By Mario Canseco

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.

Negative Views on Illegal Immigration Increase in United States

January 27, 2025January 26, 2025By Mario Canseco

The perception of illegal immigrants “taking jobs away from American workers” has increased by 12 points since 2020.

Vancouver, BC [January 27, 2025] – Practically half of Americans hold unfavourable views on immigration, and a majority believe illegal immigrants are detrimental to American workers, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Americans (49%) think immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the United States, up 13 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2020.

Americans aged 18-to-34 are more likely to hold unfavourable views on the effect of immigration (50%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 55 and over (26%).

One-in-four Americans (25%, +1) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in the United States should increase, while three-in-ten (30%, +1) would prefer to see a decrease and 37% (-5) want the number to remain the same.

More than half of Americans (52%, +12) say the illegal immigrants in the United States take jobs away from American workers, while fewer than two-in-five (38%, -8) say they are employed in jobs that American workers do not want.

“Just over three-in-four Republicans (75%) and more than half of Independents (51%) believe illegal immigrants in the United States take jobs away from American workers,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 32% of Democrats share this view.”

Just over three-in-ten Americans (31%, +8) think the illegal immigrants who are currently working in the United States should be required to leave their jobs and be deported. One-in-five (21%, +2) would allow illegal immigrants to work on a temporary basis, but without a “path to citizenship”.

The proportion of Americans who would allow illegal immigrants to stay in the United States and eventually apply for citizenship fell from 49% in December 2020 to 38% in January 2025.

Most Democrats (56%) prefer the “path to citizenship” route to handle illegal immigration, while most Republicans (51%) are supportive of deportation. Independents are evenly split when assessing these options (34% for each).

Americans of Latino/Hispanic descent and African Americans are more likely to support a “path to citizenship” for illegal immigrants (50% and 47% respectively) than White Americans (34%).

Deportation is the desired course of action for Americans who get their news on a local network (41%) or on Fox News (35%). Those who watch CNN or MSNBC/CNBC are more likely to express support for the “path to citizenship” (47% and 55% respectively).

President Donald Trump begins is second term in office with an approval rating of 50%. Trump’s numbers are particularly high among Republicans (85%), Fox News watchers (67%), Americans aged 18-to-34 (60%) and White Americans (58%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 22 to January 24, 2025, 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 here, and download the press release here.

One-in-Four British Columbians Say They Are “Canadians Second”

January 22, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than a third of respondents aged 18-to-34 think the province would be better off as its own country,

Vancouver, BC [January 22, 2025] – British Columbia’s youngest adults are more likely to look favourably at the concept of sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 28% of British Columbians (+8 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2023) think the province would be better off as its own country, while 60% (-12) disagree and 12% (+3) are not sure.

While only 16% of British Columbians aged 55 and over think the province would be better off as its own country, the proportion rises to 34% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 37% among those aged 18-to-34.

“British Columbians who voted for either the BC Conservatives or the BC Greens in last year’s provincial election are more likely to hold favourable views on sovereignty (36% and 34% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 23% of those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) share this view.”

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%, -2) think they will stay in the province for the rest of their lives. Among those aged 18-to-34, the proportion is lower (60%, +1).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, =) consider themselves “Canadians first, British Columbians second”, while 25% (+4) say they are “British Columbians first, Canadians second.”

Residents of Northern BC are more likely to say they are “British Columbians first, Canadians second” (34%) than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver (25%), Vancouver Island (also 25%), Southern BC (23%) and the Fraser Valley (18%).

Practically four-in-five British Columbians (79%, -1) say they are very proud of the province that they live in, while more than three-in-five (64%, +7) believe their views are different from the rest of Canada.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, +2) believe the province’s residents have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

When asked to select the best premier the province has had since August 1986, one-in-four British Columbians (25%, -5) choose John Horgan. Gordon Campbell is second on the list with 11% (+3), followed by Christy Clark (7%, =), David Eby (also 7%, +3) and Mike Harcourt (6%, =).

Just under one-in-four British Columbians (23%, +4) pick Christy Clark as the worst recent premier of the province, followed by Campbell (11%, -2), Eby (9%, +5), Bill Vander Zalm (7%, =) and Glen Clark (7%, -1).

More than half of British Columbians (52%) say they would not have liked to see Christy Clark as leader of the Liberal Party of Canada—including 61% of BC NDP voters and 51% of BC Conservative voters in last year’s provincial election.

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%) say they would consider voting for the federal Liberals with Clark as leader, while a majority (58%) would not.

This survey was conducted before Clark announced on social media that she would not pursue the leadership of the Liberal Party of Canada at this time.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 10 to January 12, 2025, among a representative sample of 800 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.

Canadians Think Trump Will Have Negative Impact on the World

January 15, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

Almost half think a Conservative federal government is preferable to properly deal with the effects of the Donald Trump presidency.

Vancouver, BC [January 15, 2025] – Most Canadians have unfavourable expectations when pondering the second presidential term of Donald Trump in the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than half of Canadians believe Trump’s tenure as president will be negative for the world (59%), Canada (also 59%) and their province (56%).

Slightly larger proportions of Canadians also believe Trump’s term at the White House will be negative for the state of political correctness in the world (60%) and the fight against climate change (63%).

“More than a third of Canadian men (38%) think having Donald Trump as president in the United States will be positive for Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of Canadian women who feel the same way is decidedly lower (26%).”

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (75%) and aged 35-to-54 (56%) believe Trump’s term will be negative for Canada. Among Canadians aged 18-to-34, the proportion drops to 47%.

Just over half of Canadians (51%) think having Joe Biden as President of the United States since January 2021 has been “very good” or “good” for Canada. Conversely, 54% look back at Trump’s first term—from January 2017 to January 2021—and say he was “bad” or “very bad”.

