Lifestyle – Research Co.

Support for Return of Death Penalty Rises Markedly in Canada

June 18, 2026June 17, 2026By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

Canada eliminated the death penalty for murder in July 1976.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Ponder Trade with China, Joining European Union

June 11, 2026June 10, 2026By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ban on Crypto ATMs Endorsed by Majority of Canadians

June 4, 2026June 3, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than two-in-five (44%) have an unfavourable view of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies.

Vancouver, BC [June 4, 2026] – Almost half of Canadians tie the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies to money laundering, and a majority agree with the federal government’s recent proposal to ban Crypto ATMs, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) say they are “very informed” or “moderately informed” about Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies—a proportion that rises to 54% among those aged 18-to-34.

Just over a third of Canadians (34%) have a favourable view of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, while 44% hold an unfavourable view and 21% are not sure.

Positive perceptions of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are highest among men (46%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) and Quebecers (42%).

Almost half of Canadians (49%) say Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are being used to launder money in their province, while more than a third (37%) think the use of Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies has led to more street-level crime in their province.

Majorities of British Columbians (58%) and Ontarians (55%) establish a connection between cryptocurrencies and money laundering. The proportions are lower in Alberta (48%), Quebec (47%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%) and Atlantic Canada (31%).

Crypto ATMs allow customers to deposit cash and then convert it into Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies. The federal government is contemplating a ban on Crypto ATMs, which are currently not regulated in Canada.

More than half of Canadians (56%) support banning Crypto ATMs in Canada, while 26% are opposed and 18% are not sure.

“The proposed ban on Crypto ATMs across Canada is backed by 62% of Canadians aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians aged 35-to-54 (52%) and aged 18-to-34 (52%) are also in favour of the proposed prohibition.”

Support for banning Crypto ATMs in Canada is highest among Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the last federal election (64%), Majorities of those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (58%) or the Conservative Party (53%) in 2025 are also in favour of the prohibition.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from May 12 to May 14, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

British Columbians Are Pessimistic on Financial Matters

May 28, 2026May 27, 2026By Mario Canseco

Fewer than one-in-five residents expect a recovery for both the province’s economy and their own household’s finances.

Vancouver, BC [May 28, 2026] – Only a third of British Columbians are happy with the economic standing of the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 33% of British Columbians rate the economic conditions in the province as “very good” or “good”, while 62% consider them “bad” or “very bad”.

Residents of the province are almost evenly split when assessing their own household’s finances, with 49% saying they are “very good” or “good” and 48% deeming them “bad” or “very bad”.

Positive perceptions of the provincial economy are higher among British Columbians who voted for the BC Green Party (47%) or the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (43%) in the 2024 provincial election than among those who cast ballots for candidates representing the Conservative Party of British Columbia (17%).

Just over two-in-five British Columbians (41%) expect the economic conditions in the province to decline in the next six months, while 38% foresee no change and only 14% predict an improvement.

The assessment is slightly better for household finances, with just over half of British Columbians (51%) predicting no changes, 26% expecting a decline and 16% anticipating an improvement.

About a third of British Columbians (32%) think the provincial economy is worse than that of other Canadian provinces, while 41% consider it “about the same” and 14% claim it is performing better.

Half of British Columbians (50%) expect BC’s economy to improve because of the way the federal government under Mark Carney is treating the province, while 61% agree that many of the setbacks that BC’s economy has experienced can be blamed on the fact that Donald Trump is the President of the United States.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (64%) want the provincial government to devote more resources to expediting permits and dealing with bureaucracy and red tape—a proportion that rises to 75% among BC Conservative voters.

The provincial government’s latest budget projects a $13.3 billion deficit for British Columbia in the 2026-27 fiscal year. When asked their preferred way to deal with the budget deficit, 45% of British Columbians call for cuts to programs, while 33% favour raising taxes and 21% are undecided.

“There is a significant political divide when British Columbians ponder the budget deficit,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half of those who voted for the New Democrats in 2024 (46%) would raise taxes, while more than two thirds of those who supported the BC Conservatives (68%) would cut programs.”

The provincial government has traditionally classified the economy into 13 major sectors. Right now, only five of these sectors garner positive reviews from about half of the province’s residents: tourism (59%), film and television (50%), technology and innovation (also 50%), clean technology (49%) and agriculture (48%).

