Canadians are overwhelmingly positive about the state of the economy, and their outlook has become substantially sunnier over the past year, according to the latest TNS Canadian Facts’ Consumer Confidence Index.
A phone survey of 1,015 Canadian adults from March 6 to 9 revealed that most consumers believe the economy is in good shape. That translated into a Present Situation Index of 110.6, up significantly from 98.0 a year earlier.
“The public’s confidence mirrors strong economic statistics,” said Richard Jenkins, vice-president of TNS Canadian facts, a Toronto-based marketing research firm.
Consumers were also optimistic about the likely shape of the economy six months from now. The Expectations Index in March was 103.5, up from 100.6 a year earlier and the highest in the two-year history of this index.
The most bullish sentiment was in white-hot Alberta, where 75% think the economy is in good shape. The percentage who shared this view varied substantially by region:
- British Columbia 56%
- Prairies (including Alberta) 67%
- Ontario 60%
- Quebec 46%
- Atlantic Canada 51%
