By Mario Canseco

Canadians Still Think Use of Emergencies Act Was Justified

April 10, 2025April 10, 2025By Mario Canseco

Just over a third think no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented.

Vancouver, BC [April 10, 2025] – More than half of Canadians think the federal government made the right call in invoking the Emergencies Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians think the actions of the federal government were justified (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2024), while 31% (-1) consider them unjustified and 13% (+2) are not sure.

Public support for the federal government’s decision is higher among Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2021 (73%) than among those who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) (67%) or the Conservative Party (47%) in the last federal ballot.

In January and February 2022, a series of protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic took place in Ottawa and other parts of Canada. Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, -2) say they followed news stories related to the protests and blockades “very closely” or “moderately closely.”

Canadians are divided when assessing the protests and blockades, with 46% (-4) saying they opposed them and 43% (+2) saying they supported them.

“Opposition to the anti-mandate protests varies greatly by age,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 39% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 were opposed, the proportions grow to 41% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 61% among those aged 55 and over.”

Half of Canadians (50%, +5) say the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were fighting for freedom. More than two-in-five (43%, +1) think the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were justified.

Fewer Canadians agree with two other statements: that the federal government should be overthrown (35%, +1) and that no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented (34%, =).

More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, +2) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions.

Larger proportions of Canadians are worried about three other issues: the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (64%, -1), foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (70%, +5) and violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades (77%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 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.

Liberals Remain Ahead of Conservatives in Canadian Campaign

April 8, 2025April 20, 2025By Mario Canseco

Mark Carney leads Pierre Poilievre when likely voters are asked who would be best to manage seven important issues.

Vancouver, BC [April 8, 2025] – The governing Liberal Party holds an eight-point advantage over the opposition Conservative Party as the federal election campaign continues in Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters, 44% of decided voters would support the Liberals (+3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in late March), while 36% (-1) would back the Conservatives.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is third with 8% (-1), followed by the Bloc Québécois with 5% (-2), the Green Party with 3% (=) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

The Liberals are ahead of the Conservatives in Ontario (48% to 39%), Quebec (47% to 22%, with the Bloc at 19%) and British Columbia (44% to 38%). The Conservatives are first in Alberta (51%, with the Liberals at 28%).

“The retention rate continues to be stellar for both Conservatives and Liberals, who are holding on to at least four-in-five of their 2021 voters (82% and 80% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats are keeping fewer than half of their voters from the last federal election (45%).”

Just over three-in-ten likely voters (31%, +1) think Canada-U.S. Relations is the most important issue facing the country. Significantly fewer choose the economy and jobs (19%, -1), housing, homelessness and poverty (18%, +1), health care (11%, +2) and immigration (5%, -2).

Overall voter consideration remains higher for the Liberals (55%, +2) than for the Conservatives (48%, +2) and the New Democrats (41%, +6)

Fewer than one-in-four likely voters say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting their ballot for the Greens (24%, -1), the Animal Protection Party (21%, -2), the People’s Party (20%, -1), the Canadian Future Party (19%, -5), the Libertarian Party (18%, +1), the United Party (15%, +1), the Marijuana Party (also 15%), the Christian Heritage Party (14%, -1), the Centrist Party (13%, =), the Marxist-Leninist Party (12%, +2) the Rhinocéros Party (11%, +1) or the Communist Party (10%, =) if they ran a candidate in their riding.

Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party has the lowest approval rating among the six main party leaders (22%, -3). The numbers are higher for Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (25%, -5), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (also 25%, =), NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (40%, +2), Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (44%, -2) and Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney (58%, +1).

Carney posts a positive momentum score this week (+14), with 36% of likely voters saying their opinion of him has improved since the start of the campaign and 22% saying it has worsened. The scores are in negative territory for Poilievre (-13), Pedneault (-14), Blanchet (-16), Singh (-18) and Bernier (also -18).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, more than two-in-five likely voters (43%, +4) choose Carney, while fewer than three-in-ten (29%, -4) select Poilievre. Singh is third with 9% (=), followed by Blanchet (4%, +1), Bernier (2%, =) and Pedneault (1%, -1).

More than half of likely voters (54%) say there is nothing Singh can say or do to make them vote for the NDP. The proportions are lower on this question for Poilievre and the Conservatives (51%) and Carney and the Liberals (43%).

Three-in-five likely voters (60%, +1) are comfortable with Carney being in charge of Canada’s economy, while 46% (=) would be comfortable if Poilievre were to take over.

Likely voters were asked to choose which one of the two main party leaders would be the best person to manage 10 different issues. Perceptions are particularly close on three issues: crime and public safety (Poilievre 36%, Carney 34%), energy and pipelines (Carney 38%, Poilievre 37%) and immigration (Carney 37%, Poilievre 36%).

The Liberal leader holds the upper hand over his Conservative counterpart on seven issues: housing, homelessness and poverty (41% to 31%), the environment (42% to 26%), health care (43% to 28%), accountability and leadership (44% to 32%), the economy and jobs (46% to 32%), foreign affairs (46% to 30%) and Canada-U.S. Relations (49% to 29%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on April 5 and April 6, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,007 likely voters in Canada, including 956 decided voters in the 2025 federal election. 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 for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Appetite for Pandemic Inquiries Remains High Across Canada

April 3, 2025April 3, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians believe we were right to have strict public health measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [April 3, 2025] – More than three-in-five Canadians believe the country should take a deeper look at the decisions made during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The Government of the United Kingdom is undergoing a public inquiry into the COVID-19 pandemic. The terms of reference intend to cover preparedness, the public health response, the response in the health care sector and the economic response.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 64% of Canadians support holding a public inquiry into the way the COVID-19 pandemic was managed by the federal government, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

Public backing for a federal inquiry on COVID-19 encompasses majorities of Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (74%), the Liberal Party (70%) and the Conservative Party (58%) in the 2021 federal election.

Similar proportions of Canadians believe public inquiries into pandemic management are warranted at the provincial (65%, +5) and municipal (62%, +5) levels.

Support for an inquiry into the provincial management of the pandemic is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (74%), followed by Ontario (67%), British Columbia (65%), Atlantic Canada (64%), Alberta (also 64%) and Quebec (59%).

More than half of Canadians (53%) believe we were right to have strict public health measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19. Three-in-ten (30%) think the response to the pandemic was probably too heavy-handed, while one-in-ten (10%) say COVID-19 was a hoax and we never should have altered our lives.

