Author: By Mario Canseco

Canadians Still Divided When Assessing Fairness in Justice System

Canadians Still Divided When Assessing Fairness in Justice System

By Mario Canseco

Public support for alternative penalties in lieu of prison time for offenders is lower than three years ago.

Vancouver, BC [September 3, 2026] – Canadians remain evenly split when pondering the impartiality of the justice system, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians think that the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly, while 43% disagree and 13% are undecided.

The results show little fluctuation from a previous Research Co, poll conducted in April 2023.

“There is a discernible gender gap when Canadians review the justice system,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While half of men (50%) think it treats every person fairly, only 40% of women concur.”

Just over half of Quebecers (51%) say the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly. The proportions are lower in Ontario (44%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (42%), British Columbia (41%), Alberta (also 41%) and Atlantic Canada (37%).

Majorities of Canadians whose origins are South Asian (63%) or East Asian (51%) think the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly. Fewer Canadians whose descent is European (41%) or Indigenous (30%) share this view.

More than half of Canadians (54%, -2) think Canada’s criminal courts do a good job in determining whether or not an accused person is guilty—a proportion that rises to 58% among men and to 56% among Canadians aged 55 and over.

More than a third of Canadians (38%, +1) believe Canada’s prison system does a good job in helping prisoners become law-abiding, including 44% of those aged 18-to-34.

Respondents to this survey were asked about the use of alternative penalties—such as fines, probation or community service—rather than prison for specific offences.

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians (22%, -3) are in favour of relying on alternative penalties after an arson conviction, and just under a third (32%, -6) would consent to their use as punishment for drunk driving offences.

More Canadians—but short of a majority—support alternative penalties in cases of online harassment or cyberbullying (40%, -5) and credit card fraud (43%, -3).

The survey also asked Canadians about the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which governs the application of criminal and correctional law to people who have committed an offence between the ages of 12 and 18.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%, +3) agree with having the possibility of finding parents in contempt of court if they do not attend hearings or participate in the legal process.

About two thirds of Canadians agree with two other elements of the Youth Criminal Justice Act: allowing non-violent, first-time offenders who are unlikely to re-offend to avoid trial in youth justice court by taking part in programs of extrajudicial sanctions (67%, -2) and disclosing the identity of the youths who have been charged only under special circumstances (65%, -2).

Canadians are divided when assessing the provision establishing that no person can be convicted of an offence while he or she is under the age of 12 years, with 43% (-5) agreeing with it and 44% (+5) disagreeing.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 17 to August 19, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

United Conservatives Keep Lead Over New Democrats in Alberta

United Conservatives Keep Lead Over New Democrats in Alberta

By Mario Canseco

Danielle Smith trails Naheed Nenshi on approval, but holds a four-point advantage on the “Best Premier” question.

Vancouver, BC [September 2, 2026] – The governing United Conservative Party (UCP) remains ahead of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Alberta’s provincial political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of likely voters in Alberta, 46% of decided voters would support the UCP Candidate in their constituency while 43% would back the NDP.

The Progressive Tory Party of Alberta is third with 5%, followed by the Republican Party of Alberta with 2% and the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition also with 2%.

The race is close in the Calgary Metropolitan Area, where the UCP has a two-point edge over the NDP (46% to 44%). The New Democrats are three points ahead of the United Conservatives in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (46% to 43%), while the governing party keeps the upper hand in the rest of the province (49% to 39%).

“Majorities of decided voters aged 35-to-54 (53%) and aged 55 and over (52%) would cast a ballot for the United Conservatives in Alberta,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats are ahead among decided voters aged 18-to-34 (57%).”

The UCP is holding on to 86% of its voters from the 2023 provincial election, losing 6% to the Progressive Tories and 5% to the New Democrats. Nine-in-ten NDP voters in the last provincial ballot (90%) are staying with the party.

Official Opposition and NDP leader Naheed Nenshi has the highest approval rating of all party leaders in the province (49%), followed by Premier and UCP leader Danielle Smith (43%), Progressive Tory Party of Alberta leader Peter Guthrie (23%), Wildrose Loyalty Coalition leader Paul Hinman (18%) and Republican Party of Alberta leader Cameron Davies (also 18%).

On the preferred premier question, Smith has a four-point lead over Nenshi (37% to 33%), with the remaining party leaders in the low single digits.

The economy and jobs is the most important issue facing Alberta for 22% of likely voters, followed by health care (20%), housing, homelessness and poverty (13%), government accountability (11%) and national unity and separation (also 11%).

Just over a third of residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area (34%) pick the economy and jobs as the most pressing concern, while almost one-in-four residents of the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (23%) select health care.

Concerns over national unity reach 20% among Albertans aged 55 and over, 16% among NDP voters in the 2023 provincial election and 20% among Liberal Party voters in the 2025 federal election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 24 to August 26, 2026, among 750 likely voters in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.6 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Fewer Than 1/4 of Voters in Alberta Side with Separation

Fewer Than 1/4 of Voters in Alberta Side with Separation

By Mario Canseco

Stephen Harper and Mark Carney are the most trusted sources on the issue of Alberta seceding from Canada. 

Vancouver, BC [August 31, 2026] – The upcoming referendum in Alberta would see a high level of support for the questions related to immigration, but the idea of holding a binding vote on separation is not resonating with the public, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of likely voters in Alberta, 74% say they would vote for the province to remain in Canada, while 22% would cast a ballot in favour of the Government of Alberta commencing the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.

“Support for a binding referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada is highest among Albertans aged 35-to-54 (27%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Albertans aged 55 and over (20%) and aged 18-to-34 (18%) concur.”

The survey also outlines a drop when the questions used in a January 2026 Research Co. poll are revisited, with 26% of Albertans (-5) supporting the idea of Alberta becoming a country independent from Canada and 16% (-8) welcoming the notion of Alberta joining the United States.

The province-wide referendum scheduled for October 19 also includes questions on immigration and constitutional issues.

Majorities of likely voters in Alberta say they will vote “Yes” on the five questions related to immigration:

  • The Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election (66%).
  • The Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities (65%).
  • The Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs, assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now (60%).
  • The Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health care and education systems, assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now (also 60%).
  • The Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services (58%).

Public support is decidedly lower on the four questions related to constitutional issues:

  • The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to better protect provincial rights from federal interference by giving a province’s laws dealing with provincial or shared areas of constitutional jurisdiction priority over federal laws when the province’s laws and federal laws conflict (46%).
  • The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to have provincial governments, and not the federal government, select the justices appointed to provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts (45%).
  • The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs (41%).
  • The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the unelected federal Senate (39%).

Likely voters in Alberta think that the validity of the referendum as a true representation of the wishes of the public hinges on voter turnout. Majorities believe a level of participation that ranges from 51% to 60% of registered voters (58%), from 61% to 70% of registered voters (75%) or of more than 70% of registered voters (80%) would be sufficient.