The level of satisfaction with the way the government is managing eight other sectors is lower: construction (46%), cannabis (also 46%), high technology (45%), fisheries and aquaculture (also 45%), mining (44%), manufacturing (42%), maritime (41%) and forestry (also 41%).

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

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

Most Canadians Worry About the Negative Effects of Sports Betting

May 25, 2026May 24, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half (56%) believe gambling is bad for sports, and two thirds (66%) think is detrimental to society.

Vancouver, BC [May 25, 2026] – The advent of single-game sports betting has become a troubling scenario for many Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over three-in-four Canadians (76%) think the increased risk of gambling addiction by bettors is a problem, while more than seven-in-ten (72%) feel the same way about the normalization of gambling among children and teens.

Majorities of Canadians also consider three issues related to sports betting as problems: the amount of ads for betting websites on televised sporting events (64%), the harassment and abuse of athletes and coaches (58%) and the normalization of gambling as a way to enjoy sporting events (55%).

Respondents to this survey were offered four pairs of contrasting opinions that could be used to describe a person’s position on gambling.

Two thirds of Canadians (66%) consider gambling “detrimental to society”, while just over a third (34%) deem it “beneficial to society”.

Three-in-five Canadians (60%) say gambling should be “legal”, while two-in-five (40%) believe it should be “illegal”.

Canadians were more likely to describe gambling as “morally acceptable” (58%) than as “morally wrong” (42%) and are also more likely to think it is “bad for sports” (56%) than “good for sports” (44%).

“Just over half of Canadians who are Christian (51%) or who profess other religions (also 51%) say gambling is morally acceptable,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Seven-in-ten Canadians who are atheist, agnostic or have no religion (70%) share this view.”

More than half of Albertans (52%) say gambling is “morally wrong”. The proportions are lower in British Columbia (45%), Quebec (44%), Ontario (43%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%) and Atlantic Canada (30%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%) think people will continue to find ways to gamble even if it was made illegal, while a slightly smaller proportion (69%) believe the government should do more to deal with the negative effects of gambling.

Support for enhanced government action to deal with the negative effects of gambling is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (78%), followed by British Columbia (70%), Quebec (69%), Ontario (68%), Atlantic Canada (67%) and Alberta (62%).

Just under two thirds of Canadians (65%) think it is the right of the individual to gamble, regardless of the consequences.

More than half of Canadians (54%) bought a lottery ticket in the past year, while more than a third (38%) purchased a Scratch & Win ticket.

Over the past 12 months, at least one-in-ten Canadians attended a casino (24%), played poker (or other card games) online (14%), placed a bet on a sporting event (with a friend or relative) (12%), or placed a bet on a sporting event (through a licensed operator, such as DraftKings, Betway or FanDuel) (10%),

Fewer Canadians placed a bet on a sporting event (through their provincial lottery corporation) (9%) or bought or sold shares in a prediction market platform, such as Polymarket or Kalshi (1%).

Canadians who bought a lottery ticket in the past year were asked about their expectations. Just under half (49%) say they do not foresee winning any prize, while 31% anticipate winning a small prize and 20% believe they will win a big prize.

Expectations of a big prize after purchasing a lottery ticket are smallest among Canadians who are atheist, agnostic or have no religion (17%). The proportions climb to 21% among Christians and to 24% among those who profess other religions.

Majorities of lottery ticket purchasers in Atlantic Canada (59%), British Columbia (57%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (55%) and Alberta (54%) say they do not expect to win any prize. The proportions drop to 47% in Ontario and to 34% in Quebec.

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

Food Security Challenges Affecting Most British Columbians

May 21, 2026May 20, 2026By Mario Canseco

Almost a third of the province’s residents are “more stressed” about having enough money to make it to the end of the month.

Vancouver, BC [May 21, 2026] – Significant proportions of British Columbians are changing their shopping and dietary habits on account of rising food prices, a new Research Co. poll conducted in partnership with United Way BC has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than a third of British Columbians say they have switched packaged food brands to lower priced (generic) alternatives (37%) or changed their diet to avoid products that have become more expensive (35%).

More than one-in-five of the province’s residents (21%) have cut back on lunches for themselves, while fewer have cut back on medications (12%) or cut back on lunches for children (4%).

