Energy – Research Co.

Climate Change Divide Grows Between Americans and Canadians

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026By Mario Canseco

Still, majorities in the two countries want governments, companies and individuals to do more to deal with impacts.

Vancouver, BC [April 2, 2026] – The views of Americans and Canadians on human-made climate change continue to drift apart, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, fewer than half of Americans (48%) say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2024.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +3) say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

The difference in perceptions of human-made climate change in Canada and the United States has never been as large as it is in 2026 (15 points). The results in Canada were higher than in the United States on this question in 2024 (10 points), 2022 (nine points) and 2020 (seven points).

While 13% of respondents in the United States believe climate change is a theory that has not been proven, only 9% of respondents in Canada concur.

Americans are also more likely to think that climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes (28%) than Canadians (21%).

“Sizeable majorities of Democrats in the United States (67%) and Liberal Party voters in Canada (81%) think climate change is real and human-made,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions drop drastically among American Republicans (34%) and Canadian Conservatives (44%).”

Canadians are more likely to think of climate change as a “major crisis” (63%, +3) than Americans (52%, -3). While fewer than one-in-ten Canadians (9%, +1) think of climate change as “not a crisis at all”, the proportion rises to 16% (+3) among Americans.

Only 2% of Americans who voted for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024 think climate change is “not a crisis at all”, compared to 31% of Americans who voted for Republican candidate Donald Trump.

In Canada, only 4% of Liberal voters in the 2025 federal election believe climate change is “not a crisis at all”, compared to 19% of Canadians who cast ballots for Conservative candidates.

Americans and Canadians agree—albeit at differing levels—that three entities should be doing more to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: governments (63% in the United States and 69% in Canada), companies and corporations (62% in the United States and 70% in Canada), and individuals and consumers (55% in the United States and 61% in Canada).

The results are similar when Canadians and Americans ponder issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future. Majorities want governments (65% in the United States and 70% in Canada), companies and corporations (65% in the United States and 69% in Canada), and individuals and consumers (57% in the United States and 61% in Canada) to be more active.

Respondents in the two countries were asked if they would be willing to pay higher taxes to adequately address seven issues, including climate change.

More than three-in-five Americans would pay higher taxes to deal with schools (67%, +1), homelessness (63%, +1), floods (61%, +4), and forest fires (also 61%, +5). Fewer feel the same way about climate change (58%, +3), housing improvements (56%, +2) and transit improvements (49%, -2).

More than three-in-five Canadians would pay higher taxes to adequately address climate change (62%, +7) and forest fires (61%, +7). Support is lower for five other issues: housing improvements (57%, +4), schools (56%, =), homelessness (also 56%, +3), floods (also 56%, +4) and transit improvements (49%, +2).

More than two-in-five Americans (42%) and just over half of Canadians (51%) say conversations about climate change with their child (or children) motivated them to recycle more.

Fewer residents took action on other issues after a conversation with their children, including taking shorter showers (25% in the United States and 29% in Canada), driving less than usual (22% in the United States and 30% in Canada), reducing their consumption of meat (17% in the United States and 21% in Canada), changing their vote in a local election (13% in the United States and 15% in Canada) or changing their vote in a federal election (15% in each country).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 22 to March 24, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada and 1,002 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.

Practically Two Thirds of Canadians Targeted by Cyber Scams

December 18, 2025December 17, 2025By Mario Canseco

While “phishing” emails are the primary nuisance, young Canadians are more susceptible to setbacks using public Wi-Fi.

Vancouver, BC [December 18, 2025] – Only 35% of Canadians have not endured any of seven problems related to cybersecurity in the past three years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of Canadians say they received a “phishing” email, where somebody attempted to acquire their personal information by masquerading as a trustworthy entity.

Just over a third of Canadians (34%) received an email offering them money for their help or assistance, in what is sometimes referred to as “Nigerian scam”, in the past three years.

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians say their computer became infected with a virus while they were browsing the Internet (17%), somebody hacked their social media platform (16%) or somebody hacked their email address (12%).

Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians faced two more drastic setbacks: somebody attempted to apply for a loan or open a line of credit using their name (9%) or somebody attempted to receive a tax refund using their name (6%).

More than two-in-five Canadians aged 35-to-54 and aged 55 and over (42% each) recall receiving a phishing email in the past three years. Almost one-in-four Canadians aged 18-to-34 (24%) experienced a hacking on social media.

About half of Canadians say they have checked their email (52%) or used social media (48%) while accessing Wi-Fi in public places, such as airports, cafes, transit hubs or university campuses.

Fewer Canadians relied on public Wi-Fi to access websites for news and information (34%), stream video content (30%), do online banking (26%), make online purchases (23%) or pay utility bills (14%).

“Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to rely on public Wi-Fi to bank, purchase things and make service payments than their older counterparts,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Very few Canadians aged 55 and over follow the same course of action.”

When asked about the level of trust they have on various entities to properly store and manage their personal data, almost four-in-five Canadians (78%) are “very confident” or “moderately confident” in their bank.

Majorities of Canadians feel the same way about their regional health authority (74%), their utility provider (70%), their telephone provider (68%), the federal government (63%), municipal governments (62%) and their provincial government (60%).

The level of confidence is lower—but still in majority territory—for each of these entities to properly deal with a cyberattack data breach.