Conversely, most likely voters in Alberta believe turnouts ranging from 41% to 50% of registered voters (55%), from 31% to 40% of registered voters (69%) or fewer than 30% of registered voters (72%) would not be enough to deem the referendum as a true representation of the wishes of Albertans.

Likely voters in Alberta were asked if they trust 15 different individuals on the issue of Alberta separating from Canada.

More than half say they “definitely” or “probably” trust former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper (51%) and current Canadian prime minister Mark Carney (also 51%). The rating is lower for current federal Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (47%), current provincial Official Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi (46%), former Alberta premier Rachel Notley (40%), current Alberta premier Danielle Smith (37%) and former Alberta premier Jason Kenney (32%).

Fewer than a third of likely voters in Alberta trust professional hockey player Connor McDavid (26%), leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Avi Lewis (20%), Progressive Tory Party of Alberta leader Peter Guthrie (17%), Wildrose Loyalty Coalition leader Paul Hinman (13%), Alberta Prosperity Project co-founder and lawyer Jeffrey Rath (also 13%), Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre (also 13%), social media personality Marty Belanger (11%) or Republican Party of Alberta leader Cameron Davies (10%) on the issue of Alberta separating from Canada.

Respondents to this survey were presented with potential scenarios in the event Alberta secedes from Canada.

Likely voters are evenly divided on whether they would stay put (45%) or move out of the province (44%) if separation happens.

Residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area are more likely to say they would leave a sovereign Alberta (49%) than those who live in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (44%) or in other parts of the province (38%).

Just over half of likely voters in in Alberta (51%) think a sovereign Alberta should keep a parliamentary system (where the leader of the party with the most seats in the legislature becomes the head of government), while 19% would prefer to adopt a presidential system (with a head of government that is directly elected).

More than two-in-five likely voters in Alberta (43%) believe an independent Alberta should rely on the Canadian dollar as its currency. Fewer would prefer to establish a new currency (22%) or adopt the American dollar (16%).

Just over four-in-five likely voters in Alberta (81%) think a sovereign Alberta should maintain a publicly funded universal health care system, while half (50%) would like a sovereign Alberta to reintroduce the death penalty for murder.

Fewer likely voters in Alberta would welcome other ideas after independence, such as maintaining a Goods and Services Tax (GST) (43%), allowing Albertans to own and carry handguns for self-defence (36%), making marijuana illegal (31%), making same-sex marriage illegal (27%) or making abortion illegal (24%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 24 to August 26, 2026, among 750 likely voters in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.6 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Confidence in RCMP Operations and Leadership Grows in Canada

Confidence in RCMP Operations and Leadership Grows in Canada

By Mario Canseco

Fewer than three-in-five Canadians are satisfied with the criminal courts in their province.

Vancouver, BC [August 27, 2026] – The perceptions of Canadians on the national police service have become more positive over the past three years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 70% of Canadians say they have confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

About two thirds of Canadians also express confidence in the internal operations and leadership of two other elements of the Canadian justice system: their municipal police force (66%, -1) and the Supreme Court of Canada (65%, =). The rating is lower for provincial criminal courts (57%, -1).

More than seven-in-ten residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (76%, +19). British Columbia (72%, +9) and Ontario (also 72%, +7) have confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP. The proportions are lower in Alberta (69%, +4), Quebec (68%, =) and Atlantic Canada (56%, -4).

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +7) say their confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP has stayed the same over the past five years. One-in-five (20%, -6) say their confidence has decreased, while one-in-ten (10%, -2) report an increase.

The survey also asked Canadians to state whether the police officers who operate in their community possess five characteristics.

At least two thirds of Canadians say these police officers are approachable (70%, +1) respond to calls promptly (66%, -2) and can be trusted (also 66%, +2). Slightly fewer also think the police officers who operate in their community are a source of pride (58%, +1) and treat every person fairly (54%, +4).

“Only 49% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 regard police officers as a source of pride,” says Mario Canseco. President of Research Co. “The proportions are a higher among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 55 and over (70%).”

Fewer than half of Atlantic Canadians (46%, +3) and Albertans (also 46%, -12) believe police officers treat every person fairly. The ratings is higher in British Columbia (53%, +1), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (54%, +5), Quebec (56%, +8) and Ontario (57%, +8).

Only 38% of Canadians of Indigenous descent (-10) the police officers who operate in their community treat every person fairly, compared to majorities of Canadians whose heritage is European (53%, +4), East Asian (57%, +6) or South Asian (58%, -3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 17 to August 19, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Long Wait Times Rise as Health Care Concern Across Canada

Long Wait Times Rise as Health Care Concern Across Canada

By Mario Canseco

Seven-in-ten Canadians express confidence in the health care system being there to provide help and assistance.

Vancouver, BC [August 20, 2026] – Canadians identify two main setbacks when assessing the health care system right now, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 31% of Canadians (-4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2025) say a shortage of doctors and nurses is the biggest problem facing the health care system, while 28% (+5) cite long wait times.

Bureaucracy and poor management is third on the list of concerns with 12% (-4), followed by inadequate resources and facilities with 11% (+2).

Fewer Canadians are primarily worried about a reduced focus on preventive care (7%, +2), a lack of a wider range of services for patients (4%, -2) and insufficient standards of hygiene (3%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (55%, +1) believe there are some good things in Canada’s health care system, but many changes are required.

One-in-five Canadians (20%, -3) believe Canada’s health care system works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better, while the same proportion (20%, +3) feel Canada’s health care system has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it.

The notion of a full overhaul of Canada’s health care system is more popular in Atlantic Canada (30%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (26%).

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%, -1) are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that Canada’s health care system would be there to provide the help and assistance that they would need if they had to face an unexpected medical condition or disease.

Confidence in the availability of medical services at a time of need is higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (74%, =) than among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (69%, -1) and aged 35-to-54 (67%, -2).

Only 20% of Canadians (-4) believe the federal government should make cuts to health care funding in order to reduce government debt, while 72% (+1) disagree with this idea.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (77%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (69%) or the Conservative Party (64%) in the April 2025 federal election disagree with enacting cuts to health care funding.

More than a third of Canadians (37%, +1) believe health care in Canada would be better than it is now if it were run by the private sector, while almost half (49%, +1) reject this notion.

“More than two-in-five men in Canada (43%) believe that Canada’s health care system would improve in the hands of the private sector,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 30% of Canadian women concur.”

Just over half of Conservative voters in the last federal election (51%) think health care in Canada would be better than it is now if it were run by the private sector—a view shared by 34% of those who cast ballots for the Liberals or the New Democrats.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 5 to August 7, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Governing New Democrats Retake Lead in British Columbia

Governing New Democrats Retake Lead in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

A provincial election would result in very close contests in the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and Southern BC.

