Lifestyle – Research Co.

Canadians Now Expect the Worst from American Tariffs

February 16, 2026February 15, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians are still endeavouring to avoid purchasing goods from the United States.

Vancouver, BC [February 16, 2026] – The perceptions of Canadians on the reach of the tariffs implemented by the United States has shifted dramatically over the past nine months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than two-in-five Canadians (46%, +19) think the tariffs on Canadian products will be expanded by the U.S. government—a 19-point increase since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2025.

Conversely, the proportion of Canadians who believe the tariffs will be rescinded by the U.S. government fell to 20% (-20).

Two thirds of Canadians (66%, -3) are following news related to the tariffs dispute “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

More than half of Canadians (55%, -5) have avoided purchasing goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative was available.

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -1) have cancelled a planned trip to the United States, while fewer have steered clear of American restaurant franchises in Canada (30%, -6) or shunned American entertainment options (25%, -5).

Just over three-in-four Canadians (76%) think the American tariffs are still a threat to Canada, and more than half (53%) consider the United States a military threat to Canada at this point.

“Majorities of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (56%) and aged 35-to-54 (54%) think the United States currently represents a military threat,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (47%).”

Fewer than half of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in last year’s federal election (46%) believe the U.S. is a military threat. The proportion rises to 60% among Liberal Party voters and to 68% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters.

Most Canadians (57%, -7) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs, while three-in-ten (30%, -9) feel the same way about Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

More than half of Canadians (54%, +8) disagree with the notion that a Conservative federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States.

Just under half of Canadians (54%, -6) approve of the way their premier has managed the tariffs dispute, while 31% (-7) express a similar opinion of their provincial official opposition leader.

Among the four most populous provinces, Albertans provide the lowest approval rating for their premier on the issue of tariffs (36%, -11). The proportions are higher in Quebec (42%, -7), Ontario (45%, -13) and British Columbia (59%, +3).

The lowest rated provincial opposition leader on tariffs resides in British Columbia (24%, -10). The rating is superior among residents of Quebec (29%, -10), Ontario (33%, -6) and Alberta (45%, +8).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians continue to endorse the notion of Canada enhancing trade with the United Kingdom (77%, -1), Japan (also 77%, +2), the European Union (EU) (also 77%, =), Australia and New Zealand (also 77%, -2) and Mexico (73%, -3).

More than half of Canadians (56%, -1) think Canada should seriously consider requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The idea of initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state is backed by one-in-five Canadians (20%, =).

Only 8% of Canadians aged 55 and over are in favour of seriously considering Canada becoming an American state. The proportion is higher among those aged 35-to-54 (22%) and those aged 55 and over (30%).

Just under half of Canadians (48%, +2) support initiating a formal process for Canada to join the European Union (EU).

More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) would welcome Canada seriously considering an application to become an EU member, along with 45% of those aged 35-to-54 and 41% of those aged 55 and over.

Majorities of Canadians agree with four measures that have been tested since early 2025: 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 (62%, -3), Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers shutting off all energy exports to the United States (59%, -4), Canada officially demanding an apology from Trump for his statements related to Canada becoming an American state (57%, -3) and Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs recalling the Canadian ambassador to the United States in response to Trump’s statements (51%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 11 to February 13, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,001 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.

Canadians Maintain Favourable Ratings for Italy, Japan and UK

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

Positive opinions are up for both China (39%, +9) and the United States (30%, +4).

Vancouver, BC [February 12, 2026] – More than seven-in-ten Canadians hold favourable views on five nations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 77% of Canadians have a positive opinion of Italy, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2025.

The favourable rating is also high for Japan (76%, +5), the United Kingdom (also 75%, +3), France (72%, +5) and Germany (71%, +5).

Two other countries garner positive mentions from more than half of Canadians: South Korea (63%, +6) and Mexico (58%, -1).

The biggest gainer since April 2025 is China. Practically two-in-five Canadians (39%) have as favourable opinion of this country, up nine points in 10 months. The rating is slightly lower for India (35%, +2) and Venezuela (32%, -2).

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (54%) express a positive opinion of China,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (36%) and aged 55 and over (27%).”

On a regional basis, at least two-in-five residents of Ontario (43%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (41%) and Atlantic Canada (40%) hold favourable views on China. The rating is lower in Quebec (38%), Alberta (34%) and British Columbia (31%).

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) have a positive opinion of the United States, up four points since the all-time low recorded in April 2025.

Just under one-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (23%) hold favourable views on the United States. The rating rises to 29% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 38% among those aged 18-to-34.

About a third of residents of Ontario (34%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 34%) and Alberta (33%) provide a positive assessment of the United States. Fewer residents of British Columbia (25%), Quebec (24%) and Atlantic Canada (22%) concur.

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians express favourable views on four other countries: Saudi Arabia (29%, -2), Russia (23%, +4), Iran (19%, +2) and North Korea (16%, -1).

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

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

Canadians Assess Appropriateness of Flags at Legislatures

February 5, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Animosity is high for foreign banners, but residents support flying flags used by Indigenous peoples and sports teams.

Vancouver, BC [February 5, 2026] – Half of Canadians disagree with municipalities and state legislatures raising the flags of foreign countries, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 50% of Canadians think it is inappropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to raise flags of foreign countries—except the United Kingdom—while 27% consider the practice appropriate.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%) believe it is appropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to fly the flag of the United Kingdom, while 36% deem this gesture inappropriate.