When asked to rely on one of eight emotions to describe their feelings about Trump taking office as President of the United States this month, almost one-in-four Canadians (23%) outline “disgust”, while just under one-in-five (19%) express “fear”.

Other emotions used by Canadians to describe the inauguration of the next American president are “surprise” (12%), “trust” (9%), “joy” (8%), “anticipation” (8%), “sadness” (6%) and “anger” (5%).

Almost half of Canadians (46%) think a Conservative federal government would be better to properly deal with the effects of a Trump presidency, while 31% would rather have a Liberal federal government.

More than half of Albertans (55%) prefer a federal Conservative government to handle Trump. Pluralities across all other regions feel the same way, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba (49%), Ontario (also 49%), Atlantic Canada (44%), British Columbia (42%) and Quebec (41%).

More than one-in-ten Canadians (11%) say they have avoided American restaurant franchises in Canada as a result of Trump’s election. Slightly more Canadians say they have cancelled a planned trip to the United States (13%) or avoided purchasing goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative was available (16%).

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

Conservatives Rise in Canada on Eve of Trudeau’s Resignation

January 7, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

Majorities of voters across all regions—with the exception of Quebec—would support the opposition party in an election.

Vancouver, BC [January 7, 2025] – The federal Conservative Party amassed a sizeable lead over the governing Liberal Party in Canada, on the weekend prior to Justin Trudeau’s announced resignation as prime minister, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of decided voters in Canada would support the Conservative candidate in their riding if an election took place tomorrow, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2024.

The governing Liberal Party is a distant second with 21% (-4), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 15% (-2), the Bloc Québécois with 10% (+1), the Green Party with 3% (-3) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

The Conservatives are the most popular party for decided voters in Atlantic Canada (58%, +7), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (57%, +17) Alberta (56%, +1), British Columbia (54%, +4), and Ontario (51%, +12). In Quebec, the Bloc is first (37%, +4), followed by the Conservatives (29%, +8) and the Liberals (21%, -7).

Almost three-in-ten Canadians (29%, -3) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important concern facing the country, followed by the economy and jobs (22%, -3), health care (16%, +1), immigration (13%, +3) and the environment (6%, =).

As was the case in August 2024, Official Opposition and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has the highest approval rating among all federal leaders (52%, =). The numbers are lower for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (39%, -3), Prime Minister and Liberal leader Trudeau (34%, =), Green leader Elizabeth May (32%, -3), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (27%, +2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (23%, -3).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, Poilievre is first with 39% (+2), followed by Trudeau (21%, -1) and Singh (12%, -2).

A majority of Canadians (55%, +1) say they would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy. Just over a third (34%, =) are currently comfortable with Trudeau in this position.

The survey re-asked some questions posed to Canadians in October 2023 about possible cooperation between the Liberals and the New Democrats.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%, -7) would welcome a formal agreement where the Liberal Party and the NDP share power in a coalition government. Fewer are in favour of two other ideas: an agreement to only run candidates from one of the two parties in every riding in Canada in the next federal election (34%, -1) or a full merger between the two parties (33%, -3).

When Canadians ponder a vote with a merged Liberal-NDP party, the Conservatives remain ahead in scenarios with Trudeau (48% to 31%) or Singh (46% to 34%) as leaders of the new political organization.

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

Career is Becoming a Priority for Canadians and Americans

January 6, 2025January 5, 2025By Mario Canseco

While 54% of Americans say country is “very important” to them personally, only 47% of Canadians concur.

Vancouver, BC [January 6, 2025] – The perceptions of Canadians and Americans on specific features of life have shifted over the past couple of years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 76% of Canadians and 74% of Americans say family is “very important” to them personally. This represents a three-point increase in Canada since 2023 and a three-point drop in the United States since 2022.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) say friends are “very important” to them. The proportions are lower for country (47%, +2), career (38%, +6), religion (26%, +1) and affluence (15%, +2).

In the United States, majorities of residents consider friends (56%, +1) and country (54%, +3) as “very important”. Fewer Americans feel the same way about career (41%, +1), religion (40%, +2) and affluence (21%, +9).

Just over two-in-five Americans aged 55 and over (43%) say religion is “very important” to them. The numbers are significantly lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (22%).

“In 2020 and 2021, only 29% of Canadians said career was very important to them,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion in 2024 is nine points higher.”

Fewer than three-in-five Canadians (57%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual.” In the United States, seven-in-ten residents (70%, +3) feel this way.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) and almost two thirds of Americans (65%, +2) describe their religious faith as Christian. Just under a third of Canadians (32%, -2) and fewer than one-in-four Americans (23%, -2) say they are atheist, agnostic or have no religious faith.

The Canadian province with the largest proportion of atheist, agnostic or non-religious residents is British Columbia (45%, +4). In the United States, residents of the Midwest are more likely to not have a specific religious faith (31%, +4) than their counterparts in the remaining census regions.

Just over one third of Canadians (34%, +4) say they never attend religious gatherings, while 23% (+1) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

In the United States, almost a third of Americans (32%, +9) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week, while more than one-in-four (27%, =) never do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 8 to November 10, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada and 1,001 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.

One-in-Four Canadians Flirt with Province Joining the USA

December 20, 2024January 8, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-ten Canadians think their province would be better off with a different Prime Minister in Ottawa.

Vancouver, BC [December 20, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who believe their province would benefit from becoming an American state has increased over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) think their province would be better off joining the U.S. and becoming an American state, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

The notion of a province benefitting from becoming the 51st State resonates most in Alberta (30%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (29%), Ontario (also 29%), Quebec (24%), Atlantic Canada (24%) and British Columbia (18%).

“The appeal of a province joining the United States varies greatly by age,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 10% of Canadians aged 55 and over perceive benefits, the proportion rises to 27% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 40% among those aged 18-to-34.”

