(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in Canada hold differing views on how their country should prepare for a future worker shortage, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 46 per cent of respondents would offer more tax breaks to families with young children, and 31 per cent would promote Canada as a destination for skilled immigrants.

In addition, 26 per cent of respondents would implement a national child care system, and a further 26 per cent would raise the retirement age—currently 65 years—to 68 years.

Earlier this month, Statistics Canada issued its latest report on the 2006 population census. The document states that, in about 10 years, Canada may have more people at the age where they can leave the labour force than at the age where they can begin working. The situation could lead to worker shortages, rising health care costs and increasing demands on private pension systems.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

Harper appointed Conservative senator Marjory LeBreton as secretary of state for seniors. In March, LeBreton announced the creation of the National Seniors Council, saying, "Seniors helped build this country and made it what it is today. (...) By establishing this Council, we have fulfilled a key campaign commitment and will work to deliver real results to Canada's seniors."

Polling Data

Statistics Canada has issued its latest report on the 2006 population census. The report states that, in about 10 years, Canada may have more people at the age where they can leave the labour force than at the age where they can begin working. The situation could lead to worker shortages, rising health care costs and increasing demands on private pension systems. Which of these proposals would you support to deal with the situation? Check all that apply.

Other poll highlights: 92 per cent of respondents think seniors are a valuable component of Canadian society, 83 per cent say the community they live in respects the elderly, 61 per cent have financial plans in place for their retirement, and 41 per cent believe people should plan so they will not have to depend on others when they are older. Fewer than 20 per cent of respondents think Canada's national pension plan and health care system will adequately handle the needs of seniors in the future. 73 per cent of respondents think people should work for as long as they are able to, and 27 per cent want retirement to be mandatory.

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