On what they expect for the Canadian economy, Canadians are basically split

Over the past 18 months both the Struggling and Thriving groups on Economic Stress Index have seen their ranks grow. The Struggling, from 25 to 29 per cent as a proportion of the population and the Thriving from 19 to 25 per cent. This, as the middle groups, the Comfortable and Uncomfortable have shrunk.

Those worst off are expecting an even worse 12 months ahead. Three-in-five (61%) within the Struggling group say while their finances currently pose a challenge, the situation will have deteriorated further a year from now.

As half of Canadians continue to struggle with grocery costs, and two-in-five have difficulty with housing costs, among the Struggling, these challenges are near-unanimously felt.

On the other side of this coin, almost none of the Thriving expect to be worse off next year, and in fact, three-in-five say they expect even better. Their housing, food, and debt related challenges are minimal.

The Struggling and the Uncomfortable, making up half of the Canadians population overall, are more likely to be concentrated in the 35 to 54 age group, where that proportion rises to three-in-five.

Children may be a factor here, too. For those with children in their household, the number who Struggle is eight points higher compared to those who do not have kids in their home (34% vs 26%).

While eyes will turn to the federal government for policies and initiatives to improve the Canadian financial outlook, many of the worst off have moved toward the Conservative Party in vote intention.

Among the Struggling, 50 per cent would vote for the CPC if an election were held, while 21 per cent would vote for the NDP and fewer for the Liberals.

Across the Economic Stress Index, support for the Liberals rises as finances improve, while support for the CPC falls. Those best off, the Thriving, offer equal support to both parties (30% Liberal, 28% CPC).

https://angusreid.org/fiscal-divide-canadas-struggling-thriving/