Banks are once again at the top of the list (70%), followed by regional health authorities (62%), the federal government (also 62%), telephone providers (61%), provincial governments (59%), utility providers (also 59%) and municipal governments (54%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 21 to November 23, 2025, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Fewer Than One-in-Five Canadians View Trump Favourably

November 6, 2025November 19, 2025By Mario Canseco

The proportion of positive impressions has dropped for Wayne Gretzky and Don Cherry; Stephen Harper outranks Justin Trudeau.

Vancouver, BC [November 6, 2025] – Very few Canadians look fondly at the current President of the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, only 18% of Canadians have a favourable opinion of Donald Trump, while just over three-in-four (76%) hold unfavourable views.

Positive views on Trump reach 21% in Alberta and 20% in Ontario. Fewer residents of British Columbia (18%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 18%), Atlantic Canada (17%) and Quebec (16%) concur.

“More than one-in-four Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party this year (27%) regard Donald Trump favourably,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) (14%) or the Liberal Party (10%).”

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians have a favourable opinion of South African billionaire Elon Musk (21%) and psychologist and media commentator Jordan Peterson (23%).

Musk’s unfavourability reaches 77% among Canadian women, while Peterson is an unknown entity for 44% of Canadians aged 55 and over.

Fewer than a third of Canadians hold positive views on British broadcaster Piers Morgan (30%) and international activist Greta Thunberg (32%).

Morgan’s favourability rating reaches 40% among Conservative voters in Canada. Almost half of Liberal voters (47%) hold positive views on Thunberg.

When asked about Canada’s previous two prime ministers, Canadians provide a higher favourability rating to Stephen Harper, who served from 2006 to 2015 (47%), than to Justin Trudeau, who served from 2015 to 2025 (39%).

Harper’s positives reach 51% among men, 52% among Canadians aged 55 and over and 59% among residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

Trudeau’s favourability is highest among women (43%), Canadians aged 55 and over (46%) and Quebecers (44%).

In the realm of hockey, Canadians are more likely to hold favourable views on Mario Lemieux (50%, -17 since May 2023) than on Wayne Gretzky (47%, -29) and Don Cherry (42%, -3).

Gretzky and Cherry get their best numbers in Alberta (58% and 55% respectively), while Lemieux does particularly well in Quebec (55%).

More than one-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (22%) do not know who Cherry is. The proportions are lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (12%) and aged 55 and over (6%).

More than half of Canadians have a favourable opinion of two actors: Mike Myers (53%) and Ryan Reynolds (58%).

Positive views on Reynolds reach 61% among men and 56% among women. Myers gets particularly high ratings from Canadians aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 55 and over (58%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 24 to October 26, 2025, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Generational Split on Communications Evident in Canada and U.S.

September 8, 2025September 8, 2025By Mario Canseco

About three-in-ten people aged 18-to-34 in each country would prefer to break up with a person without an in-person meeting.

Vancouver, BC [September 8, 2025] – The preferred modes of communication for Canadians and Americans vary greatly with age and gender, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, roughly half of Americans (50%) and Canadians (48%) say they feel anxious when they have to make a phone call to a person they do not know.

Fewer than two-in-five Canadians and Americans aged 55 and over (35% and 38% respectively) express anxiety upon the prospect of a telephone conversation with a stranger. The proportions are markedly higher among Canadians and Americans aged 35-to-54 (53% and 57% respectively) and aged 18-to-34 (58% and 57% respectively).

Canadians (51%) are more likely than Americans (43%) to find text messages or emails impersonal.

Only 39% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 feel text messages and emails are an impersonal form of communication. The proportion is higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (43%) and aged 55 and over (46%).

In the United States, the trend is similar. Americans aged 55 and over are more likely to find text messages or emails impersonal (56%) than those aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 18-to-34 (47%).

Americans (54%) are more likely than Canadians (47%) to say they would have no problem giving a speech in front of other people.

Fewer than half of Canadian and American women (40% and 43%) express confidence in successfully addressing an audience. Most men claim they would have no problem doing this (54% in Canada and 64% in the United States).

At least seven-in-ten Canadians and Americans believe two tasks that require communication need to be performed in person: ending a relationship (78% in Canada and 79% in the United States) and quitting a job (70% in Canada and 74% in the United States).

“Just over one-in-five Canadians (22%) and Americans (21%) would prefer to break up with a person by phone, text message, email or app,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “These proportions rise among those aged 18-to-34 (29% in Canada and 32% in the United States).

Americans rely at roughly the same rate on apps (39%) and telephone calls (34%) to order food delivery to their home. Canadians are more likely to use an app (47%) than to place a phone call (33%) to a restaurant.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) would make a phone call to ask a question to their bank, while fewer would show up in person (32%). The results are similar in the United States, with 43% of Americans preferring a phone call and 37% preferring to complete this task in person.

The results differ greatly by country on the preferred way to ask a question to a municipality or City Hall. Canadians are more likely to send an email (35%) or make a phone call (33%) than to show up in person (21%). Americans are evenly split on using the phone (36%) or showing up in person (34%), with significantly fewer (19%) preferring an email.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 30 to July 2, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada and 1,000 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.

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%).

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.

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%).

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.

British Columbians Keen on Climate Change, Not on Carbon Tax

September 27, 2024September 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents (54%) think global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions.

