Canada Pension Plan Investment Board retirement survey, USA News (Canada): The investment arm of the Canada Pension Plan reports that Canadians appear largely unprepared for and worried about the extended duration of retirement. The 2026 retirement survey conducted by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board indicates that a strong majority of the approximately 5,000 respondents recognize that people are living longer, but only 34 percent have incorporated that realization into their financial preparations.
Michel Leduc, senior managing director and chief public affairs officer at CPPIB, stated that the survey highlights a significant disconnect between expected retirements and financial readiness, pointing to a persistent gap between awareness and action.
Survey Findings on Savings and Financial Plans
The polling, which took place from late August into early September, revealed that three-quarters of Canadians have put money aside for retirement. However, just 42 percent maintain a concrete financial plan for their post-work years, and 34 percent are attempting to save without any structured plan whatsoever.
Additionally, four out of ten respondents indicated they have never discussed the required number of retirement years in their planning. Leduc noted that 45 percent of non-retirees struggle to estimate their expected retirement length. Among those who provided an estimate, the median anticipated retirement duration was 20 years, yet respondents believe their finances will only sustain half that timeframe.
Confidence Levels Among Workers
When asked about overall financial adequacy, only 15 percent of currently working individuals expressed confidence that they possess enough money to fully support retirement. Meanwhile, 59 percent reported being uncertain.
Leduc emphasized that increased longevity fundamentally shifts how individuals must approach retirement. While setting money aside remains a vital first step, comprehensive planning requires calculating how long retirement may last, evaluating income sources, and understanding how these elements integrate to build confidence for a lengthy retirement.
