Those worries weighed on their spending plans, with respondents pointing to high prices, economic uncertainty and higher housing costs as barriers to spending. Worst of trade war has passed, say respondentsThe Canadian economy has proven more stable than the worst case scenario hypothesized by some analysts and economists last year. The sentiment that the worst of the trade war has passed is "largely correct on a macro level," said Fan. But several open questions remain about the future of Canada's trade relationship with the U.S., she added. Feeling grocery pains most acutelyCalgary shopper Brad Berg says he's spending less in response to rising prices.

Source: CBC News January 19, 2026 22:05 UTC