Vancouver, BC [September 27, 2024] – While most British Columbians believe climate change is real and human-made, support for keeping the provincial carbon tax in the event of a Conservative Party victory in Canada’s next federal election has dropped over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, just over half of British Columbians (52%) think the provincial government should scrap the provincial carbon tax if the federal Conservatives follow through with their pledge to abolish the federal carbon tax upon forming the government, up nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

Just over a third of British Columbians (35%, -5) would keep the provincial carbon tax even if the federal version is abandoned, while 13% (-3) are not sure.

“Most British Columbians who voted for the BC Green Party in 2020 (54%) would retain the provincial carbon tax,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%) or the BC Liberals (30%) four years ago feel the same way.”

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, +11) think the introduction of the carbon tax has led people to be more mindful of their carbon consumption and change their behaviour—a proportion that reaches 55% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%, +1) say the carbon tax that was introduced in July 2008 has negatively affected the finances of their household.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (75%) and Northern BC (67%) are more likely to report a detrimental impact from the carbon tax than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver (62%), Vancouver Island (60%) and Northern BC (58%).

More than half of British Columbians (54%) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities. Fewer of the province’s residents believe climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes (25%) or a theory that has not yet been proven (13%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (44%) believe we all need to do “much more” to deal with climate change, while just over three-in-ten (31%) feel the community needs to do “a bit more” to address it.

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (17%) think we do not need to do anything to deal with climate change—a group that includes 23% of men, 19% of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and 23% of BC Liberal voters in the 2020 provincial election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 5 to September 7, 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.

Wobbly Commitment to Net-Zero Goal in British Columbia

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

Three-in-five residents are in favour of the initiative, but support wanes if average energy costs increase.

Vancouver, BC [April 8, 2024] – Most British Columbians believe the federal government should continue to pursue the Net-Zero goal but grow skeptical of the idea if they end up paying more for energy, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The concept of Net-Zero calls for countries to either eliminate greenhouse gas emissions or offset them, for example, through actions such as tree planting or employing technologies that can capture carbon before it is released into the air. Canada, as well as all other members of the G7, have committed to the Net-Zero goal by 2050.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%) agree with Canada’s Net-Zero commitment, while 19% disagree and 11% are undecided.

More than half of British Columbians think governments (54%) and companies and corporations (51%) “definitely” or “probably” have a role to play in order to achieve Canada’s commitment to the Net-Zero goal by 2050. Just over a third (35%) feel the same way about individuals and consumers.

More than two thirds of British Columbians (67%) think Canada should remain committed to the Net-Zero goal by 2050 if average energy costs rise by 10%.

Just under half of British Columbians (49%) would remain committed to Net-Zero if average energy costs increase by 20%. If average energy costs were to rise by 30%, only 40% of British Columbians would remain committed to Net-Zero.

More than four-in-five British Columbians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about two issues: forest fires affecting the province (84%) and energy costs for households becoming too expensive (83%).

Majorities of residents are also worried about five other issues: the effects of climate change in the world (77%), the effects of climate change in Canada (76%), forest fires affecting the community where they live (69%), energy costs for businesses becoming too expensive (68%) and energy shortages leading to measures such as rationing and rolling blackouts (64%).

More than half of British Columbians (58%, +3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023) support the provincial government allowing for further development of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry. Fewer of the province’s residents agree with directives to allow nuclear power (small modular reactors) for electricity generation (50%, +7) and ban the use of natural gas (on stoves and/or heaters) in new buildings (44%, +5).

“Support for LNG development in British Columbia is highest in the Fraser Valley (65%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Southern BC (63%), Northern BC (60%), Metro Vancouver (58%) and Vancouver Island (44%).”

When asked about their perceptions on eight sources of energy, majorities of British Columbians express positive views on hydropower (80%), wind (79%), geothermal (65%) and natural gas (also 65%). The rating is lower for oil (44%), biomass (43%), nuclear (42%) and coal (24%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on March 19 to March 21, 2024, among 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.

British Columbians Skeptical About Move to “Zero Emission” Cars

January 18, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

Half of the province’s drivers (50%) foresee their next vehicle being electric, down nine points since April 2022.

Vancouver, BC [January 18, 2024] – More than half of British Columbians question whether the new goal of the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act will ultimately be met, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In May 2019, the Government of British Columbia passed the Zero-Emission Vehicles Act, which sought to ensure that, by the year 2040, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission.” In October 2023, the provincial government amended the legislation, which now calls for the sale of gas-powered light-duty cars and trucks to be phased-out by 2035—five years earlier than originally proposed.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 37% of British Columbians think the goal of ensuring that, by the year 2035, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission” is achievable, down 16 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than half of British Columbians (54%, +15) think the new goal is not achievable—a proportion that reaches 66% among those aged 55 and over and 69% in Southern BC.

A majority of British Columbians (57%, -16) agree with the provincial government’s decision to ensure that, by the year 2035, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission”, while one third (34%, +14) disagree and 9% (+3) are undecided.

Half of British Columbians who drive their own cars in (50%, -9) say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the next vehicle they acquire for themselves or their household will be electric.

“Most drivers in Metro Vancouver (58%, -6) continue to believe that their next car will be electric,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among drivers who reside in the Fraser Valley (49%, -13), Southern BC (48%, -6), Vancouver Island (45%, -8) and Northern BC (42%, +6).”

More than half of drivers in British Columbia (58%, -1) say they would be less likely to purchase an electric vehicle because it is too expensive compared to non-electric options.