Vancouver, BC [August 18, 2026] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) is once again first in British Columbia’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters (+2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2026) would back the BC NDP candidate in their constituency in a provincial election, while 39% (-3) would support the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party remains in third place with 10% (+1), followed by Centre BC with 5% (+2) and OneBC with 1% (-1).

The BC NDP is ahead of the Official Opposition among women (47% to 34%), voters aged 35-to-54 (44% to 41%) and voters aged 55 and over (52% to 37%). The BC Conservatives lead the governing party among men (45% to 40%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (40% to 34%).

“Over the summer, the BC Conservatives have dropped five points among decided voters aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The BC New Democrats have gained in this demographic by the same margin.”

The BC NDP is ahead on Vancouver Island (52% to 26%), while the BC Conservatives hold the upper hand in Northern BC (53% to 32%). The two parties are tied in the Fraser Valley (45% each), and the New Democrats are barely ahead in Metro Vancouver (42% to 40%) and Southern BC (47% to 45%).

A majority of British Columbians (54%, +2) would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the BC NDP in the next provincial election. Consideration remains lower for the BC Conservatives (47%, +5), the BC Greens (37%, +1), Centre BC (23%, =) and OneBC (22%, -2).

The approval rating for Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby stands at 49% this month (+1). More than a third of British Columbians are satisfied with the way BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan (38%, +4) and BC Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay (34%, +2) are managing their duties. The proportions are lower for new Centre BC leader Mike Bernier (24%) and OneBC leader Dallas Brodie (18%, -2).

Almost three-in-ten British Columbians (29%, =) say housing, poverty and homelessness is the most important issue facing the province, followed by the economy and jobs (24%, -2), health care (21%, =), crime and public safety (8%, =), the environment (5%, +2) and accountability (3%, +1).

There is a significant age gap when British Columbians ponder the most important issue. Those aged 18-to-34 put the economy and jobs at the top of the list (32%), those aged 35-to-54 select housing, homelessness and poverty (36%) and those aged 55 and over pick health care (34%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 12 to August 14, 2026, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Views on Indigenous Issues Turn Negative Across British Columbia

Views on Indigenous Issues Turn Negative Across British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds remain concerned about the ramifications of the B.C. Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision.

Vancouver, BC [August 13, 2026] – British Columbians are not as enthused about specific matters related to Indigenous communities as they were at the end of 2025, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, almost half of British Columbians (47%) say they have heard about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2025.

UNDRIP establishes global standards for the rights of Indigenous peoples. It outlines collective and individual rights, such as self-determination, and the right to maintain distinct cultures, languages and institutions.

The UNDRIP Act, which came into effect in June 2021, requires the Canadian government to ensure all laws are consistent with the Declaration, in consultation with Indigenous peoples, and mandates the creation of an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%, -14) believe the UNDRIP Act is a positive development for Canada, while 25% (+11) regard it negatively and 16% (+3) are not sure.

“Animosity towards the UNDRIP Act is particularly high among those who voted for the Conservative Party of BC in the 2024 provincial election (46%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 23% of BC New Democratic Party (NDP) voters and 16% of BC Green Party voters think it has been a negative development for Canada.”

More than half of British Columbians (53%, -10) say the right of self-determination—meaning that Indigenous people can determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and dispose of and benefit from their wealth and natural resources—has been positive for Canada.

Majorities of British Columbians believe First Nations and Indigenous organizations across British Columbia should decide what type of housing projects can be built on their territories (64%, -2) and if natural resource projects can be established on their territories (59%, -3).

British Columbians are almost evenly split on the practice of non-Indigenous Canadians and Permanent Residents calling themselves “settlers”: 38% (-7) regard it as adequate, while 36% (+6) consider it inadequate.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, -8) say territory acknowledgements are adequate in today’s Canada, while almost one-in-four (24%, +6) think this gesture is inadequate.

Only 33% of British Columbians (-6) believe people should speak positively about the Residential School system, while 45% (+2) consider this course of action as inadequate.

There are also significant drops since November 2025 on the proportion of British Columbians who think that, compared to 20 years ago, First Nations and Indigenous organizations are doing better on cultural development (45%, -5), economic development (42%, -7) and social development (37%, -7).

Economic Reconciliation is defined as “the process of making economic amends for historical injustices to Indigenous Peoples.”

Almost three-in-ten British Columbians (28%) consider that the provincial government is doing “too much” to foster Economic Reconciliation. Fewer express the same feeling when assessing the actions of the federal government (25%) or their municipal government (20%).

As was the case in November 2025, more than two-in-five British Columbians (45%, +1) say they are following news related to the B.C. Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

The B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the Cowichan Tribes had “established Aboriginal title” to more than 5.7 square kilometres of land in Richmond and stated that Aboriginal title is a “prior and senior right” to other property interests, regardless of whether the land in question is public or private.

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%, +1) believe property owners in British Columbia should be concerned about the consequences of the court’s decision, including 76% of those aged 55 and over and 75% of those who own their primary residence.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%, +9) think all negotiations related to Aboriginal title agreements in British Columbia should be paused until the Cowichan Tribes case is settled.

Majorities of British Columbians also believe that fee simple title in private property should always be superior to Aboriginal title (53%, +6) and that the B.C. Supreme Court’s recent decision erases private property ownership (51%, +6).

Fewer than half of British Columbians (46%, -2)—and 42% of property owners—say they believe the Cowichan Tribes when they say they are not looking to displace any individual from the properties they own.

Most British Columbians (55%, +1) think the City of Richmond took the correct course of action by sending an official letter to property owners in the claimed area, warning them that the decision “may compromise the status and validity” of their ownership.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 2 to August 4, 2026, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadian Liberals Enjoy 20-Point Lead Over Rival Conservatives

Canadian Liberals Enjoy 20-Point Lead Over Rival Conservatives

By Mario Canseco

Mark Carney has a 23-point advantage over Pierre Poilievre when Canadians ponder who would make the best prime minister.

Vancouver, BC [August 10, 2026] – The governing Liberal Party is enjoying its largest lead in Canada since the April 2025 federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of decided voters across Canada would support the Liberal candidate in their constituency in a federal election, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May.

The Conservative Party remains in second place with 27% (-4), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 10% (-1), the Bloc Québécois with 6% (-1), the Green Party with 5% (+2), the People’s Party with 4% (+3) and other parties and independent candidates with 1% (=).

“More than half of female decided voters in Canada (51%) are supporting the Liberal Party,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The governing party is also ahead among male decided voters (43%).”

The Liberals lead the Conservatives among Generation Z (36% to 28%) and Millennials (37% to 30%). The advantage for the governing party is larger among Generation X (50% to 29%) and Baby Boomers (63% to 16%).

