Ottawa distress centre seeing increase in calls about finances, inflation
The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region has seen an increase in calls about financial stress in the last year, as inflation reaches levels not seen in decades.
With costs rising, more residents are turning to the distress line for help, says communications manager Leslie Scott.
“We don’t blame people suffering with their mental health with this inflation because it is stressful,” Scott told CTV Morning Live. “It’s stressful seeing the prices go up and up; we’re not getting paid more, we’re not seeing a break in any other areas, and it’s a lot of stress for people.”
A new Angus Reid Institute survey released Friday showed that nearly half of Canadians say they're doing worse financially now than they were at this time last year.
Statistics Canada reported that the country’s year-over-year rate of inflation hit 7.7 per cent in May, the highest it has been since 1983.
Scott said for younger adults, this is an unknown world.
“Unless you’re over 40, you’ve never seen an inflation happen like this before. The younger generations don’t know how to prepare themselves for this,” she said.
Scott said calls about housing and food were up to 12 per cent this year, compared to seven per cent last year, and calls about financial concerns made up 12 per cent of distress centre calls, up from eight per cent in 2021.
“Lots of concern over food, gas, worries about their children and how they’re going to provide for them,” Scott said. “I don’t see it getting any slower, in terms of these conversations, for quite some time.”
The Angus Reid Institute’s Economic Stress Index, which measures financial pressures and respondents’ feelings about them, showed a three-point increase in the number of Canadians who said they were “struggling” with their financial situation in May, and a six-point drop in the number of Canadians who said they were “thriving.” The index measures responses as struggling, uncomfortable, comfortable, or thriving. The number of Canadians who said they were “comfortable” rose three points in May to 29 per cent.
Scott says reaching out to the Ottawa Distress Centre is not just about letting off some steam. Its team of volunteers can also direct people to ways to get help.
“Having the conversation with us could help lead you to a community resource. We have over 4,000 community resources at our fingertips,” she said. “We may be able to connect you with something that makes sense for your situation, such as a food bank or a support group.”
The Distress Centre of Ottawa and Region can be reached by calling 613-238-3311. You can also converse via text message at 343-306-5550. Its website is https://www.dcottawa.on.ca/
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
4th Indian national arrested, charged with murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Homicide investigators in B.C. say murder charges have been laid against a fourth Indian national in connection to the killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar outside a Surrey gurdwara last year.
'I am angry': Alberta farmers will continue fight over world class motorsport resort
The rolling hills leading to the hamlet of Rosebud are dotted with sprawling farms and cattle pastures -- and a sign sporting a simple message: No Race Track.
Man ticketed after allegedly trespassing again at Drake's Bridle Path mansion to get his bike
A man who tried to access Drake’s Bridle Path mansion earlier this week returned to the property Saturday and was apprehended again for allegedly trespassing, Toronto police say.
Couple randomly attacked, 1 stabbed, by group of teens in Toronto, police say
A man has been transported to hospital after police say he was stabbed in a random attack carried out by a group of teens in Toronto on Friday night.
Millions of Canadians have been exposed to potentially toxic chemicals, and they're not going anywhere
For decades, North Bay, Ontario's water supply has harboured chemicals associated with liver and developmental issues, cancer and complications with pregnancy. It's far from the only city with that problem.
Biden calls Trump 'unhinged,' says 'something snapped' in former president after he lost 2020 U.S. election
U.S. President Joe Biden on Saturday called Donald Trump “clearly unhinged” and claimed that “something snapped” in the former president after he lost the 2020 election.
Wildfire that forced evacuation of Fort Nelson, B.C., caused by tree falling on wires, mayor says
The wildfire that prompted the evacuation of more than 3,000 people near Fort Nelson, B.C., was caused by a tree falling on wires, according to the municipality's mayor.
Switzerland's Nemo wins 68th Eurovision Song Contest
Swiss singer Nemo won the 68th Eurovision Song Contest on Saturday night with 'The Code,' an operatic ode to the singer’s journey toward embracing their nongender identity.
IN PICTURES Northern lights dance across the night sky in southern Ont.
From London, to Grand Bend, Collingwood and Guelph, here are some highlights of Friday night and Saturday morning's northern lights display.