“Just over two-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (41%) acknowledge modifying their diet because specific products have become unaffordable,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is also noteworthy among British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (36%) and aged 55 and over (28%).”

On a separate question, just under one-in-four British Columbians (23%) say themselves or other household members had to reduce the size of their meals over the past couple of months because of affordability.

While fewer of the province’s residents experienced other issues over the past couple of months, the proportions are noteworthy.

Just under one-in-five British Columbians (18%) report themselves or other household members being unable to afford to eat nutritious meals, and around one-in-seven had to skip meals altogether because of affordability (15%), say that the food that they purchased did not last and they were unable to purchase more (also 15%), or had to access food or meals, at no cost, from a community organization (such as a food bank) (13%).

In addition, three-in-ten British Columbians (30%) say they personally ate less than they felt they should because there wasn’t enough money to buy food, while just under one-in-five (18%) say they personally were hungry but didn’t eat because they couldn’t afford enough food.

More than one-in-five British Columbians who have a senior family member, coworker or friend in the province recall the senior expressing concern about paying for non-essential but important expenses like holiday gifts for others, coffee, or social activities (26%) or the senior expressing concern about paying for everyday living expenses like rent/mortgage, gas for their car, or utilities (also 26%).

Fewer of these respondents recall the senior communicating that they were feeling lonely or isolated (24%), the senior having to reduce the size of their meals, or skip meals, because of affordability (15%) or the senior not being able to afford to eat nutritious meals (12%).

Almost a third of British Columbians (31%) are more stressed now than two years ago about having enough money to make it to the end of the month.

The levels of increased stress are similar among the province’s residents on three other issues: paying their rent or mortgage (29%), feeding themselves and their families (27%) and having enough time to take care of themselves and their families (also 27%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 24 to April 26, 2026, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Higher Fines for Interfering with Emergency Vehicles Backed in BC

May 14, 2026May 14, 2026By Mario Canseco

The province’s residents assume that the fines for three violations are significantly higher than they are.

Vancouver, BC [May 14, 2026] – Most British Columbians are in favour of raising the fines levied on drivers who interfere with emergency vehicles, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample asked British Columbians what they think the current fines are for three traffic violations: driving over a fire hose, following a fire truck too closely and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

On average, British Columbians believe the current fine for driving over a fire hose is $233.99. Respondents assumed higher fines for following a fire truck too closely ($342.73) and failing to yield to an emergency vehicle ($393.32).

The current fines for these three violations are significantly lower than what British Columbians assumed: $81 for driving over a fire hose, $81 for following a fire truck too closely and $109 for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle.

When informed of the current fines, almost half of British Columbians (48%) think the one in place for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is too low. More than two-in-five (42%) feel the same way about the fine for following a fire truck too closely and one third (33%) share the same opinion about the fine for driving over a fire hose.

“More than half of men in British Columbia (55%) say the current fine for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle is too low,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 43% of women share this view.”

In the final question, three-in-five British Columbians (60%) are in favour of raising the fine for driving over a fire hose. Two thirds (66%) call for a higher fine for following a fire truck too closely, and more than seven-in-ten (72%) endorse a similar course of action for falling to yield to an emergency vehicle.

Support for raising the fine for driving over a fire hose is highest on Vancouver Island (76%), followed by Northern BC (75%), Southern BC (74%), the Fraser Valley (71%) and Metro Vancouver (70%).

Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (77%), the Conservative Party of BC (74%) and the BC Green Party (64%) agree with raising the fine for driving over a fire hose.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 6 to April 8, 2026, 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.

Head Shot Ban Endorsed by Canadians and Hockey Fans Alike

May 7, 2026May 7, 2026By Mario Canseco

Canadians and “true fans” of hockey think the NHL has done a “very good” or “good” job in looking after player safety.

Vancouver, BC [May 7, 2026] – Majorities of Canadians continue to foresee benefits if professional hockey prohibits head shots and fights, although the level of support for change is not as high as it was two years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 74% of Canadians are in favour of banning head shots in professional hockey (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2024).

A majority of Canadians (57%, -4) voice agreement with banning fighting in professional hockey.

Among respondents who describe themselves as “true fans” of hockey, support for a ban on head shots at the professional level reaches 84%. This group has more nuanced views on ending on-ice fights, with 49% supporting this initiative and 47% opposing it.

