and at the session sign-in, participants provided
consent to such recording and were given privacy and confidentially assurances.
Two senior researchers
were used to moderate all sessions, as follows:
· Derek Leebosh, Vice President, Environics, moderated all
English sessions.
· France Mercier, Senior Associate, moderated both French
sessions.
All qualitative
research work was conducted in accordance with professional standards and applicable
government legislation (e.g., PIPEDA).
Qualitative research
provides insight into the range of opinions held within a population, rather
than the weights of the opinions held, as would be measured in a quantitative
study. The results of this type of research should be viewed as indicative
rather than projectable.
Finance Canada identified a need for qualitative research to examine
Canadians’ overall concerns and perceptions about the current state of the
Canadian economy, emerging issues, and their expectations about the role of the
Government of Canada in the economy and in other issues related to quality of
life in Canada.
Use of research: By
gauging and analysing the opinions of Canadians, the Government of Canada gains
insights into important policy areas related to the mandate of the department
and related services. The information gained through this public opinion
research will be shared throughout Finance Canada to assist it when
establishing priorities, developing policies, and planning programs and
services.
Methodology
Environics conducted an online survey with a representative sample of 2,007 adult Canadians, conducted from September
23-October 4, 2022. As the online survey uses an opt-in panel,
this is a non-probability sample, and no margin of sampling error is
calculated.
Questionnaire design
The questionnaire was designed by Environics and Finance
Canada representatives, and incorporated tracking questions from previous
economic surveys as appropriate. The English version of the final study
questionnaire is included in Appendix E. The online questionnaire averaged 16
minutes to complete.
The online survey targeted adult Canadians
(18 years of age or older). The sample was stratified by region to allow for
meaningful coverage of lower population areas: The survey data were weighted to
the national adult population (region, age, and gender).
|
Regional distribution
|
Total
|
BC/YK
|
AB/NWT
|
SK
|
MB/NU
|
ON
|
QC
|
ATL
|
|
# of completed interviews
|
2,106
|
330
|
283
|
117
|
124
|
625
|
420
|
207
|
|
% of completed interviews
|
100%
|
16%
|
13%
|
6%
|
6%
|
30%
|
20%
|
10%
|
A soft launch of the
online survey was conducted on September 26, and 67 completions were reviewed (29
English, 38 French). No changes were required as a result of this review and
the full field proceeded. The pre-test interviews were kept in the data set.
Fieldwork and quality control
The online survey was
conducted by Environics. All respondents were offered the opportunity to
complete the survey in their official language of choice. All research work was
conducted in accordance with the standards established by federal government
Public Opinion Research (POR) requirements, as well as applicable
federal legislation (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents
Act, or PIPEDA).
Data analysts
programmed the questionnaire into an online survey platform and then performed
thorough testing to ensure accuracy in set-up and data collection. This
validation ensured the data entry process conformed to the survey’s basic
logic. The interview system handles invitations, quotas, and questionnaire
completion (skip patterns, branching and valid ranges).
The completion results for the online survey
are presented in the following table.
Contact
disposition
|
Disposition
|
N
|
|
Total
invitations (c)
|
34,170
|
|
Total
completes (d)
|
2,106
|
|
Qualified
breakoffs (e)
|
323
|
|
Disqualified (f)
|
252
|
|
Not
responded (g)
|
30,001
|
|
Quota
filled (h)
|
1,488
|
|
Contact rate = (d+e+f+h)/c
|
12.20%
|
|
Participation rate = (d+f+h)/c
|
11.26%
|
Non-response bias analysis
The table below presents a profile of the final sample, compared to
the actual population of Canada (2016 Census information). The proportion of people
aged 55+ interviewed is lower than that in the population; this was corrected
by age weighting. The final sample somewhat under-represents those with high
school or less education, which is also a typical pattern for surveys in Canada
(e.g., those with more education are more likely to be members of online panels
and to respond to surveys).
Sample profile
|
Sample type
|
Online Sample*
%
|
Canada
(2016 Census)
%
|
|
Gender (18+)
|
|
|
Male
|
50%
|
49
|
|
|
Female
|
49%
|
51
|
|
|
Age
|
|
|
18-34
|
27
|
27
|
|
|
35-54
|
46
|
34
|
|
|
55+
|
27
|
39
|
|
|
Education level
α
|
|
|
High school diploma or less
|
15
|
35
|
|
|
Trades/college/post sec no degree
|
33
|
36
|
|
|
University degree
|
52
|
29
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
* Data are unweighted and percentaged on those
giving a response to each demographic question
α Actual Census categories differ from those
used in this survey and have been recalculated to correspond.
Statistics Canada figures for education are for Canadians aged 25 to 64 years.
