Lifestyle – Research Co.

British Columbians Happy with FIFA World Cup in Vancouver

May 1, 2024May 1, 2024By Mario Canseco

Almost half of the province’s residents would explore a bid for Vancouver to host the Summer Olympics in 2036.

Vancouver, BC [May 1, 2024] – Public satisfaction with Vancouver being a host city during the FIFA (Soccer) 2026 Men’s World Cup has increased across British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 68% of British Columbians agree with the designation, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2022.

Vancouver is one of 16 cities that will host matches during the FIFA (Soccer) 2026 Men’s World Cup, which is being held in Canada, the United States and Mexico. BC Place in Vancouver will be the venue for six matches, including two featuring Team Canada on June 18 and June 24, 2026.

“Seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (70%) appear satisfied with the FIFA World Cup coming to Vancouver,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents across all other regions of the province are also in favour.”

More than half of British Columbians (55%, -2) continue to endorse the decision of the provincial government to abandon the 2030 Winter Olympics bid that was being explored by Four Host First Nations—Musqueam, Squamish, Tsleil-Waututh, and Lilwat—and the municipal governments of Vancouver and Whistler.

More than half of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (63%), the BC Green Party (62%) and the BC Liberals (52%) in the 2020 provincial election believe the government made the right decision on the proposed Winter Games bid.

Vancouver hosted the XXI Olympic Winter Games, from February 12 to February 28, 2010.

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, +7) think Vancouver should launch a bid to host the Summer Olympics in 2036, while 40% (-5) disagree and 11% (-1) are undecided.

A Vancouver bid for the 2036 Summer Olympics is welcomed by more than three-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (61%). Enthusiasm is lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (48%) and aged 55 and over (42%).

Almost half of British Columbians (47%, +9) say they have positive views on FIFA, while a majority (53%, +12) feel the same way about the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 15 to April 17, 2024, 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.

Canadians Deeply Divided on Teaching Creationism in Schools

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five (64%) think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years.

Vancouver, BC [April 26, 2024] – There is no clear consensus among Canadians on whether creationism should be taught in public schools, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians 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 (down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023), while 42% (+4) disagree and 17% (-2) are undecided.

“Almost half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (48%) believe there is a place for creationism in public school classrooms,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (44%) and aged 55 and over (33%).”

Almost half of Atlantic Canadians (48%, +2) have no problem with creationism being part of the school curriculum. More than two-in-five residents of Ontario (44%, -3), Alberta (43%, +3) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (42%, +1) feel the same way, along with more than a third of British Columbians (37%, -2) and Quebecers (35%, -4).

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election are more likely to support the teaching of creationism in public schools (46%) than those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (43%) or the Liberal Party (37%).

More than three-in-five Canadians (64%, -1) think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years, while just over one-in-five (21%, =) say God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years.

Canadians aged 55 and over are more likely to embrace creationism (25%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (21%) and aged 18-to-34 (20%).

More than a quarter of Canadians who voted for the Conservatives in 2021 (26%) think God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years. Fewer Canadians who supported the New Democrats (20%) or the Liberals (17%) share this view.

Canadians of East Asian descent are more likely to side with creationism when asked about the origin and development of human beings on earth (24%) than Canadians whose origins are European (19%), South Asian (also 19%) or Indigenous (9%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 17 to April 19, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Two Years Later, Views on COVID-19 Protests Soften in Canada

April 19, 2024April 18, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians still think the federal government was justified in invoking the Emergencies Act.

Vancouver, BC [April 19, 2024] – The perceptions of Canadians on the series of protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic have shifted over the past couple of years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over seven-in-ten Canadians (71%) say they “very closely” or “moderately closely” followed the protests and blockades that took place in Ottawa and other parts of Canada at the start of 2022.

Half of Canadians (50%, -9 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022) opposed the protests and blockades, while just over two-in-five (41%, +6) supported them and 9% (+3) are not sure.

Support for the protests and blockades is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%), followed by Alberta (45%), Ontario (44%), Atlantic Canada (42%), Quebec (38%) and British Columbia (33%).

More than half of Canadians (58%, -5) believe the federal government was justified in invoking the Emergencies Act to deal with the protests and blockades, while 32% (+4) consider Ottawa’s actions as unjustified.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 election (73% and 65% respectively) endorse the use of the Emergencies Act. The proportion is decidedly lower (42%) among Conservative Party voters in the last federal ballot.