Just under three-in-five Canadians (58%, -5) think hockey would be better off if head shots are banned in the professional game—a view shared by 66% of “true fans” of the game (-1).

Only 32% of “true fans” (-7)—and 37% of Canadians (-7)—expect a positive effect on the game if fighting is banned in professional hockey.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +6)—and 87% of “true fans” of hockey (-1)—rate the efforts of the National Hockey League (NHL) in looking after the safety of its players as “very good” or “good”.

Fewer than a third of Canadians (31%, -2) think professional hockey become a more violent sport over the past five years.

On a regional basis, Quebecers are more likely to say that professional hockey is more violent now than in 2021 (33%, -4), followed by residents of Ontario (32%, -3), Atlantic Canada (also 32%, -1), Alberta (29%, +9), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (26%, -6) and British Columbia (26%, -3).

“About a third of women (32%) and Canadians aged 18-to-34 (34%) think professional hockey has become more violent,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among men (29%), and Canadians aged 55 and over (28%) and aged 35-to-54 (26%).”

At least one-in-four Canadians say that, as a result of recent violent incidents in hockey, they would refrain from buying products from companies that sponsor professional hockey (25%, +1), encourage their kids to avoid playing hockey (26%, +1) or watch fewer hockey games than they currently do (28%, +3).

The results on this question are similar when the views of “true fans” of hockey are analyzed: three-in-ten (30%) would watch fewer games because of violent incidents, while slightly smaller proportions would deter their kids from playing the game (29%) or avoid purchases from companies that sponsor professional hockey (28%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 11 to April 13, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Niagara Region Residents Want to Keep Control of Water Services

April 21, 2026May 7, 2026By Mario Canseco

Three-in-five residents oppose the provincial government relying on Bill 60 to change how water is provided.

St. Catharines, ON [April 21, 2026] – The notion of privatizing water and wastewater services is not particularly popular with residents of the 12 cities, towns and townships that form the Niagara Region, a new Research Co. poll conducted for CUPE Ontario has found.

In the mixed mode survey of a representative regional sample, more than three-in-five Niagara Region residents (62%) say they are “very happy” or “somewhat happy” with the quality of the water and wastewater systems in their municipality.

In November 2025, the Ontario provincial government headed by Premier Doug Ford passed a law that gives it the power to force cities and towns to transfer publicly owned and operated water and wastewater services—including the water and sewage pipes and filtration plants that municipalities currently own—to business corporations.

Only 17% of Niagara Region residents think their local elected officials should accept this new provincial directive if the Ford government tries to use it. A sizeable majority (61%) want their local mayors, councillors and regional councillors to resist this course of action.

Currently, water and sewage is a service provided for the residents of Niagara’s 12 cities and towns by the Niagara Regional government. It is fully owned by residents through their government and provided on a not-for-profit basis.

Almost three-in-four Niagara Region residents (74%) think it is important for democratically elected representatives to keep control of water services.

Three-in-five Niagara Region residents (60%) oppose the provincial government using its new water corporations law (Bill 60) to change how water is provided in Niagara Region.

The Ontario government introduced amendments to Bill 60 while this survey was being conducted. Those amendments, contained in Bill 98, do not to change the power of the Minister of Municipal Affairs to compel any Ontario municipality to transfer its water infrastructure to a business corporation.

Water infrastructure—including pipes, sewers and filtration plants—in Niagara requires some repairs and updates. Also, for more housing to be built, more water infrastructure needs to be added. Updating current and building more water infrastructure will cost millions of dollars.

Respondents to this survey were asked their opinion about four different ways to deal with this situation.

Almost three-in-four Niagara Region residents (74%) think it would be a “very good” or “good” idea for the provincial government to pay the full cost needed to upgrade water infrastructure at the municipal level in Ontario, even if that means increasing taxes paid by corporations and bringing in a new wealth tax on millionaires and billionaires.

Just over seven-in-ten respondents (71%) favour the provincial government borrowing the money that is required to repair and build the new water infrastructure that Niagara needs, even if that means increasing taxes paid by corporations and any individual whose income is $250,000 or more.

Almost two thirds of Niagara Region residents (65%) think it would be a “very good” or “good” idea for the Ford government to borrow the money that is required to repair current water infrastructure, even if that means increasing taxes paid by corporations and individuals earning $250,000 or more, and letting municipal governments charge fees that real estate developers must pay to recover some of the cost of building new water infrastructure because developers make good profits selling new housing.