Appendix C: Moderation guide
September 26, 2022
Environics Research
Focus Groups on Canada’s Economy
Finance Canada – Discussion Agenda
PN11601
1.
Introduction
to Procedures (10 minutes)
Hello everyone, my name is [NAME] and I work for Environics
Research, a public opinion research company. Welcome to this online focus
group. I will be moderating the session. This is one of a series of online
focus groups we are conducting on behalf of the Government of Canada with
people from across the country. The session should last no more than 90
minutes.
We want to hear your opinions so please feel free to
agree or disagree with one another. I want to inform you that we are recording
this session to help me write my report. The recording will only be used
internally to analyze the research and will not be released to anyone else.
MODERATOR TO PRESS “RECORD” ON ZOOM SCREEN
There are also some observers from the research team
and from the Government of Canada who are observing the session and taking notes
while muted. I would also like to remind you that anything you say here will
remain confidential and anonymous and any comments you make will not be linked
to you by name in any reporting we do on this project.
For the most part we will be video chatting, but I
will also be sharing my screen to show you some things and we will also use the
“chat” function from time to time when I ask you to react to things in writing.
I will type “hello” in the chat – can everyone see that and respond “Hi” to
“everyone” just to make sure that the “chat” feature works for everyone?
I
also want to say that if you feel you didn’t have a chance to express your
opinion on anything during the session, you can feel free to comment in writing
in the “chat.” Chat with “everyone” unless you feel you need to send me a
private message.
Before
we get started, I just wanted to also say that if you think there may be a lot
of noise at your end (i.e., kids, dog barking etc.) please click the “mute”
button and just “unmute” when you want to say something. You will get the cash
compensation gift we promised you electronically in the next week or two.
Let’s
go around the imaginary table and introduce ourselves. Tell us your name and
tell us briefly a bit about yourself such as where you are calling from, what
sort of work you do or if you are in school and how you would describe the
composition of your household (family, pets etc.).
2.
Canada’s
economy (15 minutes)
I want to focus a
bit more on economic issues and the state of the Canadian economy. I will type
a question in the CHAT again: “What one word would you use to describe how the
Canadian economy is doing these days?”
In other words,
if someone from another country asked you how the economy was these days in
Canada, what would you say?
Why did you pick
that word?
What specific
economic issues are you most concerned about in terms of how it affects you
personally?
PROBE: Affordability and the cost of
living? Housing costs? Labour shortages? Unemployment? Debt and deficits? Shortages/supply
chain?
How do you think
the Canadian economy will be in coming year? Do you think things will get
better or worse next year or the same? Why? Why not?
How would you
know if the economy was getting better or worse? What are the signs?
PROBE: Is it from statistics like the
growth rate, unemployment rate, or inflation rate? Or is it more based on what
you personally experience like the cost of rent/housing or the price of
gasoline or of groceries?
3.
Inflation/cost
of living concerns (15 minutes)
We
talked earlier about the cost of living and rising prices which we refer to as
“inflation”. What are examples of things that have become harder to afford in
your own day-to-day life, if any?
PROBE
IF NOT MENTIONED:
Food? Gasoline? Housing? Mortgage? Utilities (heating/electricity)?
If you
are finding things harder to afford these days, how are you managing or dealing
with it?
PROBE
IF NOT MENTIONED: Going into debt? Doing without some things? Putting off
purchase decisions? Borrowing from friends and family? Relying on money saved
during the pandemic?
What
do you think is causing prices to go up these days?
PROBE: Pandemic? Supply chains?
Global factors (i.e., the war in Ukraine)? Government spending? Price
gouging/profiteering by retailers?
Can
the federal government do anything about inflation? If so, what?
How
long do you think we will have this high inflation? PROBE: Has it
peaked? Will it level off? Will it get worse?
Who do
you think is responsible for determining interest rates in Canada. Some people
say the Bank of Canada needs to keep raising interest rates in order to try to
slow down the rate of inflation.
Interest
rates have already gone up several points. How has this affected you, if at
all?
If
interest rates keep going up, how might it impact you personally, if at all?
4.
Affordability
measures (10 minutes)
We talked about what, if
anything, the federal government could do to bring down inflation, but what
about the larger issue of affordability? Are there things the federal
government could do to make your life more affordable?
Has anyone heard of anything
new that the federal government has announced that could make life more
affordable?
PROBE: Dental care for low and
middle income people? Higher GST rebate? $500 housing benefit?
5.
Housing
(10 minutes)
Let’s
talk more specifically about housing. Please respond in the CHAT “What is your
biggest specific worry when it comes to housing?”
Could
you each elaborate on why this is your main housing concern and also tell me
how housing issues affect you (i.e., do you own or rent? Are you planning to
buy or move soon?)
Do you
think housing concerns are getting any better or worse these days? Are homes
getting any more affordable? What about rents?
