NATIONAL PULSE – Challenges linger but we enter 2024 more optimistic

Posted on January 4, 2024 in Feedback, National Pulse, Page One // 0 Comments

By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE

January 4, 2024 – The problems of 2023 – inflation, international conflict, global warming – may have followed Canadians into the new year, but many are still welcoming 2024 with an optimistic view.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds a plurality of Canadians believe 2024 offers plenty of positive potential. More than two-in-five (44%) say they expect the year to offer more good than bad, outnumbering those (40%) who expect an average year. A minority of fewer than one-in-five (17%) expect the worst from the year ahead.

There is plenty of hope from Canadians that they will see improvements in their physical health (46%), overall quality of life (41%) and mental health (39%). Sources of despair seem to be finances (20% expect it to worsen) and stress (19%).

On the latter front, it’s younger Canadians who are feeling the pressure. More than one-quarter (27%) of those aged 18- to 34-years-old say they expect higher stress in the coming year, double the number of those older than 54 (13%) who say the same.

Money woes appear to be a factor – one-quarter (24%) of those under the age of 35 expect their personal financial situation to worsen in 2024.