Just over three-in-ten Canadians (31%, +7) believe their province would be better off as its own country. More than a third of residents of Alberta (38%) and Quebec (35%) share this view.

The survey outlines a significant level of animosity towards the federal and provincial heads of government across the country. More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, +9) believe their province would be better off with a different Prime Minister in Ottawa.

Two thirds of Albertans (67%) and Ontarians (66%) think their province would benefit from having someone other than Justin Trudeau in charge of the federal government. Majorities of residents of Atlantic Canada (64%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (58%), British Columbia (57%) and Quebec (53%) concur.

Canadians aged 35-to-54 are more likely to think that their province would benefit from a change in Ottawa (65%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (62%) and those aged 55 and over (56%).

Most Canadians (57%) think their province would be better off with a different premier in charge. This sentiment is more prevalent in Ontario (65%), Alberta (64%) and Quebec (57%). Fewer residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%), Atlantic Canada (48%) and British Columbia (47%) feel the same way.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 13 to December 15, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Majority of Canadians Expect Fun, Not Stressful, Holiday Season

December 18, 2024December 17, 2024By Mario Canseco

There is no clear consensus about the proper age to disclose “the truth” about Santa Claus to children.

Vancouver, BC [December 18, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who foresee a tense holiday season increased since last year, even as more than half predict a relatively carefree time in the next few weeks, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 53% of Canadians expect the current holiday season to be “more fun than stressful” (-3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2023), while 31% (+4) believe it will be “more stressful than fun.”

“About a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 (both at 34%) think the holiday season will be stressful,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 27% of Canadians aged 55 and over share this view.”

“Merry Christmas” remains the preferred greeting for Canadians (62%, +1), while just under one-in-four (24%, +3) like “Happy Holidays” and 14% (-2) are not sure or do not care either way.

More than two thirds of Atlantic Canadians (73%) and Albertans (67%) choose “Merry Christmas” as their greeting. The proportions are lower in Ontario (64%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (63%), British Columbia (62%) and Quebec (52%).

Three staples of the holiday season remain popular across the country. At least three-in-five Canadians say they like turkey (85%, +2), cranberry sauce (68%, +3) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).

The rating is lower for egg nog (59%, +3), fruit cake (58%, =), mince pies (49%, -1), plum pudding (47%, =) and mulled wine (40%, +3).

Quebec remains the province with the smallest proportion of residents who like egg nog (49%). The numbers are higher in Ontario (63%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 63%), Atlantic Canada (also 63%), British Columbia (59%) and Alberta (55%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked how old they were when they learned “the truth” about Santa Claus. More than half of Canadians (56%) say they found out at age 9 or younger, while fewer than three-in-ten (28%) realized at age 10 or older.

Just over a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (34%) found out “the truth” about Santa Claus after their 10th birthday. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (30%) and aged 55 and over (20%).

Half of Canadians (50%) think the appropriate age for children to be told “the truth” about Santa Claus is age 9 or younger, while more than a third (36%) believe this should happen at age 10 or older.

Almost half of Atlantic Canadians (48%) think “the truth” about Santa Claus should be discussed with children after they turn 10. The proportions are lower in Ontario (42%), Alberta (40%), British Columbia (35%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%) and Quebec (24%).

Just over seven-in-ten Canadians (71%) say they are satisfied with the way their parents and/or caregivers handled conversations about “the truth” about Santa Claus, while 15% are dissatisfied.

The level of dissatisfaction with these conversations is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (20%), Canadians of South Asian descent (19%), Ontarians (18%), Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election (16%) and Canadians in the highest. Income bracket (also 16%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 5 to December 7, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,004 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region 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.

British Columbians Would Lower Speed Limit on Residential Streets

December 13, 2024December 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

The use of speed-on-green intersection cameras is endorsed by more than seven-in-ten of the province’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2024] – More than three-in-five British Columbians would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their own municipality, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 63% of British Columbians are in favour of this directive, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2023.

Support for reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h on all residential streets, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, is highest in Metro Vancouver (65%), followed by the Fraser Valley (62%), Northern BC (61%), Vancouver Island (59%) and Southern BC (58%).

In 2019, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to establish a pilot project to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h on select residential streets in the city. The pilot project was first implemented in the Grandview-Woodland neighbourhood.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (67%, -2) believe the pilot project in Vancouver is a “very good” or “good” idea—including 70% of Metro Vancouverites and 69% of residents of Southern BC.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -3) see a car that they perceive is circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h on the street where they live “at least once a day”, while 30% (+2) experience this “a few times a week”.

The survey also asked British Columbians about automated speed enforcement, which works by using cameras or sensors to pick up a vehicle speeding. A ticket is then issued to the owner of the vehicle. Driver’s license points are not issued as the driver of the vehicle cannot be identified.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians approve of three kinds of automated speed enforcement: speed-on-green intersection cameras, or red light cameras that also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections (72%, =), fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes (71%, -2), and point-to-point enforcement, which uses cameras at two or more distant points on a road to issue tickets to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive (also 71%, +14).

“The use of speed-on-green cameras, which is currently in place in British Columbia, remains popular across the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 18-to-34 (72%), aged 35-to-54 (also 72%) and aged 55 and over (also 72%) are in favour of this type of automated speed enforcement.”

More than three-in-five British Columbians approve of one other kind of automated speed enforcement: mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (64%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 27 to November 29, 2024, among a representative sample of 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.

Almost Half in Canada and USA See Trump Followers as “Cult”

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of both countries are less critical when assessing people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [December 4, 2024] – A significant proportion of Canadians and Americans hold a particularly negative view of followers of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, respondents in Canada and the United States were asked if it is far or unfair to refer to followers of specific people, parties and ideas as a cult.