At least two-in-five drivers in British Columbia cited three other possible deterrents: fear of becoming stranded if they are unable find a charging station (47%, -7), not having enough places to charge the vehicle in the areas where they usually drive (45%, -5) and not having a place to charge the vehicle where they currently live (such as a strata) (40%, -4). Significantly fewer drivers (15%, +2) mention the “feel” of the vehicle compared with a non-electric option.

Compared to 2022, the proportion of drivers in British Columbia aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 who express a fear of becoming stranded as a possible reason to avoid purchasing an electric vehicle has dropped, from 44% to 35% among those aged 18-to-34 and from 55% to 45% among those aged 35-to-54.

There is little change in the proportion of drivers aged 55 and over who express a fear of becoming stranded as a possible reason to avoid purchasing an electric vehicle, going from 60% in 2022 to 59% in 2024.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 8 to January 10, 2024, among 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.

B.C. Coastal Issues Poll Finds Strong Consensus on Future of Coastal Economy

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023By Mario Canseco

A recent survey on coastal issues conducted by Research Co. finds marine conservation viewed as a priority for the future of the B.C. coastal economy.

Asked to rate the importance of various activities to the economic future of the B.C. coast, including commercial fishing, tourism, and oil & gas development, respondents across all regions and demographics put “marine conservation” on top.

“Marine conservation” is rated by 93% as important to the future coastal economy, followed by “renewable energy” (86%), and “outdoor recreation” (82%). Rounding out the top five priorities are “small-scale community fisheries” (83%) and “ecotourism” (79%). At the bottom of the list are “fish farming” (69%) and “deep sea mining” (44%).

On issues of concern to B.C. coastal communities, “declining fish stocks” tops the list, with 92% of British Columbians concerned, including 68% who are “very concerned”.

Reflecting a marked contrast between generations, respondents aged 65+ are 20 points more likely to say they are “extremely/very” concerned (77%) about declining fish stocks compared to those aged 18-34 (56%).

“Open-net fish farms” (90%) and “bottom trawling” (90%) are the second highest on the list of concerns, followed by climate change (84%). Residents of Vancouver Island, the Southern Interior, and respondents aged 65+ express the greatest concern about these issues, while residents in the North are significantly less worried. A strong majority of all party supporters are “very concerned” about open-net fish farms and bottom trawling, with supporters of the federal Conservatives and People’s Party being exceptions on the issue of climate change.

Lowest on the list of coastal concerns are “loss of commercial fishing jobs” (78%), “excessive government restrictions on fishing” (65%), and “too many seals and sea lions” (55%).

The survey finds strong support for a plan by Ottawa, B.C., and coastal First Nations to establish a network of marine protected areas (MPAs) in BC’s northern coastal waters.

Nearly eight in ten (79%) of B.C. residents support this collaborative inter-governmental project, which proposes to protect nearly one third of waters off the province’s north and central coast. Just 9% of British Columbians are opposed.

Politically, 78% of federal Conservative voters support the MPA network, versus 14% who oppose it. Among federal Liberals, there is 87% support, and among federal NDPers, there is 88% support.

MPAs are apparently one issue that transcends partisan politics in a province known for polarization.

British Columbians have confidence in scientists and environmental groups as sources of information on marine issues. Confidence in the salmon farming industry and fishing companies is weak.

The general public has the most confidence in scientists (77%), environmental groups (67%), and Fisheries and Oceans Canada (61%) as sources of information on issues like marine protected areas (MPAs).

A majority also have confidence in local First Nations communities (54%), the provincial government (54%), and whale watching guides (51%).

British Columbians have the least confidence in the fishing industry (39%), the salmon farming industry (32%), and fishing companies like Jimmy Pattison’s Canfisco (25%).

Methodology: The findings reported here are based on a province-wide online survey of n=1,603 British Columbians conducted October 31 through November 8, 2023 by Research Co. The Bayesian credibility interval or margin of error equivalent for a sample of this size is ±2.4% 19 times out of 20.

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

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

Local projects related to nuclear power, coal and oil would motivate one-in-four residents to actively protest.

Vancouver, BC [November 8, 2023] – Compared to 2022, fewer British Columbians would refrain from actively or passively protesting under specific circumstances, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than half of British Columbians would take no action if seven establishments were to seek a permit to set up within three blocks of their home: a hospital (68%, -7 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022), a pub or bar (65%, -4), an entertainment complex (64%, -5), a mall (62%, -3), a recycling depot (58%, -5), a marijuana store (54%, -6) or a cell phone tower (53%, -1).

Perceptions are more nuanced on four other establishments that could be located within three blocks of a respondent’s home. Practically half would take no action against a low-income housing project (49%, -9), while fewer feel the same way about a composting site (38%, -5), a homeless shelter (36%, -7) or a sewage or wastewater treatment plant (28%, -3).

“Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%) would actively protest if a homeless shelter was considered in the vicinity of their homes,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Residents of the Fraser Valley (30%) and Southern BC (28%) are more likely to say they would donate to opponents or attend town halls in this instance.”

When asked about specific establishments that could be located within the boundaries of their municipality, more than half of British Columbians would take no action against wind turbines (63%, -4), a recycling plant (61%, -3), a casino (also 61%, -1) or a military base (58%, +1).

More than two-in-five British Columbians would not actively or passively protest a natural gas pipeline (47%, +4) or an oil pipeline (43%, +4) in their municipality.

Fewer than two-in-five British Columbians would openly welcome six other establishments to their municipality: an incinerator for waste treatment (38%, =), a prison (also 38%, -3), a landfill site for waste disposal (37%, =), an oil refinery (36%, +2), a nuclear power plant (34%, +4) or a coal terminal (32%, +1).

