TORONTO – The back-to-school season is increasingly straining family budgets this year, as revealed by a recent online poll conducted by Leger. The survey indicates that 60 percent of parents report a rise in the cost of school supplies compared to the previous year.

According to the poll, which was conducted this month, 63 percent of parents feel that the return to school significantly impacts their financial situation. Among them, nearly one-fifth express that the effect is "very significant." In comparison to last year, 21 percent of parents claim that the cost of school supplies is "much higher," while only a third believe the costs remain approximately the same.

This time of year is also noted to be stressful for many caregivers, with 58 percent reporting that preparing for back-to-school adds to their stress levels. Eighteen percent categorize this stress as "very stressful."

The Canadian Research Insights Council, which oversees the polling industry, states that online surveys cannot provide a margin of error as they do not randomly sample the population. According to Statistics Canada's Consumer Price Index, the overall cost of living has increased by 1.7 percent since last July. However, grocery prices have escalated even further, increasing by 3.4 percent over the same timeframe.

Statistics Canada also indicates that the cost of stationery across Canada has risen by three percent since last year. In addition, children's clothing costs have increased by an average of 1.2 percent nationwide. It's important to note that these changes are not uniform across the country, with some provinces and territories witnessing price drops while others, like Saskatchewan, experience significant hikes up to 11.2 percent.

Cost remains the primary factor determining which supplies parents choose for their children, according to the Leger poll findings. A substantial 75 percent of parents identified the price as one of their top three priorities when selecting supplies. Quality was a priority for 54 percent, while the ability to acquire all items in one location was important for 28 percent.

Despite a notable "Buy Canadian" movement earlier this year, it has not significantly impacted school shopping trends. Only six percent of parents considered the country of origin of the items while making their purchasing decisions.

Moms and dads are most likely to shop for school supplies at major retailers, with 61 percent indicating that they buy from big-box stores such as Walmart or Canadian Tire. Additionally, 38 percent stated they purchase supplies from dollar stores.

This survey sheds light on the financial pressures many families face during the back-to-school season, amid rising costs of essential supplies and clothing. The preferences for shopping locations also reflect consumer behavior amidst these financial challenges.