New data shows most Ontarians worry about COVID-19’s impact on the economy, personal finances

May 15, 2020

The vast majority (90 per cent) of Ontarians are concerned about the impact the COVID-19 pandemic may have on the economy, according to new polling data released by Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario Division.

This data comes from the first of three polls Pollara Strategic Insights is conducting on behalf of CMHA Ontario to evaluate how Ontarians’ perceptions of their mental health are changing as they come out from underneath the pandemic.

In addition to nearly everyone being concerned about COVID-19’s impact on the economy, Pollara’s research shows 69 per cent of Ontarians are concerned about the impact the outbreak has on their personal finances.

Other interesting findings in the Pollara research related to workplace mental health during the pandemic include:

Despite trying to make a daily routine, 59 per cent are finding it hard to be productive while in self-isolation. This is true of those who are currently employed and those not working.
Those who are employed are more likely to say they have a routine and at least somewhat follow it (51 per cent).
Forty pert cent of Ontarians have themselves or have an immediate family member who has lost work hours or pay at work, while nearly a third (28 per cent) have been laid off.

In this time of uncertainty and well-being.

The next webinar focuses on supporting front-line health workers and administrators.

Mental Health at Work: Compassion fatigue during COVID-19, May 22, from 1 – 2 p.m. EDT

About Canadian Mental Health Association, Ontario

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), Ontario is a not-for-profit, charitable organization. We work to improve the lives of all Ontarians through leadership, collaboration and continual pursuit of excellence in community-based mental health and addictions services. Our vision is a society that embraces and invests in the mental health of all people. We are a trusted advisor to government, contributing to health systems development through policy formulation and recommendations that promote positive mental health. Our 28 local CMHA branches, together with community-based mental health and addictions service providers across the province, serve approximately 500,000 Ontarians each year.

About Ontario Federation of Agriculture

The Ontario Federation of Agriculture (OFA) is the largest general farm organization in Ontario, representing 38,000 farm families across the province. As a dynamic farmer-led organization based in Guelph, the OFA works to represent and champion the interests of Ontario farmers through government relations, farm policy recommendations, research, lobby efforts, community representation, media relations and more. OFA is the leading advocate for Ontario’s farmers and is Ontario’s voice of the farmer. For more information, visit ofa.on.ca.

About the University of Guelph

One of Canada’s top comprehensive and research-intensive universities, the University of Guelph spans urban hubs and rural communities. Established in 1964, the University enjoys a reputation for innovation and excellence dating back more than 150 years to its founding colleges: Ontario Veterinary College, Ontario Agricultural College and Macdonald Institute. Today U of G’s seven colleges conduct leading-edge teaching and research in the physical and life sciences, business, arts, social sciences, and agricultural and veterinary sciences. We have nearly 30,000 undergraduate and graduate students at campuses in Guelph, Toronto and Ridgetown and 185,000 alumni in more than 160 countries worldwide. The University of Guelph, and everyone who studies here, explores here, teaches here and works here, is committed to a simple, shared purpose: to Improve Life.