Albertans the ‘most pessimistic’ about economic growth in Canada: poll

Canadian dollar coins are displayed in Montreal, Friday, January 30, 2015. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Paul Chiasson

A new poll says Albertans are the most concerned about the national and provincial economy among residents of other provinces, even given the news about lower interest rates.

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The survey, conducted by Leger, said the confidence of Albertans in the federal and provincial economies is dropping.

“Albertans notably remain the most pessimistic in the country,” the report said.

Leger found just 23 per cent of Albertans felt the Canadian economy was a “good” position while 70 per cent felt it was “poor.”

As for Alberta’s economy, just 38 per cent felt it was in a good position, the lowest rating since January 2023.

Leger’s poll also found that many Albertans don’t feel either economy is on the right trajectory, with just 15 per cent of respondents believing the national economy will improve.

Twenty per cent of respondents believe Alberta’s economy will improve.

“While changes are small wave to wave, economic confidence for Canada and Alberta continues to erode further in January 2025. While some of this may be due to generally less positive moods at this time of year, it also seems to represents part of a broader more pessimistic sentiment in this province,” the report said.

Leger also asked about what Albertans thought about their personal finances and the majority (57 per cent) felt they were in a stable position.

The biggest issues among Albertans remain inflation, health care, housing affordability, immigration and government debt.

Leger said 23 per cent of respondents listed inflation as their top concern.

“While lower rates of inflation in Canada over the past number of months is presumably reflected in this being a smaller concern to Albertans than in the past, it remains the number one issue in the province. Further, inflation remains a slightly more pressing here than nationally,” the report said.

Other issues include poverty, homelessness, taxes, climate change and interest rates.

Leger’s poll results are based on a sample of 412 Albertans, aged 18 and older, using online research with fieldwork conducted between Jan. 12 and 14.

A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey, but for comparison purposes, a probability sample of 401 would have a margin of error of +/-4.9 per cent, 19 times out of 20.