Only 22% of respondents side with the notion of the provincial government making municipal governments transfer current water infrastructure to a business corporation that can borrow the money required to repair and build.

Methodology: Results are based on a mixed-mode (online and telephone) survey conducted from March 28 to April 4, 2026, among 963 adults in the Niagara Region. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender in the Niagara Region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.2 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

More Than Seven-in-Ten British Columbians Want MLB Team

April 20, 2026April 20, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents would attend at least one home game a year when the franchise is established.

Vancouver, BC [April 20, 2026] – Public support for a Major League Baseball (MLB) franchise in Vancouver has grown markedly over the past three years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%, +12 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2023) say it is a “very good” or “good” idea for Vancouver to have an MLB team.

Fewer than one-in-ten British Columbians (9%, -4) think this is a “bad” or “very bad” idea, while 19% (-8) are not sure.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who in 2024 voted for the Conservative Party of BC (76%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (75%) or the BC Green Party (68%) favour establishing an MLB team in Vancouver.

“The arrival of Major League Baseball to Vancouver is backed by two thirds of British Columbians whose heritage is Indigenous (66%) or East Asian (67%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is higher among residents of European (70%) or South Asian (82%) descent.”

More than four-in-five residents of the Fraser Valley (83%, +16) think an MLB franchise in Vancouver is a “very good” or “good” idea, along with majorities of British Columbians who live in Southern BC (78%, +21), Metro Vancouver (72%, +12), Northern BC (68%, -10) and Vancouver Island (64%, +7).

More than half of British Columbians (54%, +7) say they are “very likely” or “somewhat likely” to attend at least one home game a year in the event an MLB team is established in Vancouver, and almost three-in-ten (29%, +10) feel the same way about purchasing season tickets.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians in the highest income bracket (68%) say they are likely to go to at least one home game a year once a Vancouver MLB franchise begins operations.

Almost half of British Columbians (48%, +11) are likely to watch the Vancouver MLB team’s games at a bar or pub, while a majority (58%, +2) would tune in to enjoy games at home.

There is also a marked increase in the proportion of residents who would buy apparel or merchandise with the logo of Vancouver’s MLB team, going from 39% in August 2023 to 50% this month.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, +19) have a favourite team in MLB, including the Toronto Blue Jays (49%, +17), the Seattle Mariners (7%, +1) and other MLB franchises (4%, +1).

Just over two thirds of British Columbians who have a favourite MLB team (67%, +5) say they would stop rooting for this franchise to support the Vancouver squad once it starts playing.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 16 to April 18, 2026, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

By 3-to-1 Margin, Niagara Region Residents Reject Amalgamation Push

April 13, 2026April 21, 2026By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of residents think the issue should be put to a special vote in this year’s municipal elections.

St. Catharines, ON [April 13, 2026] – Residents of the 12 cities, towns and townships that form the Niagara Region are unconvinced about an amalgamation proposal, a new Research Co. poll conducted for CUPE Ontario has found.

In the mixed mode survey of a representative regional sample, conducted in early March, more than three-in-five respondents (62%) thought Premier Doug Ford and his provincial government should back off from meddling in Niagara’s local democracy though his hand-picked Regional Chair, Bob Gale and want the people of Niagara to have their say on possible amalgamation based on who they elect as mayors and councillors in October.

Only 19% of respondents think Premier Ford and his provincial government should continue pushing for amalgamation through Gale, who they appointed, and want this decision to be made by the provincial government and the current mayors of Niagara’s 12 municipalities.

The survey was conducted prior to Gale’s resignation as chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara on March 12, following a controversy regarding his alleged ownership of a signed copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

Majorities of both men (58%) and women (66%) in the Niagara Region want to place the decision on amalgamation away from the provincial government—a view that is shared by 60% of Niagara Region residents aged 18-to-34, 61% of those aged 35-to-54 and 65% of those aged 55 and over.

Two thirds of respondents (66%) think the possible amalgamation of cities, towns and townships in the Niagara Region should be put to a special vote during the municipal elections already scheduled for this October—a proportion that rises to 76% among respondents aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on a mixed-mode (online and telephone) survey conducted from March 5 to March 10, 2026, among 934 adults in the Niagara Region. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender in the Niagara Region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.2 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty..

