Findings of Poll 23

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ABOUT THE STUDY

This study was conducted by Pollara Strategic Insights with an online sample of 4,050 adult Canadians between February 4 and 19, 2025. The results from this study provide insights into the mental health of Canadians and reveal concerning trends. Results from a probability sample of this size could be considered accurate to within ±1.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Results have been weighted based on age, gender and region to be representative of the Canadian population. 

A series of research briefs that provide an in-depth, specific investigation of our polling results can be found here. Results of earlier polls are compared when applicable.  

Findings from our polls are searchable on our free Data Portal.

Our latest report reveals that while economic strain, social media overload, and healthcare gaps challenge mental well-being, community involvement and social connections support a stronger sense of belonging.

Key findings include: 

  • Financial Stress and Mental Struggles: 42% of Canadians report a negative impact on their mental health due to economic conditions, the highest level recorded since MHRC began polling. Additionally, 39% of Canadians struggle to pay their bills. 

  • Impact of News and Social Media: Social media’s impact is at an all-time high, with 33% reporting negative effects, and young adults spending more time online than ever before. More than four in ten Canadians (43%) say watching the news negatively affects their mental health, a 7% increase from Poll 22 in December 2022.

Additional major findings from Poll 23 include:

  • Community Participation and Mental Health: Canadians who participate in community groups feel a stronger sense of belonging, which is linked to improved mental health, while 62% of non-participants report feeling disconnected.

  • Healthcare Access Barriers: 19% of Canadians do not have a family doctor, with vulnerable groups—including racialized individuals, 2SLGBTQ+ communities, and those with financial challenges—facing the greatest barriers.