More than two-in-five decided voters in British Columbia (45%), Ontario (46%), Quebec (49%) and Atlantic Canada (56%) would cast a ballot for Liberal candidates. The Conservatives have a six-point lead in Alberta (42% to 36%).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) approve of the way Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney is managing his duties. The approval rating is lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (38%, =), Green leader Elizabeth May (37%, +5), NDP leader Avi Lewis (32%, +1), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (28%, +3) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (22%, +2).

On the “Preferred Prime Minister” question, Carney holds a 23-point lead over Poilievre (45% to 22%), with the remaining federal party leaders in single digits.

The economy and jobs remains the most important issue facing the country for Canadians (25%, +3), followed by housing, homelessness and poverty (23%, +3), health care (14%, -1), Canada-U.S. Relations (12%, -4) and immigration (9%, +1).

As was the case in May, Canadians pick Carney over Poilievre to manage 11 different issues.

At least two-in-five Canadians prefer the current prime minister over the leader of the Official Opposition to handle foreign affairs (51% to 23%), Canada-U.S. Relations (50% to 23%), national unity (48% to 24%), accountability and leadership (47% to 25%), the economy and jobs (46% to 27%), health care (44% to 25%), energy and pipelines (43% to 27%), the environment (41% to 22%), immigration (40% to 29%), and housing, homelessness and poverty (40% to 26%).

The race is closer—albeit with Carney still ahead of Poilievre—oncrime and public safety (37% to 30%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 5 to August 7, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Little Appetite for Name and Flag Change in British Columbia

Little Appetite for Name and Flag Change in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents agree with the decision to rename the Queen Charlotte Islands as Haida Gwaii in 2010.

Vancouver, BC [August 6, 2026] – Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians are ready to endorse a change in the province’s name or flag, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 28% of British Columbians (-1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) agree with changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage, while 58% (-2) disagree with this idea.

More than two-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (43%, -9) support changing the province’s name. The proportions are smaller among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (30%, -2) and aged 55 and over (15%, +4).

A provincial name change is more popular in Northern BC (38%, =) and the Fraser Valley (37%, +16), followed by Metro Vancouver (27%, -5), Vancouver Island (also 27%, -4), and Southern BC (21%, +1).

“In 2022, Vancouver Island led all regions of British Columbia (37%) in its desire to change the name of the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for the idea has fallen by 10 points over the past four years.”

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%, -5) would change the flag of the province to remove the Union Jack, while a majority (52%, +1) is against this proposal.

Support for establishing a new provincial standard in British Columbia without the Union Jack is low among respondents of European (23%, -3) and East Asian (24%, -11) descent, but increases among residents whose origins are Indigenous (34%, -17) and South Asian (41%, -7).

When asked if anything bothers them about the name “British Columbia” for the province, fewer than one-in-five respondents cite the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous peoples (17%, =), the “British” part (16%, -2) or the “Columbia” part (7%, +1). Two thirds of British Columbians (66%, +1) say nothing bothers them particularly.

In 2010, the Queen Charlotte Islands were renamed as Haida Gwaii. Just over half of British Columbians (51%, -6) agree with this decision, while 23% (=) disagree and 26% (-3) are not sure.

Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (66%) or the BC Green Party (60%) in the 2024 election endorse the decision to rename the Queen Charlotte Islands as Haida Gwaii. Only 41% of respondents who cast ballots for Conservative Party of BC candidates in the last provincial election share this view.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 13 to July 15, 2026, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

1/3 of the Vote Could Suffice in Vancouver’s Mayoral Election

1/3 of the Vote Could Suffice in Vancouver’s Mayoral Election

By Mario Canseco

Few likely municipal voters held positive views on the recently abandoned Villages Plan.

Vancouver, BC [August 6, 2026] – Three candidates have emerged as the main challengers to Ken Sim in Vancouver’s mayoral election, but many likely voters are still pondering their options, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative sample of municipal likely voters measured favourability for local politicians, positive perceptions of political parties, voting behaviour in the mayoral and Council elections, and perceptions on the Villages Plan that was originally introduced by Mayor Ken Sim in October 2023, but was ultimately rejected by City Council in a 10-1 vote on July 28.

Just under two-in-five likely voters in Vancouver (39%) hold favourable views on current mayor Ken Sim of A Better City (ABC). The rating is slightly higher for former mayor Kennedy Stewart (40%) and Pete Fry of the Green Party of Vancouver (45%).

More than a third of likely voters in Vancouver (36%) hold favourable views on Colleen Hardwick of TEAM for a Livable Vancouver. Kareem Allam of the Vancouver Liberals is next on the list (33%), followed by Rebecca Bligh of Vote Vancouver (31%), William Azaroff of OneCity Vancouver (25%) and Stephanie Allen of the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) (24%).

When likely voters are asked about their impression of municipal political parties, 42% hold a positive opinion of ABC. Three parties are ranked higher: OneCity (44%), the Liberals (48%) and the Greens (51%). The rating is lower for TEAM (41%), COPE (35%) and Vote Vancouver (34%).

Among decided voters in the mayoral race, incumbent Sim is first with 30 per cent, followed by Allam and Fry with 19% each, and Hardwick with 14%. Support is in single digits for Bligh (7%), Azaroff (5%), Allen (4%) and other candidates (3%).

“The presence of many credible mayoral candidates has made it difficult for likely voters in Vancouver to solidify their choice for mayor,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than a quarter of likely voters in Vancouver (26%) are undecided in the election, including 36% of those aged 55 and over.”

One-in-five likely voters (20%) think Allam is best positioned to defeat Sim in the October mayoral election, while 14% select Fry and 11% choose Hardwick. Almost two-in-five likely voters (39%) cannot pick a particular candidate as the favourite to defeat Sim.

In the election for City Council, 42% of likely voters say they would “definitely” or “probably” cast a ballot including candidates representing the Green Party. ABC is second on this question (40%), followed by TEAM and the Liberals (each with 35%), OneCity (34%), Vote Vancouver (32%) and COPE (26%).

Over the past year, only two-in-five likely voters (40%) had seen, read or heard anything about the Villages Plan.

When asked to gauge the proposal based on what they have seen, read, heard or experienced, fewer than one-in-five likely voters (18%) provided a positive assessment of the Villages Plan, while 47% expressed negative views and 35% were not sure.

A final question allowed respondents to the survey to read the overview of the Villages Plan. After being exposed directly to this information, positive views rose by six points to 26%, while negative opinions increased by 10 points to 57%.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 30 to August 1, 2026, among 401 likely voters in the City of Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in the City of Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Albertans and Canadians at Odds Over Non-Binding Referendum

Albertans and Canadians at Odds Over Non-Binding Referendum

By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians think the federal government should not allow Alberta’s separation to happen.

Vancouver, BC [July 30, 2026] – While Canadians are split when assessing the possible outcome of Alberta’s non-binding referendum on separation, half of Albertans expect it to usher in a binding vote in the future, a new Research Co. poll has found.

