(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada keep positive views on their country’s financial situation, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 67 per cent of respondents rate the economic conditions in Canada as good or very good, while 30 per cent deem them bad or very bad.

In addition, 47 per cent of respondents expect Canada’s economy to remain the same over the next three months, 41 per cent forecast a decline, and seven per cent predict an improvement.

In January 2002, the Canadian dollar was worth $0.61 U.S. In November 2007, the Canadian currency briefly surpassed the $1.10 U.S. mark. Canada has recorded ten straight budget surpluses—the only country in the G-7 to do so. Last month, the national unemployment rate stood at 6.2 per cent, up from a 30-year low of 5.8 per cent in February.

On Jul. 16, Canadian finance minister Jim Flaherty dismissed concerns about possible setbacks, saying, "Canada’s economic future is bright and I say that based on the economic fundamentals of this country, which are solid. (...) Different experts have different views about the likely growth but it’s all on the plus side in terms of positive economic growth for Canada this year and next. We’re satisfied that we’re on track in terms of our budgeting for Canada, that we will continue to run a surplus in Canada and of course, a balanced budget."

Polling Data

How would you rate the economic conditions in Canada today?

Over the next three months, do you think the Canadian economy will improve, remain the same, or decline?

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,007 Canadian adults, conducted on Jul. 16 and Jul. 17, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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