“Almost two thirds of Canadians aged 55 and over (65%) believe the response to the pandemic from a public health standpoint was correct,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%) and aged 35-to-54 (46%) share this view.”

More than half of Canadians brand the way the federal government (52%, +2), their provincial governments (54%, +5) and their municipal governments (52%, +1) managed the pandemic as a “success”. Just under two-in-five feel the same way about the official opposition in Canada (39%, +4) and the official opposition in their province (also 39%, +1).

Our collective perceptions about the media’s performance during COVID-19 have not gone through significant shifts, with about half of Canadians saying television news (53%, +1), radio news (51%, =) and newspapers (49%, =) were successful. The rating is lower for non-governmental organizations (46%, -1), unions (39%, -1) and trade associations (37%, +2).

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

Canadians Back Retaliation as Trump’s “Liberation Day” Nears

April 1, 2025February 14, 2026By Mario Canseco

The “Buy Canadian” movement shows no signs of slowing down, as support for enhanced trade with other nations remains high.

Vancouver, BC [April 1, 2025] – More than two thirds of Canadians are ready for targeted action to counter the American president’s overtures on tariffs and sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 72% of Canadians support Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers suspending all steel, aluminum, and wood exports to the United States until U.S. President Donald Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs.

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) support Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers shutting off all energy exports to the United States until Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs, while just over two thirds (68%) endorse Canada officially demanding an apology from Trump for his statements related to Canada becoming an American state.

Just under three-in-five Canadians (58%) support Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs recalling the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. in response to Trump’s statements.

In the middle of a federal election campaign, more than four-in-five Canadians (84%) have followed news related to the tariffs “very closely” or “moderately closely”, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early February.

Practically three-in-five Canadians (59%) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs. The rating did not move for Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, =).

“Two thirds of Canadians aged 55 and over (66%) are content with the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has managed the dispute over tariffs,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The approval rating for Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre among this group is decidedly lower (35%).”

More than half of Canadians (56%, -5) are satisfied with the performance of their premier during the tariffs dispute, while more than a third (37%) feel the same way about their province’s official opposition leader.

The approval rating fell significantly for the premiers of British Columbia (53%, -14) and Alberta (42%, -12) and remained mostly stable in Ontario (59%, -5) and Quebec (56%, -2).

This month, Quebec has the highest ranked opposition leader on the tariffs dispute (43%, -1) followed by Alberta (39%, -5), Ontario (37%, -10) and British Columbia (34%, -3).

Canadians are evenly divided when asked to ponder what the future will bring, with 36% (-5) expecting the U.S. government to rescind the tariffs and the same proportion (36%, +2) predicting their expansion.

There is also a split on which type of federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, -5) think a Conservative government would do better, while 42% (+4) disagree.

As was the case in early February, more than three-in-five Canadians (64%, +1) are avoiding the purchase of goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available. More than a third say they are avoiding American restaurant franchises in Canada (41%, =), cancelled a planned trip to the United States (37%, +11) and avoiding American entertainment options (35%, +4).

The proportion of Canadians who are not partaking in any of these four actions stands at 20% (-4). This group encompasses one-in-four Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (25%) and only one-in-ten Canadians who voted for either the Liberal Party (10%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 10%) in 2021.

Canadians appear to be having a difficult time figuring out which restaurant franchises are domestic. More than two-in-five correctly identified five of 10 brands tested as Canadian: Harvey’s (52%), Pizza Pizza (50%), Swiss Chalet (49%), Boston Pizza (46%) and Cora (45%). The proportions of correct responses are lower for Mary Browns (37%), Freshii (34%), New York Fries (23%), Panago (23%) and Ricky’s All Day Grill (21%).

At least three-in-four Canadians think Canada should seriously consider enhancing trade with Australia and New Zealand (81%, +3), the European Union (EU) (79%, +2), Mexico (78%, +3) and Japan (75%, =).

Support for requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) stands at 59% (-5).

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%, -1) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state. On a regional basis, support for this notion is highest in Quebec (24%), followed by Ontario (22%), Alberta (21%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (18%), British Columbia (17%) and Atlantic Canada (17%).

Just over half of Canadians (52%) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to join the EU, while 35% disagree and 13% are undecided.

Majorities of Liberal and NDP voters in 2021 (61% and 55% respectively) favour taking a look at Canada’s possible membership in the EU. Support is lower among Conservative voters (45%).

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

British Columbians Oblivious of Looming Food Security Challenges

March 27, 2025March 27, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five residents say they do not mind paying more for locally sourced fruits and vegetables.

Vancouver, BC [March 27, 2025] – Most British Columbians are not aware of how much Canada’s food supply relies on produce from the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 36% of British Columbians correctly identify the proportion of fruits that come from the United States (36%, or somewhere between 21% and 40%).

Only about one-in-six of the province’s residents (16%) know that Canada imports somewhere between 61% to 80% of its vegetables (67%) from the United States.

When British Columbians are informed of the actual proportion of American imports, only 36% say they are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that Canada’s food supply and security will not be restricted by the current dispute over tariffs with the United States.

Most respondents (54%) are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that British Columbia’s food producers will be able to increase production if the food supply is ultimately restricted.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians say they have seen prices increase for fruits (78%), vegetables (75%), beef (73%) and chicken (71%) over the past six months, while majorities feel the same way about cereal (61%), bread (60%) and prepared frozen meals (also 60%).

When asked who is most responsible for items becoming more expensive, almost three-in-ten British Columbians (39%) point the finger at the actions of governments, while one-in-four (25%) blame global political conflicts affecting supplies.

Fewer British Columbias think the actions of supermarket retailers and grocery stores (18%), climate change (11%), the actions of product manufacturers and suppliers (9%), labour and supply setbacks (6%) or the actions of farmers and growers (3%) are primarily responsible for rising prices.

“British Columbians aged 55 and over are more likely to blame global strife for rising food costs (30%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “About a third of those aged 35-to-54 (33%) and aged 18-to-34 (32%) think governments are mostly responsible.”

If Canada had to look for non-American sources for food supply and security, just over a third of British Columbians (34%) would be willing to pay “less than 10% more” than now, while more than one-in-five (22%) are willing to pay “from 11% to 20% more.”