A cult is often defined as a group which is typically led by a charismatic leader, who tightly controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered outside the norms of society.

Almost half of Canadians (47%) and Americans (46%) think it is fair to refer to followers of the Republican Party and Donald Trump as a cult.

Half of Canadians aged 55 and over (50%) can describe followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult. The numbers are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 18-to-34 (48%).

In the United States, respondents aged 55 and over are less likely to believe it is warranted for followers of Trump and the Republicans to be thought of as a cult (42%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (48%) and aged 35-to-54 (49%).

“Americans who describe themselves as Democrats (76%) and Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Paty (NDP) in 2021 (63% and 54% respectively) think it is fair to refer to followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Republicans in the United States (41%) and Conservatives in Canada (40%).”

At least two-in-five Canadians (40%) and Americans (42%) think it is warranted to refer to people who participated in the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic as a cult. Slightly smaller proportions of Canadians and Americans (36% and 39% respectively) feel the same way about people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

While 37% of Americans believe it is fair to refer to followers of the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris in the United States as a cult, the proportion drops to 30% in Canada. The results are similar for followers of Robert Kennedy Jr. in the United States (38% in the United States and 29% in Canada).

In Canada, at least a third of respondents believe it is warranted to refer to followers of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre (35%) and followers of the Liberal Party and Justin Trudeau (33%) as cults, The proportions are lower for followers of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Jagmeet Singh (31%), followers of the People’s Party and Maxime Bernier (also 31%) and followers of the Green Party and Elizabeth May in Canada (26%).

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

Most British Columbians Targeted by “Phishing” Scams

November 27, 2024November 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

Compared to 2022, fewer of the province’s residents say their computer became infected with a virus while they were online.

Vancouver, BC [November 27, 2024] – More than three-in-five British Columbians recall receiving an email where somebody attempted to acquire personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians say they have received a “phishing” email, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than half of British Columbians (54%, -4) received an email offering them money for their help and assistance, in what is usually referred to as the “Nigerian scam.”

Fewer of the province’s residents say their computer became infected with a virus while they were browsing the Internet (25%, -6), or endured hackers accessing their social media platform (15%, -1) or email address (15%, =).

More than three-in-four British Columbians participate in five activities online at least a few times per month: visiting websites or blogs (87%, -2), accessing banking information (also 87%, =), looking for deals on websites (78%, -3), using an instant messaging service (80%, +1) and looking for directions and/or maps to get to a destination (76%, +3).

Fewer British Columbians purchase goods from a website (59%, -1), post on social media (53%, -4), upload pictures or videos to the Internet (48%, -5) or use the Internet to place telephone calls (39%, =) at least a few times per month.

Roughly half of British Columbians have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about having their personal information stolen over the Internet (50%, -1), computers and technology being used to invade their privacy (49%, -2) and somebody hacking into their own computer or smartphone (47%, +1).

Just over half of British Columbians (53%, -3) say they are “very” or “moderately” comfortable commenting on an online forum that requires an email address.

The level of comfort is significantly higher for other online activities, including making charitable donations (70%, -3), accessing banking information (86%, -1), shopping (86%, -3) and sending emails (90%, -4).

“Only 29% of British Columbians aged 55 and over are very comfortable shopping online,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (47%) and aged 18-to-34 (50%).”

More than half of British Columbians (57%, -5) have typed their name on Google to see what has been posted about them online.

Among the province’s residents who googled themselves, 57% (-4) claim that the information that came up was “accurate”, while 13% (+1) think it was “inaccurate”. Three-in-ten of these residents (30%, +3) did not find information about themselves online.

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%, +4) only have one email address, while 41% (=) possess two and 33% (-4) have three or more.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 15 to November 17, 2024, among a representative sample of 800 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.

Canadians and Americans Clearly at Odds on Climate Change

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of the United States are less likely to describe the current situation as a “major crisis” than their Canadian counterparts.

Vancouver, BC [November 20, 2024] – While just over three-in-five Canadians believe climate change is real and caused by human activity, the proportion of Americans who feel the same way has dwindled over the past two years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 61% of Canadians say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

In the United States, just over half of residents (51%, -9 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2022) believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

About a quarter of Americans and Canadians (27% and 25% respectively) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes, while smaller proportions (12% in the United States and 10% in Canada) say global warming is a theory that has not been proven.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, =) describe climate change as a “major crisis”, compared to 55% of Americans (-5).

Fewer respondents in the two countries refer to global warming as a “minor crisis” (23% in the United States and 24% in Canada) or “not a crisis at all” (13% in the United States, 9% in Canada).

Americans who voted for Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump in 2024 are significantly more likely to say climate change is “not a crisis at all” (25%) than those who cast ballots for Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party (3%).

In Canada, fewer than one-in-twenty Canadians who supported the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election (4% and 3% respectively) think climate change is “not a crisis at all”. Among those who voted for Conservative Party candidates, the proportion rises to 21%.

Majorities of Canadians and Americans believe three entities should be doing more to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: companies and corporations (71% in Canada and 63% in the United States), governments (64% in Canada and 62% in the United States) and individuals and consumers (55% in Canada and 58% in the United States).

The results are similar when Canadians and Americans are asked about issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future. Majorities believe governments (69% in Canada and 63% in the United States), companies and corporations (68% in Canada and 63% in the United States) and consumers (57% in Canada and 58% in the United States) should be more active.

A final question asked Canadians and Americans about their willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address seven issues.

More than half of Americans (55%) say they would be willing to pay higher taxes to deal with climate change. This includes three-in-four Democrats (76%), but significantly fewer Independents (45%) and Republicans (42%).

More than half of Americans expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address schools (66%), homelessness (62%), floods (57%), forest fires (56%), housing improvements (54%) and transit improvements (51%).