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

Canadians Split on Conscience Rights on Physician-Assisted Death

April 9, 2026April 8, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just under two-in-five would support a bill to allow health care professionals to object on moral or faith-based grounds.

Vancouver, BC [April 9, 2026] – While Canadians are not particularly supportive of legislation that would permit moral or faith-based objections in all phases of health care delivery, there is a deep divide when pondering their use in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians (+5 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2022) think health care professionals should have the ability to object to providing services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to physician-assisted death, while 42% (-9) disagree.

On a regional basis, opposition to moral or faith-based objections in physician-assisted death cases is highest in Alberta (47%), followed by Atlantic Canada (45%), Quebec (44%), Ontario (41%), British Columbia (also 41%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%).

Opposition is higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (45%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 18-to-34 (39%).

The survey asked about two other specific situations in which health care professionals might ask to object to providing services.

Just under half of Canadians (48%, -8) say health care professionals should not be able to object to providing services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to abortion—a proportion that rises to 51% among women.

A majority of Canadians (57%, -6) disagree with the possibility of health care practitioners refusing to provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2+) people because of a moral or faith-based objection.

Across Canada, 46% of respondents (-6) would oppose a bill that sought to allow health care professionals the ability to have a moral or faith-based objection to providing services. Fewer than two-in-five Canadians (38%, -1) would support a bill with these characteristics, while 16% (+2) are undecided.

Half of Canadians aged 55 and over (50%, -6) would oppose an effort from their provincial legislature to allow moral or faith-based objections in health care delivery. The proportion drops to 46% (-2) among Canadians aged 18-to-34 and to 41% (-9) among Canadians aged 35-to-54.

In 2019, Alberta considered the implementation of Bill 207 which was later abandoned. The proposed legislation sought to enable the province’s health care practitioners to abstain from providing services to an individual if they considered that their conscientious beliefs would be infringed upon.

Support for this type of legislation is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45%), followed by Ontario (43%), British Columbia (41%), Alberta (38%), Quebec (30%) and Atlantic Canada (29%).

“More than half of Conservative Party voters in the 2025 federal election (53%) would permit moral or faith-based objections in health care delivery,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion drops to 36% among Liberal Party voters and to 34% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters.”

There are also some significant differences among specific ethnicities. More than half of Canadians of East Asian descent (52%) support this type of bill. Fewer respondents whose heritage is Indigenous (44%) European (35%) or South Asian (32%) concur.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 22 to March 24, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

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.

Canadians Still Think Use of Emergencies Act Was Justified

March 26, 2026April 8, 2026By Mario Canseco

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

Vancouver, BC [March 26, 2026] – Four years after the invocation of the Emergencies Act, a majority of Canadians continue to agree with the decision taken by the federal government, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In January and February 2022, a series of protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic took place in Ottawa and other parts of Canada.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than seven-in-ten Canadians (71%, +2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025) say they “very closely” or “moderately closely” followed news stories related to the protests and blockades.

Practically three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) think the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to deal with the protests and blockades was justified.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2025 federal election (78% and 66% respectively) side with the federal government’s decision. Conservative Party voters are divided: 44% think the actions were justified, while 46% consider them unjustified.

When asked to look back at their feelings during the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, just over two in five Canadians (41%, -2) claim to have supported them while almost half (47%, +1) say they opposed them.

The anti-mandate protests found the support of just 33% of Canadians aged 55 and over. The proportions are larger among Canadians aged 35 to 54 (45%) and Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%).

More than a third of Canadians (36%, +2) believe no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented, while more than half (54%, -5) disagree with this idea.

“A significant gender gap remains when Canadians assess COVID-19 mandates and restrictions six years after the pandemic was declared,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 32% of women would have preferred to have avoided these measures, the proportion rises to 41% among men.”

The survey continues to show a divided country on two additional aspects of the protests and blockades.

Canadians are almost evenly split on whether the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were justified (Agree 43%, Disagree 45%).

The notion that the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were fighting for freedom resonates positively with 45% of Canadians and negatively with 41%.

The numbers are not as close on whether the federal government should be overthrown. Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -1) agree with this contention, while more than half (51%, =) disagree with it.

At least seven-in-ten Canadians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades (74%, -3) and foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (70%, =).