Has
anyone heard of any steps the Government of Canada is taking to try to deal
with housing issues? What have you heard?
As you
may know, housing is largely a provincial responsibility and municipalities
control zoning. What do you think the federal government could do about housing
or is this out of their control?
6.
Deficit/debt
concerns (10 minutes)
What
have you heard about the deficit at the federal level and/or the national debt?
How do
you feel about the federal government having a deficit? Is this a big concern?
Is it
an inevitable result of the costs of the pandemic?
Do you
expect big deficits for a long time to come after the pandemic, or do you think
they will eventually shrink?
What
should the Government of Canada do with regard to the deficit?
PROBE: Take drastic action to
cut spending and balance the budget as soon as possible? Take a more long-term
approach? What is a reasonable timeframe?
Is it
ok to run modest deficits, if the debt continues to fall as a share of the
economy over time?
Canada
actually has the lowest debt and the lowest deficit as a percentage of GDP of
any of the countries in the G7 (the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Italy, and
Canada). Did any of you know this? What is your reaction? Are you surprised?
Does
knowing this change your view or level of concern about Canada’s debt and
deficit? How so?
Some
people say the federal government needs to provide more permanent long-term
funding to the provinces for health care, even if this would add to the
deficit. What do you think?
7.
Fall
priorities (10 minutes)
As you may know,
every Fall the Minister of Finance announces a Fall Economic Statement where
they make projections on things like the deficit, inflation, unemployment and
where the economy is headed and announce some new policies.
Please type in
the CHAT “If you could give one piece of advice to the Minister of Finance on
the upcoming Fall Economic Statement, what would it be?”
Why did you say
that?
Should the
government’s focus in the Fall Economic Statement be on addressing short-term
economic challenges (i.e., over the next 6-12 months) or on laying out a plan
for medium-to-long-term priorities to lead to long term prosperity for
Canadians?
Looking
ahead to the next five years, what do you think the federal government’s major
economic priorities should be?
PROBE
IF NOT MENTIONED: Addressing labour shortages, investing in greener industries,
strengthening our supply chains, deficit reduction, stronger social programs?
8.
Wrap
up (5 minutes)
We have covered
many topics today and really appreciate you taking the time and energy to come
down here and give your opinion. Your input is very important and insightful.
Before we leave today, I wanted to ask you whether you have any last thoughts
that you want to give the Government of Canada about today’s topics.
THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!
September 8-2022
Environics Research Group Limited
Focus
Groups on Canada’s Economy Winter 2022
Finance Canada
PN11601
Recruitment for Group
Discussion
Respondent Name:
Home #:
Business #:
Group #:
Recruiter:
|
GROUP 1
Ontario – Lower income
Thursday, September 19
5:00 pm EST
|
GROUP 2
Ontario – Higher income
Thursday, September 19
7:00 pm EST
|
GROUP 3
Atlantic – Lower income
Thursday, October 6
4:00 pm EST (5 pm AST)
|
GROUP 4
Atlantic – Higher income
Thursday, October 6
6:00 pm EST (7 pm AST)
|
|
GROUP 5
Prairies – Lower income
Monday, October 3
6:00 pm EST (5 pm CST/4 pm MST)
|
GROUP 6
Prairies – Higher income
Monday, October 3
8:00 pm EST (7pm CST/6 pm MST)
|
GROUP 7
B.C. – Lower income
Tuesday, October 4
7:00 pm EST (4 pm PST)
|
GROUP 8
B.C. – Higher income
Tuesday, October 4
9:00 pm EST (6 pm PST)
|
|
GROUP 9
Quebec (FR) – Lower income
Wednesday, October 5
5:00 pm EST
|
GROUP 10
Quebec (FR) – Higher
income
Wednesday, October 5
7:00 pm EST
|
Eight recruits per
session. $100 incentive. Note income breaks. Groups 3 and 4 need a mix from the
four Atlantic provinces and Groups 5 and 6 need a mix from the three prairie
provinces.
“High income” is defined as anyone with a personal annual income of over
$80,000 or anyone in a household with multiple incomes with an annual household
income of over $120,000. For groups 3 and 4 in Atlantic, a personal income of
over $60,000 or a household income of over $100,000 also counts as “high
income”.
Hello/Bonjour, my name
is _________ from Trend Research, a partner of Environics Research. We are
conducting a series of online video-conference focus group discussions among
people in your region on behalf of the Government of Canada exploring issues
around the current state of the Canadian economy. Would you like to continue
this discussion in English? /
Voulez-vous continuer cette conversation en français?
This study is a
research project, not an attempt to sell or market anything. Your participation
in the research is completely voluntary, confidential and your decision to
participate or not will not affect any dealings you may have with the
government.
