Latest news with #Leger
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bitcoin is a volatility hedge, says market strategist
STORY: Bitcoin leapt past $120,000 for the first time earlier on Monday, marking another milestone for the world's largest cryptocurrency as investors bet on long-sought policy wins for the industry this week. "[Bitcoin's] a perfect tool for speculation because the distribution of outcomes has a positive right skew, meaning it has, by design, a fat right tail," Leger said. "I know some might criticize digital assets for not having typical fundamentals like earnings and dividends and buybacks," Leger acknowledged. "But they do have very tangible investor flows and that is a very real source of demand."
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
Prescription drug costs are forcing Canadians to make dangerous trade-offs
Heather Evans, 60, used to eat boxed macaroni and cheese three times a week, but not because she loved it. She had to scrimp on her food budget to afford the thousands of dollars a month for the medication keeping her alive. Ms. Evans was diagnosed with a chronic heart condition in her 30s. 'I had my first two heart attacks when I was 39. I didn't sleep for almost 10 months because I was afraid I wouldn't wake up, and I didn't want my five-year-old son to find me gone.' At the time, Ms. Evans was an unemployed single mom in Calgary with no health insurance benefits. Most prescription medications aren't covered under Canada's universal health care plan, meaning patients without extended benefits have to foot the bill. Canada is the only country with universal health care that does not have universal coverage for prescription drugs (outside hospitals). The cost of survival nearly broke Ms. Evans. 'You go to sleep with tears in your eyes, worried about the next day. If it wasn't for my doctor giving me samples for so many years, I don't know that I'd be here today.' As millions of Canadians struggle to cope with the cost of their medications, many have taken drastic steps to alleviate the pressure, often leading to a worsening of their symptoms over time. A 2024 survey by Leger found that nearly one in four Canadians (22 per cent) say they've split pills, skipped doses, or chosen not to fill or renew a prescription because of the cost. The survey also revealed that 1 in 10 Canadians living with chronic conditions have landed in emergency after their health worsened because they couldn't afford the medications they needed. 'There are real downstream impacts. If you can't access drugs for prevention purposes you end up burdening the health care system, and that's much more expensive,' says Manuel Arango, director of Health Policy and Advocacy for the Heart and Stroke Foundation. 'It's way more cost effective to provide these drugs and tear down affordability barriers, so that people can be healthy, manage their conditions and stay out of the emergency rooms.' Canada has a patchwork of public drug benefit programs (with varying eligibilities), along with many private insurance plans. But insurance coverage, while helpful, isn't a guarantee of affordability. The 2019 Hoskins report about pharmacare implementation found that about 7.5 million Canadians still face high out-of-pocket costs. Gaps in coverage are made worse by shifting work patterns and employer plans that offload costs onto workers, putting part-time, contract, and low-income workers most at risk. Canada's proposed national pharmacare plan aims to provide coverage for essential prescription medications. The federal government says the program will roll out in phases, and has already started with coverage for contraceptives and diabetes drugs in British Columbia, Prince Edward Island, Manitoba and Yukon. The plan's advisory panel recommended covering medications for cardiac conditions, but they remain uncovered. 'We appreciate these initial steps the government has taken, but we need to move more quickly,' says Mr. Arango. 'We need to get on the same playing field as all other countries that have universal health care systems and institute universal drug coverage.' A recent study from Arthritis Research Canada (ARC) showed that for nearly 1 in 20 people aged 12 or older, cost is a major barrier to taking their medications as prescribed. Some groups face higher risks for non-adherence with prescriptions, including women, members of racialized communities and people with diverse sexual orientations. Each skipped dose has ramifications for patients, says Dr. Mary De Vera, an ARC senior scientist. 'Drugs are health care. So why is it so disjointed?' she says. 'The ideal situation is that we have a system that mirrors our medical system.' Ms. Evans is now the general manager of a GoodLife gym in Calgary, and has health insurance that covers her medication. Others are not as fortunate. She says she wishes decision-makers would put themselves in the shoes of families forced to choose between paying for food or their prescriptions. 'I want them to think about their own loved ones being in the same situation and tell me they wouldn't move a mountain to make sure they'd be okay. People are dying because they can't afford life-saving medications,' Mr. Evans says. 'It's so unjust and we need to do better.'