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (18%) would not be willing to pay more for non-American food sources—a proportion that rises to 22% among British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and 24% among Conservative Party of BC voters in last year’s provincial election.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) say they do not mind paying more for fruits and vegetables if they originate in British Columbia, while just under three-in-four (74%) agree with making adjustments to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to allow for food processing on underused ALR parcels.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians believe both the federal government (78%) and the provincial government (73%) can do a lot to help lower the price of groceries.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 15 to March 17, 2025, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Carney Boosts Liberals as Canadian Federal Campaign Begins

March 25, 2025March 24, 2025By Mario Canseco

Canada-U.S. Relations becomes the most important issue for voters, outpacing jobs, housing, health care and immigration.

Vancouver, BC [March 25, 2025] – Support for the governing Liberal Party has significantly increased since Mark Carney was selected as its leader, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of decided voters in Canada would cast a ballot for the Liberal candidate in their constituency if the federal election took place today, up 20 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in early January, prior to the announcement of Justin Trudeau’s departure as head of government.

The Conservative Party is in second place with 37% (-10), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 9% (-6), the Bloc Québécois with 7% (-3), the Green Party with 3% (=) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

Three regions of the country post statistical ties in the early stages of the federal campaign: Atlantic Canada (Liberals 42%, Conservatives 40%), Ontario (Liberals 43%, Conservatives 40%) and British Columbia (Liberals 41%, Conservatives 39%).

The Conservatives are ahead in Alberta (56%), while the Liberals are leading in Quebec (43%, with the Conservatives and the Bloc tied at 22%).

“Practically one-in-four voters who supported the New Democrats in 2021 (24%) are voting for the Liberals in 2025,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The retention rate is significantly higher for the Conservatives (85%) and the Liberals (83%).”

More than half of Canadians (53%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the Liberals if they ran a candidate in their constituency. Voting consideration is currently lower for the Conservatives (46%), the New Democrats (35%) and the Greens (25%).

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%) would consider voting for the People’s Party, which has never elected a candidate to the House of Commons. Consideration is higher for the Canadian Future Party (24%) and the Animal Protection Party (23%) and lower for seven other political organizations: the Libertarian Party (17%), the Christian Heritage Party (15%), the United Party (14%), the Centrist Party (13%), the Rhinocéros Party (10%), the Marxist-Leninist Party (also 10%) and the Communist Party (also 10%).

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) say Canada-U.S. Relations is the most important issue facing the country right now, followed by the economy and jobs (20%, -2), housing, homelessness and poverty (17%, -12), health care (9%, -7) and immigration (7%, -6).

There is a significant age gap on the top issue, with Canada-U.S. Relations peaking at 44% among Canadians aged 55 and over, but dropping to 30% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 17% among those aged 18-to-34. The country’s youngest adults are more likely to be concerned about housing, homelessness and poverty (24%) or the economy and jobs (23%).

More than half of Canadians (57%) approve of the way Mark Carney has handled his duties as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. The rating is lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (46%, -6), NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (38%, -1), Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (30%), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (25%, -2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (also 25%, +2).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, almost two-in-five Canadians (39%) select Carney, while one third (33%, -6) choose Poilievre. The remaining party leaders are in single digits on this question, where the level of undecided respondents fell from 17% in January to 12% this month.

Carney also holds the upper hand over Poilievre on a question related to financial management. Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%) say they are comfortable with the Liberal leader being in charge of Canada’s economy, a 25-point improvement from Trudeau’s last result in early January.

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%, -9) say they would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy—a proportion that rises to 62% in Alberta.

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

Perceptions of Constitutional Monarchy Improve Across Canada

March 21, 2025March 19, 2025By Mario Canseco

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has the highest favourability rating among six different members of the Royal Family.

Vancouver, BC [March 21, 2025] – Public views on Canada’s existence as a constitutional monarchy and federal state have improved over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 31% of Canadians would prefer for Canada to remain a monarchy, up eight points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in March 2024.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -6) would like for Canada to have an elected head of state, while 18% (-3) do not care either way and 11% (+1) are undecided.

“Support for Canada remaining a monarchy has returned to the level observed after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The gap between republicanists and monarchists has shrunk from 23 points in 2024 to nine points in 2025.”

Public backing for Canada remaining a monarchy is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (36%) than with their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (31%) and aged 35-to-54 (25%).

On a regional basis, Quebec has the lowest proportion of residents who endorse the continuation of the monarchy (24%). The proportions are higher in Alberta (31%), British Columbia (32%), Atlantic Canada (34%), Ontario (also 34%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%).

More than half of Canadians (53%, +1) believe Canada will “definitely” or “probably” remain a monarchy two decades from now, while just under a third (32%, -1) think the country will “definitely” or “probably” have an elected head of state.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (61%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (59%) or the Conservative Party (56%) in the 2021 federal election expect the country to retain its status as a constitutional monarchy in 2045.

This month, Princess Kate holds the highest favourability rating among six Royal Family members in Canada (58%, +4). The numbers are lower for Prince William (54%, =), Prince Harry (47%, -1), Duchess Meghan (40%, -2), King Charles III (also 40%, +2) and Queen Consort Camilla (30%, +5).

Favourable opinions of King Charles III are highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (50%), Liberal voters in the 2021 federal election (also 50%) and British Columbians (46%),

More than three-in-five Canadians who want the monarchy to continue (62%) hold favourable views on King Charles III. Only 32% of Canadians who want to have an elected head of state feel the same way.

The perceptions of Canadians on specific issues related to the current monarch have shifted over the past 12 months. Just over half (51%, -17) want King Charles III to commit to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire Royal Family, and more than two-in-five (44%, -16) believe he should advance the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -10) say they would have liked to see Prince William become King of the United Kingdom and the other 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada—a proportion that rises to 49% in Alberta.

Canadians are divided on the presence of King Charles III on coins and bills that will be used in the country, While 44% of respondents (-8) say they have no problem with this scenario, 41% (+4) disagree.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2025, 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.

Most British Columbians Dismayed by Pro-Palestinian Protests

March 20, 2025March 19, 2025By Mario Canseco

Concerns about antisemitism remain high, as the public calls for the strict vetting of immigration applications from Gaza residents.

Vancouver, BC [March 20, 2025] – The post-October 7, 2023, conflict in Israel and Gaza is making British Columbians uneasy about issues related to public protests and immigration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample shows that most British Columbians are dissatisfied with the actions of Pro-Palestinian protestors, which have included the burning of Canadian flags and chants in support of groups identified by the Government of Canada as terrorist entities.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) say these rallies go against Canadian values and should not be allowed, while just over two thirds (68%) think these actions are clearly illegal and those involved should be arrested.

