Economy
The Hollowing Middle: Why More Canadians Are Slipping Into Precarity

The Hollowing Middle: Why More Canadians Are Slipping Into Precarity

Earlier this year, precarity emerged as the defining mindset across Canada. At a time when housing pressures were mounting, healthcare strains were deepening, and job insecurity lingered, Canadians began to question not just whether they could afford what they needed today, but whether the systems they rely on – housing, healthcare, stable work, even national security – would hold up...

Consumer confidence sliding towards neutral territory

Consumer confidence sliding towards neutral territory

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,050 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending August 15th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,050 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as trade status with US uncertain

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as trade status with US uncertain

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,094 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending August 8th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,094 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Canadians prioritize national infrastructure projects even over possible regional, Indigenous, or environmental opposition.

Canadians prioritize national infrastructure projects even over possible regional, Indigenous, or environmental opposition.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,034 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between July 31st and August 6th, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Young Canadians most pessimistic about future standard of living and more likely to report cancelling purchases compared to older Canadians.

Young Canadians most pessimistic about future standard of living and more likely to report cancelling purchases compared to older Canadians.

The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on their perceptions and concerns regarding economic conditions and housing affordability. Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,034 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between July 31st and August 6th, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for...

Consumer confidence marginally positive.

Consumer confidence marginally positive.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,096 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending August 1st, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,096 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Dismantling the attention economy: How the battle for attention is killing the traditional news media and eroding the foundations of Western democracies

Dismantling the attention economy: How the battle for attention is killing the traditional news media and eroding the foundations of Western democracies

The debate about the future of Canada’s news industry is burying the lede. By focusing on questions of newsroom solvency, legislators and regulators are missing the broader picture: the rise of the so-called “attention economy” and its pernicious effects on democracy, including the fourth estate, one of its pillars.



Bank of Canada Holds at 2.75%, Keeps Door Open for More Cuts

Bank of Canada Holds at 2.75%, Keeps Door Open for More Cuts

The Bank of Canada left interest rates unchanged, citing uncertainty posed by US tariffs, but kept the door open to more cuts if the economy weakens and inflation pressures stay in check.

Jobs/economy and Trump/US relations now tied as the top national issue of concern.

Jobs/economy and Trump/US relations now tied as the top national issue of concern.

The Weekly Nanos Tracking is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of...

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as the only certainty in the trade negotiations with US is uncertainty

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as the only certainty in the trade negotiations with US is uncertainty

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,027 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending July 25th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,027 Canadians is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

The U.S. economy is thriving in spite of tariffs. Will it last?

The U.S. economy is thriving in spite of tariffs. Will it last?

By just about every indicator, the U.S. economy is holding up remarkably well. When Donald Trump launched his global trade war, economists and markets said his tariff policy would slow the economy, drive up prices and dramatically reduce global trade. And yet, stocks are at all-time highs, the country's employment is strong, its economy is expanding and the expected surge...

Internal government document predicted 'immediate' drop in EV sales without rebate subsidies

Internal government document predicted 'immediate' drop in EV sales without rebate subsidies

Undated document also revealed that without the subsidies, consumers would be drawn 'to more affordable internal combustion and hybrid options.' An internal government document reveals there was awareness among some officials that Ottawa ending its electric vehicle subsidies in January would lead to an “immediate” hit to EV sales and market uncertainty, as it coincided with the United States’ rollback...

Premiers should look to global market signals while planning Canada’s economic future
Canadians most concerned about jobs/the economy and US trade/Trump.

Canadians most concerned about jobs/the economy and US trade/Trump.

The Weekly Nanos Tracking is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of...

Consumer confidence hits high not seen since November 2024.

Consumer confidence hits high not seen since November 2024.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,026 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending July 18th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,026 Canadians is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as Canadians await trade discussions

Consumer confidence in holding pattern as Canadians await trade discussions

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,047 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending July 11th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,047 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.



Canadians five times more likely to say decrease rather than increase US financial investments

Canadians five times more likely to say decrease rather than increase US financial investments

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,047 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between July 2nd and 6th, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

A majority of Canadians are confident in Prime Minister Carney’s economic leadership.

A majority of Canadians are confident in Prime Minister Carney’s economic leadership.

