Who Gets Left Behind When the Economy Slows?

Author

CCFWE

Publish Date

November 9, 2026

Why Canada’s response to economic uncertainty must include survivors of economic abuse

A country’s economic resilience is reflected in the choices people can make in their everyday lives. Can they keep a roof over their heads? Hold on to a job? Access their own money? Build savings for an uncertain future?

For women experiencing economic abuse, these questions carry another meaning: Can I afford to be safe?

As Canada navigates tariffs, trade tensions and uncertainty about economic growth, we must consider whose financial security is most at risk, and whose circumstances remain missing from the conversation.

Through Help Us Rise 2026, the Canadian Center for Women’s Empowerment (CCFWE) is bringing these questions forward under the theme “Making the Economy Work for People Experiencing Economic Abuse.”

Economic uncertainty reaches beyond the headlines

In its October 2026 Economic and Fiscal Outlook, the Parliamentary Budget Officer lowered its forecast for Canada’s economic growth to 0.9% in 2026 and 1.5% in 2027, primarily reflecting revised tariff and trade conditions with the United States. These are projections, but they underline the uncertainty facing businesses, workers and households.

For survivors of economic abuse, that uncertainty raises urgent concerns. If working hours are reduced, how will someone build emergency savings? If finding another job takes longer, what happens to a plan for financial independence? If essential expenses increase, how much further away does a safe home become?

These questions connect Canada’s economic outlook to the practical conditions survivors need to regain control over their lives.

When financial pressure meets financial control

Economic abuse involves using money and other resources to control, exploit or harm another person. It can include withholding income, creating debt without meaningful consent, interfering with employment or restricting access to basic necessities. The Government of Canada recognizes that these behaviours can make it harder to leave an abusive situation and participate fully in the economy.

Consider a woman whose partner takes her paycheque. More expensive essentials may leave her with even fewer opportunities to set aside money privately. Someone whose employment has been sabotaged may struggle to rebuild income in a difficult job market. A survivor carrying coerced debt may encounter barriers when applying for housing or trying to establish an independent financial life.

These are illustrative situations, rather than findings about the measured effects of tariffs on survivors. They show why economic policy needs to account for people whose access to money and work has already been undermined.

Economic pressure never excuses abuse. Responsibility rests with the person choosing to control or exploit someone else. Our concern is how financial uncertainty can narrow survivors’ options for safety and recovery.

Financial knowledge needs room to become financial freedom

November’s financial literacy conversations encourage people to understand credit, manage debt and plan for the future. These skills matter.

But a woman may understand budgeting and still be denied access to her bank account. She may know the importance of good credit while someone else creates debt in her name. She may have a clear employment goal while an abusive partner interferes with transportation, childcare or her ability to attend work. CCFWE identifies these behaviours as forms of economic abuse.

Financial education becomes more effective when people also have the safety, resources and institutional support to act on what they learn.

What should an inclusive economic response look like?

CCFWE’s proposed approach places survivors’ financial safety within the broader economic conversation.

Governments should assess whether income supports, housing measures and employment programs reach people whose work and finances have been disrupted by abuse. Financial institutions should strengthen responses to coerced debt, provide safe communication options and support access to independent banking. Employers should recognize employment sabotage and help employees access appropriate workplace support.

Community organizations also need sustained resources to help survivors navigate benefits, housing, debt and financial recovery. These services form part of the foundation people need to return to work, pursue education, start businesses and participate in their communities.

Help Us Rise: turn awareness into action

Help Us Rise 2026 connects these responsibilities through four campaign priorities: pay equity, Employment Insurance, safe access to capital, and financial inclusion and consumer protection. Each addresses a different part of the journey toward economic security.

This November, we invite policymakers, financial institutions, employers, community partners and members of the public to join the conversation and act within their own spheres of influence.

Attend a campaign event. Share educational resources. Examine whether your organization’s policies recognize economic abuse and support financial recovery.

Visit Help Us Rise 2026 to explore events, resources and ways to get involved.

As Canada works toward a stronger economy, survivors’ ability to earn, access and retain their own resources must be part of how we measure progress.

An economy that helps people rise gives them the means to build a future they can choose.

Sources and further reading

By Meseret Haileyesus, Executive Director, CCFWE