Canadian Numbers Show Insolvency Is Around The Corner For Many

The numbers are in and they’re telling a story that feels a little too close to home for Canadians. Given today’s struggling economy and unemployment hitting tens of thousands of households across the country, many consumers have found themselves relying on credit to help them from one financial obligation to the next. That debt however, comes at a cost some might not be prepared for. In fact, according to MNP’s Consumer Debt Sentiment Survey, 56 per cent of Canadians would be unable to pay their bills if their monthly income was decreased by just $200. While current interest rates are sitting at rock bottom prices to bolster consumer spending, a slight increase to those rates could be financially devastating to millions of Canadians. The MNP Consumer Debt Sentiment Survey was conducted by Ipsos Reid and covered by AM 730. The original article was originally posted online atAM 730 on September 28, 2016. ​​

Latest Blog Posts

2025-07-14

Nearly half of Albertans are $200 or less away from financial insolvency each month, more than any other province, amid ongoing economic uncertainty

Lindsay Burchill

MNP Consumer Debt Index

Nearly half of Albertans (47%, +2 pts) report they are $200 or less away from financial insolvency each month — more than those in any other province — according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index.

Read More

2025-07-14

Nearly half of Quebecers regret their debt as life plans stall and financial anxieties take hold amid ongoing economic uncertainty

Frederic Lachance

MNP Consumer Debt Index

Nearly two-thirds of Quebecers say they desperately need interest rates to go down (63%, -2 pts), according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index.

Read More

2025-07-14

MNP Consumer Debt Index holds steady following two interest rate pauses as Canadians brace for ongoing economic uncertainty

Grant Bazian

MNP Consumer Debt Index

Younger adults and lower-income households are most likely to report stress, stalled life plans, and living paycheque to paycheque.

Read More

Consultation icon