United Way Centraide Canada calls for stronger community supports
New survey finds 42 per cent of people living in Canada could cover expenses for less than a month if their income was lost
OTTAWA, ON October 15, 2025 – New survey findings from Léger and United Way Centraide Canada reveal that financial stress is leaving people living in Canada vulnerable far beyond their wallets, deepening the risk of poverty for many who are already struggling to make ends meet.
According to the United Way Centraide Financial Anxiety Survey conducted by Léger, more than half (55%) of people living in Canada feel anxious about their personal finances. Nearly as many (41%) report physical stress symptoms when talking about money , and 42% say they would only be able to cover their basic expenses for less than one month if they lost their main source of income.
“Across Canada, as affordability challenges deepen and economic uncertainty grows, United Way Centraides and essential community services are seeing an increasing demand for support. These findings underscore the significant financial stress facing people in Canada—especially low-income individuals and families,” said Dan Clement, President and CEO of United Way Centraide Canada. “This stress is taking a toll on mental health and well-being, driving a rising need for strong, community-based supports.”
Financial stress hits home and is hardest for lower-income people living in Canada
The survey shows how financial strain disrupts daily life. More than one-third (35%) of people living in Canada report trouble sleeping , nearly a third (32%) experience family conflict or tension , and three in ten (30%) say money-related worries make it difficult to focus at work or school. The burden is sharpest for lower-income households: nearly half (47%) of those with household income under $40,000 lose sleep because of money issues , and two-thirds (67%) report feeling anxious about their finances. By comparison, 27% and 47%, respectively, of those earning over $100,000 report the same experiences. Yet financial stress cuts across all income levels. Behaviours like avoiding conversations about money and experiencing household conflict remain consistent regardless of earnings.
211 data highlights the growing need
Real-time community data emphasizes the human impact. United Way Centraide Canada is a proud founding partner of 211 a free, confidential helpline that connects people in vulnerable circumstances to government and community-based health and social services.
Across the country, the United Way Centraide network and 211 service partners work collaboratively to ensure people living in Canada can access the support they need. 211 continues to be a reliable source of information that reveals the growing challenges many are facing across the country.
Between January and August 2025, 18% of unmet needs identified through 211 contacts were related to temporary financial assistance, indicating that available services could not keep pace with rising demand. This marks a 50% increase compared to 2024 and a 62% increase since 2023. The sharp rise in unmet needs for temporary financial support reflects broader survey findings: more people are struggling financially and seeking help, but existing services are increasingly unable to meet their needs.
Local United Way Centraides across the country are working with community partners to help people living in Canada manage financial stress and build stability. From access to affordable food and housing supports to mental health services and 211 navigation, they ensure that people have somewhere to turn when financial strain threatens their well-being.
People living in Canada can take action by supporting their local United Way. To learn more about how United Way Centraide is helping people in Canada access community supports to build stronger communities or to donate, visit www.unitedway.ca.
To access the full report, Click Here.