In Canada, 55% of respondents are also willing to pay more to deal with global warming. More than three-in-four Canadians who voted for the Liberals or the NDP In 2021 (66% and 64% respectively) agree on this issue, but only 45% of Conservative supporters concur.

Compared to Americans, Canadians are more reticent about paying higher taxes to adequately address schools (56%), forest fires (54%), housing improvements (53%), homelessness (53%), floods (52%) and transit improvements (47%).

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

More Canadians Interested in Grey Cup Now Than in 2021

November 13, 2024November 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of Canadians who consider themselves fans of the NBA rose by seven points since 2021.

Vancouver, BC [November 13, 2024] – A larger proportion of Canadians intend to watch the Canadian Football League (CFL) championship game this weekend than three years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they will “definitely” or “probably” watch the Grey Cup on November 17, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2021.

More than half of Canadians (53%, +3) plan to watch the Super Bowl of the National Football League (NFL) in February—a proportion that rises to 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

“The Grey Cup is particularly appealing to Canadians of South Asian (56%), Indigenous (45%) and European (43%) ancestry,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 31% of Canadians of East Asian descent plan to watch the game.”

The results are different for the Super Bowl. At least half of Canadians whose origins are European (50%), East Asian (51%), Indigenous (63%) and South Asian (64%) plan to watch the contest next year.

Three-in-five Canadians (60%, +5) consider themselves fans of the National Hockey League (NHL). Fandom is lower for all the other leagues tested, including the NFL (39%, +3), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (38%, +7), the CFL (33%, +1), Major League Baseball (MLB) (also 33%, +2) and Major League Soccer (MLS) (26%, +4).

Roughly the same proportions of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (33%), aged 35-to-54 (31%) and aged 55 and over (34%) are fans of the CFL. In contrast, NFL fans in Canada are primarily aged 18-to-34 (43%) and aged 35-to-54 (41%).

More than two-in-five Canadian men consider themselves fans of the NHL (66%), the NBA (47%), the NFL (46%) and MLB (41%). The proportions are lower for the CFL (38%) and MLS (33%).

Among female respondents, the most popular leagues are the NHL (55%) and the NFL (31%). Fewer than three-in-ten Canadian women are fans of the NBA (29%), the CFL (27%), MLB (25%) and MLS (19%).

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, +5) have become more interested in the NHL over the past two years. The results are lower for the NFL (16%, +6), the NBA (15%, +3), MLS (14%, +6), the CFL (12%, +4) and MLB (also 12%, +4).

In 2021, the Edmonton CFL franchise changed its name from Eskimos to Elks. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, -2) think the team made the correct decision, while 31% (+2) disagree.

In Alberta, almost half of residents (48%, +1) think Edmonton’s CFL franchise should have kept its previous name, while 41% (+1) are in favour of the change to Elks.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 1 to November 3, 2024, among 1,000 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 plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Photo Credit: TorontoGuy79

Most Canadians Would Restrain Residential School Denialism

November 6, 2024November 5, 2024By Mario Canseco

Respondents of all age groups want their own Member of Parliament to support the bill proposed by the NDP’s Leah Gazan.

Vancouver, BC [November 6, 2024] – Practically three-in-five Canadians back a proposal to criminalize residential school denialism, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Leah Gazan, a New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament from Manitoba, recently introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons. The bill seeks to make it a Criminal Code offence to willfully promote hatred against Indigenous people by condoning, denying, justifying or minimizing the facts about residential schools.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 59% of Canadians want their own MP to vote in favour of Gazan’s bill, while 24% would prefer for their elected representative to vote against it.

“Support for criminalizing residential school denialism is highest among NDP (77%) and Liberal Party (67%) voters in 2021,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (46%) concur.”

The level of support for Gazan’s bill is similar among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (60%), aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 55 and over (58%).

Majorities of Canadians whose desscent is Indigenous (69%), South Asian (65%), East Asian (61%) and European (59%) want their elected representative to support the Gazan’s bill.

This survey confirms the findings of a Research Co. poll conducted in August 2020, which focused on the way Canadians learned about residential schools.

Almost half of Canadians who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada (48%) say they did not hear about residential schools at all during their time as students.

Canadians aged 55 and over who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada are less likely to have learned about residential schools in the classroom (70%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (51%) and aged 18-to-34 (26%).

Looking back at what they were told as students in Canada, 41% of these respondents say the assessment of residential schools provided by their teachers at the time was positive, while 36% recall it as negative.

The perceptions of these respondents are very different now, with 54% saying they currently view residential schools in a negative light, and 34% saying their opinion is positive.

More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (58%) and aged 55 and over (52%) who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada now have a negative view of residential schools.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 21 to October 23, 2024, 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 plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Photo Credit: TheGoodAndHolyLord

Americans Staunchly Divided in Close Presidential Race

November 4, 2024November 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

Similar proportions of likely voters say they will be “upset” if either Kamala Harris or Donald Trump win the contest.

Vancouver, BC [November 4, 2024] – The race for the White House is in a statistical tie at the national level, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters in the United States, 50% of decided voters (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early October) would support Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris or have already voted for her, while 48% (+1) would cast a ballot for Donald Trump of the Republican Party.

Trump leads Harris among male decided voters (54% to 44%), while Harris is ahead of Trump among female decided voters (56% to 42%).

The Democratic nominee remains ahead in the Northeast (57% to 41%) and the West (56% to 41%). The Republican contender holds the upper hand in the South (53% to 46%) and the Midwest (51% to 47%).

Harris remains the preferred candidate for decided voters who are African American (75%) or Hispanic / Latino (60%), while Trump is the first choice for white decided voters (57%).

