December 24, 2025
RED FM News Desk
A new survey released by Leger indicates a widespread sense of caution among Canadians as they look toward the coming year. Following a period defined by economic instability, international conflicts, and natural disasters intensified by climate change, only 35 percent of Canadians expressed optimism that 2026 will be better than the year preceding it.
The nation appears deeply divided on what the near future holds. While a third of the population remains hopeful for improvement, 37 percent of respondents believe that conditions will remain largely unchanged. Meanwhile, a significant 22 percent of Canadians expressed concern that the national situation could actually deteriorate compared to 2025.
Despite these tempered expectations for the future, the survey highlights a notable recovery in the nation’s collective well-being. Following the strain of the pandemic years, 86 percent of Canadians now describe their mental health as “good.” This trend is most prominent in Quebec, where 91 percent of residents reported positive mental health, followed by Alberta at 88 percent, British Columbia at 86 percent, and Ontario at 84 percent.
The data also revealed a distinct generational divide in perspective.
Andrew Enns, Executive Vice-President at Leger, noted that while Canadians aged 55 and older reported the highest current levels of mental well-being, it is the younger generation that holds the most hope for the future. Approximately 39 percent of Canadians aged 18 to 34 believe 2026 will bring better days, signaling a more optimistic outlook among the youth compared to their older counterparts.
Reflecting on the challenges of 2025, respondents used sobering language to characterize the current climate. Forty percent of those surveyed described the past year as “uncertain,” while 37 percent labeled it as “turbulent,” and 31 percent felt it was “exhausting.” These descriptors underscore the emotional toll that recent global and domestic shifts have taken on the public.
The poll also touched on evolving views of national identity and social cohesion. More than 80 percent of respondents agreed that Canada feels “culturally different” today than it did just a few years ago. Furthermore, the survey found a complex relationship between Canadians and their fellow citizens; while 68 percent reported feeling moments of pride due to the actions of others, a higher figure of 71 percent admitted to experiencing periods of discouragement.
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