Canadian Social Trends Number 91
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How does personal bankruptcy affect retirement plans?
by Susan Crompton
Release date: April 21, 2011
Over the last two decades, the bankruptcy rate in Canada has been trending upwards, regardless of changing economic conditions; the age of people filing for bankruptcy has also been rising. Using the 2007 General Social Survey, this article identifies pre-retirees aged 45 to 64 who have experienced a bankruptcy and examines how they are preparing for retirement.
Debt and family type in Canada
by Matt Hurst
Release date: April 21, 2011
Although Canada fared better in the 2008 economic downturn than many other countries, increasing levels of household debt remain a concern. This article explores rising levels of household debt over the past 40 years using National Accounts data. It also uses data from the 2009 Canadian Financial Capability Survey to examine which types of families are most likely to experience high levels of debt—that is, to make debt payments greater than 40% of their pre-tax household income, to have a debt-to-asset ratio of over 80%, and to have a high debt-to-income ratio relative to other family types.
The financial knowledge of Canadians
by Leslie-Anne Keown
Release date: March 8, 2011
Many things influence how Canadians navigate their way through the many financial options and services available. One of the factors affecting the finances of individuals is their level of financial knowledge. This article uses the objective assessment (quiz) of financial knowledge that was asked as part of the Canadian Financial Capability Survey (CFCS) in 2009. It explores, for the first time in a national Canadian context, how personal financial knowledge is related to someone's socio-demographic characteristics and other financial behaviours such as having a budget or having investments.
Ethical consumption
by Martin Turcotte
Release date: January 25, 2011
This article uses data from the General Social Survey (GSS) from 2003 and 2008 to explore consumers' propensity to choose some products and boycott others based on ethical criteria. It compares the evolution of citizens' ethical consumption to other types of political participation. It also provides information on the persons most likely to choose or boycott a product for ethical reasons.
Uptake of water- and energy-conservation devices in the home
by Avani Babooram and Matt Hurst
Release date: December 7, 2010
In society today, many Canadians are concerned about the environment and the scarcity of resources. Consequently, many individuals and governments are seeking ways to reduce or alter energy and water consumption patterns. This article uses data from the 2007 Households and the Environment Survey to examine the association between income, education, ownership, age of dwelling and years lived at the dwelling and the use of low-volume toilets; low-flow showerheads; compact fluorescent light bulbs; programmable thermostats; and appliances bought to save energy or water.
Working at home: An update
by Martin Turcotte
Release date: December 7, 2010
Using data from the different cycles of the General Social Survey from 2000 to 2008, this article explores the evolution of the popularity of working at home among employees and the self-employed. In particular, the characteristics of the workers most likely to work at home as well as the various reasons behind this phenomenon are studied. Perceptions about working at home and work-life balance are also discussed.
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