Fewer Canadians—but still majorities— are also worried about the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (62%, -2) and Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions (59%, -2).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 15 to March 17, 2026, 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.

Six Years Later, Canadians Feel COVID-19 Was Properly Handled

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026By Mario Canseco

Majorities support holding public inquiries similar to the one currently taking place in the United Kingdom.

Vancouver, BC [March 23, 2026] – The performance of the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic remains satisfactory for a majority of Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians think the way the federal government in Ottawa dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic can be described as “a success”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025.

“Satisfaction with the way the federal government managed the COVID-19 pandemic is lowest among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (45%)”, says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (59%) and aged 18-to-34 (58%).”

Most Canadians also think their provincial government (56%, +2) and their municipal government (55%, +3) were successful in managing COVID-19. The rating is lower for the official opposition in Ottawa (38%, -1) and provincial official opposition parties (41%, +2).

At least half of Canadians think the media was successful in dealing with the pandemic: 56% for television news (+3), 55% for radio news (+4) and 50% for newspapers (+1). The rating is similar for non-governmental organizations (51%, +5) and lower for unions (44%, +5) and trade associations (41%, +4).

As was the case in 2025, Canadians can be divided into three distinct camps when asked about the pandemic.

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

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

About three-in-five Canadians support holding public inquiries into the way the COVID-19 pandemic was managed by the federal government (62%, -2), their provincial government (61%, -4) and their municipal government (58%, -4).

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s federal election are more likely to support holding a public inquiry into the federal government’s response to COVID-19 (71% and 69% respectively) than those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates (55%).

Majorities of residents in the four most populous provinces would welcome an inquiry into the way provincial governments managed the pandemic: 67% in Alberta, 64% in British Columbia, 61% in Ontario and 58% in Quebec.

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

Public Appetite for a Republic Dwindles Across Canada

March 19, 2026March 20, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians continue to expect the country to remain a monarchy twenty years from now.

Vancouver, BC [March 19, 2026] – Canadians are divided when assessing the constitution of the country, a new Research Co, poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 33% of Canadians (-7 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025) say they would prefer for Canada to have an elected head of state, while 29% (-2) would like Canada to remain a monarchy.

Almost one-in-four Canadians (23%, +5) say they do not care either way and 15% (+4) are undecided.

“In March 2024, a 23-point gap separated the group of Canadians that called for a republic from those who argued in favour of keeping the monarchy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This year, the difference between the two camps is just four points.”

Public support for the continuation of the monarchy in Canada is highest among Baby Boomers (36%), dropping to 31% among Generation X, to 26% among Generation Y, and to 24% among Millennials.

On a regional basis, support for the continuation of the monarchy is highest in Atlantic Canada (38%), followed by British Columbia (37%), Ontario (30%), Alberta (28%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (27%) and Quebec (22%).

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election are more likely to favour keeping the monarchy (37%) than those who cast ballots for candidates representing the Conservative Party (29%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (27%).

As was the case last year, a majority of Canadians (52%, -1) expect Canada to “definitely” or “probably” remain a monarchy in 20 years, while just over one-in-four (26%, -6) believe the country will “definitely” or “probably” have an elected head of state.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +4) hold favourable views on King Charles III. The rating is higher for Princess Kate (57%, +1), Prince William (55%, +1) and Prince Harry (47%, =), and lower for Duchess Meghan (38%, -2) and Queen Consort Camilla (29%, -1).

The reigning monarch’s favourability rating is highest among Baby Boomers (59%) but falls below the 50% mark among Generation X (40%), Millennials (40%) and Generation Y (35%).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +15) say they have no problem with King Charles III being featured on coins and bills that are being used in Canada.

Two thirds of Canadians (67%, +17) would like to see a commitment from King Charles III to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire Royal Family, and practically three-in-five (59%, +15) think the monarch should advance the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Almost half of Canadians (49%, +9) say they would have liked to see Prince William become King of the United Kingdom and the other 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada.

The notion of Prince William taking over as King in 2022 is particularly popular in Alberta (58%), followed by British Columbia (54%), Ontario (51%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (49%), Atlantic Canada (47%) and Quebec (40%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 7 to March 9, 2026, 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.

Perceptions on National Economy Mostly Stagnant in Canada

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026By Mario Canseco

Canadians are more likely to trust Mark Carney on economic matters than Pierre Poilievre.

