ONTARIO – Trees all around the country are being lit and the holiday rush is upon us. But new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds the festive feeling is likely a touch brighter for some than others.
One-in-five score as a “high” on ARI’s Financial Pressure Index, which measures their economic reality and outlook on eight different variables.
This group is defined by higher levels of job insecurity, difficulty putting food on the table, higher debt levels, and a generally pessimistic outlook on their finances. Three in five among this worst-off group say they expect worse in 2026.
Another one in five Canadians (19 per cent) face medium pressure, highlighted by some of the same challenges as the “high” group, but fewer of them compounding on top of the others.
On the other end of the spectrum, those with “very low” financial pressure – 23% of Canadians – expect either more of the same (51%) or improvement (42%) over the next year.
The largest group (37%) are those facing a low level of pressure. They have stable working lives, relatively stable outlooks for the coming year and manageable (though not easy) housing payments – whether renting or paying a mortgage.
In a year full of tariff turmoil and economic anxiety, the cost of living continues to dominate the minds of Canadians heading into 2026.
Three in five (59%) choose this as their top issue, well ahead of health care (41%), housing affordability (26%) and the economy (23%).
With big plans announced by provincial and federal governments, including “major projects” and investments in housing, Canadians will be keen to see results that impact their own lives sooner than later.
Key findings include:
– conditions for renters in Canada appear to be improving. In June 2024, one quarter (23%) of renters said they found the cost of rent “very difficult” to accommodate. That has declined by eight points, with 15 per cent now saying this;
– similar improvements are evident among mortgage holders. The proportion who say their mortgage is manageable or easy to keep up with has risen from 53 to 62% since June 2024; and two in five Canadians (39%) say it is difficult to keep up with their household grocery bills. This rises to a majority among those whose household income is below $50,000 annually.