The format will be a
video-conference call discussion using the Zoom platform led by a research
professional from Environics that will involve you and some other people from
your region. May we have your permission to ask you or someone else in your
household some further question to see if you/they fit in our study? This will
take about 5 minutes.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2 THANK/DISCONTINUE
The session will last a
maximum of 1.5 hours and you will receive a cash gift of $100 as a thanks for
attending the session.
A recording of the
session will be produced for research purposes. The recording will be used only
by the research professional to assist in preparing a report on the research
findings and will be destroyed once the report is completed. All information
collected, used and/or disclosed will be used for research purposes only and
administered as per the requirements of the Privacy Act. Environics Research
has a privacy policy which can be consulted at https://environicsresearch.com/privacy-policy/
[INTERVIEWER NOTE: IF
ASKED ABOUT PRIVACY LAWS, SAY: “The information collected through the research
is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act, legislation of the Government
of Canada, and to the provisions of relevant provincial privacy legislation.]
Environics is a member
of the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) and adheres to all its
standards; the project is registered with the CRIC with the number
20220922-EN412.
NB: If a participant
asks for information on the research company conducting the research they can
be told: Environics Research is located at 33 Bloor Street East, Suite 900,
Toronto Ontario and can be reached at 416-920-9010.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2 THANK/DISCONTINUE
1.
Are you or is any member of your household or your immediate
family employed in:
|
Type
|
No
|
Yes
|
|
A market
research, communications or public relations firm, or an advertising agency
|
□
|
□
|
|
Media
(Radio, Television, Newspapers, Magazines, etc.)
|
□
|
□
|
|
A federal
or provincial government department or agency
|
□
|
□
|
|
A
political party
|
□
|
□
|
IF YES TO ANY OF THE
ABOVE – THANK AND TERMINATE
2. INDICATE:
Male 1 50/50
split
Female 2
3. How many people, including yourself, live
in your household and have an income?
One,
just me ASK Q. 4, THEN SKIP TO Q6
Two SKIP
TO Q. 5
Three SKIP
TO Q. 5
Four
or more SKIP TO Q. 5
IF ONLY ONE PERSON
IN HOUSEHOLD WITH AN INCOME ASK:
4.
Which of the following categories
best corresponds to your total personal annual income, before taxes, for
2021?
READ
01
- Under $30,000 GROUPS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
02
- $30,000 to $60,000 GROUPS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
03
- $60,000 to $80,000 GROUPS 1, 4, 5, 7, 9* (NB: Atlantic
LI cut-off is lower)
04
- $80,000 to $100,000 GROUPS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
05
- $100,000 to $150,000 GROUPS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
06
- $150,000 and over GROUPS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
99
- REFUSE/DK/NA TERMINATE
ASK ALL FROM
HOUSEHOLDS WITH MORE THAN ONE PERSON WITH AN INCOME
5.
Which of the following categories
best corresponds to the total annual income, before taxes, of all
members of your household, for 2021? READ
01
- Under $30,000 GROUPS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
02
- $30,000 to $60,000 GROUPS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
03
- $60,000 to $80,000 GROUPS 1, 3, 5, 7, 9
04
- $80,000 to $100,000 GROUPS 1, 4, 5, 7, 9 (NB:
Atlantic LI cut-off is lower)
05
- $100,000 to $150,000 GROUPS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
06
- $150,000 and over GROUPS 2, 4, 6, 8, 10
99
- REFUSE/DK/NA TERMINATE
ASK ALL
6.
We have been asked to speak to
participants from all different ages. So that we may do this accurately, may I
have your exact age please? _________. WRITE IN GET MIX
Under
18 TERMINATE
18-24
years of age 1
25-34
years of age 2
35-44
years of age 3
45-54
years of age 4
55-64
years of age 5
65-74
years of age 6
75
years or more TERMINATE
7.
Could you please tell me what is
the last level of education that you completed? GET MIX
Some High School
only. 1
Completed High
School 2
Trade School
certificate 3
Some Post
secondary 4
Completed Post
secondary 5
Graduate degree 6
8.
Are you working (CHECK QUOTAS)?
Full
Time (35 hrs. +) 4 minimum ASK Q. 9 AND 10
Part
Time (under 35 hrs.) 2 maximum ASK Q. 9 AND 10
Homemaker 1
maximum
Student 1
maximum
Retired 2
maximum
Unemployed 1
maximum
ASK Q.9 AND Q.10 OF
THOSE WHO WORK
9.
Do you have an employer or are you self-employed?
Have employer. 1
Self-employed 2
10.
What is your current occupation?
Type
of Job
Type
of Company
IF MARRIED ASK: WHAT IS YOUR SPOUSE'S OCCUPATION?
Type
of Job
Type
of Company
TERMINATE IF
OCCUPATION RELATES TO EXCLUSIONS IN Q. 1
ASK ALL
11.
