Canadians Divided on Budget Priorities Ahead of Federal Vote

Canadians are grappling with a significant decision regarding the upcoming federal budget, as a recent survey reveals a divide between those advocating for substantial investments and those prioritizing deficit reduction. The survey, conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News, highlights shifting perspectives on fiscal policy ahead of Prime Minister Mark Carney‘s first budget presentation.

The polling indicates that Canadians are nearly split on budget priorities: 47 percent support running a deficit to fund investments in programs, while 48 percent favor balancing the budget to alleviate the tax burden. Only 5 percent of respondents expressed uncertainty about their preferences. This marks a notable shift from pre-COVID-19 sentiments, where 55 percent of Canadians supported a balanced budget compared to 43 percent who preferred deficit spending.

Changing Attitudes on Deficits

By February 2023, the inclination towards deficit spending had decreased to 35 percent, while support for balancing the budget remained steady at 56 percent. According to Nik Nanos, chief data scientist and founder of Nanos Research, this recent polling shows that a deficit is now viewed as more acceptable in the short term than it has been in the past.

Nanos cautions that even if the government opts for fiscal tightening, it should not imply a free pass to run deficits indefinitely. “This signals a recognition of the value of investing in infrastructure, economic growth, and jobs,” he noted. The pressures facing the Canadian economy, underscored by a recent drop in GDP, further influence public opinion on fiscal priorities.

When asked to rank priorities for the federal budget, health care emerged as the top concern for 30 percent of respondents. Despite this, support for health care has declined significantly, down 19 percentage points from 2023, when nearly half of Canadians identified it as a key priority. Emerging concerns are now directed towards housing (12 percent), inflation relief (6 percent), defense spending (5 percent), and tariff relief (4 percent) — issues that were not highlighted in previous surveys.

Financial Strain and Future Investments

Nanos attributes the shifting priorities to the financial pressures many Canadians face, such as rising costs for rent and groceries, along with job security. He emphasized that while Canadians do not want cuts to health care in the present climate, there is a strong desire for long-term investments in infrastructure and job creation. “What they want to see in the short term is investments to build roads and create jobs, ultimately aiming for a more resilient economy less reliant on the United States,” Nanos stated.

The survey methodology consisted of a random dual frame (land-and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online survey of 1,045 Canadians aged 18 and older, conducted between October 27 and 30, 2025. The results carry a margin of error of plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Nanos Research weighted the results by age and gender using the latest census data to ensure representation of the Canadian population.

As the federal budget approaches, the findings from this survey may play a crucial role in shaping discussions and decisions around Canada’s fiscal future. With a balance between investment and fiscal responsibility at stake, the outcomes could significantly impact Canadian citizens and the economy as a whole.