About one-in-four British Columbians say they would actively protest if a nuclear power (27%), a coal terminal (26%) or an oil refinery (24%) were considered for their municipality.

When British Columbians are asked if they have done certain things over the course of their lives, the two highest responses are using social media to protest or support an issue (25%) and donating money to an organization that supports or opposes an issue (23%).

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians have participated in other activities, such as attending a public consultation meeting or process (17%) attending a protest (16%), joining a political party (9%), joining a political campaign (6%) or taking legal action against a development or project (4%).

Practically a third of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (32%) have used social media to protest or support an issue. A similar proportion of residents aged 55 and over (31%) have attended public consultations or meetings.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 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.

Majorities in British Columbia and Alberta Agree on TMX Pipeline

June 21, 2023July 3, 2023By Mario Canseco

The proportion of British Columbians who think the provincial government should stop the project has dropped to 28%.

Vancouver, BC [June 21, 2023] – More than half of British Columbians and two thirds of Albertans believe the federal government was right in re-approving the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative provincial samples, 54% of British Columbians agree with the decision, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022. Two thirds of Albertans (67%, -2) also agree with the re-approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

In British Columbia, support for the project is highest in Northern BC (62%), followed by Southern BC (61%), the Fraser Valley (58%), Metro Vancouver (53%) and Vancouver Island (52%).

In Alberta, there is virtually no variation in the perceptions of residents of the Calgary CMA (67%), Edmonton CMA (also 67%) and the rest of the province (68%).

Significant majorities of Albertans (79%, +1) and British Columbians (71%, =) believe the Trans Mountain pipeline will create hundreds of jobs for residents of their province.

The public is decidedly more skeptical about the effect the Trans Mountain pipeline will have on fuel costs. Fewer than two-in-five Albertans (37%, -3) and British Columbians (36%, -1) expect to experience lower gas prices as a result of the project’s re-approval.

“Albertans are particularly critical of the federal government on the Trans Mountain file, with 60% (-1) saying they are disappointed with Ottawa’s performance,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of British Columbians (48%, -3) share this feeling.”

Only 20% of Albertans (-5) and 28% of British Columbians (-5) think their provincial government should do anything necessary to ensure that the Trans Mountain expansion does not happen. This is a significant change in British Columbia from a Research Co. survey conducted in June 2019, when 41% of the province’s residents called for government action to stop the project.

One-in-four Albertans (25%, -3) and more than a third of British Columbians (36%, -4) believe the Trans Mountain expansion threatens the health and safety of residents.

British Columbians remain divided on whether this would be a good time to reconsider the Enbridge Northern Gateway—a proposal to build a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia’s north coast, to export oil on tankers to Asian markets—which was rejected by the federal government in November 2016.

Fewer than half of British Columbians (44%, -2) would agree to take a second look at the proposal, while three-in-ten (30%, +4) disagree.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 10 to June 12, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia and 800 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each province. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points for each province, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables for British Columbia here, our data tables for Alberta here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most Canadians Oblivious to the “15-Minute City” Concept

March 31, 2023March 30, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians like what they have learned about the urban planning concept.

Vancouver, BC [March 31, 2023] – Only a third of Canadians are aware of the “15-minute city” concept that has been implemented in some municipalities around the world, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 33% of Canadians had heard about the “15-minute city”, while 57% had not and 9% were not sure.

The “15-minute city” is an urban planning concept in which daily necessities and services—such as work, shopping, education, health care and entertainment—can be reached through a 15-minute walk or bike ride from any point in the city.

“Awareness of the 15-minute city concept is highest in Alberta (41%), where the City of Edmonton has discussed the matter prominently in recent weeks,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of informed residents is lower in British Columbia (37%), Ontario (36%), Quebec (32%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (29%) and Atlantic Canada (22%).”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) support the “15-minute city” concept, while 16% oppose it and 22% are undecided.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to be in favour of the “15-minute city” (66%) than their counterparts aged 55 and over (60%) and aged 35-to-54 (51%).

Among Canadians who were aware of the concept before taking the survey, support for the “15-minute city” rises to 72% and opposition jumps to 23%.

Respondents to this poll were asked about the possibility of five things happening if the “15-minute city” is implemented in their communities.

Majorities of Canadians believe the “15-minute city” will lead to a reduction in the use of personal automobiles (63%) and an increase in the mental health and well-being of residents (53%).

More than two thirds of Canadians who currently drive to school or work on weekdays (68%) think the municipalities that implement the “15-minute city” concept will experience a reduction in the use of personal automobiles.

For more than two-in-five Canadians (43%), the “15-minute city” will bring an increase in government surveillance and control, while 37% expect a reduction in personal freedoms and 27% foresee that residents will be fined if they leave their “home” districts.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from March 18 to March 20, 2023, among 1,000 Canadian adults. 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, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Governing BC NDP Stays Ahead of BC Liberals in British Columbia

February 10, 2023February 9, 2023By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five residents think David Eby is a better leader than Kevin Falcon to tackle housing and health care.

Vancouver, BC [February 10, 2023] – The BC New Democratic Party (NDP) maintains a high level of support under new leader David Eby, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their constituency if an election were held today, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022, when John Horgan was premier.

The BC Liberals are in second place with 36% (+1), followed by the BC Green Party with 16% (+1) and the BC Conservative Party with 2% (-2).

