A new survey has revealed pessimistic feelings about the Canadian and Albertan economies. (Photo: Malajscy | Dreamstime.com)

By David Opinko/LethbridgeNewsNOW

Survey finds 80 per cent of Albertans feel economy is in recession

Jan 14, 2023 | 6:25 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – A new survey has revealed that a large percentage of Albertans, and Canadians as a whole, are not feeling great about the economy.

Pollara Strategic Insights has released its Economic Outlook 2023 report, surveying 4,020 Canadians including 451 Albertans between Dec. 8-20, 2022.

It found 83 per cent of Canadians said they feel the economy is in a recession, an increase of 17 points from the same time the previous year.

Four out of five Albertans felt the same way about the provincial economy. Only 10 per cent believed that the economy was experiencing growth.

When describing an emotion to coincide with their thoughts about the economy, the most commonly-used words were “worried,” “upset,” “sad” and “pessimistic.”

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat's Mustard Seed adding new shelter spaces at Alberta government's request

2h ago

HOLIDAYS

Medicine Hat Kiwanis hosting Christmas dinner, applications due Friday

8h ago

IN THE COMMUNITY

'Compassionate Friends' offer peer support for bereaved in Medicine Hat

Dec 11, 2024

Among all age categories, Canadians said that the cost of food at the grocery store is the most significant source of stress. Housing and gas were also among the top concerns for Canadians of all ages.

The survey respondents said they are pessimistic about the future. Fifty-six per cent feel the national economy will worsen over the next 12 months, 21 per cent are not expecting any significant change, and only 14 per cent are optimistic that things will get better.

The full report can be read on Pollara’s website.