A non-binding provincial referendum has been set for October 19, 2026, in Alberta. One of the questions in this referendum asks: “Should Alberta remain a province in Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?”

In the online survey of a representative national sample, Canadians are divided on whether voters in Alberta will choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation from Canada: 40% think a victory for the “leave” side on the non-binding referendum is “very likely” or “moderately likely”, while 41% consider this possibility “not too likely” or “not likely at all.”

In Alberta, half of respondents (50%) expect voters to compel a binding independence referendum at a later date, while 30% do not expect this scenario to materialize.

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%, -15 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2025) believe the United States will take steps to annex Alberta as an American state—a view shared by 24% of Albertans (-22).

One third of Canadians (33%) think it is “likely” that the United States will recognize Alberta’s sovereignty if a majority of voters choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada, while a smaller proportion (28%) predict a similar situation even if a majority of voters reject holding a binding provincial referendum.

Albertans are less likely to expect a recognition of sovereignty from the United States, regardless of whether the “leave” (26%) or “remain” (also 26%) sides emerge victorious in the non-binding referendum.

If voters in Alberta choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation, only 28% of Canadians—and 32% of Albertans—think the Government of Canada should ultimately allow Alberta’s separation to happen.

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (68%), aged 18-to-34 (60%) and aged 35-to-54 (55%) think the federal government should ultimately not allow Alberta to secede.

“More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2025 would welcome federal intervention to stop Alberta’s separation,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “They are joined by majorities of voters who backed the Conservative Party (56%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 56%) in the last federal election.

Public confidence across Canada on all political leaders on the issue of national unity is down significantly from June 2025. Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, -6) trust the Prime Minister of Canada to make the best decisions on this file. The rating is lower for provincial premiers (51%, -8), provincial leaders of the Official Opposition (44%, -7) and the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada (43%, -8).

In Alberta, the rating is highest for the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada (50%, -6), followed by the Prime Minister (48%, -10), the provincial premier (46%, -9) and the provincial leader of the Official Opposition (40%, -13).

Only one-in-five Canadians (20%, =) think Canada would be better off as an American state, while 21% (=) believe their own province would be better off joining the United States and 28% (-1) say their province would be better off as its own country.

In a separate question, one-in-five Canadians (20%, +1) say they would vote in favour of Canada becoming an American state. Slightly fewer (18%, -1) would cast a ballot for their province to join the United States, while just under one-in-four (24%, -4) would vote for their province to become independent from Canada.

One third of Albertans (33%, -1) say they would vote in favour of their province becoming its own country, while 50% (-12) would vote against this idea and 17% (+12) are undecided.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 20 to July 22, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Mixed Reaction to Federal Housing Plan in British Columbia

Mixed Reaction to Federal Housing Plan in British Columbia

By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds would like to remove the full 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for new homes valued up to $1 million

Vancouver, BC [October 22, 2025] – Residents of British Columbia are ambivalent about the federal government’s recently announced affordable housing proposal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, half of British Columbians (50%) have followed news related to the federal government’s plan to convert 2,200 unsold condos into affordable “rent-to-buy” housing as part of a larger housing plan worth $5 billion over the next decade.

Respondents to this survey were asked if they agreed or disagreed with four different statements related to the plan without revealing the politicians who made them.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the plan “is another way to give people a chance to get into housing that wouldn’t otherwise have the chance”—a position expressed by British Columbia Premier David Eby.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%) believe “converting unsold condos into affordable housing is about supporting Canadians, not distressed developers”—a view espoused by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

More than half of British Columbians (55%) say the plan “bails out developers and banks for their bad bets instead of letting condo prices fall to an affordable level”—a statement made by federal Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) claim the plan “wastes taxpayer dollars on artificially propping up developers”—as outlined by Linda Hepner, provincial Official Opposition Critic for Housing.

Just under half of British Columbians (48%) think the federal government’s plan to convert 2,200 unsold condos into affordable housing will be effective or ineffective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia, while 39% disagree and 13% are undecided.

“Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Greens (57%) or the New Democrats (54%) in the 2024 provincial election think the federal government’s affordable housing plan will be successful,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 38% of those who voted for the Conservatives share this view.”

The credibility of key players in the housing debate across British Columbia is lower than it was in April 2025, prior to the last federal election in Canada.

Just under half of British Columbians express “complete” or “moderate” trust in four people and institutions to deliver affordable housing in British Columbia: not-for-profit developers (49%, -8), their municipal government (47%, -5), the provincial government under the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (46%, -4) and the federal government under the Liberal Party (also 46%, -5).

The rating is lower for the provincial government under the Conservative Party of BC (34%), the federal government under the Conservative Party (32%, -10) and for-profit developers (21%, -13).

More than two thirds of British Columbians (68%) would like to see the removal of the full 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for new homes valued up to $1 million. A similar program has been implemented in Ontario, which removes the full 13% of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for new homes valued up to $1 million.

Three-in-four British Columbians (75%, +1 since October 2025) are in favour of banning non-Canadians (with exclusions for international students and temporary residents) from purchasing residential properties in Canada until 2027.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (68%, +11) think the provincial government was right to implement a $400 renter’s tax credit for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, while fewer than three-in-ten (27%, -10) call on the provincial government to cancel the home owner grant, which reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence.

Most British Columbians also express support for municipal governments immediately dismantling any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality (58%, -4) and for the federal government to tie immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts (62%, -4).

Fewer than half of British Columbians (46%, -8) believe the actions of the provincial government will be effective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia.

More than three-in-five British Columbians continue to endorse five policies introduced when John Horgan served as the province’s premier: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (69%, -5), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (68%, -5), introducing a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in BC, and those who own second properties that aren’t long-term rentals (68%, -2), introducing a tax of 0.2% on the value of homes between $3 million and $4 million, and a tax rate of 0.4% on the portion of a home’s value that exceeds $4 million (also 64%, -2), and increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (63%, -3).

Majorities of British Columbians support seven policies implemented during the tenure of current BC Premier David Eby: capping rent increases in 2026 at 2.3% (71%), building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (69%, -4), raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction (66%, +1), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (also 66%, =), ending most strata age restrictions (60%, +2), banning homeowners from operating a short-term rental business unless it is located on their principal residence and/or on a different unit on their property (54%, -2), and removing strata rental restrictions (also 54%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 13 to July 15, 2026, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Bans on Single-Use Plastics Endorsed by Majorities of Canadians

Bans on Single-Use Plastics Endorsed by Majorities of Canadians

By Mario Canseco

More than half say they are using fewer plastic products in their daily lives now than five years ago.

Vancouver, BC [July 16, 2026] – The federal government’s decision to implement a ban on the manufacture, import, and sale of six specific categories of single-use plastics is backed by most Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-five Canadians (60%) support banning flexible plastic rings for beverage six-packs.