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election are more likely to endorse flying the Union Jack (56%) than those who cast ballots for the Conservative Party (45%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (39%).

Majorities of Canadians think it is appropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to raise flags used by Indigenous peoples in Canada (or that reference Indigenous causes) (61%) and flags that represent a local sports team (58%).

Just over than two thirds of Generation Z (67%) see no problem with flying Indigenous-themed flags, along with majorities of Millennials (62%), Generation X (59%) and Baby Boomers (58%).

The situation is similar for sports teams, with Baby Boomers slightly more likely to endorse raising these flags (61%) than Millennials (58%), Generation X (57%) and Generation Z (54%).

Canadians are divided when asked about municipalities and provincial legislatures raising flags that represent social causes (such as the rainbow flag or pride flag). While 43% consider this appropriate, 39% believe the gesture is inappropriate.

Almost half of Millennials (49%) think it is appropriate to fly flags that represent social causes. The proportions are lower among Baby Boomers (43%), Generation Z (also 43%) and Generation X (42%).

“Only 33% of Conservative voters in Canada endorse municipalities and provincial legislatures raising flags that represent social causes,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion rises to 54% among New Democratic voters and to 62% among Liberal voters.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 11 to January 13, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,001 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.

Vancouverites Split on ABC, Like Progressive Voices in Council

February 2, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Practically three-in-five residents think the city needs a Mayor and Council similar to New York’s Zohran Mamdani.

Vancouver, BC [February 2, 2026] – After more than three years of a municipal government headed by Ken Sim and the A Better City (ABC) party, Vancouverites offer mixed reviews on what they have experienced so far, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative municipal sample, 27% of Vancouverites think Sim and ABC may not have gotten everything right, but would keep their leadership to make Vancouver better.

A slightly larger proportion of residents (32%) say Sim and ABC have not kept their key promises and call for a change in leadership at City Hall, but not a major change in policy.

More than one-in-four Vancouverites (27%) think Sim and ABC have shown that their policies do not work for Vancouver and want different ideas to make Vancouver better.

Only 15% of voters who supported Sim in the 2022 mayoral election believe ABC’s policies have not worked for Vancouver and call for a change—along with 44% of those who voted for Kennedy Stewart and 38% of those who voted for the minor candidates who received less than 10% of the vote in 2022.

Vancouver voters elected Sean Orr of the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) and Lucy Maloney of OneCity Vancouver as city councillors in a by-election that took place in April 2025.

More than two-in-five Vancouverites (44%) think we “definitely” or “probably” need more Vancouver City Council members with the kind of progressive and left-wing views that Orr and Maloney represent, while 25% disagree and 30% are not sure.

Last year, voters in New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as Mayor. Mamdani has called for major changes to benefit working class New Yorkers.

Almost three-in-five Vancouverites (59%) believe their city needs a Mayor and Council like Mamdani, willing to make major changes that will make life more affordable, even if they make Vancouver’s elite uncomfortable.

Conversely, about one-in-four Vancouverites (23%) think a socialist mayor like Mamdami is too risky for Vancouver, will undermine investment in the city, and see a return to the soft-on-crime approaches of previous councils.

“Two thirds of Vancouverites aged 18-to-34 (67%) think the city would benefit from a mayor and council like the one currently in place in New York,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 35-to-45 (53%) and aged 55 and over (60%) share this view.”

Across Vancouver, 47% of residents agree with the city eliminating the Board of Parks and Recreation, and placing public parks and the public recreation system under the jurisdiction of City Council, down five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2022.

Seven-in-ten Vancouverites (70%) think the residents of the City of Vancouver should decide in a referendum if the Board of Parks and Recreation should be eliminated.

Vancouverites were also asked to place eight municipal political parties and associations in the political spectrum.

At least two-in-five Vancouverites see four parties as centre right, centre or centre left: ABC (48%), OneCity Vancouver (44%), the Vancouver Liberals (40%) and TEAM for a Livable Vancouver (also 40%). Fewer residents feel the same way about the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) (39%), Vote Vancouver (also 39%), the Green Party (38%) and the Conservative Electors Association (30%).

Just over a third of Vancouverites (34%) brand the Conservative Electors Association as right or extreme right, followed by ABC with 17%, TEAM with 13% and the Vancouver Liberals also with 13%.

Three-in-ten residents (30%) believe the Greens are left or extreme left, followed by COPE and OneCity with 20% each and the Vancouver Liberals with 15%.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 26 to January 28, 2026, among a representative sample of 401 adults in the City of Vancouver. 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 +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Positive Opinions on Immigration Tumble Across Canada

January 29, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Majorities of Albertans and Ontarians think immigration is having mostly negative effect in the country.

Vancouver, BC [January 29, 2026] – Only a third of Canadians currently hold favourable views on immigration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 34% of Canadians think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada, down nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2025.

Almost half of Canadians (48%, +9) say immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country.

“In February 2022, only 26% of Canadians described immigration in a negative light,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion has jumped to 48% in the first month of 2026.”

More than half of Canadians who reside in Ontario (53%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%) and Alberta (51%) think immigration is having a mostly negative effect in Canada. The numbers are lower in British Columbia (43%), Atlantic Canada (also 43%) and Quebec (39%).

Positive perceptions on immigration reach 37% among Baby Boomers in Canada. Fewer members of Generation Z (35%), Millennials (also 35%) and Generation X (29%) share this view.