“More than three-in-five Canadians who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 (63%) think the federal government was correct in invoking the Emergencies Act in 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 28% of unvaccinated Canadians feel the same way.”

Just over three-in-four Canadians (76%, -5) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades. Majorities of Canadians are also worried about foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (65%, -6), the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (also 65%, =) and Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions (59%, -11).

A third of Canadians (34%) believe that no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented, while 59% disagree with this notion.

More than two-in-five Canadians (42%, +7) believe the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were justified, while 51% (-7) disagree with this assessment.

Canadians are deeply divided on whether the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were fighting for freedom: 45% (+5) agree with this view, while 47% (-7) disagree.

One third of Canadians (34%, +8) agree that the federal government should be overthrown, while a majority (54%, -11) disagree with the statement.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 8 to April 10, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Perception of Crime Highest in Manitoba, Lowest in Saskatchewan

April 12, 2024April 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of British Columbians and Albertans believe criminal activity has increased in the past four years.

Vancouver, BC [April 12, 2024] – Residents of Manitoba are more likely to believe that crime is on the rise in their community, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative samples in five Canadian provinces, 63% of Manitobans say the level of criminal activity has increased in their community over the past four years, up nine points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2020.

The proportions of residents who feel this way are lower in British Columbia (54%, -4 since 2023), Alberta (also 54%, +6 since 2020), Ontario (48%) and Saskatchewan (42%, +1 since 2020).

Fewer than one-in-four residents of Alberta (23%, -1), Saskatchewan (20%, -7), Manitoba (18%, -13), British Columbia (17%, -1) and Ontario (14%) have been victims of a crime involving the police (such as an assault or a car break-in) in their community over the past four years.

Majorities of Manitobans (54%), Albertans (also 54%) and British Columbians (51%, -1) say they fear becoming victims of a crime in their community “a great deal” or “a fair amount”. The proportions are lower in Ontario (45%) and Saskatchewan (37%).

More than seven-in-ten Ontarians (71%) say they would feel “very safe” or “moderately safe” walking alone in their own neighbourhood after dark. Majorities of respondents in Saskatchewan (65%), British Columbia (also 65%, +2), Alberta (63%) and Manitoba (57%) express the same view.

Residents of the five Canadian provinces hold differing views when asked about which factors are to blame “a great deal” for the current situation regarding crime and public safety in your community.

More than half of British Columbians (56%, -3) mention addiction and mental health issues, followed by gangs and the illegal drug trade (39%, -2), poverty and inequality (36%, +2), an inadequate court system (35%, -4) and a bad economy and unemployment (29%, +7).

Albertans also place addiction and mental health issues at the top of their list (48%), followed by gangs and the illegal drug trade (33%), an inadequate court system (also 33%), poverty and inequality (31%) and bad economy and unemployment (also 31%).

In Saskatchewan, at least two-in-five residents blame gangs and the illegal drug trade (43%) and addiction and mental health issues (40%), followed by poverty and inequality (30%), lack of values and improper education for youth (29%) and an inadequate court system (27%).

Most Manitobans (56%) blame addiction and mental health issues, followed by gangs and the illegal drug trade (44%), an inadequate court system (35%), poverty and inequality (34%), and lack of values and improper education for youth (30%).

In Ontario, addiction and mental health issues garner the most mentions (39%), followed by gangs and the illegal drug trade (35%), poverty and inequality (31%), lack of values and improper education for youth (30%) and bad economy and unemployment (29%).

“Most residents of these five Canadian provinces gravitate primarily to addiction and mental health when thinking about crime and public safety,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In no province do we see at least three-in-ten respondents blaming insufficient policing or lack of resources to combat crime for the current situation.”

Methodology: Results are based on online surveys conducted from March 29 to March 31, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia, 600 adults in Alberta, 600 adults in Saskatchewan, 600 adults in Manitoba and 600 adults in Ontario. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region for each province. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points for British Columbia and +/- 4.0 percentage points for Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, 19 times out of 20.

Find the data tables for British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario, and download the press release here.

Wobbly Commitment to Net-Zero Goal in British Columbia

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on March 19 to March 21, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Four Years Later, British Columbians Assess the Pandemic

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of residents are satisfied with the way their family, their friends and all levels of government tackled COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [March 27, 2024] – Most British Columbians believe their elected officials did a good job in managing the public health emergency that began to affect the world four years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 58% of British Columbians are satisfied with the way their municipal government handled COVID-19.