What is your ethnic background?
IN ONTARIO AND B.C.
Recruit at least three per group who are of non-European descent or who
are other visible minorities (i.e., Chinese, or South Asian, but could include
aboriginal people or Afro-Canadians as well). In other locations, there is no
minimum, but it would still be desirable to have some.
12.
Participants in group discussions
are asked to voice their opinions and thoughts, how comfortable are you in
voicing your opinions in front of others? Are you... (read list)
Very
comfortable 1- MINIMUM 5 PER GROUP
Fairly
comfortable 2
Not
very comfortable 3 TERMINATE
Very
uncomfortable 4 TERMINATE
13.
Have you ever attended a
focus group or a one-to-one discussion for which you have received a sum of
money, here or elsewhere?
Yes 1
MAXIMUM 5 PER GROUP
No 2 (SKIP
TO Q.17)
IF YES ASK:
14.
When did you last attend one of
these discussions?
(TERMINATE
IF IN THE PAST 6 MONTHS)
15.
How many focus groups or
one-to-one discussions have you attended in the past 5 years?
(SPECIFY)
IF
5 OR MORE, TERMINATE
16.
What were the topics of the focus
groups or one-to-one discussions have you attended in the past 5 years?
(SPECIFY)
IF
“ECONOMY” OR “FINANCE,” TERMINATE
ASK ALL
17.
This focus group will require participants to join a videoconference
using the Zoom platform using a desktop or laptop computer or a tablet. You
will need internet access in a private and quiet location to take part in the
study. We cannot provide this technology for you. Will you be able to access
the Internet for a 1.5-hour audio-visual discussion using a desktop or laptop
computer or tablet?
Yes 1
CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
NOTE: A MOBILE PHONE WILL NOT WORK
FOR THIS EXERCISE
18.
The focus group will take place using a video-conference
platform called Zoom. If you are not already a user, Zoom may request you to
install some software at the site https://zoom.us/download .
You can delete it after the focus group if you wish. How experienced and
comfortable are you with using Zoom videoconferencing?
Yes 1
CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
19.
Sometimes participants in the online focus group are also
asked to type their responses to questions in the “chat” function. Are you
still able to participate? If you need glasses to read or a hearing aid, please
remember to have them handy.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
20.
I would like to invite you to attend the focus group session
where you will exchange your opinions in a moderated discussion with other
participants. The session will be recorded, and some other members of the
research team may also observe the session, but your participation will be
confidential. If you attend the session, you will receive $100 to thank you for
your time. It will be sent to you electronically. Do you consent to take part
in the focus group? By agreeing to participate you are giving your consent to
these procedures.
Yes 1 CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
21.
We will contact you again before the date of the session to
confirm your attendance. Note that this invitation is to you personally and you
cannot have anyone else to substitute for you. Do you consent to this?
Yes 1
CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
22.
The session is about an hour and a half (i.e., 90-minutes),
but we are asking that all participants log into the Zoom online meeting 5
minutes prior to the start of the session. Are you able to log-in about 5
minutes prior to the start time?
Yes 1
CONTINUE
No 2
TERMINATE
Could you please confirm your email address so I can
send you login details for the Zoom web conference application?
Email address:
____________
PLEASE RE-READ THE
FULL ADDRESS BACK TO CONFIRM CORRECT SPELLING.
(NB: We will send the
links to you early next week)
PLEASE ENSURE
PARTICIPANTS ARE TOLD THE TIME OF SESSION IN THEIR TIME ZONE
SEE TIMES
AND DATES ON PAGE 1
INTERVIEWERS: Tell respondent that it is a small group
and anyone who does not show or cancels at the last minute will compromise the
project. Make sure they know we feel their opinions are valuable and we are
serious about finding out what they have to offer.
NOTE: PLEASE TELL ALL RESPONDENTS THAT THEY WILL
RECEIVE A CONFIRMATION CALL THE DAY PRIOR TO THE SESSION. IF FOR SOME REASON
THEY HAVE NOT HEARD FROM US THEY SHOULD CONTACT US AT __________. IF THEIR NAME
IS NOT ON THE ATTENDANCE FORM THEY WILL NOT BE ADMITTED TO THE GROUP. IF A
RESPONDENT HAS ANY OTHER QUESTIONS ABOUT THE RESEARCH, THEY SHOULD ALSO CONTACT
US AT THIS NUMBER.
September
16, 2022
Finance
Canada – Attitudes towards the Economy - Online Survey (Fall 2022)
Environics
Research – PN11601
Please select your
preferred language for completing the survey / Veuillez choisir la langue dans
laquelle vous souhaitez répondre au sondage.