In the run-up to a new Canada-U.S. trade and security deal, we asked Canadians across the country for their views of the relationship with the United States, their concerns about a recession, and their level of confidence in Prime Minister Carney’s ability to lead Canada with respect to the economy.

Consumer confidence steady for past eight weeks

Consumer confidence steady for past eight weeks

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,056 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending July 4th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,056 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

How to grow the economy in a crisis

How to grow the economy in a crisis

We will keep our eyes firmly focused on the trade landscape again this week. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has promised a "flurry" of trade deals ahead of a July 9 deadline that could see global tariff rates increase sharply. Wednesday's deadline applies to all the countries caught up in the so-called Liberation Day tariffs. So, this particular tranche doesn't...

Canadians’ Job Security Gets Shakier as Trade War Harms Growth

Canadians’ Job Security Gets Shakier as Trade War Harms Growth

Canadians are becoming less optimistic about their job prospects as the economy struggles to find momentum.

Optimism reaches a multi-year high as Canadians ease into summer. Carney government maintains strong support, but vote choice remains tight.

Optimism reaches a multi-year high as Canadians ease into summer. Carney government maintains strong support, but vote choice remains tight.

From June 26 to July 2, 2025, Abacus Data conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,500 Canadian adults. Fielded after the House of Commons rose for the summer and the passage of Bill C-5, this latest wave captures public opinion at a moment of political calm and relative confidence. What emerges is a Canadian electorate growing more optimistic, generally supportive...

Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and P.E.I. have highest personal income tax rates in Canada at $50,000 of income

Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, and P.E.I. have highest personal income tax rates in Canada at $50,000 of income

Atlantic Canada faces a substantial challenge in the realm of tax competitiveness. Across multiple dimensions of taxation, the region imposes higher tax rates than most other Canadian provinces.

Consumer confidence hits high not seen since November 2024

Consumer confidence hits high not seen since November 2024

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,076 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending June 27th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,076 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Statistics Canada says real GDP down 0.1 per cent in April as manufacturing slowed

Statistics Canada says real GDP down 0.1 per cent in April as manufacturing slowed

The Canadian economy edged lower in April as the manufacturing sector posted its largest drop since April 2021 in the face of U.S. tariffs. Statistics Canada said Friday that real gross domestic product edged down 0.1 per cent in April and that its advance estimate for May pointed to a similar decline. TD economist Marc Ercolao said the downside risks...

Canada's Youth Job Market Slumps Most Among Major Economies

Canada's Youth Job Market Slumps Most Among Major Economies

Young Canadians are facing a labor market that has deteriorated faster than in any other major advanced economy.

Defence, aid or trade? Canadians’ shifting international priorities now lean toward economic opportunity

Defence, aid or trade? Canadians’ shifting international priorities now lean toward economic opportunity

Prime Minister Mark Carney is in Europe this week for a NATO summit that has only increased in importance after escalations in the Middle East that have seen Israel, and the United States bomb Iran and Iran retaliate with strikes on Israel and a U.S. base in Qatar. New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Carney will have...

Forward-looking Expectations Sub-indice neutral which is its highest score in seven months

Forward-looking Expectations Sub-indice neutral which is its highest score in seven months

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,090 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending June 20th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,090 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Forward looking Expectations Sub-indice moves from negative to neutral for the first time in more than six months

Forward looking Expectations Sub-indice moves from negative to neutral for the first time in more than six months

Overall consumer confidence remains marginally positive with the Expectations Sub-indice trending from negative to neutral for the first time in more than six months. Beneath the surface, personal finances showed negative pressure over the past four weeks while the future view on the strength of the economy showed some strength.

Elbows up vs ROI: Amid economic uncertainty most want CPPIB investors to prioritize profits before patriotism

Elbows up vs ROI: Amid economic uncertainty most want CPPIB investors to prioritize profits before patriotism

The Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) ended the fiscal year with net assets of more than $714 billion. Despite the nest egg however, the nation’s largest pension fund has faced criticism in recent months, for its investment strategy that some say doesn’t focus enough on domestic projects. Indeed, as Prime Minister Mark Carney focuses his attention on “nation-building” projects...

