Albertans most likely to choose between food and utilities

By Lethbridge Herald on October 8, 2025.

Al Beeber
Lethbridge Herald

A survey by a national accounting firm suggests Albertans are the most likely residents of Canada to choose between “heat or eat” this fall.

MNP Ltd. on Tuesday released a report that states 39 per cent of Albertans have reduced their utility consumption and 33 per cent are likely to eat less to save money.

But despite the sacrifices Albertans are making, MNP says half of Albertans are within $200 of insolvency every month with the average amount of money left in pocket after monthly expenses falling by $139 to $813.

And the survey shows that more than two in five worry that artificial intelligence could negatively affect their job income, with only 41 per cent of Albertans reporting they have six months of emergency savings, which is the lowest among Canadian provinces.

“Albertans’ financial vulnerability is intensifying as persistent economic uncertainty, concerns about borrowing costs, and employment anxiety weigh on household confidence. Faced with mounting financial pressure, many indebted Albertans are being forced into difficult ‘heat or eat’ decisions — choosing between basic necessities such as heating their homes and putting food on the table,” says MNP.

“Albertans already facing financial strain now see AI adding a fresh layer of uncertainty,” says MNP insolvency trustee  Lindsay Burchill. “When people are unprepared for a loss of income, the idea that their jobs could be at risk from AI deepens their sense of vulnerability.”

According to MNP, 37 per cent of Albertans rate their debt situation as “excellent” while 26 per cent say it’s “terrible” – which is also the largest figure among provinces.

Data for the survey was compiled by IPSOS between Sept. 4-25. MNP says the the poll is accurate to within 2.5 percentage points 19 times out of 20 if all Canadians had been polled.