Abacus Data survey reveals growing anxiety over U.S. trade threats and artificial intelligence, with only 10 per cent of Canadians expecting the federal budget to improve their finances.
As the federal government prepares to unveil its 2026 budget on Thursday, November 5, a new Abacus Data survey suggests that Canadians remain deeply concerned about affordability, economic uncertainty and emerging threats from the United States and artificial intelligence.
The survey, released Wednesday, November 4, found that 63 per cent of Canadians identify the rising cost of living as one of the country’s three most pressing issues, making affordability the leading concern across regions, age groups and political affiliations.
Meanwhile, 59 per cent of respondents consider U.S. President Donald Trump and the United States among Canada’s two greatest threats, an increase from 46 per cent in April. Concern about artificial intelligence has also risen sharply, with 26 per cent identifying it as a major threat, compared with 10 per cent earlier this year.
Despite expectations of substantial federal investments, Canadians remain skeptical about whether the upcoming budget will improve their personal finances. Only 10 per cent believe it will leave their households better off, while 30 per cent anticipate a deterioration in their financial circumstances.
The findings highlight the challenges facing Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government as it prepares to introduce its second federal budget amid persistent household financial pressures and growing international economic uncertainty.
Beyond the cost of living, 38 per cent of Canadians identify the economy as a top-three national issue, while an equal proportion cite Trump and his administration. Housing affordability follows at 33 per cent, healthcare at 31 per cent and immigration at 24 per cent.
Crime and public safety, along with job security and unemployment, are each identified by approximately 15 per cent of respondents. Climate change and artificial intelligence are each selected by roughly 12 per cent as leading national issues.
Affordability concerns remain widespread across political lines, with 67 per cent of Conservative voters, 65 per cent of NDP voters and 59 per cent of Liberal voters from the 2025 federal election identifying the cost of living as a major priority.
However, political affiliations influence other concerns. Among Conservative voters, 47 per cent prioritize the economy and 39 per cent identify immigration as a major issue. Liberal voters place greater emphasis on Trump and his administration, with 52 per cent selecting the U.S. president as a leading concern.
Regional differences are also evident. Alberta and Atlantic Canada report the highest levels of concern about living costs, with 72 per cent of respondents in both regions identifying affordability as a top-three issue. British Columbia follows at 66 per cent and Ontario at 64 per cent.
In Quebec, 53 per cent identify the cost of living as a major concern, while 52 per cent cite Trump and his administration. By comparison, only 28 per cent of Albertans identify Trump as a leading national issue.
Healthcare concerns are particularly pronounced in Atlantic Canada, where 45 per cent identify the issue as a priority, compared with 38 per cent in British Columbia, 27 per cent in Quebec and 25 per cent in Alberta.
The survey also highlights generational differences in economic priorities.
Housing affordability is especially important among younger Canadians, with 45 per cent of those aged 18 to 29 identifying it as a top-three national concern. That proportion declines to 39 per cent among Canadians aged 30 to 44, 32 per cent among those aged 45 to 59 and 23 per cent among respondents aged 60 and older.
The findings suggest that while Canadians recognize the need for government action on broader economic and international challenges, immediate household affordability remains their primary concern.
As Ottawa prepares to present its spending priorities, the Carney government faces the challenge of demonstrating how federal investments and economic policies can translate into tangible improvements in Canadians’ everyday lives.
With only one in ten respondents expecting personal financial benefits from the budget, public expectations remain subdued despite growing demands for economic stability and relief from rising costs.
