A record number of Canadians believe Canada is in a period of strong economic growth, although the majority say they’re not seeing any personal financial benefits, according to a new poll released today.

Canadians are more optimistic now about the economy than they have been for thirteen years, according to Pollara Inc.

A record 15% characterize the economy as undergoing a period of strong growth. Two years ago, only 5% judged the economy as being in a period of strong growth.

Despite this strong optimism toward the national economy, Canadians are not so optimistic toward their own personal financial situation. Only 11% of Canadians believe that their household income this year will more than keep pace with the cost of living. Half (51%) believe that it will only keep pace, while a third (35%) believe their income will fall behind the cost of living. (4% undecided)

While these numbers have been improving slowly, there are social and political dangers in any situation where there is strong economic confidence and perceived growth, yet where most people’s financial situation is in “a holding pattern” or falling behind, warned Michael Marzolini, chairman and chief executive of Pollara.

“Seven in 10 Canadians believe our economy to be strong, yet only one in ten Canadians is seeing any financial gain,” he said in a release.

Marzolini suggested that it was public opinion that forced both the Liberal and Conservative parties to give greater emphasis to tax cuts, rather than spending, this election. “The promise of cuts to GST or income tax is a direct appeal to the 86% of Canadians who are either making no progress, or falling behind, in their household income against inflation,” he said.

The poll also found that many Canadians have changed their mind about the impact of the strong Canadian dollar on the nation’s economy. This year a slim plurality (43%) believes that the strong dollar positively affects the economy, rather than negatively affects it (41%). Last year, 50% of Canadians believed the strong dollar would damage the Canadian economy, while 43% thought it would be positive.

The nation-wide survey of 1,260 representative Canadians was conducted by Pollara between Dec. 5 and 11, 2005. It is accurate to plus or minus 2.8%, 19 times out of 20.