Majorities of British Columbians are also satisfied with how the provincial government (52%) and the federal government (51%) managed the pandemic. The rating is significantly lower for the official opposition in both Victoria (36%) and Ottawa (35%).

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians are satisfied with the way their family (78%) and their friends (74%) handled COVID-19. At least half feel the same way about television news (55%), radio news (52%) and newspapers (50%).

Almost half of British Columbians (49%) are satisfied with how non-governmental associations managed the pandemic. The rating is lower for trade associations (39%) and unions (also 39%).

More than half of British Columbians (52%) believe COVID-19 is “definitely” or “probably” still a threat now—a proportion that rises to 61% among those aged 55 and over.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2023) believe we are in a different moment and there is no need for additional public health measures related to COVID-19.

Just over one-in-four of the province’s residents (26%, +8) think we should continue to have strict public health measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, while 7% (-2) say COVID-19 was a hoax and we never should have altered our lives.

Respondents to this survey were asked to select their five most trusted sources of information in the event a new public health emergency were to occur this month. Almost three-in-five (58%) select their family doctor, while half mention BC Provincial Health Officer Dr. Bonnie Henry (50%) and the BC Centre for Disease Control (also 50%).

The only other entities listed that are included by at least one-in-four British Columbians are medical staff at health clinics (36%), the provincial government (33%), the federal government (31%), Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam (also 31%) and television news (26%).

British Columbians are divided when asked if they expect to experience “mask mandates” in the near future. Just over two-in-five of the province’s residents (41%) think making it mandatory to wear a mask or face covering when entering an indoor premise is a possibility in the next four years, while almost half (48%) disagree with this assessment.

“There are significant regional differences when British Columbians ponder masking,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While more than two-in-five residents of Northern BC (48%), Metro Vancouver (44%) and Vancouver Island (42%) think the return of this policy is possible, the proportions are lower in the Fraser Valley (38%) and Southern BC (28%).”

Majorities of British Columbians reject the notion of three other guidelines being reimplemented in the next four years: capacity restrictions for worship services, concerts and sporting events (54%), “proof of vaccination” certificates to access specific venues and locations (55%) and a ban on travel to other Canadian provinces (68%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on March 4 to March 6, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Would Prefer an Elected Head of State

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024By Mario Canseco

The favourability ratings for the Prince and Princess of Wales are vastly superior to those posted by the King and Queen Consort.

Vancouver, BC [March 20, 2024] – By a 2-to-1 margin, Canadians would like to one day cast a ballot to select the country’s head of state, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians say that, thinking about Canada’s constitution, they would prefer to have an elected head of state, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in March 2023.

Just under one-in-four Canadians (23%, +4) would prefer for Canada to remain a monarchy, while 21% (-1) do not care either way and 10% (-5) are not sure.

“Support for the notion of electing Canada’s head of state is particularly high in Quebec (53%) and Alberta (50%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At least two-in-five residents of Ontario (45%), British Columbia (43%), Atlantic Canada (41%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (40%) share the same view.”

More than half of Canadians (52%, +5) believe Canada will still be a monarchy two decades from now, while a third (33%, -3) think the country will have an elected head of state by then.

The favourability rating for King Charles III stands at 38% this month (+6), while one-in-four Canadians (25%, +3) express positive views on Queen Consort Camilla.

Four other members of the Royal Family—the Duke and Duchess of Sussex and the Prince and Princess of Wales—post higher ratings.

Just under half of Canadians have a favourable view of Prince Harry (48%, +2) while more than two-in-five feel the same way about Duchess Meghan (42%, +1). Majorities of Canadians continue to have a favourable opinion of both Prince William (54%, =) and Princess Kate (also 54%, =).

Half of Canadians (50%, =) say they would have preferred to see Prince William become King of the United Kingdom and the other 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada, instead of his father.

Majorities of Women (53%), Canadians aged 35-to-54 (52%), Atlantic Canadians (56%) and British Columbians (55%) would have liked to see Prince William as monarch.

Canadians who express a desire for the monarchy to continue are more likely to have preferred William as King after Elizabeth II (60%) than those who yearn for an elected head of state (48%) or those do not care about the issue either way (49%).

Three-in-five Canadians (60%, -5) believe King Charles should advance the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, while two thirds (68%, -2) want him to commit to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire Royal Family.

More than half of Canadians (52%, +2) say they have no problem with King Charles III being featured on coins and bills that will be used in Canada, while more than a third (37%, +2) disagree.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 8 to March 10, 2024, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Seven-in-Ten Canadians See Homelessness as a Growing Problem

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

Sizeable majorities of the country’s residents support solutions that address mental health and housing.

