Life in Canada

This index is a monthly listing of numbers, written by the CCPA's Trish Hennessy, about Canada and its place in the world. Scroll down for a PDF version. For other months, visit: http://policyalternatives.ca/index

1.57 Trillion
Canadians’ household debt in the second quarter of 2011, reaching an all-time high this year. (Source 1, 2)

34.6%
Canadians’ housing equity at the end of 2010. That represents a 20-year low. (Source)

150.8%
Canadians’ household debt ratio to personal disposable income in the second quarter of 2011, higher than our U.S. neighbours. (Source 1, 2 )

148.7%
Canadian households’ credit market debt ratio to personal disposable income, second quarter 2011. (Source)
7.6%
Percentage of Canadian disposable income that goes toward interest payments.(Source)
1 in 10
Number of Canadians who say even with a credit card or line of credit they would have trouble paying an unforeseen $500 expense. (Source)

27%
Percentage of non-retired Canadians who don’t commit to any type of savings, not even for retirement. (Source)

35%
Percentage of Canadians who say their debt is increasing. (Source)

46%
Number of low-income households who report their debt is increasing. (Source)

57%
Percentage of Canadians who say day-to-day living expenses are the main reason for their rising debt. (Source)

1/3
Proportion of retired Canadian households carrying an average debt load of $60,000 into retirement. (Source)
4 in 10
Number of Canadians who don’t feel confident they’ll have enough money in retirement. (Source)

Ask me for sources..all are available