“Support for the BC NDP remains strong in Vancouver Island (59%), while the BC Liberals dominate in Southern BC (53%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats have smaller leads over the BC Liberals in Northern BC (47% to 43%), Metro Vancouver (44% to 38%) and the Fraser Valley (39% to 26%).”

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) approve of the way Eby has performed as premier and leader of the BC NDP. The rating improved this month for both BC Liberals leader Kevin Falcon (44%, +8) and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (42%, +7).

More than a third of British Columbians (34%, -4) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province. Health care is a close second (29%, +1), followed by the economy and jobs (13%, +2) the environment (6%, =) and crime and public safety (5%, -3).

Respondents to this survey were asked to choose which of the two main party leaders is best suited to manage eight different issues. Eby has small leads over Falcon on three broad themes: crime and public safety (31% to 27%), energy (also 31% to 27%) and the economy and jobs (34% to 28%).

Eby’s advantage over Falcon is more decisive on five other issues: housing, poverty and homelessness (40% to 21%), health care (40% to 24%), the environment (37% to 18%), education (37% to 22%) and accountability (35% to 22%)

A separate question gauged whether the leaders of the BC NDP and the BC Liberals possess specific characteristics that can be found in politicians.

Majorities of British Columbians think Eby is a good speaker and communicator (56%) and has a vision for the future of British Columbia (54%).

At least two-in-five residents of the province think the current premier understands their problems (47%), is in touch with the problems British Columbians face in their daily lives (43%), is a strong and decisive leader (42%), inspires confidence (41%) and generally agrees with people on issues they care about (40%).

Fewer British Columbians believe Eby is honest and trustworthy (39%), shares their values (36%), is a good economic manager (35%) and is patronizing (27%).

More than a third of British Columbians think Falcon is good speaker and communicator (46%), has a vision for the future of British Columbia (42%) and is a strong and decisive leader (37%).

Fewer residents say the leader of the BC Liberals inspires confidence (33%), understands the problems of residents (32%), is a good economic manager (also 32%), is patronizing (31%), is in touch with the problems British Columbians face in their daily lives (30%), generally agrees with people on issues they care about (28%), shares their values (27%) and is honest and trustworthy (26%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 4 to February 6, 2023, among 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Back LNG Expansion, Split on Nuclear Power

February 3, 2023February 3, 2023By Mario Canseco

The possibility of rising energy costs for households is a prevalent concern for half of the province’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [February 3, 2022] – A majority of British Columbians endorse the expansion of the liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector in the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 55% of British Columbians support the provincial government allowing for further development of the LNG industry, while 29% are opposed and 17% are undecided.

Support for the expansion of LNG development is highest in Southern BC (67%), followed by the Fraser Valley (56%), Metro Vancouver (also 56%), Northern BC (55%) and Vancouver Island (41%).

Two other ideas related to energy are more contentious. While 43% of British Columbians are in favour of allowing nuclear power (small modular reactors) for electricity generation, 40% disagree.

The notion of the provincial government banning the use of natural gas (on stoves and/or heaters) in new buildings is supported by 39% of British Columbians and opposed by 45%.

Half of British Columbians (50%) say they are “very concerned” about energy costs for households becoming too expensive.

Fewer residents are particularly worried about the effects of climate change in the world (48%), the effects of climate change in Canada (45%), energy shortages leading to measures such as rationing and rolling blackouts (31%) and energy costs for businesses becoming too expensive (28%).

The provincial government will require all car and passenger truck sales to be zero-emission by 2035. Seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%) support this goal, while 21% oppose it and 8% are not sure.

“There are some regional differences in British Columbia on the impending move to electric vehicles,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. ”Opposition to the goal is highest in Southern BC (37%), followed by Northern BC (30%), the Fraser Valley (22%), Metro Vancouver (20%) and Vancouver Island (15%).”

Among those who support the zero-emission goal established by the provincial government, 32% believe it is achievable and 38% think it is not achievable.

British Columbians are split on the current pace of the move to electric vehicles, with 26% saying the change is being implemented too quickly, 38% thinking it is happening at the right pace and 23% thinking it is taking place too slowly.

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on January 9 to January 11, 2023, among 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most Canadians Oblivious to Acts Proposed by Western Premiers

November 11, 2022November 10, 2022By Mario Canseco

Half of residents (50%) agree with what Saskatchewan is trying to accomplish, while 39% feel the same way about Alberta’s actions.

Vancouver, BC [November 11, 2022] – Few Canadians are actively following stories related to the recent pronouncements issued by the premiers of Alberta and Saskatchewan, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 37% of Canadians say they are paying close attention to the Alberta Sovereignty Act.

Just over three-in-ten Canadians (31%) are following stories related to the Saskatchewan First Act “very closely” or “moderately closely”

The Alberta Sovereignty Act proposed by Premier Danielle Smith seeks to allow the province to refuse to follow specific federal laws if they are deemed not to be in Alberta’s best interests.

The Saskatchewan First Act proposed by Premier Scott Moe seeks to confirm Saskatchewan’s autonomy and exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources.

“Half of Conservative Party voters in the last Canadian federal election (50%) are keeping an eye on news related to the Alberta Sovereignty Act,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Canadians who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (36%) or the Liberal Party (35%) in 2021.”

Just over half of Canadians (51%) are concerned about the Alberta Sovereignty Act, while 45% feel the same way about the Saskatchewan First Act.