“Whoever emerges victorious in the American presidential election will inherit an extremely polarized electorate,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Significant proportions of Americans claim they will be very upset if Trump (50%) or Harris (49%) win the election.”

The main motivator for American decided voters is the presidential candidate’s ideas and policies (40%), followed by the candidate’s political party (21%), a desire for change (18%), a desire for stability (14%) and disgust with other contenders (10%).

Across the United States, 47% of likely voters expect a clear or close win for Harris in the presidential election, while 42% believe Trump will experience a clear or close win.

Just over two-in-five American likely voters (41%) expect to witness the winning candidate declare victory on Election Night (Nov. 5), but only 25% foresee a concession speech from the defeated candidate on that same night.

American likely voters were asked which of the two main presidential nominees is best suited to manage 13 different issues.

Trump holds the upper hand over Harris on five issues: immigration (50% to 40%), national defense (50% to 40%), energy and oil (48% to 40%), the economy (48% to 44%) and foreign policy (47% to 42%).

Harris is ahead of Trump on four issues: health care (52% to 37%), the environment (51% to 35%), race relations (51% to 35%) and education (51% to 37%).

The two candidates are tied or virtually tied on four other issues: job creation (Harris 45%, Trump 45%), government accountability (Harris 44%, Trump 43%), managing the deficit (Trump 43%, Harris 42%) and crime (Trump 46%, Harris 43%),

President Joe Biden heads to the final stages of his term with an approval rating of 45% (+1). While just over four-in-five Democrats are satisfied with Biden’s performance (81%), the proportions are decidedly lower among Independents (36%) and Republicans (11%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on November 2 and November 3, 2024, among 1,003 likely voters in the United States and 962 decided voters in the 2024 presidential election. 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 for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Battleground States Remain Closely Contested in U.S. Race

November 4, 2024November 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

Democrats will win the Senate and Gubernatorial races in Washington; Republicans will achieve the “double” in Missouri.

Vancouver, BC [November 4, 2024] – On the eve of the 2024 United States Presidential Election, new polls conducted by Research Co. point to Republican victories in two states and Democratic wins in six others. In three battleground states, the two candidates remain within the margin of error of each other.

California

The last Republican presidential nominee to carry California was George H. W. Bush in 1988. Democrat Joe Biden defeated Republican Donald Trump in 2020, with 63% of all cast ballots. This year, Kamala Harris holds a 33-point advantage over Trump among decided voters (65% to 32%).

Voters in the Golden State are also set to send Democrat Adam Schiff to the U.S. Senate. Schiff holds commanding leads over Republican Steve Garvey (64% to 36% in the Special Election, and 62% to 38% in the Regular Election).

There is also majority support in California for two propositions that are on the ballot in 2024: Proposition 3 or “Constitutional Right to Marriage” (68%) and Proposition 36 or “Allows Felony Charges and Increases Sentences for Certain Drug and Theft Crimes” (69%).

Florida

In this century, the only Democratic nominee who carried the Sunshine State was Barack Obama in 2008 and 2012. Trump won Florida in 2016 with 49% of the vote and in 2020 with 51% of the vote.

This year, Trump is ahead of Harris in Florida (52% to 46%). In the U.S. Senate race, Republican incumbent Rick Scott is ahead of Democratic challenger Debbie Mucarsel-Powell (52% to 45%).

Michigan

In 2016, Trump ended a streak of six consecutive presidential elections where the Great Lakes State was won by Democrats, defeating Hillary Clinton by 10,704 votes in 2016 (47.5% to 47.3%)

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.6% to 47.8%) to secure Michigan’s 16 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Michigan has 15 Electoral Votes.

Harris heads to Election Day with a four-point edge over Trump (51% to 47%). The lead is slightly larger for Democratic candidate Elissa Slotkin against Republican challenger Mike Rogers in the U.S. Senate race (52% to 46%).

Minnesota

No Republican presidential nominee has carried the Great Lakes State since Richard Nixon in 1972. In 2024, Harris leads Trump by eight points (53% to 45%).

In the race for the U.S. Senate, incumbent democrat Amy Klobuchar is significantly ahead of Republican challenger Royce White (57% to 40%).

Missouri

Since 1968, the Democratic nominee for president has won the Show Me State three times: once under Jimmy Carter in 1976 and twice under Bill Clinton in 1992 and 1996. This year, Trump holds the upper hand over Harris (56% to 41%).

There is also majority support in Missouri for incumbent Republican U.S. Senator Josh Hawley against Democratic candidate Lucas Kunce (54% to 43%) and for Republican gubernatorial contender Mike Kehoe against Democrat Crystal Quade (56% to 41%).

New Jersey

In 1992, Bill Clinton ended a streak of six consecutive elections in which Republican presidential candidates carried the Garden State. The Democratic nominee has won New Jersey in every presidential election since. This year, Harris is 17 points ahead of Trump (58% to 41%).

In the race to the U.S. Senate, Democratic contender Andy Kim leads Republican candidate Curtis Bashaw (58% to 40%). Longtime U.S. Senator Bob Menendez—who resigned earlier this year following his conviction on charges of bribery, extortion, honest services fraud, obstruction of justice and conspiracy—abandoned his independent bid in August.

New York

In 1984, Ronald Reagan was the last Republican nominee to carry the Empire State in a presidential election. Trump—who was born in New York City—received 37% of the vote in 2016 and 38% of the vote in 2020, losing to Hillary Clinton (59%) and Joe Biden (61%) respectively. This year, Trump trails Harris by a smaller margin heading into Election Day (58% to 42%).

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand holds a significant lead over Republican challenger Mike Sapraicone (64% to 34%).

Pennsylvania

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Keystone State since George H. W. Bush in 1988, defeating Clinton by 44,292 votes (48.2% to 47.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.0% to 48.8%) to capture Pennsylvania’s 20 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Pennsylvania has 19 Electoral Votes.

