As the severe impact of a second wave of COVID-19 infections ravages Manitoba, increasing numbers of Winnipeg adults are now pessimistic about the economic future of their city, according to a Probe Research survey conducted on behalf of Economic Development Winnipeg (EDW).

Presently, nearly one-half of Winnipeg adults are very or somewhat pessimistic about the city's economic prospects compared to only 33 per cent who expressed this gloomy outlook as recently as September of this year.

graph showing increase in economic pessimism among Winnipeggers

A very significant and stable majority of Winnipeggers expect we will face three or more years of financial hardship in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Only around three in ten are anticipating a financial recovery in Winnipeg to occur in less than two years following the end of the pandemic.

graph showing expectation of financial hardship for Winnipeg

In terms of their own household finances, respondents are now more likely to indicate they are worse off financially than they were at this time last year. With regard to their expectations for next year, however, citizens are more likely to expect to be in a better financial position as we enter the winter holiday season of 2021.

graph showing how people fared economically last year

graph showing how people expect to fare financially next year

Fears of potential job losses remain significant with around one in three residents expressing serious concerns that they or someone in their household may lose their job or experience an unwanted reduction in working hours in the next six months.

 

graph showing the proportion of Winnipeggers concerned about losing their job

Disclosure Statement

Probe Research is a member of the Canadian Research Insights Council (CRIC) and confirms that this research fully complies with all CRIC Standards including the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements. Learn more at: https://www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/por/

Methodology

Between November 24th and December 4th, 2020, Probe Research surveyed a random and representative sampling of 600 adults residing in Winnipeg.

With a sample of 600, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results are within ± 4.0 percentage points of what they would have been if the entire adult population of Winnipeg had been surveyed. The margin of error is higher within each of the survey’s population sub-groups.​

Modified random digit dialing, including both landline and wireless numbers, ensured all Winnipeg adults had an equal opportunity to participate in this Probe Research survey. A CATI-to-web approach was employed whereby a live-voice operator randomly recruited respondents by telephone, inviting them to complete the survey via a secure online questionnaire. In addition, 189 randomly recruited Probe Research panel members were included in this general population adult sampling.​

Minor statistical weighting has been applied to this sample based on known age, gender and previous provincial voting patterns of the city’s population. All data analysis was performed using SPSS statistical analysis software.​

The survey instrument was designed by Probe Research in close consultation with representatives of Economic Development Winnipeg.