As was the case last year, more than two-in-five Canadians (42%, +1) believe it is time for the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada to decrease, while more than a third (35%, +1) would keep the current levels and 13% (-3) support an increase.

A drop in legal immigration is backed by 28% (-2) of Canadians aged 18-to-34, but rises to 44% (+4) among those aged 35-to-54, and to 53% (+2) among those aged 55 and over.

Canadians remain torn when asked to choose between two distinct concepts to manage immigration.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, -1) prefer the melting pot, where immigrants assimilate and blend into Canadian society. A slightly smaller proportion (41%, +1) select the mosaic, where cultural differences within Canadian society are considered valuable and worth preserving.

Millennials across Canada prefer the mosaic over the melting pot (44% to 39%), while Generation X is practically tied when assessing the two concepts (Melting Pot 44%, Mosaic 43%). Both Baby Boomers and Generation Z pick the melting pot over the mosaic (49% to 39% and 42% to 35%, respectively).

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, -5) say the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (79%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (72%) in last year’s federal election agree with the statement, compared to only 55% among those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates.

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

Support for Lower Speed Limits Increases in British Columbia

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just over two thirds of respondents would welcome a reduction on all residential streets in their municipality.

Vancouver, BC [January 22, 2026] – British Columbians are open to a major change in the way vehicles are allowed to circulate on specific areas of their municipality, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 68% of British Columbians would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, up five points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2024.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (71%, +9) are definitely in favour of reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h on all residential streets. Support for the policy is also high in Northern BC (70%, +9), Metro Vancouver (69%, +4), Vancouver Island (64%, +5) 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. In June 2025, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved reducing speed limits on local streets to 30 km/h.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%, +4) believe Vancouver’s course of action on residential speed limits is a “very good” or “good” idea.

“Three-in-five British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (60%) think it is a good idea to reduce speed limits on local streets,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Agreement is higher among those aged 55 and over (66%) and those aged 18-to-34 (77%).”

Compared to 2023, there is little change in the perceptions of British Columbians on speeding drivers. Two-in-five (40%, =) report seeing a car circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h on the street where they live “at least once a day”, while about a third (32%, +2) say this happens “a few times a week”.

British Columbians are also supportive of 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.

Speed-on-green intersection cameras, or red light cameras that also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections, are currently being used in 140 intersections across the province. More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%, +1) approve of this type of automated speed enforcement.

Majorities of British Columbians also approve of the use of three other types of automated speed enforcement: fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes (76%, +5), mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (68%, +4), 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 (63%, -8).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 11 to January 13, 2026, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians OK with Legalizing Marijuana, But Not Other Drugs

January 12, 2026January 7, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians think companies should be able to administer “drug tests” to any employee.

Vancouver, BC [January 12, 2026] – Most Canadians maintain favourable views on the federal government’s decision to legalize marijuana but would not extend the same classification to other drugs that are currently banned, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost two thirds of Canadians (65%, +3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2024) agree with marijuana being legal in the country, while 29% (-4) disagree and 6% (+2) are undecided.

More than seven-in-ten Atlantic Canadians (72%, +16) have no problem with marijuana being legal in Canada. Majorities of respondents in Alberta (65%, +1), Ontario (also 65%, +1), British Columbia (also 65%, +5), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (63%, +10) and Quebec (60%, -6) share the same view.

More than half of Canadians whose heritage is South Asian (54%) or East Asian (56%) agree with marijuana being legal in Canada. The proportion rises to 68% among Canadians of European origins and to 75% among those with Indigenous descent.

More than a third of Canadians (36%) admit to consuming marijuana in Canada before it was legal, while 15% only tried it after cannabis was legalized in October 2018. About half of Canadians (49%) say they have not consumed marijuana in Canada.

Fewer than half of Canadians who have used marijuana after legalization (48%, -3) say all of their cannabis was acquired at a licensed retailer, while a slightly smaller proportion (46%, +6) acknowledge that “most”, “some” or “none” of their marijuana was purchased this way.

The highest proportion of marijuana consumers who purchased all of their cannabis at a licensed retailer is observed in Atlantic Canada (60%), followed by Alberta (58%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%) and Ontario (49%). The proportions are decidedly lower in British Columbia (42%) and Quebec (41%).

Few Canadians believe other drugs should be made readily available for consumers across the country. About one-in-seven (14%, -1) would consent to legalizing ecstasy and fewer would follow the same course of action to commercialize powder cocaine (12%, -2), crack cocaine (10%, -2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (also 10%, -2), heroin (9%, -3) or fentanyl (9%, -1).

In some countries, including the United States, a company can administer “drug tests” to employees, even if they do not operate machinery (such as pilots, truck drivers or crane operators). As was the case last year, more than three-in-five Canadians (64%, +1) believe companies in Canada should be able to administer “drug tests” to any employee now that marijuana is legal.

“There is no political divide when Canadians are asked about drug tests for employees,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of respondents who voted for the Conservatives (69%), the Liberals (68%) or the New Democrats (58%) in 2025 think the measure is justified now that marijuana is legal.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 7 to December 9, 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 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.

Three-in-Ten Albertans Open to Independence from Canada

January 8, 2026January 7, 2026By Mario Canseco

Support for sovereignty is strongest among the province’s residents aged 18-to-34.

Vancouver, BC [January 8, 2026] – The proportion of Albertans who are in favour of sovereignty has increased over the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 31% of Albertans support Alberta becoming a country independent from Canada, up nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

Just over three-in-five Albertans (62%, -9) are opposed to independence, while 7% (=) are undecided.