British Columbians are divided on whether police and governments are doing enough to combat antisemitism (Agree 43%, Disagree 42%).

“More than half of BC Green Party voters in 2024 (51%) think police and governments are managing antisemitism properly,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (47%) or the Conservative Party of BC (45%) feel the same way.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) say that, based on the public handover ceremonies that have taken place in Gaza, the treatment of hostages is inhumane and makes them doubt there is a path to peace. More than half (53%) suggest that creating a state in Gaza will simply result in a new terrorist state being created.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) want the federal government to have strict controls to ensure no Hamas members or supporters are allowed to come to Canada, and just over two thirds (68%) want immigration from Gaza to cease immediately, including in-process visas.

Only 37% of British Columbians believe the vetting of immigrants from Muslim nations is currently adequate, while majorities say that too many immigrants from Muslim nations are participants in the angry protests targeting Jewish Canadians and calling for the extermination of Israel (60%) and do not share or practice Canadian values (69%).

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%, +1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about attacks, including gunfire and firebombs, on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses.

More than three-in-four British Columbians are concerned about three other issues: aggressive behaviour by Pro-Palestinian protestors (78%, +4), protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses (77%, +1) and rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (antisemitism) (76%, +1).

Two thirds of British Columbians (67%, +1) believe that Canadian Jews are being unfairly targeted for what is happening in Israel and Gaza.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2025, among 812 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.

British Columbians Outline Priorities for Official Opposition

March 13, 2025March 12, 2025By Mario Canseco

Almost half think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2025] – Most British Columbians believe the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly should concentrate on four issues during the next four years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, four-in-five British Columbians want the Conservative Party of BC to focus on fostering economic growth in all areas of the province (80%) and getting the government to invest more on health care (also 80%).

Majorities of British Columbians call for the Official Opposition to work on developing a housing policy that rivals what the provincial government is doing (70%) and getting more pipelines built and more energy projects approved (59%).

Fewer British Columbians think the BC Conservatives should spend time banning transgender women from taking part in women’s sports leagues competitions (42%) or reverting the ban on plastic straws (35%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) say they trust the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) to stand up to the threats generated by Donald Trump. Just under half of the province’s residents (48%) trust the Conservative Party of BC for this same endeavour.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to express confidence in the BC NDP to manage the American president (64%) than the BC Conservatives (49%). Those aged 55 and over feel the same way about the two parties (51% each).

Almost half of British Columbians (48%) think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%) think the Conservative Party of BC is a “free enterprise coalition”, while just over a third (34%) refer to BC Conservative leader John Rustad as a “premier-in-waiting”.

“Residents of Northern BC (46%), Southern BC (44%) and the Fraser Valley (43%) are more likely to regard the BC Conservatives as a free enterprise coalition,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those who live in Metro Vancouver (39%) and Vancouver Island (36%).”

British Columbians are split when comparing Rustad to the politicians who commanded the BC Liberals. About one-in-five respondents feel the BC Conservative leader is better than Gordon Campbell (19%), Christy Clark (21%), Andrew Wilkinson (19%) and Kevin Falcon (19%). Roughly three-in-ten British Columbians believe Rustad is worse than Campbell (32%), Clark (33%), Wilkinson (29%) and Falcon (29%).

Among British Columbians who voted for the BC Conservatives in last year’s provincial election, the perceptions are markedly better. More than a third believe Rustad is better than Falcon (40%), Clark (38%), Wilkinson (36%) and Campbell (36%).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the Conservative Party of BC resembles the current Conservative Party of Canada, while just over two-in-five (44%) think it is akin to the federal Progressive Conservative Party that existed from 1942 to 2003.

Significantly fewer British Columbians believe the BC Conservatives are similar to the federal Reform Party / Canadian Alliance (30%), the defunct provincial Social Credit Party (29%), the BC Liberals (29%) and the current federal Liberal Party (24%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked to choose a position that a political party should take based on five contrasting statements.

Three-in-four British Columbians (75%) prefer parties where all members are free to vote individually, while one-in-four (25%) prefer parties where all members vote as a group.

Seven-in-ten British Columbias (70%) prefer parties that acknowledge and help the less fortunate, while three-in-ten (30%) prefer parties that choose not to provide handouts when in power.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) side with parties that acknowledge Indigenous reconciliation instead of with those that do not (34%).

Majorities of the province’s residents prefer parties that are anti-American (64%) and that advocate for more economic and personal freedoms (also 64%) over those perceived as pro-American (36%) and that defend the status quo on economic and personal freedoms (also 36%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 3 to March 5, 2025, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

British Columbia’s Political Scene Remains Closely Contested

March 11, 2025March 11, 2025By Mario Canseco

The standing of the two major parties has not changed much since the October 2024 provincial election.

Vancouver, BC [March 11, 2025] – British Columbia’s main political parties hold similar levels of public support as the legislative session gets underway, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would back the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) if an election were held today, while 42% would support the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 11%, while 3% of decided voters would support other parties or independent candidates.

“More than half of decided voters aged 55 and over (54%) would back the BC NDP in a new provincial election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half of decided voters aged 35-to-49 (49%) are with the BC Conservatives.”

On a regional basis, the New Democrats are clearly ahead of the Conservatives in Vancouver Island (50% to 31%). The race is closer in Southern BC (BC NDP 49%, BC Conservatives 47%) and in Metro Vancouver (both parties tied with 44%). The BC Conservatives hold leads in the Fraser Valley (47% to 34%) and in Northern BC (44% to 39%).

The BC NDP is ahead on a separate question, with 53% of British Columbians saying they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the party in the next provincial election. Consideration is lower for the BC Conservatives (45%) and the BC Greens (39%).

More than half of British Columbians (55%) approve of the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby, up two points from the final Research Co. election survey conducted in October 2024. Satisfaction is lower with Official Opposition and Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad (40%, -2) and interim BC Green Party leader Jeremy Valeriote (34%).

A merger of the BC Green Party and the BC NDP is regarded as a “good idea” by 46% of British Columbians and a “bad idea” by 33%.

Just over a third of British Columbians (34%) think BC United merging with the Conservative Party of BC is a “good idea”, while two-in-five (40%) deem it a “bad idea”.

More than a third of British Columbians (36%, -4) say housing, poverty and homelessness is the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (21%, -2), the economy and jobs (20%, +6), crime and public safety (6%, =), the environment (3%, -1) and accountability (3%, =).

