For Ottawa residents, the 2026 federal budget arrives Thursday with a familiar question: how much borrowing is too much?

The answer may matter more to households than the level of attention paid to federal finances suggests.

Focus groups commissioned by federal officials after the spring economic update found that awareness of the update was low.

Even after being reminded it had happened, many participants could not recall what it contained.

The discussions involved 73 people in 10 online groups across Canada, divided between younger and older participants.

Their views offer a snapshot of public mood, not a measure of what all Canadians think.

Many participants expressed little immediate concern about the federal deficit, particularly amid trade disruptions and international instability.

For some, the deficit felt remote from grocery bills, paycheques and other pressures they face every day.

That disconnect does not make the borrowing harmless.

Persistent deficits can raise interest costs and leave governments with less room to respond when the economy weakens.

Participants generally recognized that risk, even if many saw little value in rushing to balance the books.

The spring update showed an improved near-term deficit outlook, helped by stronger economic results late last year.

Since then, attention has turned to whether new spending commitments will change the picture presented in Thursday’s budget.

Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has pressed the government to reduce spending, while the Liberals say their fiscal rules support sustainable borrowing.

Awareness was also limited around proposed affordability measures and support for young people entering skilled trades.

Some participants reacted favourably once those measures were explained, suggesting communication may be nearly as important as policy.

In Ottawa, where federal decisions shape public services and the wider economy, that gap deserves attention.

Thursday’s budget will provide figures for judging the government’s approach; the harder task is making their consequences clear.