Vancouver, BC [March 18, 2024] – A large proportion of Canadians regard homelessness as a national concern, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, two thirds of Canadians (66%) describe the current situation related to homelessness in the country as a “major problem”.

More than three-in-five Canadians think homelessness is a “major problem” in their province (61%), while fewer feel the same way about the issue in their municipality (42%) and their neighbourhood (26%).

Just over seven-in-ten Canadians (71%) say homelessness has increased in the country over the past three years. Majorities also feel homelessness has grown in their province (67%) and in their municipality (51%), while fewer perceive an escalation in their neighbourhood (37%).

“More than two thirds of Ontarians (73%), Atlantic Canadians (71%), British Columbians (70%) and Albertans (69%) think homelessness has become a bigger issue in their province over the past three years,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (61%) and Quebec (57%).”

About four-in-five Canadians support two ideas to reduce homelessness in their province: increasing mental health support for residents who require assistance (81%) and increasing temporary housing options for people experiencing homelessness (79%).

Majorities of Canadians also endorse three proposals that focus on construction: offering incentives to developers if they focus on building affordable housing units (75%), devoting tax money to build units to house homeless residents (70%) and changing zoning laws to allow property owners to build more units on standard lots (65%).

Canadians are divided on whether municipal governments should immediately dismantle any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality, with 46% supporting this course of action and 42% opposing it.

Only 31% of Canadians think the federal government has done a “very good” or “good” job to come up with solutions to deal with homelessness, while more than half (56%) deem its performance as “bad” or “very bad”.

Municipal governments fare better overall, with 39% of Canadians saying their performance on this file has been “very good” or “good”.

The nationwide rating for the way provincial governments are addressing homelessness is 35%. Among the four most populous provinces, Quebec posts the best numbers (39%), followed by Alberta (34%), British Columbia (33%) and Ontario (29%).

Respondents to this survey were asked about specific factors that might be to blame for the current situation regarding homelessness in Canada.

At least two-in-five Canadians think three factors are to blame “a great deal” for homelessness: lack of affordable housing (50%), addiction and mental health issues (46%) and poverty and inequality (40%).

Fewer residents place “a great deal” of the blame for the apparent rise of homelessness on a bad economy and unemployment (33%), personal actions and decisions (26%) and family and emotional trauma (24%).

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%) believe that, with the proper funding and policies, homelessness can “definitely” or “probably” be eradicated in Canada. More than a third (35%) think that homelessness will “definitely” or “probably” always be a problem in Canada, even with the proper funding and policies.

While only 50% of Canadians aged 55 and over are more convinced that an end to homelessness can be attained, the proportions are higher among their counterparts 35-to-54 (64%) and aged 18-to-34 (68%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 25 to February 27, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Making Ends Meet a Feat for Almost Half of British Columbians

March 13, 2024March 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

Majorities of residents, although at a lower rate than in late 2022, are paying more for groceries, transportation and housing.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2024] – While the proportion of British Columbians who report higher prices for certain items has dropped since late 2022, almost half of the province’s residents continue to say it is hard to “make ends meet”, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 48% of British Columbians say it is currently “very difficult” or “moderately difficult” to pay for necessities, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

“More than three-in-five residents of Southern BC (63%) say it is hard to make ends meet right now,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Metro Vancouver (47%), the Fraser Valley (47%), Vancouver Island (46%) and Northern BC (43%).”

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%, -6) say it is hard at this point to save money for retirement or for a “rainy day”.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (73%) and aged 35-to-54 (74%) are more likely to find it difficult to save money than their counterparts aged 55 and over (51%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%, -7) say it is hard right now to have money for leisure, such as dining out and entertainment—a proportion that reaches 74% among those in the lowest household income bracket.

The proportion of British Columbians who think their household’s financial situation is worse now than before the COVID-19 pandemic fell from 45% in December 2022 to 40% this month.

A third of British Columbians (33%, =) say their financial situation is about the same as it was before the pandemic, while 23% (+2) believe it is better now than before COVID-19.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians believe their household expenses on three categories are higher now than before the pandemic: groceries (78%, -5), transportation (67%, -6) and housing (57%, +8). Practically half of the province’s residents (49%, -1) think electronic entertainment is now more expensive than in 2019.

Fewer British Columbians believe prices are higher now than before COVID-18 for books (27%, +6), newspapers and magazines (25%, +9) and board games (18%, +5).

