TORONTO, Feb. 02, 2021 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As much of the country has faced financial hardships throughout the pandemic, the conversation around debt forgiveness has become heightened. A new national survey by Bromwich+Smith highlights Canadian compassion by taking the pulse on which debts they believe should be forgiven.
When asked “Do you support or oppose debt forgiveness for the following expenses?” the three debt-causing areas that generated the most compassionate support were critical illness (for which more than eight-in-10 Canadians supported debt forgiveness) death of a spouse or loved one (72%), and job loss (63%). Other expenses that Canadians believe should be forgiven were student loans (52%), small business debt (44%), and mortgage and rent (39%).
The study is the latest in a survey series designed to create a benchmark of public attitudes and force a discussion around the de-stigmatization of debt. The least popular causes for debt forgiveness were divorce (27%) substance addiction (24%), consumer debt/credit cards/car payments (23%), and gambling debts (12%).
"The collective experience of COVID has likely made us all more compassionate,” said Jasmine Marra, Vice President at Bromwich+Smith. “Empathy has a critical role in de-stigmatizing debt and helping clients rebuild their worth and thrive.”
Women are more forgiving than men
- 87 per cent of women would forgive debt due to critical illness (compared to 76% of men)
- Four-in-five women support debt forgiveness related to death (compared to 65% of men)
- Forgiving student loan debt is supported by 56 per cent of women versus 46 per cent of men
- Half of women (48%) support forgiving small business debt compared to 39 per cent of men
- Four-in-10 women would wipe out mortgage and rent debts, compared to 34 per cent of men
- Finally, there’s a slight difference for divorce debt (women are at 30% versus men at 24%)
A tale of shifting attitudes by generation
Younger Canadians (18-34-year-olds) are generally more forgiving than the older demographic across several indices, especially those 55+. Predictably, those aged 18-34 were more likely to forgive student loans but, the generational empathy gap didn’t end there and contained some welcome surprises.
| Do you support debt forgiveness related to the following expenses? | Age 18-34 | Age 35-54 | Age 55+ |
| Student loans | 63% | 52% | 42% |
| Small business debt (loans, rent etc.) | 50% | 44% | 39% |
| Mortgage and rent | 46% | 41% | 31% |
| Debts related to substance addiction | 36% | 27% | 16% |
| Gambling debts | 21% | 11% | 5% |
| Critical illness | 81% | 85% | 80% |
| Consumer debt, credit cards and car payments | 28% | 26% | 15% |
“Debt carries a very large stigma with Canadians, something we see often with our clients, and something that leads people to define their self-worth by their net worth,” said Marra. “In order to overcome debt, there needs to be an internal journey and a measure of self-forgiveness. Once that takes place, it’s important to know that every Canadian has the right to restructure their debt.”
The Debt Forgiveness Survey comes on the heels of this fall’s Covid Economy Poll, which probed Canadians on bankruptcy, debt, stigma and whether the pandemic had set back socioeconomic progress.
The full results of the Debt Forgiveness Survey are available through the contacts below.
About the Debt Forgiveness Survey by Bromwich+Smith
From December 18 to December 20, 2020 an online survey was conducted among a representative sample of 1,520 Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The sample was balanced and weighted on age, gender, region and education. For comparison purposes, the sample plan would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.
About Bromwich+Smith
Bromwich+Smith, our dedicated team of Licensed Insolvency Trustees and Debt Relief Specialists are committed to rebuilding our clients’ worth, while helping relieve the overwhelming financial and emotional burden they are experiencing. Beyond our clients’ financial wellbeing, Bromwich+Smith strives to restore the personal wellbeing and self-confidence of every client. Whether it’s through a consumer proposal, bankruptcy, counselling or budgeting, our clients trust us to work with them to find customized solutions to make them whole again. With offices in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario, Bromwich+Smith helps thousands of Canadians each year rebuild their worth. Bromwich+Smith’s Debt Relief Specialists are available for an initial consultation by phone at 1-855-884-9243 or via www.bromwichandsmith.com.
For further information: To arrange an interview with Jasmine Marra, Vice President at Bromwich+Smith, please contact:
Dana Sharman
MAVERICK Public Relations
danas@wearemaverick.com
1-705-878-6493
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5e2fcf22-e1fc-454f-8fc4-32f203ddab66