“By a 2-to-1 margin, Albertans currently express a desire to remain in Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Still, the growth of separatist sentiment is significant across some groups.”

More than two-in-five Albertans aged 18-to-34 (42%, +15) support Alberta becoming a country independent from Canada. The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (27%, +2) and those aged 55 and over (25%, +9).

Separatist feelings rose across all three major regions of the province. More than three-in-ten residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area (31%, +5) voice support for an independent Alberta, along with 29% of residents of the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (+5) and 34% of those who live elsewhere in the province (+11).

Albertans who voted for the United Conservative Party (UCP) in the 2023 provincial election are significantly more likely to back independence (40%, +11) than those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (11%, +2).

In a separate question, just under one-in-four Albertans (24%, +5) support their province joining the United States, while more than seven-in-ten (72%, -2) disagree and 5% (-2) are not sure.

The notion of Alberta becoming an American state is more popular among Albertans aged 18-to-34 (32%), those who do not reside in Calgary or Edmonton (27%) and UCP voters in the 2023 provincial election (29%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 4 to January 6, 2026, among 703 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

New Year Wishes Fluctuate Greatly by Generation in Canada

January 1, 2026December 27, 2025By Mario Canseco

The country’s oldest adults focus primarily on health, while younger residents are preoccupied with finances.

Vancouver, BC [January 1, 2026] – Canadians of four generations react differently when asked about their top wish for the year that is starting, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 37% of Canadians say more money is their top wish for the year, while 30% prefer more health, 26% choose more time with friends and family and 7% select more travel.

Half of Baby Boomers (50%) wish for more health, while significantly fewer would rather have more time with family and friends (23%), more money (20%) or more travel (8%).

Generation X is almost evenly divided between more health (38%) and more money (36%), followed by more time with family and friends (22%) and more travel (4%).

Millennials place more money at the top of their wish list (44%), followed by more time with family and friends (31%), more health (20%) and more travel (9%).

More than half of Generation Z (52%) wish for more money, followed by more time with family and friends (29%), more health (11%) and more travel (9%).

More than half of Canadians believe 2025 was a “very good” or “good” year for their family (71%), themselves personally (66%), their municipality (54%) and Canada (51%). Fewer offer the same assessment when thinking of their work (48%) and their province (47%).

At least three-in-ten Canadians expect 2026 to be a better year for themselves personally (39%), their family (38%) and Canada (30%). Fewer Canadians foresee better things for their work (28%), their province (23%) and their municipality (22%) in the year that is beginning.

“About one-in-five Canadian Millennials (20%) and Generation Z (21%) think 2026 will be worse for their municipality,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Baby Boomers and Generation X are more pessimistic when considering their province (25% and 22% respectively).”

Almost half of Generation Z (46%) believe 2026 will be a better year for them on a personal level. The proportions are lower among Millennials (37%), Baby Boomers (26%) and Generation X (23%).

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.

Importance of Religion Stagnant in Canada, Rising in the U.S.

December 25, 2025December 25, 2025By Mario Canseco

British Columbia stands out as the Canadian province with the largest proportion of agnostic, atheist or irreligious residents.

Vancouver, BC [December 25, 2025] – Americans are significantly more likely than Canadians to look at religion as a “very important” aspect of their lives, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 44% of Americans and 25% of Canadians say religion is “very important” to them personally. The results outline a four-point increase in the United States and a one-point decrease in Canada since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in 2024.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (74%, -2) and Americans (78%, +4) say family is “very important” to them on a personal level.

In the United States, more than half of respondents deem other two aspects as “very important” this year: friends (54%, -2) and country (53%, -1). Smaller proportions of Americans express the same views on career (37%, -4) and affluence (15%, -6).

In Canada, friends are ranked as a “very important” aspect by more than half of respondents (56%, +5). The results are lower for country (46%, -1), career (36%, -2) and affluence (14%, -1).

In the United States, members of Generation X are the least likely to consider religion as “very important” (38%). The numbers are larger for Millennials (43%), Generation Z (also 43%) and Baby Boomers (49%).

In Canada, fewer than three-in-ten members of all four generations consider religion as “very important”: 23% for Baby Boomers. 24% for Generation X, 26% for Millennials and 25% for Generation Z.

As was the case last year, Americans are more likely to describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual” (69%, -1) than their Canadian counterparts (56%, -1).

Two thirds of Americans (66%, +1) and half of Canadians (50%, -1) say their religious faith is Christian. Just over a third of Canadians (34%, +2) and just over one-in-four Americans (21%, -2) say they profess no faith, or describe themselves as atheist of agnostic.

British Columbia has the largest proportion of atheist, agnostic or non-religious residents across Canada (47%), followed by Atlantic Canada (36%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (33%), Quebec (32%), Alberta (31%) and Ontario (30%).

Just under three-in-ten Canadians (29%, -5) never attend religious gatherings, while a smaller proportion (22%, -1) visit a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

In the United States, almost a third of Americans (32%, =) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week, while one-in-five (20%, -7) never do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 21 to November 23, 2025, among 1,002 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.

“Merry Christmas” Gaining as Preferred Greeting in Canada

December 22, 2025December 27, 2025By Mario Canseco

Three-in-ten Canadians believe this year’s holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”.

