Poll: Recession changed Canadian values

TORONTO, April 30 (UPI) -- An Economic Club of Canada poll published Thursday indicates most Canadians have changed their value systems as a result of the recession.

The online poll of 3,376 adults conducted by the Pollara polling group found three-quarters feel "the standard of living in Canada is declining and may never be the same again," a release issued in Toronto said.

"There seems to be a unique perception from Canadians that there is more than just a recession under way," club President Mark Adler said in the release. "We may indeed look back upon this period as a turning point in our perceptions and our behaviors."

Sixty-three-per cent of respondents described their personal circumstances as "just getting by" and 48 percent cited the cost of living as their single biggest concern.

Michael Marzolini, chairman of Pollara, said the results showed there was a "fundamental shift" in consumer confidence.

"This is unique in that the fear and perception of an increased cost of living and a sense of falling behind is spanning all age and income levels," Marzolini said.