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

Perceptions on Canada’s Drivers Take a Turn for the Worse

March 7, 2025March 10, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians saw a driver not stopping at an intersection in the past month.

Vancouver, BC [March 7, 2025] – The proportion of Canadians who appear dismayed at the prowess of local drivers has increased markedly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians say drivers in their city or town are worse now than five years ago, up 10 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2023.

“Just over two thirds of Canadians aged 55 and over (68%) think drivers in their city or town are not as good as before,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 18-to-34 (41%) feel the same way.”

On a regional basis, Atlantic Canada has the highest proportion of residents who believe drivers are worse now than five years ago (63%). The numbers are lower in Alberta (59%), Ontario (also 59%), British Columbia (57%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (56%) and Quebec (47%).

The survey also tracks the incidence of six specific occurrences on the country’s roads over the past month.

More than three-in-five Canadians (64%, +5) recall a driver not signalling before a turn, a proportion that rises to 75% in Atlantic Canada.

More than half of Canadians (53%, +8) witnessed a driver not stopping before and intersection, including 61% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Half of Canadians (50%, =) saw a car taking up two or more spaces at a parking lot. The proportion is decidedly higher in Alberta (63%).

Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%, +7) saw a car “lane tracking”, or turning right or left from an incorrect lane—including 45% of British Columbians.

Fewer Canadians (40%, +6) recall going through a close call, such as having to slam the brakes or steer violently to avoid a collision in the past month.

More than three-in-five Canadians (62%, +3) claim that there are specific groups or people in their city or town who are worse drivers than others—a proportion that rises to 68% in Alberta and to 67% among those aged 18-to-34.

Among the respondents who volunteered an answer in an open-ended follow-up question about worse drivers, one third (33%, =) mention “young”. Fewer of these respondents relied on terms such as “immigrant” (22%, +10), “elderly” (16%, -5), “Asian” (14%, -2) and “distracted” (4%, +2).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 16 to February 18, 2025, 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.

How Ontario Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”.

March 3, 2025March 3, 2025By Mario Canseco

The governing party connected equally well on leadership and policies. The two opposition parties were unable to break through on desire for change.

The foibles of Canada’s first-past-the-post system can explain why supporters of the Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario are going through mixed feelings after last week’s provincial election. Premier Doug Ford will form a majority government once again, with his party going from 41% of the vote and 83 seats in 2022, to 43% of the vote and 80 seats in 2025.

The early election, designed to give Ford a mandate than would last longer than the second term of United States President Donald Trump, once again showed how widely vote efficiency can vary. The Ontario New Democratic Paty (NDP) will form the Official Opposition, with 27 seats secured with 19% of the province-wide vote. The Ontario Liberal Party received 30% of all cast ballots but won just 14 seats.

In our “Exit Poll”, more than three-in-five Ontarians (63%) claim to have voted strategically, defined as voting for the candidate in their riding who had the best chance of defeating a party they dislike, even if the candidate they voted for was not their first preference. The numbers do not sway much among supporters of specific political parties: 68% for Liberals, 63% for New Democrats and 61% for Progressive Conservatives. We are almost as likely to find a PC supporter who voted against the Liberals or New Democrats, than to find a hard-core Liberal who went for the NDP in order to ensure that a seat did not turn blue.

The main motivators for Progressive Conservative supporters were the party’s leader (33%) and the party’s ideas and policies (also 33%). The score for the leaders of the Liberals and New Democrats is slightly lower (31% and 26% respectively).

Desire for change—which usually jumps when the opposition connects well—sits at a low 14% for both opposition parties. The party’s candidate in the riding rises to 17% for the New Democrats, well ahead of the Liberals (11%) and Progressive Conservatives (9%).

Ontarians are still divided on whether the Liberals and New Democrats should merge into a single political party, with 44% agreeing with the concept and 42% disagreeing with it. Majorities of Ontarians who cast a ballot for Liberal candidates (62%) and New Democratic candidates (52%) like the idea, but only 32% of those who voted for the Progressive Conservatives concur.

In our 2022 Exit Poll, only 39% of Ontarians welcomed a possible Liberal-NDP merger. As another election cycle goes by without a solid alternative to the Progressive Conservatives, appetite for a deal featuring centre-left parties has grown.

In addition, more Ontarians are getting behind electoral reform. More than three-in-five voters (62%) think Ontario should implement a system of proportional representation for provincial elections, up four points since 2022. What is striking about the findings this year is that voters aged 35-to-54 are more likely to desire a different system (67%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (61%) and aged 55 and over (58%). In any case, we have majorities across all age groups who openly wonder whether a party should have so much control of the legislature with fewer than 50 per cent of all cast ballots.

Ford’s latest transformation into “Captain Canada” has not gone unnoticed. Almost half of provincial voters in Ontario (47%) say they would like to see him become leader of the Conservative Party of Canada at some point. The gender gap on this question is negligible (Men 49%, Women 45%) and the idea is particularly appealing to Ontario voters aged 18-to-34 (51%), as well as residents of two seat-rich regions: the 905 (50%) and the 416 (49%) area codes.

We asked these same voters if they would like to see Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre become Prime Minister later this year. The province-wide proportion is lower (43%), but while almost half of men are ready to see Poilievre heading the federal government (49%), only 39% of women concur.

In a troubling finding for Conservative supporters, just 36% of Ontario’s oldest adults—traditionally the most reliable voters—would like to see Poilievre supplant Justin Trudeau. This is a far cry from the state of affairs at the start of the year, when 51% of decided voters in Ontario were with the Conservatives before Trudeau announced his intention to step down. Poilievre remains popular in the 905 (47%) and the 416 (45%) regions, but his numbers are not as good as what Ford commands as a “future” federal Conservative leader.

All polls are snapshots, and this one is unique for several reasons. Poilievre is not being compared to any Liberal rival. The survey focuses only on Ontarians who cast a ballot in the latest provincial election, and we can expect turnout to be higher federally than what has been observed in the two previous Ontario provincial ballots. Still, it is clear that Ford’s decision to call an election because of what transpired in the United States has paid off. His popularity has grown, and some Ontarians are starting to wonder if he is ready for a larger job than the one he has just been re-elected to.

Find our data tables here.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 27 to March 1, 2025, among 501 Ontario adults who voted in the 2025 provincial election. The margin of error — which measures sample variability — is +/- 4.4 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Ambivalence on Death Penalty for Murder Endures in Canada

February 28, 2025February 27, 2025By Mario Canseco

Most Canadians are willing to reinstate capital punishment but prefer a sentence of life imprisonment without parole.