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

Even After Court Ruling, British Columbians Back Plastics Ban

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just under half of the province’s residents say they go out of their way to recycle “all of the time”.

Vancouver, BC [January 14, 2024] – Most British Columbians remain in favour of a ban on single use plastics, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The ban—which includes grocery checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, plastic cutlery and food takeout containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics—was originally introduced by the federal government in December 2022.

In November 2023, the Federal Court overturned the ban, considering the policy “unreasonable and unconstitutional.”

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 71% of British Columbians support banning single-use plastics in Canada, while 24% are opposed and 6% are undecided.

Two thirds of residents of Northern BC (66%) are in favour of the ban on single use plastics. The proportions are higher in the Fraser Valley (69%), Metro Vancouver (70%), Vancouver Island (71%) and Southern BC (72%).

Across British Columbia, more than four-in-five residents (81%) say they transport groceries out of a store after purchasing them in their own re-usable bag, down four points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in January 2023.

“About two thirds of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (65%) rely on re-usable bags at the grocery store,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (78%) and aged 55 and over (95%).”

When it comes to other behaviours, just under half of British Columbians (48%, -1) say they go out of their way to recycle “all of the time”, such as holding on to bottles and cans until they can be placed into a proper recycling bin.

Just over one-in-five British Columbians (21%, +2) claim to limit hot water usage in their home “all the time” by taking shorter showers or running washing machines or dishwashers with full loads only.

Fewer British Columbians always unplug electrical devices in their home—such as TVs, computers and cell phone chargers—when they are not in use (15%, +3), eat organic or home-grown foods (9%, +4) or buy biodegradable products (9%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 5 to February 7, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Get Pickier When Pondering Food and Romance

February 12, 2024February 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

A third of Canadians would break up with a person with bad breath or improper table manners.

Vancouver, BC [February 12, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who would call off a relationship if they encounter two specific setbacks has increased over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 33% of Canadians say they would stop dating or going out with a person because of how they eat, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2022.

“More than a third of women (35%) would call off a relationship with a partner who displayed bad manners at the dinner table,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The issue is a deal-breaker for 37% of British Columbians and 36% of Albertans.”

Canadians of Indigenous descent are more likely to say they would stop dating or going out with a person because of how they eat (36%) than their counterparts whose origins are European (32%), East Asian (29%) and South Asian (24%).

One third of Canadians (33%, +5) would call off a relationship with a person who had bad breath—a proportion that rises to 37% in Ontario.

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election are more likely to regard bad breath as a relationship deal-braker (36% and 37% respectively) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (31%).

Fewer Canadians would stop dating or going out with a person because they have a different diet (13%, +4) or because they eat animal products (11%, +3).

One-in-ten residents of Alberta (10%) and Atlantic Canada (also 10%) say they have already broken up with someone because of dietary differences.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 29 to January 31, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Positive Perceptions on United States Rise Markedly in Canada

February 7, 2024February 6, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four Canadians (76%) hold a favourable view of the United Kingdom.

Vancouver, BC [February 7, 2024] – The views of Canadians on the United States have softened considerably over the past three and a half years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 64% of Canadians have a positive opinion of the United States, up 10 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

“In July 2020, only 32% of Canadians held a favourable view of the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At the start of 2024, this proportion has effectively doubled.”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians aged 55 and over (71%) have a positive opinion of the United States. Majorities of Canadians aged 35 to 54 (62%) and aged 18 to 34 (59%) feel the same way.

More than three-in-four Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in 2021 (77%) hold a favourable view of the United States, along with majorities of those who supported the Liberal Party (70%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (57%) in the last federal election.

Canadians place five other G7 nations at the top of the ranking of positive opinions: the United Kingdom (76%, +2), Japan (73%, -1), Italy (72%, -1), Germany (69%, -3) and France (also 69%, +1).

On a regional basis, France has its highest rating in British Columbia (81%), followed by Alberta (72%), Quebec (69%), Ontario (66%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (65%) and Atlantic Canada (64%).

Majorities of Canadians hold favourable views of two other countries: South Korea (61%, +3) and Mexico (54%, +7). Fewer than two-in-five Canadians feel the same way about India (37%, -2) and Venezuela (32%, +4).

The five lowest ranked countries are China (28%, +8), Saudi Arabia (27%, +5), Iran (16%, +3), Russia (15%, +2) and North Korea (14%, +3).

