NO PLACE LIKE HOME
By Adnews Staff
A survey commissioned by the Royal Bank of Toronto shows given the choice to retire anywhere in the world, the vast majority of working Canadians would stay in Canada. In fact, the survey found most would not even move from their current address even if they could retire in style anywhere they wanted. The survey, conducted by the Angus Reid Group, was directed as part of a larger study on home ownership in Canada. Telephone interviews were conducted last December with 1,200 Canadians aged 18 years and over. In all, 78% of those surveyed said they plan to retire in Canada, roughly half said they would retire where they live now and the other half would consider moving elsewhere. Of those who said elsewhere, the majority chose Canada, with B.C. as the top destination. The remainder chose another country, with the U.S. as the top choice. The survey also found that about 60% consider their homes a major part of their retirement saving strategy. Even if Canadians had the means, most wouldn't leave the country. Only 24% of adult Canadians polled said they would live somewhere other than Canada during the winter months even if they could afford it and only 16% consider having enough money to live outside Canada during the winter a big part of their retirement planning.