Final answer:
The decrease in the number of Canadians taking extended vacations is an example of the impact of economic factors, which arose due to the recession that began in 2008 and affected individual spending on leisure activities.
Step-by-step explanation:
The economic factor is the environmental factor that has impacted the number of Canadians taking extended vacations. The decrease by 29% from 2008 to 2012 coincides with the economic recession that began in that period. The recession led to a range of financial challenges for individuals, including higher unemployment rates and lower disposable income, which in turn reduced their ability to spend on leisure activities such as extended vacations.
The global recession had a significant impact on various economies, including Canada's. Governmental decisions about fiscal policies and household decisions about travel and leisure activities during economic downturns reflect how the broader economic environment can affect individual choices.
Historical examples, including the impact of economic slowdowns due to the financial crisis of the early 2000s and the pandemic-induced recession in 2020, show how aggregate demand can decrease as people cancel travel plans, focus on immediate needs, and avoid additional expenditures. These changes have profound effects on industries related to travel and leisure, among others.