More than two-fifths (44 per cent) of working Canadians are financially stressed, according to a new survey by the National Payroll Institute.

The survey, which polled nearly 2,200 workers, found 28 per cent said they’re living paycheque to paycheque and would struggle to meet their financial obligations if their paycheque were delayed by just one week. That figure climbed from 24 per cent last year to its highest level in five years. Respondents cited groceries and household products (55 per cent) as the No. 1 source of financial stress, while nearly half (46 per cent) said they’re worried about personal debt.

At the same time, fewer Canadians are saving. The percentage of employees who are trying to save more fell from 51 per cent in 2025 to 43 per cent in 2026 and only 31 per cent reported making progress increasing their savings. Half of respondents said they now spend all or more of their net pay, up sharply from 41 per cent in 2025.

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