In December 2020, at the height of the diplomatic impasse related to the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver and China’s subsequent detention of two Canadians—Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor—on espionage allegations, only 19% of Canadians expressed a positive opinion of China.

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

Canadians Approve of Processes to Decrease Infertility

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024By Mario Canseco

Three-in-four Canadians agree with proposals for the health care system to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization in their province.

Vancouver, BC [January 24, 2024] – Few Canadians express reservations about specific processes that can help people conceive, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost four-in-five Canadians (78%) approve of In vitro fertilization, a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro.

Similar proportions of Canadians approve of sperm donation (76%), egg donation (also 76%) and surrogacy, a process in which a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual (74%).

Across Canada, more than two-in-five residents (41%) say themselves or someone they know have been affected by infertility—including 47% of women and 47% of Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Practically seven-in-ten Canadians who have experienced infertility, or who have a family member, friend, colleague who has (69%), say that cost was a barrier to proceeding with treatment.

At the present time, three provinces—British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan—lack specific guidelines for the health care system to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization.

About three-in-ten Canadians (29%) endorse the model currently in place in Ontario and Quebec, which covers the costs of one round of in vitro fertilization treatment. About one-in-five Canadians (21%) select the system adopted by Manitoba and Nova Scotia, which offer a tax credit of up to 40 per cent of in vitro fertilization treatment costs.

Fewer Canadians express a preference for two other funding models: a one-time grant of $5,000 to be used for in vitro fertilization treatment which is currently in place in New Brunswick (14%) or a grant of $5,000 to be used for in vitro fertilization treatment for a maximum of three cycles, which has been implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador (11%).

“Only 25% of Canadians think in vitro fertilization should not be funded by the health care system,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 28% of men, 35% of Canadians aged 55 and over and 32% of Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election.”

Earlier this month, Pope Francis called for a ban on surrogacy, stating: “I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs.”

Just under a third of Canadians (32%) are in favour of banning surrogacy, while a majority (57%) disagree and 12% are undecided.

Rejection to a ban on surrogacy reaches 61% among women and 63% among Canadians aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 12 to January 14, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

British Columbians Skeptical About Move to “Zero Emission” Cars

January 18, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 8 to January 10, 2024, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Positive Perceptions of National Economy Decline in Canada

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

More Canadians trust Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy (42%) than Justin Trudeau (38%).

Vancouver, BC [January 12, 2024] – Just over a third of Canadians think the country’s finances are doing well at the start of 2024, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 35% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “very good” or “good”, down six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +5) think the national economy is in “bad” or “very bad” shape.

“More than seven-in-ten Albertans (72%) are dissatisfied with the state of the Canadian economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities feel the same way in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), British Columbia (63%), Atlantic Canada (62%), Ontario (59%) and Quebec (55%).”

More than a third Canadians (37%, +5) expect the nation’s finances to decline over the next six months. Only 14% (+2) predict a recovery, while 41% (-4) foresee no changes.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, +7) trust federal Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy, while 38% (-5) feel the same way about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The rating is lower for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (34%, +1).

Trudeau’s best numbers as an economic manager are observed in Quebec (48%), Ontario (38%) and Atlantic Canada (34%). Poilievre fares best in Alberta (56%) and British Columbia (47%) and Ontario (44%).

A majority of Canadians (54%, +2) rate their own personal finances today as “very good” or “good”, while 42% (-4) consider them as “poor” or “very poor.”

Concerns about inflation are slightly lower now than they were in 2023, with more than three-in-five Canadians expecting to pay more for a week’s worth of groceries (74%, -5), gasoline (65%, -8) and a new car (63%, -3) in the next six months. Fewer Canadians predict higher prices for real estate (51%, -4) or a new television set (47%, -4).

Fewer than half of Canadians say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (47%, =), the value of their investments (46%, -2), being able to pay their mortgage or rent (34%, =), themselves or someone in their household becoming unemployed (34%, =) or their employer encountering serious financial trouble (28%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 6 to January 8, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Canadian Social Media Users Report a Worsening Experience

January 10, 2024January 9, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than a third encountered “fake news” and more than one-in-four found racist comments or content in their feed.

Vancouver, BC [January 10, 2024] – Recent changes to social media platforms have not resulted in Canadian users having a better time online, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-ten Canadian users of X (formerly known as Twitter) (30%) say their overall experience on the platform has worsened over the past year.

Almost one-in-four Canadian users of Facebook (23%) say they are having a worse time on the platform. The proportion of dissatisfied Canadian social media users is lower for Snapchat (19%), TikTok (18%) and Instagram (15%).