There is no change in the perception of decided voters in Pennsylvania since our look at this race in early October. Harris remains statistically tied with Trump (50% to 49%). The lead is also small for incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Bob Casey Jr. in his race against David McCormick of the Republican Party (50% to 48%).

Virginia

From 1968 to 2004, only Republican presidential candidates won the Old Dominion State. In 2008, Barack Obama began a run of four consecutive presidential ballots in which Virginia has been carried by Democrats. In 2024, Harris appears ready to extend this streak, with a six-point lead over Trump (52% to 46%).

In the U.S. Senate election, incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine is ahead of Republican contender Hung Cao (56% to 44%).

Washington

No Republican presidential nominee has won the Evergreen State since Reagan in 1984. Forty years later, Harris heads to Election Day with a significant lead over Trump (57% to 41%).

Incumbent Democratic U.S. Senator Maria Cantwell is ahead of Republican contender Raul Garcia (60% to 40%). Democrat Bob Ferguson leads Republican Dave Reichert in the state’s gubernatorial race (57% to 42%).

Wisconsin

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Badger State since Ronald Reagan in 1984, defeating Clinton by 22,748 votes 47.2% to 46.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (49.4% to 48.8%) to win Wisconsin’s 10 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, Wisconsin will continue to have 10 Electoral Votes.

Compared to October, Harris has a larger advantage over Trump (51% to 47%). The U.S. Senate race is closer, with incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin slightly ahead of Republican candidate Eric Hovde (50% to 48%).

Methodology: Results are based on online surveys conducted on November 2 and November 3, 2024, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in 11 American states: California, Florida, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Still Hoping for Senate Reform

November 1, 2024October 31, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only 12% of Canadians have met a sitting Senator, while at least one-in-four have met mayors, councillors or MPs.

Vancouver, BC [November 1, 2024] – A significantly low proportion of Canadians express satisfaction with the status quo related to the upper house, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, only 7% of Canadians say the country needs a Senate and the current guidelines that call for appointed senators should not be modified, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%, +3) think Canada does not need a Senate and want all legislation to be reviewed and authorized by the House of Commons. Almost half (48%, +3) believe Canada needs a Senate, but Canadians should be allowed to take part in the process to choose senators.

Support for a type of Senate reform that would allow for the participation of Canadians is highest in Alberta (59%). More than two-in-five residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%), Ontario (47%), British Columbia (also 47%), Quebec (46%) and Atlantic Canada (44%) share this view.

When asked to choose between four different options for the Red Chamber, just under two-in-five Canadians (38%, +5) support reforming the Senate to allow for the direct election of senators.

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians prefer any of the other three options tested: having a selection committee that would appoint non-partisan senators (18%, +1), abolishing the Senate of Canada altogether (also 18%, +4) and the Prime Minister appointing senators (11%, +5).

“Support for the abolition of the Senate of Canada, in spite of its unique complexities, is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (30%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (16%) and aged 18-to-34 (6%) feel the same way.”

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has only named senators that were recommended by an arm’s-length advisory body and not directly appointed by him.

Canadians are split on this decision, with 32% (+4), saying Trudeau’s changes have made the Senate “better”, 27% (-4) claiming the changes have had no effect, and 28% (+8) saying the situation is now worse.

Just over half of respondents (51%, -5) expect Canadians to one day be able to directly elect their senators, while 28% (+5) disagree with this notion.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to believe that one day Canada will have direct elections to the Senate (62%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (55%) and aged 55 and over (37%).

Respondents were asked if they have met sitting political leaders during the course of their lives. While at least a quarter of Canadians have met a mayor (31%), councillor (27%), Member of Parliament (26%) or member of their provincial legislature (25%), only 12% have crossed paths with a sitting senator.

Residents of Quebec (17%) are more likely to have met a sitting senator than their counterparts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (15%), Atlantic Canada (14%) British Columbia (11%), Alberta (also 11%) and Ontario (8%).

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

Photo Credit: abdallahh

Canadians Ambivalent on Moving Halloween to Saturdays

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of Canadians who enjoy pumpkin spice beverages has increased from 44% in 2022 to 52% this year.

Vancouver, BC [October 29, 2024] – Compared to two years ago, fewer Canadians are convinced about celebrating every Halloween on the weekend, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians agree with moving Halloween to the last Saturday in October, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +5) disagree with changing Halloween’s date, while 15% (-2) are undecided.

Support for moving Halloween to the last Saturday in October is highest in Quebec (45%), followed by Ontario (41%), British Columbia (also 41%), Atlantic Canada (40%), Alberta (37%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).

The survey also asked Canadians about the suitability of specific Halloween costumes for children and adults. More than half of Canadians believe children’s costumes that represent an ethnic stereotype (58%, -2) or that change the colour of the wearer’s skin (53%, -4) are inappropriate.

More than two-in-five Canadians also believe three other kinds of children’s costumes are inappropriate: those that require toy or replica weapons (48%, -3), those that refer to a culture that is not the wearer’s own (42%, -1) and those that depict a social stereotype (such as a jailbird or vagabond) (41%, +1).

The perceptions of Canadians are similar when the same garments are imagined on adults. Three-in-five (60%, =) think costumes that represent an ethnic stereotype are inappropriate, and more than half (54%, -6) feel the same way about costumes that alter the adult’s skin colour.

More than two-in-five Canadians find fault in adult costumes that refer to a culture that is not the adult’s own (46%, -4), incorporate toy or replica weapons (45%, -5) or represent a social stereotype (41%, =).

“Majorities of Canadians whose ancestry is Indigenous (55%) or European (52%) decry adult Halloween costumes that refer to a culture that is not the wearer’s own (55%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Canadians of East Asian (49%) and South Asian (38%) descent.”