Vancouver, BC [December 22, 2025] – For the first time in six years, more than two thirds of Canadians express a fondness for a particular greeting of the season, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 67% of Canadians say they prefer “Merry Christmas”, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2024.

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians (18%, -6) are partial to “Happy Holidays” as a greeting, while 16% (+2) are not sure or don’t care either way.

More than seven-in-ten Atlantic Canadians (77%) and Albertans (72%) choose “Merry Christmas”, along with majorities of respondents who reside in British Columbia (68%), Ontario (67%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%) and Quebec (59%).

Almost four-in-five Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in this year’s federal election (79%) prefer “Merry Christmas” as a greeting. The proportions are lower among Canadians who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (63%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (51%).

More than half of Canadians (52%, -1) expect this year’s holiday season to be more fun than stressful, while three-in-ten (30%) believe it will be more stressful than fun.

“More than a third of Generation X members in Canada (34%) foresee a stressful holiday season,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Millennials (31%), Generation Z (29%) and Baby Boomers (27%) share this feeling.”

Expectations of a stressful holiday season are more prevalent in Atlantic Canada (38%), followed by Alberta (34%), Ontario (33%), British Columbia (30%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (24%) and Quebec (23%).

When asked about some staples of the holiday season, more than four-in-five Canadians (82%, -3) say they like turkey, while almost two thirds (65%, -3) enjoy cranberry sauce.

Fewer Canadians are fond of Brussels sprouts (59%, -1), fruit cake (58%, =), egg nog (55%, -4), mince pies (49%, =), plum pudding (44%, -3) and mulled wine (36%, -4).

While half of Baby Boomers (50%) like plum pudding, the proportions are lower among members of Generation X (42%), Millennials (41%) and Generation Z (39%).

Egg nog is liked by more than half of respondents in Alberta (64%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (63%), Atlantic Canada (58%), Ontario (56%) and British Columbia (55%). In Quebec, only 47% of residents concur.

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

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to have found out “the truth” about Santa Claus after their 10th birthday (33%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (31%) and aged 55 and over (21%).

For a majority of Canadians (52%), the appropriate time for children to learn “the truth” about Santa Claus is age 9 or younger, but more than a third (36%) think the revelation should take place at age 10 or older.

Half of Atlantic Canadians (50%) say “the truth” about Santa Claus should be told to children after they turn 10. Fewer residents of Ontario (43%), Alberta (39%), British Columbia (32%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (37%) and Quebec (23%) share this view.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%) acknowledge being satisfied with the way their parents and/or caregivers managed conversations about “the truth” when it comes to Santa Claus, while 13% are dissatisfied.

On this question, dissatisfaction is higher among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (20%) than among those aged 35-to-54 (14%) and those aged 55 and over (7%).

On a regional basis, Ontario is home to the largest proportion of dissatisfied respondents on the way parents and/or caregivers handled conversations about Santa Claus (16%), followed by Quebec (15%), Atlantic Canada (14%), Alberta (also 14%), British Columbia (10%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (9%).

Find our data tables 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%).

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

Americans “Turn to God” More Often Than Canadians

December 11, 2025December 24, 2025By Mario Canseco

Deaths and health setbacks are more likely to move people in each country towards faith and spirituality.

Vancouver, BC [December 11, 2025] – Americans are significantly more likely than Canadians to be drawn to faith and spirituality when facing challenges in their lives, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of representative national samples asked Canadians and Americans if they sought faith and spirituality “more than usual” when going through eight different experiences.

More than seven-in-ten Americans (71%) and just under three-in-five Canadians (59%) say they became more in tune with faith and spirituality after the loss of a loved one.

Majorities of respondents in the two countries (64% in the United States and 53% in Canada) sought faith and spirituality when they experienced an unexpected health setback.

At least half of Americans became more in tune with faith and spirituality when they encountered financial problems (55%), after the birth of a loved one (53%) or when experiencing career-related setbacks, such as failing to get admission to a university, losing a job or not being hired after an interview (50%).

In Canada, about two-in-five respondents acknowledged becoming more in tune with faith and spirituality on account of the birth of a loved one (42%), financial problems (41%) or career-related setbacks (38%).

While almost half of Americans (46%) turned to faith and spirituality upon the end of a relationship, only 36% of Canadians followed the same course of action when going through a break-up, separation or divorce.

“Only 33% of Canadian men and 41% of American men looked more closely at faith and spirituality after a break-up,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions rise to 40% among Canadian women and to 51% among American women.”

Fewer Americans and Canadians sought faith and spirituality during the COVID-19 pandemic (44% in the U.S. and 32% in Canada) or after the re-election of Donald Trump as President of the United States (35% in the U.S. and 20% in Canada).

Just under a third of Republicans in the United States (32%) became more in tune with faith and spirituality after Trump’s re-election, compared to 35% of Independents and 41% of Democrats.

In Canada, similar proportions of people who voted for the Liberal Party (21%), the Conservative Party (20%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in the 2025 federal election sought faith and spirituality after Trump’s victory.

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

Similar Views on Animals in Canada and the United States

December 4, 2025December 5, 2025By Mario Canseco

Vancouver, BC [December 4, 2025] – Few residents of Canada and the United States voice support for two practices related to animals, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, only 19% of Americans (-6 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2020) and 16% of Canadians (-1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2024) are in favour of killing animals for their fur.

“There is a significant gender gap when it comes to killing animals for their fur in the Canada and the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 25% of American men and 22% of Canadian men see no problem with this practice, only 12% of women in each of the two countries feel the same way.”