In an open-ended question, Canadian social media users reported four main reasons for their worsening experience: extremism (14%), “fake news” (also 14%), toxicity (12%) and advertising (also 12%).

Other reasons cited by dissatisfied Canadian social media users include racism (6%), bad updates (5%), Elon Musk (also 5%), news from Canada being inaccessible (also 5%), algorithms (4%) and scams (also 4%).

More than a third of Canadian social media users (37%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2021) say they found links to stories on current affairs that were obviously false (sometimes referred to as “fake news”) over the past year.

Significant proportions of Canadian social media users encountered content or comments on their social media feed that they considered racist (27%, =), homophobic (22%, +3) or offensive to people with disabilities (19%, -1). Still, fewer than one-in-four Canadian social media users (23%, =) reported another user for offensive content or comments.

About a third of Canadian social media users (32%, +5) posted something that they deleted after thinking it over twice. Smaller proportions claim to have lost a friend (or to have stopped talking to a friend) over a social media conversation (14%) or recall making a comment on social media that was used against them in a different conversation (8%) over the past year.

Seven-in-ten Canadian social media users (70%, -1) say it is difficult to discern which social media accounts are real and which ones are fake—a proportion that rises to 83% among those aged 55 and over.

Almost two thirds of Canadian social media users (65%, -4) believe “anonymous” social media accounts should be banned and want people to only comment and post if they use their real name and likeness.

More than three-in-five Canadian social media users (62%, -3) think “creeping” on social media should be dealt with and want social media platforms to always allow users to see who has viewed their profiles, photos and posts.

Three-in-five Canadian social media users (60%, =) believe politicians who have a social media account should not be able to block users from engaging with them.

More than half of Canadian social media users who voted for the Liberal Party in the last federal election (56%) think politicians should not resort to blocking social media users. The proportions are higher among Canadian social media users who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (65%) or the Conservative Party (71%) in 2021.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 26 to December 28, 2023, among 838 adults in Canada who are users of social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Snapchat and TikTok. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

British Columbians Are Getting More Foreign Calls and Messages

January 3, 2024January 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of mobile phone users who have received “scam” phone calls has dropped from 50% in 2022 to 42% now.

Vancouver, BC [January 3, 2024] – Practically three-in-five British Columbians have been targeted by a specific type of unsolicited phone call or message in the past two months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of British Columbians, 59% of mobile phone users have received phone calls and/or phone messages where an individual speaks Cantonese or Mandarin, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021.

Practically seven-in-ten mobile phone users in Metro Vancouver (69%) have received phone calls or messages in a foreign language over the past two months. The proportions are lower in the Fraser Valley (55%), Vancouver Island (45%), Southern BC (42%) and Northern BC (27%).

The incidence of “scam” phone calls and messages fell in late 2023 compared to late 2021. Across British Columbia, 42% of mobile phone users (-8) say they received phone calls and/or phone messages from an individual purporting to represent a government agency (such as the Canada Revenue Agency) over the past two months.

Residents of the Fraser Valley are more likely to have received these “scam” phone calls or messages over the past two months (50%) than those who live in Vancouver Island (44%), Northern BC (42%), Metro Vancouver (41%) and Southern BC (34%).

Fewer than one-in-five mobile phone users in British Columbia (18%, =) have received text messages asking them if they support a specific party or policy sent by an individual they do not know.

“Mobile phone users in British Columbia aged 55 and over are more likely to receive calls or messages in a foreign language (63%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (53%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, about one-in-four mobile phone users in British Columbia aged 18-to-34 (24%) have dealt with messages of a political nature over the past two months.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 8 to December 10, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Potential Return of NBA Welcomed by Most British Columbians

December 29, 2023December 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

A third of NBA fans would stop rooting for their current team to support a new Vancouver franchise.

Vancouver, BC [December 29, 2023] – Most British Columbians would be happy with the return of professional basketball to Vancouver more than two decades after the city lost its team, a new Research Co. poll has found.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver recently commented on the possibility of adding new franchises to the league. The Vancouver Grizzlies played in the NBA from 1995 to 2001.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians believe it would be a “good idea” to have an NBA team in Vancouver.

More than three-in-five residents of Northern BC (63%), Metro Vancouver (62%) and the Fraser Valley (also 62%) would welcome having an NBA franchise in Vancouver. Support is lower in Vancouver Island (52%) and Southern BC (50%).

