Ipsos Poll: Canadian Families Earning Less Than $60K Unsure of Meeting Basic Needs Without Aid

A recent Ipsos poll commissioned by CanadaHelps has revealed that over half (56%) of Canadians with annual household incomes below $60,000 are uncertain if they can afford essential needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, raising concerns about potential reliance on charitable services.

The survey, which included 1,000 participants, highlights the increasing economic pressures faced by many across the country.

Here are the highlights of the Ipsos poll :

Over half of Canadians earning less than $60,000 annually (56%) express uncertainty about affording basic needs like food, shelter, and healthcare, according to an Ipsos poll for CanadaHelps. Among households earning under $40,000, 21% currently rely on charity, with 30% expecting to need help within six months.
Among families with children, 19% expect to need such assistance within the next six months, compared to 11% of childless households. Middle-aged Canadians (35-54 years) are also more likely to anticipate reliance on charities (23%) compared to younger (10%) and older (5%) age groups.
The poll also shed light on how Canadians are coping with financial challenges. Many Canadians are scaling back leisure expenses (70%), gift giving (55%), and groceries (29%). Other areas likely to face cuts include transportation (25%), household goods (21%), clothing (18%), and healthcare (14%). Women (60%) are more likely than men (49%) to cut gift budgets.

Albertans (40%) report the highest likelihood of cutting grocery expenses compared to British Columbia (35%), Atlantic Canada (29%), and Quebec (24%).
The survey also noted shifts in charitable giving behaviors. While 46% of Canadians donated money last year, 52% contributed goods such as furniture and clothing. Food donations (33%) and direct aid to individuals (24%) were also significant. Older Canadians (55+) are more likely to donate across all categories.

“With the giving season now upon us, it is an important reminder for Canadians who are able to make a financial donation to give generously to ensure that no one is denied basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and more,” said Duke Chang, President and Chief Executive Officer of CanadaHelps in response to these findings.

“In light of the ongoing Canada Post labour dispute affecting postal service, it is especially important for Canadians to give online this holiday season so that charities are not forgotten despite their inability to send out print fundraising appeals or receive cheques in the mail.”