Half of Canadians (50%) think the Government of Saskatchewan is right to confirm its autonomy and exclusive jurisdiction over its natural resources, while 27% disagree with this notion and 22% are undecided.

On a regional basis, residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (60%) and Alberta (57%) agree with the principle of the Saskatchewan First Act, along with 48% of those who live in Quebec, Ontario and British Columbia.

Only 34% of Canadians think the Government of Alberta is right to refuse to follow specific federal laws if they are deemed not to be in Alberta’s best interests, while 42% disagree with this assessment and 21% are not sure.

Just over half of Albertans (52%) agree with the ideals behind the Alberta Sovereignty Act. The numbers are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (43%), British Columbia and Ontario (38% each), Atlantic Canada (34%) and Quebec (33 %).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 4 to November 6, 2022, 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

More in Canada and U.S. Feel Climate Change is Major Crisis

September 13, 2022November 17, 2022By Mario Canseco

Most Canadians and Americans are willing to pay higher taxes in order to adequately address global warming.

Vancouver, BC [September 13, 2022] – The concerns of residents of Canada and the United States about global warming have increased over the past two years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 68% of Canadians (+6 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2020) and 60% of Americans (+9) feel that climate change is a “major crisis”.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, +5) and three-in-five Americans (60%, +7) think global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

About one-in-five respondents in the two countries (20% in Canada and 21% in the United States) believe climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes. Only 5% of Canadians and 12% of Americans brand global warming as a theory that has not yet been proven.

“Belief in human-made climate change is low among Republicans in the United States (35%) and Conservatives in Canada (47%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are strikingly different among Democrats in the United States (80%) and Liberal Party voters in Canada (82%).”

Majorities of Canadians and Americans (59% and 61% respectively) say they are willing to pay higher taxes to adequately address climate change. Only two other issues come close to this level of acceptance for higher taxation: schools (CAN 57%, USA 64%) and homelessness (CAN 57%, USA 61%).

Fewer Canadians and Americans are willing to pay higher taxes in order to adequately address four other issues: forest fires (55% and 58% respectively), floods (52% and 56% respectively), housing improvements (51% each) and transit improvements (44% and 46% respectively).

Sizeable majorities of Canadians and Americans believe three groups should be doing more now to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: companies and corporations (75% and 70% respectively), governments (69% and 65%) and individuals and consumers (67% and 65%).

Most residents of both countries also believe that more action is required to address issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future from companies and corporations (76% in Canada and 70% in the United States), governments (72% and 66% respectively) and individuals and consumers (68% and 65%).

Parents of children under the age of 18 were asked about the effect of conversations they have had with their kids about climate change. Significant proportions of parents in Canada (85%) and the United States (79%) say they are recycling more as a result of these chats.

Practically half of American parents (49%) and a majority of Canadian parents (55%) claim to be driving less, and more than two-in-five (44% in the United States, 47% in Canada) say they are taking shorter showers as a result of conversations about global warming with their children.

Fewer parents in each country acknowledge taking other steps, such as reducing their consumption of meat (CAN 36%, USA 30%), changing the way they voted in a federal election (24% each) or changing the way they voted in a local election (CAN 18%, USA 21%).

Methodology: Results are based on online studies conducted from August 19 to August 21, 2022, among representative samples of 1,000 adults in Canada and the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian and U.S. census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for each country.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Positive Views on TMX Pipeline Rise in BC, Drop Slightly in Alberta

August 5, 2022August 5, 2022By Mario Canseco

A third of British Columbians (33%) believe the project should be stopped, down eight points since October 2021.

Vancouver, BC [August 5, 2022] – Favourable perceptions on the expansion of the Trans Mountain Pipeline have increased in British Columbia and remain high in Alberta, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative provincial samples, 51% of British Columbians agree with the federal government’s decision to re-approve the project, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2021.

Practically seven-in-ten Albertans (69%) also agree with the re-approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, down five points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2020.

In British Columbia, residents of Southern BC (66%), Northern BC (61%) and the Fraser Valley (58%) are more likely to hold positive views on the pipeline project. The rating is lower in Metro Vancouver (50%) and Vancouver Island (41%).

In Alberta, sizeable majorities of residents of Edmonton (72%) and Calgary (66%) are in favour of the pipeline expansion, along with 70% of those who live other areas of the province.

“The proportion of British Columbians who want the provincial government to do anything necessary to ensure that the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion does not happen dropped from 41% in October 2021 to 33% in July 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In Alberta, 25% of residents (+3) share the same point of view.”

More than half of British Columbians (51%, -4) and three-in-five Albertans (61%, +2) say they are disappointed with the way the federal government has managed the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

Significant majorities of Albertans (78%, -1) and British Columbians (71%, +6) believe the Trans Mountain Pipeline will create hundreds of jobs for residents of each province.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -7) think the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion threatens the health and safety of the province’s residents. Just under three-in-ten Albertans (28%, +11) share this point of view.

Fewer than half of residents of the two provinces expect gas prices to be lower now that the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion has been re-approved: 40% in Alberta (+6) and 37% in British Columbia (+1).

In November 2016, the federal government rejected a proposal—known as the Enbridge Northern Gateway—to build a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia’s north coast, to export oil on tankers to Asian markets.

Just under half of British Columbians (46%, +5) believe it is time to reconsider the Enbridge Northern Gateway proposal, while just over a quarter (27%, -7) disagree.

