A mortgage in retirement is becoming a fact of life for many Canadians as the rising cost of living, later-life debt and a pricey housing market stretch borrowing into their later years. The Fidelity Retirement Report out this week found that debt and rising economic uncertainty are complicating the retirement outlook for many Canadians. The report surveyed 2,000 Canadians with the median age of 62. Twenty-two per cent of retirees polled still have a mortgage, more than half of which do not expect to pay it off in under 10 years. More than 20 per cent of retirees and 12 per cent of pre-retirees do not expect to be able to pay off the mortgage at all. Household indebtedness has been rising for all Canadians, making it more likely that a bigger share of the population will enter their retirement years carrying debt. According to Statistics Canada, the number of senior families with debt rose to 42 per cent in 2016, up from 27 per cent in 1999. The proportion with mortgage debt almost doubled. About two-thirds of the total increase in debt for seniors was attributable to an increase in mortgage debt, said the agency. Since then the challenges have only increased. In another survey by EQ Bank this week more than half of Canadian homeowners aged 45 and older said their retirement savings have been negatively impacted by economic uncertainties over the past year. And there have been plenty of those, including the U.S. trade war that has battered Canada’s economy and the Iran war that has sent fuel prices soaring. Inflation tops the list of Canadians’ concerns about their retirement in Fidelity’s poll at 80 per cent, followed by turmoil in world politics and a weaker economy or recession in Canada at 60 per cent. More than a third of retirees said that they have moved their assets into more conservative investments such as GICs, bonds and cash because of worries about global conflicts and volatile stock markets. Canadians are also concerned about their social safety net. “Nine in 10 Canadians expect to rely on government programs for retirement income. But far fewer expect these programs to remain as generous as they are today,” said the Fidelity report. Sign up here to get Posthaste delivered straight to your inbox. As Ottawa gets set to unveil its national artificial intelligence strategy this week, a national poll reveals that most Canadians doubt government is up to the task of controlling the technology. An Angus Reid Institute survey found that two thirds of Canadians believe the government should heavily regulate AI and tech companies, even if it slows development. Yet 74 per cent say that no government is equipped to regulate AI quickly enough to keep pace with the technology. Only 14 per cent had faith that could be done. Most Canadians are also leery of Ottawa adopting artificial intelligence for fear of unintended consequences, and they definitely don’t want AI moving in next door. Sixty-eight per cent said they would oppose a large AI data centre being built within a few blocks of where they live. Today’s Data: Non-farm productivity Earnings: Saputo Inc, Lululemon Athletica Inc., The Cooper Cos. Inc Why some young Canadians say retirement is ‘impossible’ while others plan to hang it up early Canada calls for CUSMA renewal, but economists see no quick end to uncertainty Toronto home sales stronger than last spring as buyers benefit from ‘substantial negotiating power’ Millennial and gen Z Canadians face huge financial obstacles, but while some see retirement as “impossible,” others are finding ways to retire early. The Financial Post’s Serah Louis talks to young Canadians about their financial priorities and plans for the future. Read more Interested in energy? The subscriber-only FP West: Energy Insider newsletter brings you exclusive reporting and in-depth analysis on one of the country’s most important sectors. Sign up here. Are you worried about having enough for retirement? Do you need to adjust your portfolio? Are you starting out or making a change and wondering how to build wealth? Are you trying to make ends meet? Drop us a line at wealth@postmedia.com with your contact info and the gist of your problem and we’ll find some experts to help you out while writing a Family Finance story about it (we’ll keep your name out of it, of course).McLister on mortgages Want to learn more about mortgages? Mortgage strategist Robert McLister’s Financial Post column can help navigate the complex sector, from the latest trends to financing opportunities you won’t want to miss. Plus check his mortgage rate page for Canada’s lowest national mortgage rates, updated daily. Financial Post on YouTube Visit the Financial Post’s YouTube channel for interviews with Canada’s leading experts in business, economics, housing, the energy sector and more. Today’s Posthaste was written by Pamela Heaven with additional reporting from Financial Post staff and Bloomberg. Have a story idea, pitch, embargoed report, or a suggestion for this newsletter? Email us at posthaste@postmedia.com . Brace for the coming labour squeeze as 25,500 Canadians retire every monthRecession, what recession? Canada’s economy is doing better than it has in years by this measure Bookmark our website and support our journalism: Don’t miss the business news you need to know — add financialpost.com to your bookmarks and sign up for our newsletters here
Posthaste: More retired Canadians have a mortgage — and many don’t expect to ever pay it off