Majorities of Canadians are also in favour of the prohibitions that are currently in place for five other categories of single-use plastics: plastic stir sticks (59%), plastic checkout bags (58%), plastic foodservice ware (such as clamshells, lidded containers, boxes, cups, plates, and bowls) (56%), single-use plastic straws (with specific exemptions for medical and accessibility needs) (also 56%) and plastic cutlery (52%).

The survey also asked Canadians how often they transport groceries out of a store using their own re-usable bag. Across the country, the average answer is 84%.

“Canadians aged 55 and over are the most likely to rely on reusable bags when purchasing groceries (92%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (84%) and aged 18-to-34 (77%).”

On a regional basis, practically nine-in-ten trips to the grocery store for Albertans (89%) entail a reusable bag, followed by Atlantic Canada (88%), Quebec (87%), British Columbia (84%), Ontario (82%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (78%).

More than half of Canadians (55%) acknowledge that, compared to five years ago, they are using fewer plastic products in their daily lives. Just over three-in-ten (31%) report no change, while fewer than one-in-ten (8%) say they are relying on plastic products more often now than in 2021.

More than three-in-five Canadians (77%) say they go out of their way to recycle (such as holding on to bottles and cans until they can be placed into a proper recycling bin) “all of the time” or “most of the time.”

Most Canadians (55%) say they are limiting hot water usage in their home (such as taking shorter showers, running washing machines or dishwashers with full loads only) “all of the time” or “most of the time.”

Fewer Canadians are partaking in three other behaviours “all of the time” or “most of the time”: unplugging electrical devices in their home (such as TVs, computers, cell phone chargers) when they are not in use (42%), buying biodegradable products (37%) and eating organic or home-grown foods (32%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 29 to July 1, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

World Cup Success Vastly Increases Canadian Soccer Fandom

World Cup Success Vastly Increases Canadian Soccer Fandom

By Mario Canseco

Only 14% of Canadians reject the idea of Canadian cities hosting the FIFA World Cup in 2038.

Vancouver, BC [July 9, 2026] – The performance of the Men’s National Team in the 2026 FIFA World Cup has generated more soccer fans in Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over one-in-five Canadians (21%) describe themselves as soccer fans who truly enjoy watching the game, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022 during the previous FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

One-in-five Canadians (20%, +3) say they watch soccer as much as they can, but do not follow it all the time, while 28% (+1) will watch a soccer match now and then, but it’s not their favourite sport. The proportion of Canadians who do not really care for soccer dropped by nine points since December 2022, from 41% to 32%.

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +13) say they have followed the 2026 FIFA World Cup “very closely” or “moderately closely”—a proportion that rises to 55% among both Ontarians and British Columbians, 56% among men and 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

More than a third of Canadians (36%) watched either the whole match or some parts of the FIFA World Cup match between Canada and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Larger proportions of Canadians watched the entire contest—or parts of it—when Canada played against Qatar (40%), Switzerland (also 40%) and South Africa (43%).

“During Canada’s participation in Qatar 2022, the average proportion of Canadians who did not even watch match highlights stood at 49%,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This year, this average is nine points lower at 40%.”

Across the country, more than a third of Canadians (35%, +11) acknowledge being more interested in Canada’s national team than before its participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup—including 40% of men, 42% of British Columbians and 46% of Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Only 6% of Canadians (-3) say they are less interested in the Men’s National Team now, while 46% (-5) say their interest has not changed as a result of this year’s World Cup.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (67%) would like to see Canada take part in hosting the 2038 FIFA World Cup, either with the two cities that hosted matches during the 2026 edition (Vancouver and Toronto) (30%) or adding more Canadian cities to host matches (37%). Only 14% of Canadians think Canada should not bid to host this tournament.

Three-in-five Canadians (60%) and 88% of self-described “big soccer fans” welcome FIFA’s decision to increase the number of participating national teams in the World Cup, from 32 to 48.

Most of Canada’s “big soccer fans” also regard recent rule changes positively, including:

  • Goalkeepers having eight seconds to release the ball (83%)
  • Video Assistant Referees reviewing second yellow cards (also 83%)
  • Referees initiating a five-second countdown for throw-ins and goal kicks (82%)
  • Players having 10 seconds to leave the pitch at the nearest boundary line when substituted (also 82%)
  • Video Assistant Referees reviewing and overturning incorrectly awarded corner kicks (82%)
  • Having mandatory hydration breaks during each half (76%)
  • Players automatically receiving a red card if they cover their mouths with hands, arms, or shirts in a confrontational or aggressive situation (69%)

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 29 to July 1, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Metro Vancouverites Foresee Positive Impact from World Cup

Metro Vancouverites Foresee Positive Impact from World Cup

By Mario Canseco

Most residents are satisfied with the way all levels of government promoted the global event. 

Vancouver, BC [July 7, 2026] – Residents of Metro Vancouver have not been particularly inconvenienced by the 2026 FIFA World Cup and are predicting benefits for the country, the province and the host city, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative regional sample, more than seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites think the 2026 FIFA World Cup will have a mostly positive impact on Canada (79%), British Columbia (72%) and Vancouver (also 72%).

The results of this survey compare favourably with a poll conducted in February 2010, when fewer than seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites expected similar benefits from hosting the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics.

Majorities of Metro Vancouverites also expect this year’s World Cup to be successful in making Vancouver and BC more attractive destinations for tourists (80%), encouraging further economic development in Vancouver and BC (69%) and promoting long-term job creation in Vancouver and BC (54%).

Most Metro Vancouverites are satisfied with the work of three levels of government to promote the FIFA World Cup: 61% with the federal government headed by Prime Minister Mark Carney, 59% with the municipal government headed by Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim, and 53% with the provincial government headed by Premier David Eby.

More than half of Metro Vancouverites think the FIFA World Cup is being staged for the benefit of sports fans (67%), the elites (63%), athletes and their families (62%) and politicians (58%). Fewer residents think the event is being held for the benefit of children (41%) and regular people (33%).

Three-in-five Metro Vancouverites (60%) say they watched Canada matches at home, and 35% watched matches that did not feature Canada at home.

Just over one-in-five Metro Vancouverites (22%) watched Canada matches at a bar or a pub and 17% attended a bar or pub to watch matches that did not feature Canada.

One-in-five Metro Vancouverites (20%) attended a “Fan Festival” or “Fan Zone”. Fewer bought merchandise or apparel with the Team Canada logo (11%), hosted a watch party for a Canada match with family or friends at home (9%) or hosted a watch party for a match that did not feature Canada with family or friends at home (6%).

Across Metro Vancouver, 46% of residents say they are excited about the FIFA World Cup, and it is not an inconvenience to their day-to-day lives, while one-in-four (25%) are indifferent and not inconvenienced.

One-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (10%) are excited about the World Cup but consider it an inconvenience, while one-in-five (20%) are indifferent and inconvenienced.