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2026] – The views of Canadians on the country’s financial standing did not go through severe fluctuations over the past five months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 60% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “poor” or “very poor”, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2025.

More than a third of Canadians (35%, =) continue to say the country’s financial standing is “very good” or “good” today.

Just under a third of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (32%, -8) and Atlantic Canada (32%, -17) say Canada’s economic conditions are “very good” or “good”. The proportions are higher in Ontario (33%, -3), British Columbia (34%, +5), Alberta (36%, +8) and Quebec (38%, -5).

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%, +2) expect no changes to Canada’s financial standing over the next six months. More than a third (35%, -4) predict a decline, while 15% (=) foresee an improvement.

As was the case in September 2025, similar proportions of Canadians describe their own personal finances as “very good” or “good” (49%, -1) or “poor” or “very poor” (46%, -1).

“There is a significant gender gap when Canadians ponder their personal finances,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 58% of Canadian men feel their current situation is positive, only 41% of women concur.”

Just under two-in-five Canadians (38%, -2) express confidence in Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem to do the right thing to help the economy.

More than half of Canadians (53%, -5) trust Prime Minister Mark Carney on economic matters—a proportion that rises to 59% among Canadians aged 55 and over, 59% in Quebec and 57% in British Columbia.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -4) trust federal opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy. Poilievre’s numbers are higher in Alberta (44%) and among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (also 44%).

Three-in-four Canadians (75%, -1) believe the price of a week’s worth of groceries will go up in the next six months. Majorities feel the same way when assessing the costs of a new car (65%, -3) and gasoline (57%, -10).

Fewer Canadians believe they will have to pay more for a new television set (50%, -5) or real estate (48%, -4) in the next six months.

There is stability on the question about financial setbacks, with almost half of Canadians saying they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (48%, -2) and the value of their investments (also 48%, -1).

Fewer Canadians have been concerned about being able to pay their mortgage or rent (42%, +3), unemployment affecting their household (40%, +1) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (33%, +1).

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.

British Columbians Endorse Specific Actions to Curb Extortion

February 19, 2026February 18, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents are following news related to this issue “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

Vancouver, BC [February 19, 2026] – Residents of British Columbia are paying attention to the recent surge of extortion attempts and extortion-related shootings, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than half of British Columbians (56%) have followed news related to this issue “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past month.

British Columbians of South Asian descent are more likely to be focused on news related to extortion (67%) than residents whose heritage is Indigenous (59%), European (56%) or East Asian (55%).

At least two thirds of British Columbians are in favour of three separate measures to curb extortion in the province.

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%) agree with expediting the removal of non-citizens charged or convicted of extortion, firearms offences, or participation in extortion-related criminal activity.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Conservative Party of BC (87%) or the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (85%) in the 2024 provincial election endorse the plan to expedite the removal of charged non-citizens, along with 73% of those who voted for the BC Green Party.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) support amending the Criminal Code so that adolescents who are recruited to carry out extortion-related activities (such as intimidation and threats) can be tried as adults.

“An extortion-related amendment to the Criminal Code is welcomed by 83% of British Columbians aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 35-to-54 (69%) and aged 18-to-34 (61%) are also supportive.”

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) back the appointment of a Commissioner for Extortion Violence Against Canadians—a proportion that rises to 70% among respondents of South Asian descent.

British Columbians are deeply divided when assessing two other proposals.

The notion of providing the City of Surrey with its own dedicated police helicopter is regarded positively by 41% of British Columbians and negatively by 38%.

More than two-in-five British Columbians (45%) disagree with changing gun laws, so that people whose homes or businesses are targeted can defend themselves. A slightly smaller proportion (41%) agree with this idea.

Support for changing gun laws due to extortion attempts and extortion-related shootings is highest in Northen BC (51%), followed by Vancouver Island (48%), the Fraser Valley (47%), Southern BC (40%) and Metro Vancouver (also 40%).

British Columbians who voted for the BC NDP in 2024 are less likely to support changing existing gun laws (40%) than those who cast ballots for candidates representing the BC Conservatives or the BC Greens (each at 45%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 7 to February 9, 2026, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Now Expect the Worst from American Tariffs

February 16, 2026June 10, 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.

Most 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%, =).

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.