A hoarding board of 2026 is shown in the image.
Most Canadians are stepping into 2026 with optimism.
A new New Year poll shows many feel good about 2025.
They also expect the positive momentum to continue.
The survey reveals confidence at a personal level.
Views become more cautious when judging Canada as a whole.
Age also plays a major role in shaping hopes for 2026.
Personal Life Rated Strongest in 2025
When asked about 2025, Canadians were most positive about themselves.
Two in three respondents said the year was good personally.
Nearly one in five even described it as very good.
Family life scored even higher.
More than 70 per cent felt 2025 was a good year for their families.
Only a small minority described it as a bad year.
These responses highlight a strong sense of personal stability.
Despite wider concerns, many Canadians felt secure at home.
Mixed Feelings About Canada and Communities
Optimism declined when respondents looked beyond their personal lives.
Workplaces received fewer positive reviews overall.
Less than half rated 2025 as good for their jobs.
Opinions about communities were slightly stronger.
Just over half felt their municipality had a good year.
Provincial and national views were more divided.
Still, positive opinions outweighed negative ones in every category.
Canada’s overall performance earned more “good” than “bad” ratings.
This suggests cautious confidence rather than deep dissatisfaction.
Canadians Optimistic About 2026
Looking ahead, Canadians remain hopeful about the year to come.
Nearly four in ten expect 2026 to be better personally.
A similar share believe their families will fare better.
Very few anticipate a worse year.
Less than 10 per cent expect declines in personal or family life.
Most believe 2026 will feel much like 2025.
Expectations for Canada are more reserved.
Three in ten think the country will improve in 2026.
Fewer than two in ten expect things to worsen.
Provinces, municipalities, and workplaces show similar patterns.
Those expecting improvement slightly outnumber pessimists.
Uncertainty remains, but optimism still leads.
Money Tops the Wish List for 2026
The poll also explored what Canadians want most in 2026.
Respondents ranked four common New Year wishes.
Money, health, time, and travel made the list.
More money emerged as the top priority.
Thirty-seven per cent ranked it as their number one wish.
Economic pressure clearly remains front of mind.
Health followed closely behind.
Three in ten Canadians chose better health as their top hope.
Time with family and friends ranked third overall.
Travel was the least desired option.
Only seven per cent selected it as their top priority.
Practical needs appear to outweigh leisure goals.
A Clear Generational Divide
Age strongly influenced New Year priorities.
Younger Canadians focused heavily on finances.
Over half of those aged 18 to 34 chose more money.
Older Canadians had different concerns.
Nearly half of those 55 and older prioritized better health.
Financial goals mattered less in this group.
Middle-aged Canadians showed balanced preferences.
Those aged 35 to 54 split their choices more evenly.
Money, health, and family time all ranked closely.
How the Poll Was Conducted
The online survey included 1,002 Canadian adults.
It was conducted between November 21 and 23.
Results were released on New Year’s Day.
Data was weighted using census benchmarks.
Age, gender, and region were all accounted for.
The margin of error stands at plus or minus 3.1 points.
Smaller groups carry higher margins of error.
Full data tables are available through the pollster.
Overall, the findings suggest Canadians remain cautiously hopeful.
As 2026 begins, Canadians appear realistic but optimistic.
Personal well-being leads the mood.
Economic and health concerns shape the year ahead.
