2025-04-14
Three quarters of New Brunswickers have cut spending or postponed major purchases
MNP Consumer Debt Index
Three-quarters (76%) say they have cut back on spending due to economic uncertainty — more than those in any other province.
MNP Consumer Debt Sentiment Survey reveals Canadians’ feelings about their debt and their perception of their ability to meet their monthly payment obligations
Calgary, AB – As consumer household debt continues to soar, Canadians’ concerns and regrets about debt are on the rise as well. The MNP Consumer Debt Sentiment Survey revealed that the number of Canadians who say they are concerned about their current debt situation is up almost 10 per cent since February 2016. At that time four in ten (43 per cent) Canadians said they were concerned, now over half (52 per cent) of Canadians feel that way. For many, this is prompting some soul-searching, with half also now indicating that they regret the amount of debt that they have taken on, a jump of 7 per cent in as many months.
Grant Bazian, President at MNP Debt, has long expressed the need for Canadians to recognize the severity of their debt. He leads a national team of Licenced Insolvency Trustees in over 200 offices who have been working on the front lines of this issue across the country.
“It’s actually positive to see that a growing number of Canadians are concerned. Many households have come to rely on cheap credit in order to cover expenses but we can’t continue to be comfortable taking on more credit to finance a lifestyle we can’t afford,” said Bazian.
Fifty-six per cent of Canadians now say they are $200 or less per month away from not being able to meet all of their bills or debt obligations each month, including 31 per cent who say they already don’t make enough money to cover them, technically making them financially insolvent. The proportion of Canadians who say they can’t pay their bills is up 5 per cent since early 2016 and 10 per cent from February 2015.
“With so many already feeling unable to cover their bills and debts, there is tremendous vulnerability to any kind of economic shock — the loss of a job, an emergency, a divorce, even things like a reduction in overtime pay or bonuses — and especially an increase in interest rates,” said Bazian.
The survey showed that concern about the potential for rising interest rates has also increased among Canadians. Thirty-eight per cent say they are concerned an increase in interest rates could move them towards bankruptcy, compared to only thirty-one per cent back in February 2016.
“It’s tempting to take out loans and buy things on credit especially with the sustained low interest rates. But we cannot continue adjusting to a lifestyle where debt is used for things like new technology and vacations. Interest rates will eventually rise. The fifty six per cent of Canadians already living within $200 or less away from insolvency should seek professional help now,” said Bazian.
Other key poll highlights include:
2025-04-14
MNP Consumer Debt Index
Three-quarters (76%) say they have cut back on spending due to economic uncertainty — more than those in any other province.
2025-04-14
MNP Consumer Debt Index
Nearly three-quarters (73%) say they have cut back on spending due to economic uncertainty, and nearly as many (70%) say they are delaying major purchases or investments, according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index.
2025-04-14
MNP Consumer Debt Index
Nearly three-quarters say they have cut back on spending (74%) and are delaying major purchases or investments (75%), according to the latest MNP Consumer Debt Index.