Atlantic Canadians expect financial challenges in 2026: MNP

CITYnews halifax / By Mark Hodgins

A new survey is finding Atlantic Canadians are bracing for a challenging 2026 when it comes to financial pressures.

The latest MNP Consumer Debt Index, a quarterly survey conducted by Ipsos, finds “pessimism extends well beyond prices, reflecting a broader sense that economic conditions will deteriorate in 2026”, according to the organization.

The results show 68 per cent of respondents in Atlantic Canada expect the cost of living to worsen, with three in five expecting housing affordability in particular to deteriorate, which is the highest share among all provinces.

Another 59 per cent say they believe the economy will worsen and anticipate higher pressure from interest rates and inflation.

“Across Atlantic Canada, there is a widespread sense that household budgets will be under added strain in the year ahead, heightening concerns about economic stability,” said local Licensed Insolvency Trustee with MNP LTD. Tina Powell.

“For many, their outlook for the new year points to mounting pressure across everyday expenses, with housing affordability weighing heavily on households across the region.”

The survey, according to MNP, does find some slight optimism, with the average amount Atlantic Canadians have left after monthly bills reportedly rising by $193 to $995. But it also says fewer than half of respondents have six months of emergency savings on hand.