On a regional basis, acceptance of killing animals for their fur in Canada is highest in Atlantic Canada (22%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 22%), followed by British Columbia (17%), Ontario (16%), Quebec (15%) and Alberta (13%).

In the United States, the results on this question are steady across all four census regions: South (20%), West (19%), Northeast (18%) and Midwest (17%).

In Canada, similar proportions of respondents of four different ethnicities are in favour of killing animals for their fur: Indigenous (17%), East Asian (16%), European (also 16%) and South Asian (14%).

Just under one-in-four African Americans (24%) are in favour of killing animals for their fur. The proportions are lower among respondents in the United States who are white (18%) or Hispanic (14%).

There are two issues where there is a sizeable difference between the two countries.

The use of animals in rodeos is endorsed by 41% of Americans (-5) and 25% of Canadians (-1).

More than half of Americans who identify as Republicans (56%) are in favour of using animals in rodeos, compared to 39% among Independents and 32% among Democrats.

In Canada, just over a third of people who voted for the Conservative Party in this year’s federal election (34%) see no problem with using animals in rodeos. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (22%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (15%).

While more than half of Americans (52%, -12) favour keeping animals in zoos and aquariums, only 34% of Canadians (-2) concur.

Once again, political allegiance plays a role in public perceptions. More than three-in-five Republicans (63%) are in favour of keeping animals in zoos and aquariums, compared to just under half of Democrats (48%) and Independents (47%).

In Canada, support for keeping animals in zoos and aquariums is highest among Conservative voters (38%), followed by Liberals (33%) and New Democrats (25%).

Just over one-in-five Americans (21%, -4) are in favour of hunting animals for sport, compared to only 12% (+1) of Canadians.

Republicans in the United States are more likely to voice support for hunting animals for sport (30%) than Independents (19%) or Democrats (16%). The political fluctuations are not as deep in Canada, with similar proportions of residents who voted for the Conservatives (14%), the Liberals (11%) and the New Democrats this year (also 11%) being in favour of trophy hunting.

The views of residents are significantly different on hunting animals for meat, with three-in-five Canadians (60%, =) and two thirds of Americans (66%, -1) favouring this practice.

American men (75%) and Canadian men (67%) are more supportive of hunting animals for meat than American women (56%) and Canadian women (55%).

Almost seven-in-ten respondents in the two countries (69% each) are in favour of eating animals. In each country, the proportion of supporters is highest among residents aged 55 and over (72% in Canada and 73% in the United States).

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

Metro Vancouver Governments Score High on Some Key Services

December 1, 2025December 2, 2025By Mario Canseco

Satisfaction is lowest on public safety, resident engagement and dealing with homelessness and poverty.

Vancouver, BC [December 1, 2025] – Most residents of Metro Vancouver think their municipal administrations are managing eight issues properly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative regional sample, at least three-in-five Metro Vancouverites say their municipal government has done a “very good” or “good” job managing parks and recreation facilities (68%), providing good sanitation services (66%) and fostering artistic and cultural activities (60%).

Five other issues get a positive review from more than half of Metro Vancouverites: protecting the environment (58%), promoting tourism (56%), dealing with transportation (55%), managing development and growth (53%) and enhancing the quality of life of residents (51%).

The satisfaction rating is lower for five other competencies: making City Hall work in a transparent and unbiased fashion (47%), handling finances (46%), dealing with crime and public safety (45%), engaging with residents (also 45%) and dealing with homelessness and poverty (32%).

More than half of Metro Vancouverites (57%) approve of the performance of the mayor of their municipality, while a third (33%) disapprove and 11% are undecided.

“Across Metro Vancouver, approval for mayors is high among men (62%) and residents aged 18-to-34 (64%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among women (55%) and residents aged 55 and over (51%).”

On a regional basis, the approval rating for mayors is highest in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities (69%), followed by Vancouver (58%), Surrey and White Rock (also 58%), four municipalities in the Fraser Valley (57%), five municipalities in the North Shore (48%) and Richmond and Delta (46%).

Municipal elections in British Columbia use the “at-large system” for elections to council. This means that councillors are elected to represent the entire municipality and not a specific portion of it.

Just over three-in-five Metro Vancouverites (61%) are satisfied with the “at-large system” for elections to council. Residents of Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities, Surrey and White Rock, and the four Fraser Valley municipalities are more likely to be satisfied with the “at-large system” (all at 62%) than those in Vancouver (59%), the North Shore (57%) and Richmond and Delta (48%).

Respondents were also asked about changing existing guidelines to adopt different systems for council elections.

More than half of respondents (55%) support relying on the “single transferable vote system”, in which votes are initially allocated to a voter’s most preferred candidate, and as the count proceeds and candidates are either elected or eliminated, it is transferred to other candidates in accordance with the voter’s stated preferences.

Opposition to the “single transferable vote system” is highest among Metro Vancouverites aged 55 and over (34%) and North Shore residents (41%).

Just over three-in-five Metro Vancouverites (61%) support adopting the “ward system”, in which councillors are elected to represent a specific portion or neighbourhood in a municipality.

A move to the “ward system” is particularly popular in Surrey and White Rock (66%) and Vancouver (64%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 14 to November 16, 2025, among 1,501 adults in Metro Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Metro Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 2.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Metro Vancouverites Evenly Split on “Mega-Amalgamation”

November 27, 2025November 28, 2025By Mario Canseco

Support is higher for smaller mergers involving fewer cities, particularly those located in the Fraser Valley.

