A new MEI‑Ipsos poll released in July 2026 provides insight into how Canadians view income taxes, government spending, corporate subsidies, and the federal government’s plan to borrow money to create a sovereign wealth fund. The results show that many Canadians feel financially strained and are questioning whether current government policies are providing value for the taxes they pay.
The poll finds that 63 percent of Canadians believe they pay too much income tax. According to the survey, 70 percent of respondents say their tax burden reduces their living standards. When asked whether they receive good value for the taxes they pay, no level of government receives majority approval. Provincial governments receive the lowest rating, with 56 percent of respondents saying they do not get their money’s worth.
The MEI notes that Canadians are increasingly vocal about the pressures they face. As Renaud Brossard, Vice President of Communications at the MEI, explains, “Canadians are sending the message that they’ve had enough of paying more to receive less. As grocery and housing prices keep climbing higher and higher, taxpayers are fed up with seeing their governments spending so recklessly.”
The poll also explores public views on federal spending. A total of 52 percent of Canadians believe the federal government spends too much, while only 5 percent say it does not spend enough. These results suggest that many Canadians are uneasy about the scale of federal expenditures and the impact of those expenditures on the national budget.
Corporate subsidies are another area where Canadians express concern. The poll shows that 66 percent of respondents believe subsidies are expensive and produce poor results. In Quebec, this view is held by 69 percent of respondents. The MEI points out that in 2024, Quebec provided $8.5 billion in corporate subsidies, and Ontario provided $11.6 billion. These figures have contributed to public debate about the effectiveness of industrial subsidies and the risks associated with large government investments in specific sectors. As Mr. Brossard notes, “Canadians do not share the enthusiasm of their politicians when it comes to subsidies. They say that subsidies are much too expensive and yield very little in terms of results.”
The poll also examines public opinion on the federal government’s plan to borrow 25 billion dollars to establish a sovereign wealth fund. A majority of respondents, 58 percent, oppose the idea. Only 20 percent support it. The federal government is currently projecting a deficit of 65.4 billion dollars for the year, and the poll suggests that many Canadians are concerned about adding further debt to finance the new fund.
The MEI emphasizes that Canadians appear increasingly attentive to the relationship between government spending, taxation, and personal financial pressures. The poll results indicate that many citizens are questioning whether current policies align with their ability to pay and whether public funds are being used effectively.
The survey was conducted online by Ipsos between June 26 and July 1, 2026, using a sample of 1,005 Canadians aged 18 and older. The results are accurate within plus or minus 3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The full results are available through the MEI.
The findings provide a snapshot of public opinion at a time when Canadians are facing rising costs for housing, groceries, and other essentials. They also offer insight into how citizens view government decisions related to taxation, subsidies, and long-term financial planning.
Photo: OLM file photo
