Canadians uneasy about economy

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:44:16

Economy the main concern of Canadians While for most Canadians environment is the main issue of concern, poll says they are growingly anxious about jobs and economic future. The results are found in a survey in which Ontarians express particularly deep unease about their economic prospects. More are pessimistic than optimistic about the direction of the economy, according to the Globe and Mail. The poll, conducted by the Strategic Counsel for The Globe and Mail/CTV News, found that 12 per cent rate the economy as the most important issue facing Canadians, 10 percentage points behind the environment and tied with health care. In Ontario, 16 per cent of those surveyed say the economy is the most important issue, just one percentage point behind the environment in importance. The survey also sees Canadians as more pessimistic about the direction of the economy. Only 18 per cent believe the economy is getting stronger, compared with 31 per cent who thought so two months ago. The poll of 1,000 Canadians is accurate to within 3.1 percentage points 95 per cent of the time. It was conducted Jan. 10-13, a period in which premiers met in Ottawa with Prime Minister Stephen Harper to discuss economic concerns. RB/RA