Support for taking a second look at the Enbridge Northern Gateway is highest in Northern BC (60%), followed by Southern BC (51%), Metro Vancouver (45%), the Fraser Valley (43%) and Vancouver Island (38%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 29 to July 31, 2022, among 800 adults in British Columbia and 800 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each province. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points for each province, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables for British Columbia here, our data tables for Alberta here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Codex

Five-Point Lead for Ruling Progressive Conservatives in Ontario

May 18, 2022June 1, 2022By Mario Canseco

Ontarians are divided when asked if the Liberals and the New Democrats should merge into a single party.

Vancouver, BC [May 18, 2022] – The Ontario Progressive Conservative Party holds the upper hand in the provincial election campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Ontarians, 34% of decided voters say they will support the Ontario PC candidate in their riding in next month’s provincial ballot.

The Ontario Liberal Party is second with 29%, followed by the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) with 23%, the Ontario Green Party with 7%, the New Blue Party of Ontario with 3% and the Ontario Party with 1%.

The Progressive Conservatives are particularly popular among men (37%) and Ontarians aged 55 and over (41%). The Liberals are ahead in the 416 region (37%), while the New Democrats post their best numbers in Southwestern Ontario (32%).

Ontarians are divided when assessing the performance of Premier and Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Doug Ford. While 46% of the province’s residents approve of the way he has handled his duties, 48% disapprove.

More than two-in-five Ontarians approve of both Official Opposition and Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Andrea Horwath (47%) and Ontario Liberal Party leader Steven Del Duca (42%). The rating is lower for Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner (31%), New Blue Party of Ontario leader Jim Karahalios (13%) and Ontario Party leader Derek Sloan (12%).

The first weeks of the campaign have not yielded a positive momentum score for any of the six main party leaders. One-in-five Ontarians (20%) say their opinion of Del Duca has improved. The numbers are paltrier on this indicator for Horwath (17%), Ford (16%), Schreiner (9%), Karahalios (4%) and Sloan (3%).

A third of Ontarians (33%) say Ford would make the best premier of the province, followed by Horwath (23%), Del Duca (20%), Schreiner (3%), Sloan (2%) and Karahalios (also 2%).

Ontarians identify three issues as the most important ones facing the province: housing, poverty and homelessness (26%), health care (25%) and the economy and jobs (20%).

“Ontarians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to look at housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important challenge (36%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Ontarians aged 55 and over are currently more concerned about health care (32%).”

Ford is perceived as the best leader to manage the economy and jobs (35%), crime and public safety (33%), energy and pipelines (31%) and accountability (29%). Horwath is ahead on being able to handle housing, homelessness and poverty (29%).

There is no clear leader when Ontarians ponder the best person to deal with health care (Horwath 28%, Ford 27%), education (Ford 26%, Del Duca 24%) and the environment (Ford 20%, Horwath 19%, Del Duca 19%, Schreiner 17%).

Ontarians are evenly split when asked if the Ontario Liberal Party and the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) should merge into a single political party. While 41% of the province’s residents agree with this idea, 43% disagree and 16% are undecided.

Support for a provincial merger of Liberals and New Democrats is strongest in the 416 region (48%), but drops in Eastern Ontario (41%), Northern Ontario (also 41%), Southwestern Ontario (39%) and the 905 region (37%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 15 to May 17, 2022, among 700 Ontario adults, including 602 decided voters in the 2022 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 4.0 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: DXR

Almost Three-in-Five British Columbia Drivers Ready for Electric Car

May 3, 2022May 3, 2022By Mario Canseco

More than seven-in-ten of the province’s residents endorse the goal of only selling “zero emission” vehicles by 2040.

Vancouver, BC [May 3, 2022] – The proportion of drivers in British Columbia who are willing to consider the purchase of an electric vehicle has increased since 2020, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians who drive their own vehicles claim it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the next car they buy for themselves or their household will be electric, up six points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in May 2021.

“Significant majorities of drivers in Metro Vancouver (64%) and the Fraser Valley (62%) foresee their next vehicle being electric,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Southern BC (54%), Vancouver Island (53%) and Northern BC (36%).”

The Government of British Columbia has passed legislation to ensure that, by the year 2040, all light-duty cars and trucks sold in the province will be “zero emission.” More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%, +3) endorse this course of action—including 81% of those who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2020 provincial election, 76% of those who supported the BC Green Party and 73% of those who cast ballots for the BC Liberals.

More than three-in-four British Columbians aged 18 to 34 (78%) endorse the provincial government’s “zero emission” mandate, along with 75% of those aged 35-to-54 and 69% of those aged 55 and over.

More than half of British Columbians (53%, +2) believe the goal established by the provincial government on the issue of “zero emission” vehicles is “achievable”, while 39% (+3) think it is “not achievable.”

When British Columbians who drive their own cars are asked about issues that would make them less likely to purchase an electric vehicle, 59% say the vehicles are too expensive when compared to non-electric options—a proportion that rises to 66% among those aged 55 and over and to 70% among residents of Vancouver Island.

A majority of British Columbians who drive their own cars (54%) say they fear becoming stranded in an electric vehicle if they cannot find a charging station, and half (50%) are worried about not having enough places to charge the vehicle in the areas where they usually drive.

More than two-in-five British Columbians who drive their own cars (44%) are concerned about not having a place to charge an electric vehicle where they currently live, while 13% cite the “feel” of the vehicle compared with a non-electric option.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 25 to April 27, 2022, among 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca