Standard of Living is easing, but remains a significant concern for younger Canadians.
These results are drawn from an online survey sponsored and conducted by Innovative Research Group between April 2nd and 13th, 2026, of adult Canadians. The survey interviewed n=1,943 Canadian adults, 18 years or older, and the results are weighted to n=1,500 based on Census data from Statistics Canada. Results are weighted by age, gender, region, and past vote to ensure that the overall sample’s composition reflects that of the actual population according to Census data.
Several times a year, we ask Canadians about their perceptions of the economy and their personal financial position. In April 2026, we found that over half of Canadians (55%) were at least somewhat confident in their household’s current financial situation. Overall financial confidence has dropped slightly (4 points) since November 2025. We also see that satisfaction with the standard of living has flatlined since August, 2025, after increasing sharply (19 points). In other words, the extreme political pressure generated in the Trudeau years has abated somewhat, driven by a resurgence in satisfaction among those over 55.
This remains notably divided by age, as has been true for a number of years. However, the gap between the satisfaction of Canadians over 55 with their standard of living relative to the rest of the population has widened over the past year. The difference between those 55+ and middle-aged Canadians is particularly stark, as those 35-54 are both the least satisfied (+7 net satisfaction vs. +36 for those 55+) and the only group still trending down on satisfaction with their standard of living. It is worth considering how those in the 35-54 bracket are under the widest variety of financial stresses – children, mortgages, and care for aging parents.
Unsurprisingly, household income is the strongest predictor of financial confidence and satisfaction with the standard of living. Financial confidence/satisfaction with the standard of living ranges from 41%/34% among households earning under $60K to 74%/68% among those earning $150K or more; a 33/34-point gap across income groups. In our economic gap segmentation, “Alienated Canadians” continue to feel the most financial pressure (24%), with household financial confidence at just 35% vs. a national topline of 55%.
In August, 2025, we saw a lift in satisfaction with the standard of living under the new Carney government, which has been sustained over the past year. However, this reduction in pressure is most pronounced among older Canadians. Among middle-aged and younger Canadians, the 2025 lift was smaller, and in the case of the middle-aged, the pressure has started to build again.
This all goes to show that fundamentals matter. Affordability is not just a short-term issue. Until the everyday experiences of average Canadians begin to improve in areas like housing and real incomes, we can expect bread and butter issues to remain front and center.
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