The split between genders was fairly even, with 38 per cent of men and 42 per cent of women saying they would accept a 20 per cent drop in pay for 20 per cent more time with their loved ones. Three in 10 Baby Boomers would make that tradeoff, compared with just over half of younger adults aged 18 to 29.
The poll of 2,006 adults, conducted in mid-August by Environics Research for ADP Canada, also found that respondents were willing to consider giving up some of their wealth for a greener future. Half of the Canadians polled said they would consider donating 10 per cent of their paycheques if it meant a healthier and cleaner environment for their grandchildren.
Again, the older generation was less likely to consider doing so with 43 per cent of those over the age of 50 saying they would make such a sacrifice versus 65 per cent of those over 18 and under 30.
But just because Canadians love their families, it doesn't mean they are 100 per cent honest with them. More than one in five Canadians – 22 per cent – said they hide certain purchases from family members. Women who do so are most likely to squirrel away clothes while men are most likely to hide electronics.
Nearly six in 10 Canadians – 58 per cent – say their current financial situation is better than that of their parents when they were the same age. Not surprisingly, 69 per cent of Albertans felt that way, compared with 52 per cent of British Columbians.
Respondents were, however, split on whether the next generation would be better off when they reach the same age: 36 per cent said they would be, 32 per cent said they would be the same while 26 per cent said their children will be worse off.