Candy corn remains an extremely contentious confection, with 47% of Canadians (+5) saying they like it, and 45% (-3) saying they dislike it.

Animosity towards candy corn reaches 47% among Canadians aged 35-to-54 and 49% among Quebecers. Conversely, the confection is particularly popular among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%) and Ontarians (also 50%).

More than half of Canadians (52%, +8) say they like pumpkin spice flavoured drinks, while larger proportions enjoy pumpkin spice flavoured cakes (67%, +9) and pumpkin pie (70%, +4).

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

Photo Credit: Patricia (Brownies for Dinner)

Late Surge Gives Saskatchewan Its Closest Election Since 2003

October 27, 2024November 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

On the “Best Premier” question, Scott Moe and Carla Beck are separated by just four points.

Vancouver, BC [October 27, 2024] – Voters in Saskatchewan head to tomorrow’s provincial election with the two main parties locked in a statistical tie, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency, while 46% would support the governing Saskatchewan Party. Across Saskatchewan, 5% of decided voters would back other parties or independent candidates.

Since the previous Research Co. survey conducted in early October, province-wide support for the NDP has risen by five points, while backing for the Saskatchewan Party has dropped by the same margin.

Among male decided voters, the Saskatchewan Party has an eight-point lead over the NDP (52% to 44%). The NDP is now ahead of the Saskatchewan Party among female decided voters (51% to 42%).

The race is extremely close among decided voters aged 55 and over (Sask. Party 46%, NDP 45%) and decided voters aged 35-to-54 (49% for each party). The NDP is in first place among decided voters aged 18-to-34 (55% to 40%).

On a regional basis, the NDP holds the upper hand in Regina (59% to 37%) and Saskatoon (56% to 41%). The Saskatchewan Party remains ahead in the rest of the province (62% to 30%).

“The retention rate for the Saskatchewan Party has dropped from 85% in early October to 71% on the eve of the election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The NDP has been stable on this indicator, with 91% of those who voted for the opposition party in 2020 saying they will remain there this year.”

As was the case in the early stage of the campaign, more than half of likely voters have a positive opinion of the performance of both Official Opposition and NDP leader Carla Beck (56%, -2) and Premier and Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe (52%, also -2).

The numbers moved drastically on the “Best Premier” question. Moe is still favoured by just over two-in-five likely voters (44%, +2), but Beck is now just four points behind (40%, +11).

Beck posts a momentum score of +16 (35% of likely voters in Saskatchewan say their opinion of her has improved since the start of the campaign, while 19% say it has worsened). Moe posts a score of -11 (21% “improved”, 32% “worsened”).

Three-in-ten likely voters in Saskatchewan (30%, +3) identify health care as the most important issue facing the province, followed by housing, poverty and homelessness (23%, -3), the economy and jobs (19%, +1), crime and public safety (9%, -1), education (6%, +1), the environment (4%, +1) and accountability (3%, +1).

The Saskatchewan Party has won the last four provincial elections with more than half of all ballots cast (51% in 2007, 64% in 2011, 63% in 2016 and 61% in 2020). The last election where a party formed the government without a majority of the vote was 2003, when the NDP secured 45% of the vote and 30 of the 58 seats at stake.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 25 to October 27, 2024, among a representative sample of 500 likely voters in Saskatchewan, including 474 decided voters in the 2024 provincial election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Saskatchewan. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.4 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 4.5 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Photo Credit: Tundraski

Most Canadians Still Regard Marijuana Legalization Favourably

October 23, 2024October 28, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only half of cannabis users are acquiring “all” of their product at licensed retailers in their provinces.

Vancouver, BC [October 23, 2024] – While most Canadians continue to endorse the legalization of marijuana, only half of consumers acknowledge that all of their product was acquired at a licensed retailer in the past six years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023) agree with marijuana being legal in Canada, while 33% disagree and 4% are undecided.

Agreement with legal cannabis in Canada is highest in Quebec (66%), followed by Alberta (64%), Ontario (also 64%), British Columbia (60%), Atlantic Canada (56%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (53%).

Canadians of Indigenous or European origins are more likely to support the legalization of marijuana (75% and 67% respectively) than their counterparts of South Asian or East Asian descent (57% and 45% respectively).

“Over the past four years, the legalization of marijuana has consistently been endorsed by more than three-in-five Canadians,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In 2024, opposition has risen to 33% for the first time.”

More than half of Canadians (52%) say they have not consumed marijuana in Canada, while one third (33%) tried it before it was legal and 14% only did so after legalization.

Just over half of Canadians who have consumed marijuana since October 2018 (51%) say all of their product was acquired at a licensed retailer, while 40% say that “most”, “some” or “none” of their cannabis was bought this way.

More than half of marijuana consumers in Alberta (55%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 55%) and Ontario (53%) say all of their cannabis was bought at a licensed retailer. The proportions are lower in Quebec (49%), Atlantic Canada (47%) and British Columbia (39%).

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +5) think companies in Canada should be able to administer “drug tests” to any employee now that marijuana is legal.

The concept of “drug tests” at businesses is endorsed by 66% of Canadians aged 55 and over, 63% of those aged 18-to-34 and 60% of those aged 35-to-54.

Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%, +5) agree with the federal government providing expungement orders to people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (82%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (77%) and the Conservative Party (75%) in the 2021 federal election are in favour of the strategy to destroy or remove any judicial record of a conviction for possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

As was the case last year, few Canadians are willing to legalize other drugs, including ecstasy (15%, +3), powder cocaine (14%, +2), heroin (12%, +2), crack cocaine (also 12%, +2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (also 12%, +3) or fentanyl (10%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 13 to October 15, 2024, 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 plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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