“In February 2010, 45% of Metro Vancouverites regarded the Winter Olympics as an inconvenience to their day-to-day lives,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In 2026, only 30% feel the same way about the FIFA World Cup.”

Just over half of Metro Vancouverites (52%) say the street closures and bus re-routes associated with the FIFA World Cup have not affected their weekday commute at all. Smaller proportions say it has taken them a lot longer (14%) or a little bit longer (21%) to get to work or school, while 14% say the delays have not affected them much.

A portion of Granville Street in Vancouver—between West Georgia Street and Davie Street—has been closed to all vehicle traffic since June 8.

More than three-in-five Metro Vancouverites (63%) would like to see this portion of Granville Street in Vancouver remain vehicle-free when the World Cup ends—a proportion that rises to 69% among residents of the City of Vancouver and to 77% among people aged 18-to-34.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 30 to July 2, 2026, among 604 adults in Metro Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age and gender in Metro Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.0 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians and Americans at Odds on Origin of Humans on Earth

Canadians and Americans at Odds on Origin of Humans on Earth

By Mario Canseco

While more than three-in-five Canadians stand by evolution, fewer than half of Americans share this view. 

Vancouver, BC [July 2, 2026] – The perceptions of residents of Canada and the United States on the origin and development of human beings on earth are decidedly different, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, only one-in-five Canadians (20%, -3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2025) think God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years.

In the United States, just under two-in-five Americans (39%) agree with this assessment that favours creationism over evolution.

Conversely, just under half of Americans (47%) and more than three-in-five Canadians (62%, +1) believe human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years.

Majorities of Canadians who supported any of the country’s three main parties in the 2025 federal election agree with evolution: 79% of New Democratic Party (NDP) voters, 72% of Liberal Party voters and 53% of Conservative Party voters.

In the United States, more than half of Democrats (57%) think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years. Fewer Independents (47%) and Republicans (39%) concur.

A second question on whether creationism—the belief that the universe and life originated from specific acts of divine creation—should be part of the school curriculum in a Canadian province or an American state also yielded contrasting results.

Canadians are almost evenly divided, with 42% (-6) thinking creationism has a place in the classroom, and 41% (+6) disagreeing with this view.

In the United States, respondents are more likely to welcome the teaching of creationism at school (51%) than to reject it (32%).

In Canada, only 34% of residents aged 55 and over are in favour of creationism being part of the school curriculum in their province. The proportions are larger among Canadians aged 18 to 34 (46%) and aged 35 to 54 (also 46%).

In the United States, majorities of Americans aged 55 and over (55%) and aged 18-to-34 (52%) agree with teaching creationism in their state’s schools. Fewer than half of Americans aged 35-to-54 (46%) hold the same opinion.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 4 to June 6, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada and 1,012 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Particularly Proud of Flag, Hockey and Armed Forces

Canadians Particularly Proud of Flag, Hockey and Armed Forces

By Mario Canseco

Pride in the Canadian economy improves, but opposition voters are not as buoyant as those who backed the Liberal Party in 2025.

Vancouver, BC [June 25, 2026] – The proportion of Canadians who express pride in specific institutions and features of the country has increased markedly since 2025, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, four-in-five Canadians (80%, +1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2025) say the flag makes them proud.

Six other institutions and features elicit feelings of pride among more than three-in-five Canadians: hockey (75%, +3), the Canadian Armed Forces (74%, +8), multiculturalism (65%, +2), Indigenous culture (64%, +3), the state of democracy in Canada (62%, +4) and bilingualism (61%, =).

More than half of Canadians say they are proud of the health care system (58%, +5), Parliament (53%, +5) and the Canadian justice system (also 53%, +4).

Only two of the 12 institutions and features tested are below the 50% threshold on eliciting feelings of pride among Canadians: the Canadian economy (46%, +6) and the monarchy (41%, +2).

The growth in feelings of pride towards the Canadian Armed Forces is driven primarily by respondents in British Columbia (82%), Alberta (81%) and Ontario (78%). The proportions are lower in Quebec (66%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (65%) and Atlantic Canada (64%).

More than four-in-five Canadians of East Asian descent (81%) say they are proud of multiculturalism. Smaller majorities of Canadians whose heritage is South Asian (68%), European (62%) and Indigenous (57%) share the same view.

The state of democracy in Canada is a source of pride for more than four-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election (83%). The proportion drops to 60% among those who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) and to 48% among those who voted for the Conservative Party.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (67%) say the health care system makes them proud. The results are lower in Alberta (60%), Ontario (also 60%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (54%), Quebec (52%) and Atlantic Canada (46%).

“There is deep disappointment among opposition voters when assessing the Canadian economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 61% of Liberal voters say it is a source of pride, only 38% of Conservatives and 33% of New Democrats feel the same way.”

Pride in the monarchy is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (46%) and falls among Canadians aged 35-to-543 (42%) and aged 55 and over (37%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 14 to June 16, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Support for Return of Death Penalty Rises Markedly in Canada

Support for Return of Death Penalty Rises Markedly in Canada

By Mario Canseco

More than half of supporters of capital punishment (52%) think it would serve as a deterrent for potential murderers. 

Vancouver, BC [June 18, 2026] – By a 2-to-1 margin, Canadians are more likely to support the return of the death penalty than to maintain the status quo in murder cases, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 60% of Canadians (+6 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2025) support reinstating the death penalty for murder in Canada, while 30% (-2) are opposed.

Canada eliminated the death penalty for murder in July 1976.

Half of Quebecers (50%, +5) favour the return of capital punishment in murder cases. The proportions are higher in Atlantic Canada (55%, -5), Ontario (62%, +7), Alberta (65%, +6), British Columbia (67%, +8) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 67%, +13).

Two thirds of Canadians who oppose the death penalty (66%, +5) are worried about a person being wrongly convicted and then executed, while almost half (49%, +9) believe murderers should serve their time in prison, as indicated by a judge.

Fewer opponents cite other problems with the return of capital punishment, such as doubting that it would serve as a deterrent (39%, +3), feeling that taking a convicted murderer’s own life is wrong (35%, -6), and stating that murderers can be rehabilitated (18%, =).

A majority of Canadians who support the return of the death penalty say a convicted murderer has taken a life, so the punishment fits the crime (56%, +7) and think it will serve as a deterrent for potential murderers (52%, =).

Fewer supporters of capital punishment cite other reasons for their position, including closure to the families of murder victims (49%, +7), saving taxpayers money and the costs associated with having murderers in prison (46%, =) and a belief that murderers cannot be rehabilitated (31%, +5).

More than half of Canadians (56%, +3) think capital punishment is “sometimes appropriate”, while just under one-in-four (23%, -1) say it is “never” appropriate and 14% (=) consider it “always” appropriate.

