New data shows 86% of Ontarians link tariffs to rising prices, with two-thirds feeling direct household impact

TORONTO, Ont., Nov. 4, 2025 – A new regional analysis from The Salvation Army’s 2025 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis reveals that while Ontarians are showing signs of emotional recovery and economic adaptation, cost-of-living concerns, job insecurity and tariff impacts remain major sources of household strain.

The Salvation Army surveyed more than 1,500 Canadians to produce the 2025 Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis to better understand their attitudes, behaviours and experiences on issues such as the availability of housing and food, general affordability and related health outcomes. As the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in Canada, this data helps The Salvation Army to quantify the demand for ongoing social services provided and allows the organization to better serve those in need.

In Ontario, 45% of residents say they feel optimistic about their financial future. This is a five-point drop from 2024. Cost of living and inflation remain the top concern for 79% of Ontarians, while job insecurity has risen 8 percentage points, reflecting growing anxiety around stable employment.

Emotional Health Improving, But Stability Remains Fragile

Ontario’s data shows signs of emotional and systemic relief. Concern about healthcare access dropped by 12 points, which is the largest improvement in the country. Interest-rate anxiety is easing (–4 pts). Mental health concern also declined by 8 points, suggesting a population slowly recovering from pandemic-era pressures and economic turbulence.

Still, 61% of Ontarians say they struggle to manage limited resources. This is a slight improvement from previous years, but still indicative of widespread financial constraint.

Tariffs Emerging as a Defining Household Concern

Ontarians express the highest concern about tariffs in Canada, with 60% citing them as a key issue. An overwhelming 86% say tariffs are driving up the cost of everyday items, and 66% report direct household impact.

“Ontario now leads the country in concern about tariffs, and for good reason,” says Captain Gina Haggett, divisional secretary for public relations. “About nine in 10 people tell us

they’re seeing higher prices because of global trade pressures, and we see the impact of that every day in our food banks and community programs.”

For many families, these issues don’t feel like abstract policy debates. They show up in grocery aisles and kitchen cupboards. Affordability might look better on paper, but it’s not improving at the checkout counter. “The Salvation Army is here to help bridge that gap, making sure people can still access the basics and find stability when the cost of living keeps shifting,” says Haggett.

Support organizations remain central to managing these pressures, with 78% of respondents expressing confidence in local service providers such as The Salvation Army.

Charitable Engagement Still Strong, But Signs of Fatigue are Showing

Charitable participation in Ontario remains high:

· 68% made small monetary donations
· 52% volunteered
· 67% engaged in three or more charitable activities

However, overall participation has dipped slightly, pointing to a sense of quiet resilience but declining energy after years of financial and emotional strain.

“The people we serve are doing their best to give back even while facing their own challenges,” says Haggett. “They haven’t stopped caring, but many are tired. And we understand that.”

About the Report

The Canadian Poverty and Socioeconomic Analysis is an annual national survey commissioned by The Salvation Army to better understand the financial, social and structural challenges Canadians are facing. The 2025 edition was conducted from September 12–16, 2025, with a nationally representative sample of 1,521 Canadians who are members of the online Angus Reid Forum, balanced and weighted by age, gender, and region. Ontario-specific findings are based on regional cuts of the national dataset. Canadians living in Yukon, Northwest Territories, and Nunavut were not included in the survey.

To learn more or support The Salvation Army’s work in communities across Ontario, visit www.salvationarmy.ca.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization that began its work in Canada in 1882. Today, it is the largest non-governmental direct provider of social services in the country, offering hope and support to vulnerable people in 400 communities across Canada and in more than 130 countries around the world.

We believe in the transformative power of a helping hand—empowering people to move forward, no matter where they’re starting from. With open doors, open minds, and open hearts, The Salvation Army provides practical, personalized support to those facing poverty, homelessness, addiction, food insecurity, and other complex challenges.

Our services include hunger relief through food banks and meal programs; shelter and housing support; addiction rehabilitation; long-term and palliative care; and life-skills development such as budgeting and cooking. We also offer children and youth programming, including after-school activities, camps, school nutrition, and Christmas assistance such as food hampers and toys.

Supported by generous donors, volunteers, and community partners, The Salvation Army meets people in their moment of need—and stays with them for the journey ahead. When you give to The Salvation Army, you’re investing in renewed hope, restored dignity, and a stronger future for overlooked individuals and families in your community. News releases, articles and updated information can be found at www.SalvationArmy.ca.

SOURCE The Salvation Army

For media inquiries, please contact:

Captain Gina Haggett Divisional Secretary for Public Relations The Salvation Army Canada and Bermuda (416) 712-0497 Gina.Haggett@salvationarmy.ca

Jody White Vice President, Earned Media Edelman jody.white@edelman.com