1 English
2 Français
The information
collected through the research is subject to the provisions of the Privacy Act, legislation of the Government of Canada, and to the
provisions of relevant provincial privacy legislation. Programming note:
link is to https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/P-21/
Introduction
Environics Research, an
independent research company, is conducting this survey on attitudes towards
the economy on behalf of the Government of Canada. Your decision to participate
will not affect any relationship you have with the Government of Canada or the
services they provide you. To view the Environics privacy policy, click here.
Your participation is
voluntary and confidential, and your answers will remain anonymous. The survey will
take about 12 minutes to complete and is registered with the Canadian Research
Insights Council's Research Verification Service. Click here [https://www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/rvs/home/] if you want to verify the legitimacy of the survey.
The verification number is 20220922-EN412.
The survey is best
completed on a computer or a tablet. If you are completing this survey on a
smart phone, please turn the device to landscape (horizontal/sideways) mode so
that all questions display correctly.
Please click on
>> to continue.
A.
Which province or territory do you
currently live in?
DROP DOWN LIST
Newfoundland
and Labrador 1
Prince
Edward Island 2
Nova
Scotia 3
New
Brunswick 4
Quebec 5
Ontario 6
Manitoba 7
Saskatchewan 8
Alberta 9
British
Columbia 10
Yukon 11
Northwest
Territories 12
Nunavut 13
NEW
B.
What is the size of the community
where you live? Is it a…?
City with a population of
over one million 1
City with a population
of between 100,000 and one million 2
City/town with a
population of between 30,000 and 99,999 3
Town with a population
between 5,000 and 29,999 4
Town with a population
of less than 5,000/a rural area 5
C.
What is your gender?
Female/Woman 1
Male/Man 2
Non-binary 3
Other
(SPECIFY)_____________ 3
Prefer not to answer 99
D.
In what year were you born?
(RECORD YEAR - XXXX)
9999 – Don’t know/Refused
[IF RESPONDENT PREFERS NOT TO PROVIDE A PRECISE BIRTH
YEAR, ASK:]
E.
Would you be willing to tell me in
which of the following age categories you belong?
18
to 34 1
35
to 44 2
45
to 54 3
55
to 64 4
OR
65 or older? 5
F.
Are there any children under the
age of 18 currently living in your household?
Yes 1
No 2
Prefer not to say 99
Winter 2022 Q8
G.
Do you own or rent your home?
Own
(includes if you have a mortgage) 1
Rent
2
Neither
(living with parents, relatives, etc.) 3
Prefer not to say 9
NEW
H.
Are you planning to purchase a new
home in the coming year?
Yes 1
No 2
Prefer not to say 99
Assessments of economy
Let’s start with some
questions about the Canadian economy…
Winter 2022 Q1 –
additional items added
1.
Using a scale from 1 to 10, where
1 is terrible and 10 is excellent, how would you rate the following:
COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE ITEMS
B TO D
a)
the current state of the Canadian
economy
b)
the current state of the [PROVINCE/TERRITORY]
economy
c)
the current state of your own
personal financial situation
d)
the current price of groceries
e)
the current cost of utilities
(e.g., home heating/electricity) [NEW]
f)
the current price of gasoline [NEW]
Terrible 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Excellent 10
Not sure 99
Winter 2022 Q2 – new items added (NB: NOW SPLIT INTO
Q2 AND Q3)
2.
Please tell me how much of a
stress each of the following things are for you and your household.
Is
each a major, moderate or minor source of stress, or is it not a source of
stress at all? COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
a. (SPLIT)
Job security / Lack of opportunities for career advancement
b.
(SPLIT) Saving
enough money to retire / Being financially secure in retirement
c.
(SPLIT) Your
ability to pay all the bills at the end of the month / The rising cost of
living
d.
(SPLIT) The
quality of the environment / Climate change
e.
(SPLIT) The
health of you and your family / The quality of the healthcare system
f.
(SPLIT) Crime /
Terrorism
g.
(SPLIT) The
global economy / The Canadian economy
h.
(SPLIT) The
performance of the stock market / The size of the federal deficit
i.
(SPLIT) Income
inequality in Canada / The middle class falling further behind the top 1%
j.
(SPLIT) The
spread of COVID in Canada / The mental health of you and your family
k.
Saving enough
money to buy a home
l.
Rising interest
rates (NEW)
m.
(SPLIT) The cost
of groceries / The cost of heating and electricity (NEW)
n.
Paying down your
personal debts (NEW)
Major
source of stress 1
Moderate
source of stress 2
Minor
source of stress 3
Not
a source of stress 4
Does
not apply 5
Don’t Know 9
ASK Q3
ONLY OF THOSE WITH KIDS UNDER 18 IN Q.F
3.
Please tell me how much of a
stress each of the following things are for you and your household.
