Financial stress leaving people vulnerable beyond their wallets: United Way Centraide Canada calls for stronger community supports
Tanya Noyes • October 15, 2025
New survey finds 42 per cent of people living in Canada could cover expenses for less than a month if their income was lost
OTTAWA, ON - October 15, 2025 - New survey findings from Léger and United Way Centraide Canada reveal that financial stress is leaving people living in Canada vulnerable far beyond their wallets, deepening the risk of poverty for many who are already struggling to make ends meet.
According to the United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey conducted by Léger, more than half (55%) of people living in Canada feel anxious about their personal finances. Nearly as many (41%) report physical stress symptoms when talking about money, and 42% say they would only be able to cover their basic expenses for less than one month if they lost their main source of income.
“Across Canada, as affordability challenges deepen and economic uncertainty grows, United Way Centraides and essential community services are seeing an increasing demand for support. These findings underscore the significant financial stress facing people in Canada— especially low-income individuals and families,” said Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada. “This stress is taking a toll on mental health and well-being, driving a rising need for strong, community-based supports."
Financial stress hits home and is hardest for lower-income people living in Canada. The survey shows how financial strain disrupts daily life. More than one-third (35%) of people living in Canada report trouble sleeping, nearly a third (32%) experience family conflict or tension, and three in ten (30%) say money-related worries make it difficult to focus at work or school.
The burden is sharpest for lower-income households: nearly half (47%) of those with household income under $40,000 lose sleep because of money issues, and two-thirds (67%) report feeling anxious about their finances. By comparison, 27% and 47%, respectively, of those earning over $100,000 report the same experiences.
Yet financial stress cuts across all income levels. Behaviours like avoiding conversations about money and experiencing household conflict remain consistent regardless of earnings.
United Way Centraide Canada
116 Albert St., Suite 900 | Ottawa, ON | K1P 5G3
613-236-7041 | 800-267-8221
unitedway.ca | centraide.ca