A separate question asked Canadians to choose between two different approaches to deal with murder convictions in Canada. Just under half (49%, -4) select life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, while just under two-in-five (39%, +4) choose the death penalty.

In this question, almost half of Albertans (48%, +9) express a preference for the death penalty over life imprisonment after a murder conviction. The proportions are lower in Ontario (40%, +3), British Columbia (also 40%, +2), Quebec (37%, +11), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%, -1) and Atlantic Canada (31%, -7).

“The political divide on how to deal with murder cases in Canada is staggering,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberals or the New Democrats in 2025 (57% and 65% respectively) would maintain life imprisonment without parole, most Conservatives (54%) would bring back the death penalty.”

Respondents of East Asian descent are more likely to prefer the death penalty over life imprisonment for murder convictions (48%) than those whose heritage is European (39%), South Asian (also 39%) or Indigenous (33%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 4 to June 6, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Current Relationship with Canada Still OK for Most Americans

Current Relationship with Canada Still OK for Most Americans

By Mario Canseco

Fewer than two-in-five (38%, -4 since January) approve of Donald Trump’s performance as president. 

Vancouver, BC [June 15, 2026] – As the United States, Canada and Mexico host the FIFA World Cup, few Americans would change their relationship with the two other North American nations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than three-in-five Americans (63%, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January) think Canada should remain an independent nation, while 15% (+5) would like to see it become a U.S. territory and 7% (=) would welcome it as an American state.

The views of Americans are similar when pondering Mexico, with 68% (+1) saying it should remain independent, 11% (+1) suggesting it should become a U.S. territory and 5% (=) claiming it should become an American state.

At least half of Americans also think Panama (50%, -4) and Cuba (58%, +1) should stay independent, and a similar proportion (54%, -2) want Greenland to remain an autonomous territory.

Americans are twice as likely to say that Puerto Rico should become an independent nation (28%, -4) than an American state (14%, -3), but more than two-in-five (41%, -2) want it to maintain its status as a U.S. territory.

Across the United States, the approval rating for President Donald Trump stands at 38% (-4 since January), with 57% of Americans (+4) disapproving of his performance.

While 84% of Republicans approve of the way Trump is managing his duties, the proportion is significantly lower among Independents (25%) and Democrats (14%).

The Democratic Party holds a five-point lead over the Republican Party in the race for the House of Representatives (38% to 33%). Fewer than one-in-ten Americans (8%) say they would vote for other candidates and 22% are undecided.

The survey also asked Americans about prospective presidential candidates for each of the two major parties in the 2028 election.

Only six of the names tested are regarded as “good choices” for the Republican Party by more than one-in-five Americans: U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance (31%), Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (29%), Secretary of State Marco Rubio (28%), Texas Senator Ted Cruz (25%), the current president’s son Donald Trump Jr. (23%) and Florida Governor Ron De Santis (22%).

Fewer Americans think eight other possible contenders would be a “good choice” for the Republican Party: commentator Tucker Carlson (18%), former South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley (also 18%), entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy (15%), Texas Governor Greg Abbott (also 15%), Kentucky Congressman Thomas Massie (also 15%), Missouri Senator Josh Hawley (13%), former Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin (also 13%) and Georgia Governor Brian Kemp (11%).

Among Republicans, the top choices are Vance (67%), Rubio (54%), Trump Jr. (also 54%), Cruz (48%), Kennedy Jr. (45%) and De Santis (also 45%).

Eight people are regarded as “good choices” to become the Democratic Party’s nominee in 2028: former first lady Michelle Obama (45%), 2024 presidential nominee and former Vice President Kamala Harris (35%), California Governor Gavin Newsom (26%), actor George Clooney (25%), New York Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (24%), former Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg (23%), Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (also 23%) and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly (21%).

Fewer Americans think six other politicians are “good choices” for the Democrats in 2028: Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (19%), Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (17%), Georgia Senator Jon Ossoff (also 17%), sports analyst Stephen A. Smith (also 17%), Illinois Governor JB Pritzker (16%) and former Chicago Mayor Rahm Emmanuel (15%).

Majorities of Democrats think Obama (73%) and Harris (67%) are “good choices”, followed by Newsom (47%), Buttigieg (44%), Ocasio-Cortez (44%) and Kelly (37%).

Methodology:  Results are based on an online study conducted from June 4 to June 6, 2026, among 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Ponder Trade with China, Joining European Union

Canadians Ponder Trade with China, Joining European Union

By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds of Canadians are closely following news related to the tariffs dispute with the United States.

Vancouver, BC [June 11, 2026] – The ongoing dispute over tariffs with the United States has made other international markets more attractive to Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 59% of Canadians think Canada should seriously consider enhancing trade with China, while 28% disagree and 13% are not sure.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians are in favour of enhancing trade with other countries and groups, such as Japan (71%, -6 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February), Mexico (74%, +1), Australia and New Zealand (also 74%, -3), the United Kingdom (76%, -1) and the European Union (EU) (also 76%, -1).

Half of Canadians (50%, +2) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to join the European Union, while only 20% (=) think it is time to seriously ponder a formal process for Canada to become an American state.

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) want Canada to seriously consider requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

More than two thirds of Canadians (68%, +2) are “very closely” or “moderately closely” following news related to the tariffs dispute with the United States.

More than a third of Canadians (37%, -9) think the tariffs on Canadian products will be expanded by the U.S. government in the next six months, while a slightly smaller proportion (31%, +11) believe the tariffs will be rescinded.

There is little change in the purchasing behaviour of Canadians when it comes to American products. A majority (55%, =) continue to avoid buying goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available.

About a third of Canadians (32%, -2) have cancelled a planned trip to the United States, while fewer are not relying on American restaurant franchises in Canada (27%, -6) or American entertainment options (25%, =).

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%, +6) continue to deem the American tariffs as a threat to Canada, while half (50%, -3) believe the United States is a military threat to Canada at this point.

Three-in-five Canadians (60%, +3) are satisfied with how Prime Minister Mark Carney has managed the tariffs dispute, while two-in-five (40%, +10) approve of the way Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has handled this matter.

“There is a significant difference when Canadians aged 55 and over evaluate the performance of two key federal politicians on tariffs,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 69% are satisfied with Carney, only 30% feel the same way about Poilievre.”

More than two-in-five Canadians (42%, +7) think a Conservative federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States, while almost half (47%, -7) disagree with this assessment.

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%, -8) approve of the way their premier has managed the tariffs dispute. Among the four most populous provinces, the rating is highest in Ontario (51%, +6) and British Columbia (also 51%, -8), followed by Quebec (45%, +3) and Alberta (36%, =).

One third of Canadians (33%, +2) are satisfied with how the Official Opposition leader in their province is managing this file. The numbers are highest in Ontario (38%, +5), followed by Quebec (37%, +8), British Columbia (25%, +1) and Alberta (24%, -21).

Methodology:  Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 1 to June 3, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca