TORONTO - Residents of Atlantic Canada plan to be the most generous in the country this holiday season, according to data compiled by the Royal Bank.
RBC says 90 per cent of Atlantic Canadians plan on giving gifts, compared to 80 per cent nationally.
The bank says residents of the region also intend to spend an average of $877 on gifts -- well above the national average of $640.
In Manitoba and Saskatchewan, 88 per cent of consumers say they plan to give gifts and spend an average of $686 - up almost $100 from last year.
In Alberta, 82 per cent of consumers say they plan on giving gifts and expect to spend an average of $703 this season.
RBC says 79 per cent of Ontario consumers expect to hand out gifts and spend $663 on average, roughly $50 more than last year.
In British Columbia, 76 per cent of consumers tell the bank they plan to give gifts and to spend $674 on average, up $100 over last year.
The bank says Quebecers could be the most frugal, with gift-givers planning to spend an average of $461 on their holiday gift purchases.