Vancouver, BC [February 28, 2025] – While a majority of Canadians continue to voice support for the return of the death penalty for murder convictions, most believe this particular crime should be punished with life imprisonment without parole, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 54% of Canadians support reinstating capital punishment for murder in the country, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2024.

More than a third of Canadians (32%, -3) disagree with bringing back the death penalty, while 14% (+5) are not sure.

“Two thirds of Canadians of South Asian descent (66%) are in favour of reinstating capital punishment for murder,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians whose origins are Indigenous (63%), East Asian (61%) or European (53%) concur.”

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election are more likely to endorse the return of the death penalty for murder (75%) than those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (51%) or the Liberal Party (48%).

Fewer than half of Quebecers (45%) are in favour of reinstating capital punishment for murder. The proportions are higher in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (54%), Ontario (55%), Alberta (59%), British Columbia (also 59%) and Atlantic Canada (60%).

A separate question asked Canadians to choose between two different approaches for convicted murderers in Canada. More than half (53%, -2) prefer life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, while more than a third (35%, =) select the death penalty.

With this question, Quebec is once again at the bottom of the list when it comes to support for capital punishment (26%). The numbers are larger—but well short of majority support—in Ontario (37%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 37%), British Columbia (38%), Atlantic Canada (also 38%) and Alberta (39%).

There is little change on personal perceptions of the death penalty as a concept, with more than half of Canadians (53%, =) believing it is “sometimes” appropriate, fewer than one-in-four (24%, -2) saying it is “never” appropriate, and 14% (=) considering it “always” appropriate.

More than half of Canadians who are in favour of reinstating capital punishment (52%) say it will serve as a deterrent for potential murderers.

Fewer supporters of the death penalty think the punishment fits the crime because a convicted murderer has taken a life (49%), expect to save taxpayers money and the costs associated with having murderers in prison (46%), assume it will provide closure to the families of murder victims (42%) and believe that murderers cannot be rehabilitated (26%).

Just over three-in-ten Canadians who are opposed to reinstating capital punishment (61%) express concerns about a person being wrongly convicted and then executed.

Fewer opponents of the death penalty think taking a convicted murderer’s own life is wrong (41%), call for murderers to serve their time in prison, as indicated by a judge (40%), express doubts about capital punishment working as a deterrent (36%) and state that murderers can be rehabilitated (18%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 3 to February 5, 2025, 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.

Progressive Conservatives Headed for Fresh Term in Ontario

February 26, 2025February 26, 2025By Mario Canseco

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2025] – Public support for the governing Progressive Conservatives has not dwindled in the final stages of Ontario’s provincial election campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Ontarians, 46% of decided voters (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in mid-February) say they will support the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party tomorrow or have already done so.

The Ontario Liberal Party is in second place with 30% (-1), followed by the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) with 17% (+2) and the Ontario Green Party with 5% (+1). An additional 2% of decided voters (-2) would support other parties or independent candidates.

“More than half of decided voters aged 55 and over in Ontario (55%) are backing the Progressive Conservatives,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for the governing party is lower among decided voters aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 18-to-34 (37%).”

The approval rating for Premier and Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Doug Ford is unchanged at 56%. Just under half of Ontarians (47%, +4) are satisfied with the way Official Opposition and Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles has managed her duties. The numbers are lower for Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie (43%, -5) and Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner (40%, =).

The four main party leaders reach the final day of campaigning with negative momentum scores: -4 for Crombie, -3 for Ford and -1 for both Stiles and Schreiner.

Ford maintains a large lead on the “Best Premier” question, with 44% (-2). Crombie is second with 26% (+4), followed by Stiles (14%, +3) and Schreiner (5%, =).

Three-in-ten Ontarians (30%, +2) identify the economy and jobs as the most important issue facing the province, followed by housing, poverty and homelessness (28%, =), health care (18%, -1), government accountability (5%, =) and crime and public safety (4%, -1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on February 25 and February 26, 2025, among 701 Ontario adults, including 666 decided voters in the 2025 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 3.9 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Some Canadians Take Wait-and-See Approach on Federal Politics

February 19, 2025February 18, 2025By Mario Canseco

Canadians are divided when asked to compare Pierre Poilievre to three former recent leaders of centre-right parties.

Vancouver, BC [February 19, 2025] – About one-in-four Canadians are no longer entirely convinced about voting for the Conservative Party in the next federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 23% of Canadians say they were leaning towards voting for the Conservatives, but the resignation of Justin Trudeau changed things and they need to see what the next Liberal Party leader does before deciding who to vote for.

Similar proportions of Canadians are certain that they will support Conservative candidates (30%) or vote against them (32%) in the next federal ballot, while 16% are completely undecided.

“In the last voting survey conducted in early January before Trudeau announced he was stepping down, more than half of decided voters in British Columbia and Ontario were backing the Conservatives,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Now, about one-in-four voters in each of these provinces are reassessing their choices.”

Practically half of Canadians (49%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the Conservatives in the next federal election. The rating is lower for the Liberals (43%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 43%), the Green Party (32%) and the People’s Party (23%).

Canadians who are considering voting for the Conservatives were asked about their primary motivation. More than a third (36%) say the most important factor is the party’s leader, while a slightly smaller proportion (33%) mention the party’s ideas and policies.

Fewer Conservative supporters are mainly moved by a desire for change (11%), the party’s candidate in the riding (10%), a desire for stability (6%) or disgust with other contending candidates (4%).

Canadians are evenly divided when comparing current Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to three of his predecessors. Similar proportions of Canadians think Poilievre is either better or worse than Stockwell Day (23% and 22% respectively), Andrew Scheer (24% and 23% respectively) and Erin O’Toole (24% and 23% respectively). About a third (32%) believe Poilievre is worse than Stephen Harper, while 20% believe he is better.

Among Canadians who voted for the Conservatives in the 2021 federal election, Poilievre is regarded as superior to O’Toole (50%), Scheer (48%) and Day (45%), but only 31% think he is better than Harper.

More than three-in-ten Canadians believe immigration (34%), the economy and jobs (33%), energy and pipelines (also 33%), crime and public safety (31%) and trade and Canada’s relationship with the United States (also 31%) would be better if Poilievre was serving as Canada’s prime minister.

Poilievre’s rating is lower on five other issues: foreign affairs (30%), accountability and leadership (also 30%), housing, homelessness and poverty (27%), health care (24%) and the environment (23%).