Is
each a major, moderate or minor source of stress, or is it not a source of
stress at all? COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
g)
If your kids will
get jobs out of school
h)
Paying for your
kids’ education
i)
Finding affordable
childcare spaces
j)
The quality of
the environment when your kids are older
k)
Whether your kids
will be able to afford a place to live when they are older (NEW)
l)
The impact of
Canada’s national debt on your kids when they are older (NEW)
m)
Your kids’
ability to pay off future student loans (NEW)
Major source of stress 1
Moderate source of
stress 2
Minor source of stress 3
Not a source of stress 4
Does not apply 5
Don’t Know 9
NEW
4.
Compared to this time last year
how confident are you that you can manage paying your bills and buying the
things you need? Are you…?
Much more confident 1
Somewhat
more confident 2
Just
as confident 3
Somewhat
less confident 4
Much
less confident 5
Don’t Know 9
NEW
5.
What is the one expense you have
in your life that makes it the most challenging for you to make ends meet?
Gasoline 1
Groceries/food 2
Utilities
(e.g., heating, hydro) 3
Housing
costs (e.g., rent, mortgage) 4
Something
else (SPECIFY)__________ 5
None,
I have no difficulty making ends meet 6
Don’t
know 9
Winter 2022 Q12
6.
To what extent are you worried
about you or anyone in your household losing their job or being laid off? Are you …?
Extremely
worried 1
Somewhat
worried 2
Not
very worried 3
Not
at all worried 4
Don’t know 9
Winter 2022 Q3 – new items added
7.
How important is it for the
Government of Canada to keep the following issues in mind when making Budget
decisions? Please rank each on a 1 to 10 scale, where 1 means it is not at all
important and 10 means it is very important.
RANDOMIZE…COLUMNS AND ROWS
a)
Helping Canadians
get a good job
b)
Making
communities safer
c)
Ensuring the
wealthiest Canadians pay their fair share
d)
Fighting climate
change
e)
Making housing
more affordable
f)
(SPLIT SAMPLE:
½) Making the cost
of living more affordable / (SPLIT SAMPLE: ½) Bringing inflation under
control
g)
Addressing mental
health
h)
Helping Canadians
save for retirement (NEW)
i)
Keeping the
country’s debt and deficit as low as possible (NEW)
j)
Improving the
health care system (NEW)
k)
Fostering an
economy that works for everyone
l)
Addressing the
rising cost of living (NEW)
m)
Providing aid to
Ukraine to help defend itself from Russia (NEW)
Not at all important 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Very important 10
Don’t know 99
Winter 2022 Q4 (SLIGHTLY MODIFIED)
8.
Thinking about the Canadian
economy, which specific issue are you most concerned about?
RANDOMIZE…ALLOW ONE RESPONSE
Unemployment/jobs 1
Taxes 2
Deficit/national debt 3
Slow economic growth 4
Inflation/rising
prices/cost of living 5
Transitioning to a net-zero
economy 6
Housing affordability 7
Supply chains 8
Business competitiveness 9
Labour shortage 10
Rising interest rates 11
Retirement 12
Other
(SPECIFY)__________________________
Don’t know 99
NEW
9.
Here are two statements about
inflation in Canada. Which is closer to your own view? FOUR POINT HORIZONTAL SCALE BETWEEN THE TWO VIEWS
The
policies of the federal government can have a
major impact on the inflation
rate 1 Strongly
2 Somewhat
3 Somewhat
The
inflation rate is mainly determined by world conditions and
federal government policies have little impact on it 4 Strongly
Don’t know 9
NEW
10.
When do you think the current
period of high inflation in Canada will get under control? Will it be…?
In the next 6 months 1
6
months to a year from now 2
One
to two years from now 3
More
than two years from now 4
Never 5
Don’t
know 9
Tax system and
incentives
Winter 2022 Q7
11.
In your opinion, are
each of the following groups currently paying the proper amount of taxes, or
should they be paying more tax, or less tax, than they are now?
COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
a)
Big corporations
o.
Small businesses
p.
The top one
percent of income earners
q.
Middle-income
earners
r.
Lower-income
earners
s.
Financial
institutions
Should be paying less tax 1
Are
currently paying the proper amount of tax 2
Should be paying more
tax 3
Don’t know 9
Affordable housing
and helping first-time homeowners
Winter 2022 Q9 - modifications
12.
Using a scale from 1 to 10, where
1 is strongly disagree and 10 is strongly agree, to what extent do you agree or
disagree with the following statements?
COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
a) If you needed to buy a home today, it would be easy to
find somewhere to live that is both safe and affordable. SLIGHTLY MODIFIED
b) IF RENTER ASK:
The rent you pay is affordable on your current household income.
c) IF OWNER ASK:
The costs of living in your home (including mortgage payments and property
taxes) are affordable on your current household income.
d) It is very difficult for people to buy a house today,
in the current economic climate.
e) The federal government has a responsibility to address
the lack of affordable housing in Canada.
f)
IF OWNER ASK: It was extremely important that you own a home,
rather than rent.
g) IF RENTER ASK:
It is extremely important you be able to own a home in the future.
Strongly disagree 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Strongly agree 10
Don’t know 99
Winter 2022 Q10 – slight modifications
13.
To address the issue of housing
affordability, to what extent do you think each of the following should be
a priority area for the federal government? Please use a scale from 1 to 10,
where 1 is not at all a priority and 10 is an extremely high priority.
COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
a)
Making monthly
mortgage payments more affordable for middle- and lower-income Canadians
b)
Increasing the
availability of affordable housing.
c)
Continued
investment in co-operative housing
d)
Continued
supports for first-time home buyers (MODIFIED)
e)
Requiring
developers to ensure that at least twenty percent of new housing is affordable
for lower income families
f)
Increasing
transparency and consumer protection in real estate transactions, like banning
blind bidding (MODIFIED)
g)
Working with
municipalities to speed up the approval of new housing developments
h)
Cracking down on
large landlords who are buying up housing, reducing supply for individuals
i)
Increasing down
payment requirements for investors
j)
Making
down-payments more achievable for people (MODIFIED)
k)
A ban on people
buying and owning multiple homes that aren’t being used to provide needed
rental supply (NEW)
l)
Extending the
temporary ban on foreign ownership of residential property [NEW]
m)
Reducing federal
funding to municipalities who do not increase the number of homes in their
jurisdiction over the previous year [NEW]
n)
Requiring
municipalities to change their zoning rules to allow for denser communities
[NEW]
Not a priority 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
An extremely high
priority 10
Don’t know 99
Fiscal issues
Winter
2022 Q11 – new items
14.
Please tell me to what extent you
agree or disagree with each of the following statements using a 10-point scale,
where “10” means you strongly agree, “1” means you strongly disagree?
COLUMNS AND ROWS…RANDOMIZE
a)
The federal
government should provide more permanent health care funding to the provinces,
even if that adds to the deficit
b)
I don’t expect
the federal government to balance its budget until the economy has completely
recovered from the pandemic
c)
If the federal
government restores the budget to balance or a surplus, it will have a positive
impact on the economy
d)
I think the
federal government should return to a balanced budget as soon as possible
e)
I worry that if
the federal government quickly tries to balance the budget it would mean either
cuts to essential services or higher taxes on people like me
f)
I think the
federal government should have a plan to gradually reduce the national debt
g)
The federal
government should focus on restraining future government spending
h)
The federal
government is trying to support Canadians in difficult economic times (NEW)
i)
The federal
government understands the economic issues Canadians are facing (NEW)
j)
The federal
government should provide more financial aid to help Ukraine defend itself from
Russia, even if it adds to the deficit (NEW)
Strongly disagree 1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
Strongly agree 10
Don’t know 99
Demographics
And now a few final questions for demographic purposes.
I.
What is the highest level of
formal education that you have completed?
Grade 8 or less 1
Some high school 2
High School diploma or
equivalent 3
Registered
Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma 4
College, CEGEP or other
non-university certificate or diploma 5
University certificate
or diploma below Bachelor’s level 6
Bachelor’s degree 7
Post graduate degree
above bachelor’s level 8
Prefer not to answer 9
J.
What language do you speak most
often at home?
English
1
French
2
Another
language 3
Prefer not to answer 9
K.
Which of the following categories
best describes your current employment status? Are you…
Working
full-time, that is, 35 or more hours per week 1
Working
part-time, that is, less than 35 hours per week 2
Self-employed 3
Unemployed,
and looking for work 4
Unemployed,
and NOT looking for work 5
A
student attending school full-time 6
Retired 7
Full-time
homemaker 8
Prefer not to answer 9
L.
Which of the following categories
best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all
persons in your household combined, before taxes
Under
$20,000 1
$20,000
to just under $40,000 2
$40,000
to just under $60,000 3
$60,000
to just under $80,000 4
$80,000
to just under $100,000 5
$100,000
to just under $150,000 6
$150,000
and above 7
Prefer not to answer 9
M.
Do you identify as any of the
following? COLUMNS AND ROWS
a) An Indigenous person (First Nations, Inuit, or
Métis)
t.
A racialized person
u. An LGBTQ2+ person
v.
A person with a disability
w. Immigrated to Canada within the last 5 years
Yes 1
No 2
Prefer not to answer 9
This survey was
conducted on behalf of the Department of Finance Canada and is registered under
the Federal Access to Information Act. Thank you very much for your
participation.
N.
RECORD: Language of
survey
English 1
French 2
