Many Canadians struggling to meet basic needs: poll [Video]

More than half of Canadians with annual household incomes below $60,000 are unsure if they can continue to afford basic needs such as food and shelter or if they will be forced to turn to charities for help, according to a new Ipsos poll.

The research, conducted on behalf of CanadaHelps between Nov. 1 and 5, polled 1,000 Canadians. It found that nearly one in 10 Canadians currently rely on charitable services to meet daily essential needs. For household incomes less than $40,000, the figure rises to 21 per cent.

The poll also found that a majority of Canadians said they would reduce spending on everything from leisure activities to gift-giving and groceries.

“With the giving season now upon us, it is an important reminder for Canadians who are able to make a financial donation to give generously to ensure that no one is denied basic needs such as food, …