Vancouver, BC [November 27, 2025] – The creation of a “mega-city” encompassing all of Metro Vancouver’s existing municipalities is a contentious proposal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative regional sample, 42% of Metro Vancouverites think the amalgamation of all municipalities into one is a “very good” or “good” idea, while the same proportion (42%) consider it “bad” or “very bad”.

“Residents of the City of Vancouver boast the highest level of support for the creation of an amalgamated Metro Vancouver (46%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The appetite for full amalgamation drops across all other regions.”

More than two-in-five residents of Surrey and White Rock (44%), the North Shore (43%) and four Fraser Valley municipalities (41%) regard the “mega-city” idea positively. The results are lower in Richmond and Delta (39%) and in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities (32%).

Metro Vancouverites aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 are more supportive of the creation of a “mega-city” (47% each) than their counterparts aged 55 and over (34%).

The survey also asked Metro Vancouverites about six smaller amalgamation proposals.

Seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (70%) think it is a “very good” or “good” idea for the Township of Langley and the City of Langley to merge into one municipality, while 62% feel the same way about a city encompassing Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

Residents of these four Fraser Valley municipalities are particularly welcoming of these two amalgamation proposals, with 68% being in favour of uniting the Township of Langley and the City of Langley and 67% supporting a merger involving Pitt Meadows and Maple Ridge.

More than half of Metro Vancouverites (54%) view a possible merger of the City of Surrey and the City of White Rock in a positive light—including 57% of respondents who reside in these two cities.

Just under three-in-five Metro Vancouverites (57%) think it would be a “very good” or “good” idea to combine the City of North Vancouver, the District of North Vancouver, the District of West Vancouver, the Village of Lions Bay and Bowen Island Municipality into a single municipality.

Among residents of these five entities, support for a purported “North Shore” city stands at 47%, with a slightly higher proportion (51%) voicing opposition to the concept.

More than half of Metro Vancouverites (56%) think it would be a “very good” or “good” idea to merge the Village of Anmore. the Village of Belcarra, the City of Coquitlam, the City of Port Coquitlam and the City of Port Moody into one municipality, while fewer than half (47%) would entertain uniting the City of Burnaby and the City of New Westminster.

Residents of these municipalities are not keen on amalgamation, with 44% saying they favour uniting the Tri-Cities and the two villages and 36% supporting a union between Burnaby and New Westminster.

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

High Concern in British Columbia After Cowichan Tribes Ruling

November 24, 2025November 25, 2025By Mario Canseco

Territory acknowledgements are supported by most of the province’s residents; fewer think the word “settler” is adequate.

Vancouver, BC [November 24, 2025] – While a sizeable majority of British Columbians are anxious about a recent court decision, most also express positive views about the right of self-determination for Indigenous peoples and find territory acknowledgements adequate, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of British Columbians say they are following news related to the recent B.C. Supreme Court decision “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

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

More than two thirds of British Columbians (68%) think property owners in British Columbia should be concerned about the consequences of the court’s decision, including 79% of those aged 55 and over and 75% who own their primary residence.

More than half of British Columbians (52%) believe all negotiations related to Aboriginal title agreements in British Columbia should be paused until the Cowichan Tribes case is settled.

Fewer than half of British Columbians agree with two other statements: that fee simple title in private property should always be superior to Aboriginal title (47%) and that the B.C. Supreme Court’s recent decision erases private property ownership (45%).

Just under half of British Columbians (48%)—and 45% of property owners—say they believe the Cowichan Tribes when they say they are not looking to displace any individual from the properties they own.

Most British Columbians (54%) think the City of Richmond took the correct course of action by sending an official letter to property owners in the claimed area, warning them that the decision “may compromise the status and validity” of their ownership. Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians (27%) think the City of Richmond overreacted to the situation.

Across the province, more than a third of respondents (35%) had heard about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP)—a proportion that rises to 62% among those of Indigenous descent.

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

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

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%) think the UNDRIP Act is a positive development for Canada, while 14% perceive it negatively and 13% are undecided.

More than two thirds of British Columbians (68%) say territory acknowledgements are adequate in today’s Canada, while 18% consider the practice inadequate.

“At least two thirds of residents of the Fraser Valley (69%), Metro Vancouver (69%) and Southern BC (66%) think territory acknowledgements are adequate,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities in Vancouver Island (61%) and Northern BC (59%) also share this view.”

The practice of non-Indigenous Canadians and Permanent Residents calling themselves “settlers” is seen as adequate by 45% of British Columbians and as inadequate by 30%.

The public is divided on whether people should speak positively about the Residential School system, with 39% believing this is adequate and 43% claiming it is inadequate.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the right of self-determination—meaning that Indigenous people can determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and dispose of and benefit from their wealth and natural resources—has been positive for Canada.

Similar proportions of British Columbians think First Nations and Indigenous organizations across British Columbia should decide what type of housing projects can be built on their territories (66%) and if natural resource projects can be established on their territories (62%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians think that, compared to 20 years ago, First Nations and Indigenous organizations are doing better on cultural development (50%), economic development (49%) and social development (44%).

Economic Reconciliation is defined as “the process of making economic amends for historical injustices to Indigenous Peoples.” British Columbians are divided in their assessment of the current situation, with 23% saying the federal government is doing “too much” on Economic Reconciliation, while 27% believe it “needs to do more”.

