Despite Recession, Majority Intends to Spend Same (51%) or More (7%) This Year on Holiday Gifts

Toronto, ON - With a recession looming over Canada, a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Canwest News Service and Global Television has revealed that a majority of Canadians intend to spend either the same (51%) or more (7%) on holiday gifts for their friends and family this year than last. Just four in ten (39%), intend to spend less this year. Further, Canadians still appear to be in a generous spirit in spite of the economic slowdown, with most (53%) indicating that they will end up giving more than they receive. One quarter (22%) suggests they will give about the same amount of gifts as they receive this year, while some will give less than they receive (6%) this holiday season.

But shopping is not contained to the retail malls as online shopping is popular among many Canadians, with one in three (34%) respondents indicating that they have already shopped online, or plan to, for this season's holiday gifts. Two in ten (17%) say they're more likely to shop online this year than last, while a slightly larger proportion is less likely (24%). Six in ten (59%) say there will be no difference with the amount of online shopping they do this year when compared to last year.

Despite an online world that has no borders, four in ten (43%) online shoppers say they'll shop exclusively with Canadian stores, while a similar proportion (44%) will split their shopping between Canadian and US stores. Just 1% will shop exclusively with US online retailers, while 12% are unsure of who they'll shop with this year.

Santa's Approval Rating...

It appears the Jolly old St. Nick has been given a relatively high approval rating this year, with three quarters (72%) of Canadians `approving (34% strongly/38% somewhat) with his overall performance this year, compared to the one in ten (11%) who `disapprove' (4% strongly/7% somewhat) with Santa's performance. Two in ten (17%) are not sure what to think about the execution of his duties within the past year.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll of 1979 Canadians conducted online from November 8 to November 30, 2008 on behalf of Canwest News Service and Global National. The results of this poll are based on responses from a panel whose demographic composition is intended to approximate that of the general population. Statistical margins of error are not applicable to online polls, however, an unweighted probability sample of this size, with a 100% response rate, would have an estimated margin of error of +/- 2.2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had the entire adult population of Canada been polled

For more information on this news release, please contact:
John Wright
Senior Vice President
Ipsos Reid
Public Affairs
(416) 324-2002
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid
Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

To learn more, please visit www.ipsos.ca.

About Ipsos
Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe.

Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999.

In 2007, Ipsos generated global revenues of e927.2 million ($1.27 billion U.S.).

Visit www.ipsos.com to learn more about Ipsos offerings and capabilities.

Ipsos, listed on the Eurolist of Euronext - Comp B, is part of SBF 120 and the Mid-100 Index, adheres to the Next Prime segment and is eligible to the Deferred Settlement System. Isin FR0000073298, Reuters ISOS.PA, Bloomberg IPS:FP