One Canadian economy needs one competition policy

One Canadian economy needs one competition policy

Trade policy has dominated headlines since U.S. President Donald Trump’s pressure campaign against Canada started last winter. But the re-elected Carney government in Ottawa, along with its provincial counterparts, has a unique opportunity to use the full breadth of industrial policy to position Canada to succeed – and even thrive – in uncertain global conditions. While traditional industrial policy tools...

A Faint Glimmer of Optimism? Canadians’ Economic Pessimism Wanes Slightly.

A Faint Glimmer of Optimism? Canadians’ Economic Pessimism Wanes Slightly.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame land- and cell-lines hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,120 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between June 1st and 3rd, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±2.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Ottawa's GST rebate on new homes would save typical 1st-time buyer $27K: PBO

Ottawa's GST rebate on new homes would save typical 1st-time buyer $27K: PBO

The parliamentary budget officer says Ottawa's plan to slash the sales tax on housing would save an eligible first-time homebuyer an average of roughly $27,000 off the price of a newly built home. The federal government's fiscal watchdog predicts in a new analysis that a little over 71,000 new builds will quality for GST relief over the lifetime of the program.

Ottawa moves to prop up youth employment in a rough summer jobs market

Ottawa moves to prop up youth employment in a rough summer jobs market

The federal government is moving to shore up a historically weak summer job market for students -- even as one economist argues tough employment prospects for young people suggest broader softness in the job market. Statistics Canada shone a light on the difficult employment prospects for students heading back to school this fall in its May jobs report last Friday

Here is a two-step plan to rebuild Canada’s economy and it isn’t centred on our natural resources

Here is a two-step plan to rebuild Canada’s economy and it isn’t centred on our natural resources

Canada’s premiers and prime minister want the world to know that they are ready to build: pipelines, a revitalized military, new high-speed transit, an energy corridor. But if Canada is to build a truly national economy and to effectively respond to the Trump administration’s economic instability and isolation, it needs a larger, more skilled, and more adaptive workforce.

Consumer confidence marginally positive on real estate and future strength of the economy positivity

Consumer confidence marginally positive on real estate and future strength of the economy positivity

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,079 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending June 6th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,079 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

There’s no easy road to one Canadian economy. But right this wrong, and it will be a whole lot easier

There’s no easy road to one Canadian economy. But right this wrong, and it will be a whole lot easier

Canada’s leaders are engaged in a lot of national unity talk these days. In the name of responding to Trump’s tariffs, the federal government is rapidly advancing legislation to build ‘One Canadian Economy’ and working with provinces to identify and fast-track projects in the national interest. Building national unity in the face of new challenges and threats is necessary and...

Consumer confidence in marginally positive territory largely on improved sentiment on value of real estate

Consumer confidence in marginally positive territory largely on improved sentiment on value of real estate

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,079 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending May 30th, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,079 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Canada's economy grows faster than expected in first quarter

Canada's economy grows faster than expected in first quarter

The Canadian economy grew at an annual rate of 2.2 per cent in the first quarter of this year, which is a faster pace than economists were expecting.

Big Innovation in Small Places: Southeast Saskatchewan Demonstrates How Rural Innovators Can Lead Canada’s Economic Transformation

Big Innovation in Small Places: Southeast Saskatchewan Demonstrates How Rural Innovators Can Lead Canada’s Economic Transformation

Canada stands at a critical economic crossroads. From the urgent transition to net-zero emissions, to the pursuit of secure supply chains in critical minerals and energy technologies, to addressing a national productivity crisis, the opportunities for transformation are vast — but remain unevenly distributed.

Consumer confidence continues to improve in wake of Canadian election

Consumer confidence continues to improve in wake of Canadian election

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,081 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending May 23rd, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,081 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

GDP questions loom as Parliament resumes

GDP questions loom as Parliament resumes

The worlds of economics and politics will collide again this week. Parliament is set to resume in a flourish of tradition and grandeur. There will be trumpets and red carpets and a King's speech to start the week. The economic news to wrap the week will be decidedly less celebratory. GDP numbers are going to refocus the conversation on economic...

Canadian consumer confidence rebounds in wake of Carney victory

Canadian consumer confidence rebounds in wake of Carney victory

The BNCCI is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of 1,000 respondents...