Atlantic Canadians plan to spend less this summer: survey

Atlantic Canadians plan to curb spending this summer, as the cost of living impacts travel decisions.

Fewer Canadians plan to splurge this summer, including many in Atlantic Canada, according to a new survey.

Nationally, 35 per cent of Canadians plan to spend less over the next few months. The highest number regionally is in Atlantic Canada, coming in at 41 per cent.

TD, which conducted the survey, says cost-of-living pressures continue to shape people’s household budgets and vacation plans, with a shift toward more “intentional spending.”

The survey says 61 per cent of those who do plan to travel this summer are actively reducing their costs and 44 per cent say higher fuel prices are affecting their travel decisions.

Calvin Stevens is a frequent traveller, but he says his family is staying in Canada this year due to costs and world dynamics.

“Across Canada, we are all feeling the pinch,” Stevens said.

The majority of Canadians say they are also redirecting their spending toward essentials like groceries, fuel and housing.

Other findings at the local level include:

• 75 per cent of Atlantic Canadians plan to support local or Canadian businesses, with 47 per cent saying it’s a stronger priority than last summer
• 66 per cent of Atlantic Canada travellers say they’re actively reducing travel costs
• 64 per cent (the highest in Canada) don’t plan to purchase travel insurance (compared to 46 per cent nationally)

TD says the survey was conducted using the Leger Opinion panel with a nationally representative sample of 1,500 Canadian adults.

With files from CTV News Atlantic’s Ryan MacDonald