Equal proportions of British Columbians think the provincial government is doing “too much” (24%) or “needs to do more” (also 24%) on Economic Reconciliation. Only 18% of respondents think municipal administrations are doing “too much” on this file.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 18 to November 20, 2025, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Teaching Creationism in Schools Gains Backers in Canada

November 20, 2025November 25, 2025By Mario Canseco

A majority of Canadians still believe human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years.

Vancouver, BC [November 20, 2025] – The proportion of Canadians who think there is a place for creationism in their province’s classrooms has increased over the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 48% of Canadians (+7 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2024) think creationism—the belief that the universe and life originated from specific acts of divine creation—should be part of the school curriculum in their province.

More than a third of Canadians (35%, -7) disagree with teaching creationism to school children, while 18% (+1) are not sure.

“The increase in support for discussing creationism in schools is being driven by Canadians aged 18-to-34 (58%, +10),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (48%, +4) and aged 55 and over (38%, +5) favour this course of action.”

Men (51%, +7) are still more likely than women (44%, +10) to endorse creationism in the classroom. On a regional basis, support for this idea is highest in Ontario (54%, +10), followed by Atlantic Canada (50%, +2) Saskatchewan and Manitoba (50%, +8), Alberta (46%, +3), Quebec (43%, +8) and British Columbia (41%, +4).

More than half of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (53%, +16) or the Conservative Party (52%, +6) in this year’s federal election agree with teaching creationism in schools. The proportion is lower among Canadians who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (38%, -5).

Majorities of Canadians whose origins are South Asian (73%, +11) or Indigenous (57%, +7) support discussing creationism in the classroom. Fewer Canadians whose heritage is East Asian (45%, -11) or European (35%, +1) concur.

The year-to-year fluctuations are not as pronounced on the other question included in the survey. Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, -3) say human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, while just under one-in-four (23%, +2) believe God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years.

More than one-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (26%, +1) side with divine creation, along with more than one-in-five Canadians aged 35-to-54 (22%, +1) and aged 18-to-34 (21%, +1).

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians of four different ethnicities assert that God created human beings: European (22%, +3), East Asian (21%, -3), Indigenous (19%, +10) and South Asian (17%, -2%).

Almost three-in-ten Canadians who supported the Conservatives in this year’s federal election (29%, +3) are also believers in divine creation, compared to about one-in-five Liberals (21%, +4) and New Democrats (19%, -1).

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.

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%).

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

Canadians Remain Satisfied with Scope of MAID Legislation

October 30, 2025October 29, 2025By Mario Canseco

The proportion of residents who would completely ban medical assistance in dying jumped by six points since 2023.

Vancouver, BC [October 30, 2025] – The perceptions of Canadians on the existing guidelines that allow medical assistance in dying have not gone through severe fluctuations over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 52% of Canadians are satisfied with the regulations, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023.

Equal proportions of Canadians are either dissatisfied with the rules related to medical assistance in dying (24%, -3) or are undecided (also 24%, -1).

“Fewer than half of Conservative Party voters in the 2025 federal election (46%) are content with Canada’s medical assistance in dying laws,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among those who cast ballots for New Democratic Party (NDP) (53%) or Liberal Party (59%) candidates.”

Canadians of East Asian descent are the least likely to endorse the status quo on medical assistance in dying (47%). Satisfaction is higher among Canadians whose heritage is European (51%), South Asian (58%) or Indigenous (60%).

More than three-in-five Quebecers (62%) endorse the current guidelines that allow a person to seek medical assistance in dying. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%), Atlantic Canada (51%), British Columbia (also 51%), Ontario (49%), and Alberta (45%).

When asked about their personal feelings, almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, =) believe medical assistance in dying should be allowed, but only under specific circumstances.

Similar proportions of Canadians think medical assistance in dying should either never be allowed (18%, +6) or always be permitted (16%, -4).

Three-in-four Canadians (75%, +2) support an individual being permitted to seek medical assistance in dying in Canada if these conditions are met:

Being eligible for health services funded by the federal government, or a province or territory (or during the applicable minimum period of residence or waiting period for eligibility).
Being at least 18 years old and mentally competent.
Having a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
Making a voluntary request for medical assistance in dying that is not the result of outside pressure or influence.
Giving informed consent to receive medical assistance in dying.

Under the current legislation, only an adult with a grievous and irremediable medical condition can seek medical assistance in dying in Canada.

Fewer than half of Canadians are willing to expand the scope of existing legislation to allow medical assistance in dying in cases of inability to receive medical treatment (49%, -2), disability (46%, -4), mental illness (42%, -1), homelessness (26%, -2) or poverty (25%, -2).

Practically half of Canadians (49%, +7) believe anyone who helps a person to commit suicide should be prosecuted, while just over three-in-ten (31%, -3) disagree and one-in-five (20%, -3) are not sure.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to think that aiding a person to commit suicide should remain a criminal offence (60%, +8) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (48%, +7) and aged 55 and over (41%, +7).

Canadians remain divided when asked about the appropriate punishment for a parent who is found guilty of assisting a terminally ill son or daughter to die.

Just under three-in-ten Canadians (28%, -1) express a preference for a prison sentence at the discretion of a judge, while15% (+7) think the crime calls for a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment.

Just over one-in-ten (11%, -3) think the actions in this case can be dealt with through a fine and no time in prison, while just under one-in-four Canadians (23%, -1) choose no penalty at all.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 15 to October 17, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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