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Quebecers are the happiest in Canada, P.E.I residents least happy, survey finds
MONTREAL — A new poll by Leger has found that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada. The web survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians found that Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, which is well above the national average. New Brunswick followed Quebec with an average of 70.2, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island finished at the bottom of the list. Mississauga, Ont. had the highest happiness rating of the 10 largest cities, while Toronto was lowest. Montreal finished second in the category. The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents said their happiness level was unchanged over the past year, while 23 per said they were happier and 28 per cent said they were less happy. "These results reveal a population that is both resilient and tested, affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges," Leger's executive summary read. "Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility." The survey found that people in the 18-to-24 and 24-to-34-year-old categories were more likely to report improved feelings of well-being, even if their overall happiness score remained below the national average. In contrast, people in the 35-to-44 and 45-to-54 age brackets were more likely to report their happiness had deteriorated. "There is a sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups," the summary read. "However, this also highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life." Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador were the three provinces with happiness levels above the national average of 68.7. They were followed, in descending order, by Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. The territories were not included in the survey. In the survey of the 10 largest cities, Mississauga and Montreal finished ahead of Hamilton, Calgary, Brampton, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto, in that order. Women reported slightly higher happiness levels than men, at 69.4 versus 68.0. Leger says the overall results confirm "a level of happiness that is relatively high but stagnant or even slightly down compared to the pre-pandemic period." To get the results, Leger surveyed 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and up between March 31 and April 13. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
Yahoo
2 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Quebecers are the happiest in Canada, P.E.I residents least happy, survey finds
MONTREAL — A new poll by Leger has found that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada. The web survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians found that Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, which is well above the national average. New Brunswick followed Quebec with an average of 70.2, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island finished at the bottom of the list. Mississauga, Ont. had the highest happiness rating of the 10 largest cities, while Toronto was lowest. Montreal finished second in the category. The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents said their happiness level was unchanged over the past year, while 23 per said they were happier and 28 per cent said they were less happy. "These results reveal a population that is both resilient and tested, affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges," Leger's executive summary read. "Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility." The survey found that people in the 18-to-24 and 24-to-34-year-old categories were more likely to report improved feelings of well-being, even if their overall happiness score remained below the national average. In contrast, people in the 35-to-44 and 45-to-54 age brackets were more likely to report their happiness had deteriorated. "There is a sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups," the summary read. "However, this also highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life." Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador were the three provinces with happiness levels above the national average of 68.7. They were followed, in descending order, by Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. The territories were not included in the survey. In the survey of the 10 largest cities, Mississauga and Montreal finished ahead of Hamilton, Calgary, Brampton, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto, in that order. Women reported slightly higher happiness levels than men, at 69.4 versus 68.0. Leger says the overall results confirm "a level of happiness that is relatively high but stagnant or even slightly down compared to the pre-pandemic period." To get the results, Leger surveyed 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and up between March 31 and April 13. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 12, 2025. Morgan Lowrie, The Canadian Press
Toronto Sun
4 days ago
- General
- Toronto Sun
Quebecers are the happiest in Canada, P.E.I residents least happy: survey
Published Jul 12, 2025 • 2 minute read A man rides past a giant Canadian flag on James Street in Ottawa Wednesday. Photo by Tony Caldwell / Postmedia MONTREAL — A new poll by Leger has found that Quebec residents are the happiest in Canada. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The web survey of nearly 40,000 Canadians found that Quebecers rated their happiness at an average of 72.4 out of 100, which is well above the national average. New Brunswick followed Quebec with an average of 70.2, while Manitoba and Prince Edward Island finished at the bottom of the list. Mississauga, Ont. had the highest happiness rating of the 10 largest cities, while Toronto was lowest. Montreal finished second in the category. The survey found that 49 per cent of respondents said their happiness level was unchanged over the past year, while 23 per said they were happier and 28 per cent said they were less happy. 'These results reveal a population that is both resilient and tested, affected by everyday uncertainty and challenges,' Leger's executive summary read. 'Happiness, while holding its ground overall, shows signs of fragility.' Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The survey found that people in the 18-to-24 and 24-to-34-year-old categories were more likely to report improved feelings of well-being, even if their overall happiness score remained below the national average. In contrast, people in the 35-to-44 and 45-to-54 age brackets were more likely to report their happiness had deteriorated. 'There is a sense of well-being emerging among younger age groups,' the summary read. 'However, this also highlights the importance of supporting adults in mid-life, who are more vulnerable to the pressures of working life.' Quebec, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador were the three provinces with happiness levels above the national average of 68.7. They were followed, in descending order, by Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia, Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, Manitoba and P.E.I. The territories were not included in the survey. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. In the survey of the 10 largest cities, Mississauga and Montreal finished ahead of Hamilton, Calgary, Brampton, Ottawa, Edmonton, Vancouver, Winnipeg and Toronto, in that order. Women reported slightly higher happiness levels than men, at 69.4 versus 68.0. Leger says the overall results confirm 'a level of happiness that is relatively high but stagnant or even slightly down compared to the pre-pandemic period.' To get the results, Leger surveyed 39,841 Canadians aged 18 and up between March 31 and April 13. Online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error because they do not randomly sample the population. Columnists World Editorial Cartoons Toronto Raptors Relationships