Just under one-in-four British Columbians (23%) recall attending a Vancouver Grizzlies game—a proportion that rises to 28% in Metro Vancouver.

In the event an NBA team is established in Vancouver, one-in-five British Columbians (20%) say they are “very likely” to attend at least one home game a year.

“In Metro Vancouver, about one-in-four residents (24%) are very likely to go to at least one home game if an NBA franchise is established in Vancouver,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In this region, 5% of residents would seriously consider purchasing season tickets.”

Across the province, just over one-in-five British Columbians (22%) are “very likely” to watch the Vancouver team’s NBA games at home (22%) while fewer (13%) would watch them at a bar or a pub.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%) do not possess any merchandise or apparel from NBA teams. The leaders in this category are the Toronto Raptors (14%) and the Vancouver Grizzlies (12%).

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%) are not currently rooting for any NBA franchise right now. The Raptors are the most popular team (25%), followed by the Los Angeles Lakers (9%), the Golden State Warriors (4%), the Boston Celtics (2%) and other franchises (also 2%).

One third of NBA fans (32%) say they are “very likely” to stop rooting for their current team to support the franchise from Vancouver—including 36% of male fans and 35% of fans aged 55 and over.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Keep Tight Holiday Season Budget

December 13, 2023December 12, 2023By Mario Canseco

Egg nog remains a favourite beverage in every Canadian region, with the exception of Quebec.

Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2023] – Most Canadians do not plan to splurge excessively as the year draws to a close, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Canadians (47%) say they will not personally spend more than $500 on gifts, food and decorations during this holiday season.

“Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%) say their expected expenditures during the holiday season will be higher than $500,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion climbs to 49% in British Columbia and to 58% in Atlantic Canada.”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) say they will be spending about the same amount on gifts, food and decorations as they did in 2022. Just under one-in-four (23%) plan to spend less than last year, while 13% expect to spend more.

Across the country, 56% of Canadians expect this year’s holiday season to be “more fun than stressful”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) believe this year’s holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”—including 32% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 29% of Ontarians.

More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, -3) select “Merry Christmas” as their preferred greeting for the season, while 21% (=) choose “Happy Holidays” and 18% (+3) are not sure or do not care either way.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians aged 18-to-34 (28%) prefer “Happy Holidays” as a greeting. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (22%) aged 55 and over (13%).

As was the case in 2022, three traditional dishes of the season remain popular across the country. More than four-in-five Canadians (83%, -1) like turkey, while majorities also enjoy cranberry sauce (65%, +1) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +3) like fruit cake, while the rating is lower for mince pies (50%, +2) and plum pudding (47%, -5). Egg nog (56%, +1) is a more popular holiday beverage than mulled wine (37%, +1).

In Quebec, only 41% of residents like egg nog. Preferences are significantly higher in Ontario (56%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 56%), Atlantic Canada (61%), British Columbia (65%) and Alberta (67%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 1 to December 3, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

No Change on the Importance of Religion Across Canada

December 8, 2023December 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than a third of Canadians (37%) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

Vancouver, BC [December 8, 2023] – Religion is not regarded as a major component of life by three-in-four Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, one-in-four Canadians (25%) say religion is personally “very important” to them, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2022.

The proportion of Canadians who consider religion as “very important” is highest in Ontario (29%) and Atlantic Canada (28%). The proportions are lower in Alberta (25%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 25%), Quebec (20%) and British Columbia (also 20%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%, -8) say family is personally “very important” to them. The rating is lower for friends (49%, -11), country (45%, -2), career (32%, -4) and affluence (13%, -1).

More than a quarter of Canadians aged 55 and over (27%, +5) say religion is “very important” to them personally. The numbers are similar for those aged 18-to-34 (26%, -1) and lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (21%, -4).

As was the case in 2022, about half of Canadians (49%, +1) describe their religion as Christian. Just over a third (34%, -3) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

“British Columbia is home to the largest proportion of Canadians (41%) who do not participate in any religion,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are also particularly high in Alberta (40%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (38%) and Quebec (36%)”.

Across the country, more than one-in-five Canadians (22%, +7) say they attend religious gatherings at least once a week. One third (33%, -7) only do so for special events, such as weddings, funerals or baptisms, and three-in-ten (30%, -2) never visit a church, temple or synagogue.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in 2021 (28%) attend religious services once a week or more often. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (22%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in the last federal election.

More than half of Canadians (55%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual”—a proportion that rises to 58% among women and to 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

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