Canadians were also asked to select six words to describe Poilievre. Two-in-five (40%) say the Conservative leader is arrogant, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023. At least one-in-four Canadians also used the words intelligent (33%, -1), strong (32%, +6), efficient (26%, +6), dishonest (25%, -3) and uncaring (also 25%, +2).

In the Liberal Party’s leadership race, more than two-in-five Canadians (43%) have a favourable opinion of Mark Carney—a proportion that rises to 53% among those aged 55 and over, 50% in British Columbia and 44% in Quebec.

The favourability rating is lower for four other contenders: Chrystia Freeland (38%), Karina Gould (21%), Ruby Dhalla (17%) and Frank Baylis (16%).

The new leader of the Liberal Party is expected to become Prime Minister in March. When asked which one of the five contenders is better suited to handle 10 specific issues, Carney is ahead of his rivals on all of them, with larger leads on the economy and jobs (31%), accountability and leadership (29%) and trade and Canada’s relationship with the United States (also 29%).

Sizeable proportions of Canadians—ranging from 38% to 47%—cannot select any of the five Liberal leadership candidates for the tasks at hand.

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

Progressive Conservatives Way Ahead of Rivals in Ontario

February 14, 2025February 26, 2025By Mario Canseco

Almost half of Ontarians think Doug Ford would be the “Best Premier” for Canada’s most populous province.

Vancouver, BC [February 14, 2025] – The governing Progressive Conservative Party holds a sizeable advantage over all other contenders in Ontario’s provincial election campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Ontarians, 45% of decided voters say they will cast a ballot for the Ontario PC candidate in their constituency in this month’s provincial ballot.

The Ontario Liberal Party is second with 31%, followed by the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) with 15% and the Ontario Green Party with 4%. An additional 4% of decided voters would support other parties or independent candidates.

The Progressive Conservatives are ahead across all areas of the province, with particularly high showings in the 905 Region (52%), Northern Ontario (51%) and the 416 Region (46%).

“At this point in the 2022 provincial campaign, the governing Progressive Conservatives were garnering the support of 34% of decided voters in Ontario,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their lead in 2025 is markedly higher.”

More than half of Ontarians (56%) approve of the performance of Premier and Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Doug Ford. The rating is lower for Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie (48%), Official Opposition and Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Marit Stiles (43%) and Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner (40%).

More than one-in-four Ontarians (27%) say their opinion of Ford has improved since the start of the campaign. The numbers on this indicator are lower for Crombie (21%), Stiles (18%) and Schreiner (12%).

Almost half of Ontarians (46%) believe Ford would make the best premier of the province, followed by Crombie (22%), Stiles (11%) and Schreiner (5%).

Two issues are seen as the most important facing the province right now: the economy and jobs (28%) and housing, poverty and homelessness (also 28%). Fewer Ontarians are primarily concerned about health care (19%), government accountability (5%) or crime and public safety (also 5%).

Ford is seen as better suited to manage the economy and jobs (43%), energy and pipelines (also 43%), crime and public safety (42%), accountability (37%), housing, poverty and homelessness (34%), health care (32%), the environment (30%) and education (also 30%).

Crombie’s highest numbers are on health care (26%) and education (25%), while Stiles does best on housing, poverty and homelessness (18%).

More than two-in-five Ontarians (44%) believe the Ontario Liberals and the Ontario NDP should merge into a single political party, while just over a third (36%) disagree with this idea.

Half of residents of the 416 Region (50%) are in favour of a Liberal-NDP merger. The proportions are lower in the 905 Region (48%), Eastern Ontario (45%), Southwestern Ontario (38%) and Northern Ontario (35%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 11 to February 13, 2025, among 702 Ontario adults, including 639 decided voters in the 2025 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 3.9 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Practically Half of Canadians Foresee a Worsening Economy

February 12, 2025February 13, 2025By Mario Canseco

Concerns about the financial viability of employers increased from 33% in August 2024 to 48% this month.

Vancouver, BC [February 12, 2025] – Only a third of Canadians continue to provide a positive review of the country’s financial standing, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 32% of Canadians (unchanged since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2024) rate the economic conditions in Canada as “very good” or “good”, while 64% (=) consider them as “poor” or “very poor”.

Almost half of Canadians (48%, +14) think the Canadian economy will decline in the next six months, while 31% (-12) predict no changes and only 15% (=) expect a recovery.

“Canadians aged 55 and over are particularly pessimistic about the national economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Two thirds of Canada’s oldest adults (66%) expect a decline, compared to 48% of those aged 35-to-54 and 31% of those aged 18-to-34.”

More than half of Canadians (52%, +6) describe their own personal finances as “very good” or “good” right now—a proportion that rises to 58% among those aged 55 and over, 54% in Quebec and 53% in Ontario.

Practically half of Canadians (48%, +15) have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about their employer running into serious financial trouble.

Similar proportions of Canadians have also experienced concerns about being able to pay mortgage or rent (47%, +5), the value of their investments (47%, -5), unemployment affecting their household (45%, +3) and the safety of their savings (43%, -8).

Practically four-in-five Canadians expect higher prices for a week’s worth of groceries (78%, +2) and gasoline (78%, +1) in the next six months. Majorities also believe they will have to pay more for a new car (71%, +3), a new television set (61%, +8) and real estate (57%, -8).

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, +4) trust federal leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy. The numbers are lower for both Prime Minister Justin Trudeau (39%, +3) and Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (also 39%, +4).

Poilievre’s rating as an economic manager is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (50%), followed by Alberta (49%), Atlantic Canada (48%), Ontario (47%), Quebec (40%) and British Columbia (also 40%).

Trudeau’s numbers are better in Quebec (44%) and Ontario (43%), but drop in British Columbia (38%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%), Atlantic Canada (33%) and Alberta (30%).

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

Litterers, Careless Pet Owners Cause Anger in Canada and the U.S.

February 6, 2025February 6, 2025By Mario Canseco

Americans are decidedly more upset over issues related to bicycles, while Canadians are more irritated by smokers.

Vancouver, BC [February 6, 2025] – While most Canadians and Americans believe the residents of their municipalities and cities follow existing laws and by-laws, specific actions are bound to infuriate them, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, more than seven-in-ten Canadians say five behaviours make them “very upset” or “moderately upset”: not picking up dog waste (84%), using a hand-held cell phone when driving (81%), littering (79%), throwing cigarette butts on the ground (78%), parking in a handicapped spot without a decal (74%) and speeding on a municipal road or street (71%).

