Title: Albertans Face Tough Choices Between Food and Heating

A recent report reveals that Albertans are making significant sacrifices in their food and energy consumption, more than residents of any other Canadian province. The MNP quarterly Consumer Debt Index indicates that one-third of Albertans are eating less to save money, the highest percentage in Canada. Additionally, two-thirds of respondents reported using strategies like meal planning, coupons, price matching, or bulk buying to manage grocery expenses.

The report highlights that 53% of Albertans have avoided impulse purchases while shopping for groceries, marking a 5% increase from the previous quarter. Alberta is the only province to see such an increase. Furthermore, 50% of Albertans have stopped dining out or ordering takeout, which is also the highest rate in the country.

Melissa From, president and CEO of the Calgary Food Bank, noted that these statistics reflect the reality faced by many in the province. "The fact that Albertans are eating less to save money is not surprising to us," she said. From added that a recent report indicated that 68% of their clients experience severe food insecurity, often skipping meals or going days without food.

The report also found that 39% of Albertans have reduced their utility consumption, the highest rate in Canada. Additionally, 22% reported delaying or skipping medical, dental, or prescription care. Lindsay Burchill, a licensed insolvency trustee at MNP, pointed out that while inflation has stabilized, costs remain higher than five years ago. She noted, "I don’t see, in Alberta particularly, that wages have kept up with that level of inflation."

Burchill also mentioned the troubling unemployment rate in Alberta, which contributes to financial uncertainty. She acknowledged that resources like social media and financial literacy tools are becoming more accessible, especially for younger generations. However, she cautioned that these resources have limits. "When we are reducing basic necessities, there’s really not a lot of runway left to go before there’s a real crisis for a lot of people," she said.

The report indicates that half of Albertans are within $200 of being unable to pay their monthly bills. Additionally, 24% have no plans to save more in the next year. Concerns about debt are also prevalent, with 26% of Albertans rating their debt situation as "terrible." Sixty-one percent expressed a desperate need for lower interest rates, while 45% believe that even lower rates would not alleviate their concerns about repaying debt.

"Lower interest rates may ease the pressure somewhat, but they don’t make the debt itself disappear," Burchill stated. Only 28% of Albertans expect their debt situation to improve in the coming year, and 45% are worried about bankruptcy if interest rates rise.

Nationally, the situation is only slightly better. Twenty-nine percent of Canadians have reduced utility consumption, 24% are eating less to save money, and 19% are delaying or skipping medical care. MNP’s president, Grant Bazian, commented on the broader implications of these financial strains. "When people are cutting back on food, heat, or medical care, it’s not just about budgeting anymore — it’s about day-to-day survival. That level of strain takes a huge emotional toll."

The Consumer Debt Index data was collected by Ipsos on behalf of MNP between September 4 and 9, with a sample size of 2,001 Canadians aged 18 and older. The results are accurate within ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.