About two thirds of Canadians are irritated when they see people not wearing a seatbelt when driving a car or riding in a car (69%) or when they see an individual smoking in a patio, or near doorways, open windows, or air intakes (65%).

Fewer than two in five Canadians become upset by five other behaviours: people riding bicycles without a helmet (39%), riding bicycles on the sidewalk (37%), watering the lawn outside permitted hours (37%), downloading or streaming copyrighted material for free (33%) and jaywalking (31%).

In the United States, more than seven in ten Americans become irritated when they witness four behaviours: littering (79%), not picking up dog waste (77%), parking in a handicapped spot without a decal (73%) and using a hand-held cell phone when driving (71%).

Majorities of Americans also become upset when they see a driver speeding on a municipal road or street (66%), a person throwing cigarette butts on the ground (65%) or someone not wearing a seatbelt when driving a car or riding in a car (57%).

Fewer than half of Americans are irritated after witnessing people smoking in a patio, or near doorways, open windows, or air intakes (48%), riding bicycles without a helmet (29%), riding bicycles on the sidewalk (27%), watering the lawn outside permitted hours (25%), downloading or streaming copyrighted material for free (34%) and jaywalking (27%).

“Americans are not as upset as Canadians when witnessing smokers lighting up too close to non-smokers or discarding their cigarettes anywhere they please,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, Canadians are significantly angrier than Americans when cyclists ride without proper head protection.”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%) and Americans (76%) believe most of their city’s residents law-abiding.

More than four-in-five British Columbians (83%) say most residents of their municipality follow the law. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (76%), Ontario (75%), Atlantic Canada (also 75%), Alberta (67%) and Quebec (65%).

In the United States, almost four-in-five residents of the West (79%) think most residents of their city are law-abiding. The proportions drop the Midwest (75%), the South (73%) and the Northeast (71%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 22 to January 24, 2025, among 1,000 adults in Canada and 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty, in each country.

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

Canadians Ready to Boycott American Brands Over Trump Tariffs

February 3, 2025February 3, 2025By Mario Canseco

At least three-in-four want Canada to enhance trade with other partners around the world.

Vancouver, BC [February 3, 2025] – Many Canadians are willing to modify their consumer habits after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the implementation of a 25% tariff on Imports from Canada (and 10% on Canadian Energy), a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than three-in-five Canadians (63%) say they will avoid purchasing goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) plan to avoid American restaurant franchises in Canada, while 31% would avoid American entertainment options and 26% intend to cancel a planned trip to the United States.

More than four-in-five Canadians (87%) have followed news related to the tariffs “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

More than half of Canadians (54%) approve of the performance of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States, while 47% feel the same way about Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre.

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%) are satisfied with the way their provincial premier has managed the issue of tariffs, while 43% are content with the performance of their provincial opposition leader on this file.

In Canada’s four most populous provinces, the actions of the premier find a higher rating in British Columbia (67%), followed by Ontario (64%), Quebec (58%) and Alberta (54%). Among provincial opposition leaders, the results are best in Ontario (47%), followed by Alberta (44%), Quebec (also 44%) and British Columbia (37%).

Practically half of Canadians (49%) believe a Conservative federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States—a proportion that rises to 61% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 51% among those aged 35-to-54.

Residents of Alberta (59%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (55%) are more likely to say that the Conservatives would be better at managing the trade dispute than their counterparts in Ontario (50%), Atlantic Canada (48%), Quebec (46%) and British Columbia (42%).

Canadians are divided over what will transpire in the next six months, with 41% expecting the recently implemented tariffs on Canadian products to be rescinded by the American government, and 34% foreseeing their expansion.

When asked about specific options for Canada, at least three-in-four Canadians are in favour of enhancing trade with Australia and New Zealand (78%), the European Union (EU) (77%), Japan (75%) and Mexico (also 75%).

Almost two thirds of Canadians (64%) would consider requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA). This idea is backed by majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (74%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (67%) and the Conservative Party (62%) in the 2021 federal election.

Only 22% of Canadians would consider initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state, while 71% reject this notion.

“More than a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35%) are open to discussing the eventual addition of Canada into the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (25%) and those aged 55 and over (8%).”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on February 2, 2025, 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, in each country.

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

Young Canadians Are Ready for Biometrics Payments

January 29, 2025January 28, 2025By Mario Canseco

While 57% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 would welcome this option, only 30% of those aged 55 and over concur.

Vancouver, BC [January 29, 2025] – The way Canadians pay for things has not changed much over the past year and a half, and the country’s youngest adults remain supportive of the use of biometrics to make purchases, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians about the way they bought things over the past month.

More than a third of financial transactions in Canada (37%, -3 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2023) involved a credit card, while just under three-in-ten (29%, +1) required a debit card.

Fewer financial transactions were completed with cash (18%, =), a smartphone (7%, =), an e-transfer (7%, +1) or a cheque (2%, =).

“Almost half of all purchases made by Canadians aged 55 and over (46%) entailed a credit card,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The share is lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (37%) and aged 18-to-34 (29%).”

More than one-in-ten transactions made by Canadians aged 18-to-34 (11%) entailed the use of a smartphone. The proportions are lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (7%) and aged 55 and over (2%).

More than two thirds of Canadians (67%, +4) recall a moment in the past month when they did not have any paper money with them and had to buy something worth less than $10 with their credit or debit card.

Ontario (70%) and Quebec (69%) boast the largest proportions of residents who used a credit or debit card for a small purchase in the past month. The numbers are lower in British Columbia (67%), Alberta (also 67%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (61%) and Atlantic Canada (58%).

As was the case last year, Canadians are divided on the issue of biometrics payments. Almost half (46%, +2) say they would like to see people relying on fingerprints, palm recognition or iris scans to buy things in their lifetime.

An almost exact proportion of Canadians (45%, =) say they would not like to see body measurements and calculations being used to make purchases, while 10% (-1) are not sure

Support for the eventual implementation of biometrics payments is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (54%, +3), followed by those aged 35-to-54 (48%, +4) and those aged 55 and over (30%, -1).

About one-in-five Canadians (21%, -2) expect to be able to pay through fingerprints, palm recognition or iris scans in the next five years, while three-in-ten (30%, -3) think this will happen in the next 10 years.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 3 to January 5, 2025, among a representative sample of 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.