Lifestyle – Research Co.

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.

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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Economic Reconciliation Divides Views in British Columbia

December 6, 2023December 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds of the province’s residents support promoting resources and education opportunities for Indigenous people.

Vancouver, BC [December 5, 2023] – While almost two thirds of British Columbians hold positive opinions on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, only half favour the concept of economic reconciliation, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 65% of British Columbians have a “very positive” or “moderately positive” view of reconciliation, defined as establishing and maintaining a mutually respectful relationship between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples in Canada.

When British Columbians ponder the concept of economic reconciliation—or the process of making economic amends for historical injustices to Indigenous Peoples—the results are different. Half of the province’s residents (50%) have a positive opinion of the concept, while 38% hold negative views and 13% are undecided.

“Almost three-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (59%) favour economic reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 55 and over (43%).”

A majority of British Columbians (55%) hold positive views on the concept of self-determination, or the right of Indigenous people to determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and to dispose of and benefit from their wealth and natural resources.

The concept of self-determination elicits positive opinions from 65% of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in 2020. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the BC Green Party (54%) and the BC Liberals (46%) in the last provincial election.

Half of British Columbians (50%) hold positive views on self-government, or the existence of negotiated agreements that set out law-making authority in areas such as governance and economic development. Indigenous laws operate in harmony with federal and provincial laws.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (68%) support promoting resources and education opportunities for Indigenous people across the province, while more than half (53%) would increase Indigenous representation on boards of directors.

Across British Columbia, majorities of residents agree that Indigenous communities should decide what type of housing projects can be built on their territories (62%) and if natural resource projects can be established on their territories (54%).

Just over half of British Columbians agree with the idea of creating an advocacy committee to advise the federal House of Commons (54%) and the provincial Legislative Assembly (also 54%) on policies affecting Indigenous people.

British Columbians are less enthused about establishing a specific number of candidates of Indigenous descent to run for the federal House of Commons (40%) or the provincial Legislative Assembly (41%).

About three-in-ten British Columbians believe their municipal (31%), provincial (30%) and federal (also 30%) governments need to do more to foster economic reconciliation.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 4 to November 6, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Photo Credit: Jamfam1000

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Still Peeved by Hefty Mobile Phone Bills

November 29, 2023November 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

Fewer than three-in-ten of the province’s residents think the federal and provincial governments will make things better.

Vancouver, BC [November 29, 2023] – More than seven-in-ten mobile phone users in British Columbia think they are paying too much for their service, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 72% of mobile phone users describe the costs of their plan as “expensive”, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in September 2021.

Residents of Metro Vancouver are more likely to say that their mobile phone plan is “expensive” (75%) than their counterparts in Southern BC (72%), Northern BC (70%), the Fraser Valley (69%) and Vancouver Island (61%).

A monthly plan for a mobile phone in Canada with two gigabytes of data costs about $75. Practically three-in-five British Columbians (58%, +1) think a similar plan would be less expensive in the United States.

More than two-in-five British Columbians also believe that mobile phone costs would be cheaper in Australia (41%, +8) and Italy (43%, +9).

“British Columbians aged 55 and over are keenly aware of the cost of mobile services in the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Three-in-four (76%) know that plans are less expensive in the neighbouring nation.”

In 2019, the federal Liberal Party campaigned on a promise to reduce the cost of mobile phone and internet bills for Canadians.

Only 24% of British Columbians (-1) think the federal government will “definitely” or “probably” achieve this promise.

Also in 2019, the provincial government appointed MLA Bob D’Eith to work with the federal government to explore more affordable and transparent mobile phone options.

Just 26% of British Columbians (-6) believe the provincial government’s actions will be successful.

British Columbians aged 55 and over are particularly scathing in their assessment of the political pledges related to mobile phone costs. Only 12% of them think the federal government will fulfill its promise, and just 18% feel the same way about the actions of the provincial administration.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 9 to November 11, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Speed-on-Green Cameras Remain Popular in British Columbia

November 24, 2023November 23, 2023By Mario Canseco

Just over three-in-five of the province’s residents would like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on select residential streets.

Vancouver, BC [November 24, 2023] – More than seven-in-ten British Columbians are in favour of using red light cameras to also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 72% of British Columbians support the use of speed-on-green cameras, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2022.

“The reliance on red light cameras to issue tickets for speeding is not politically contentious in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Sizeable proportions of residents who voted for the BC Liberals (76%), the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (74%) and the BC Green Party (73%) in 2020 agree with this approach.”

Almost three-in-four British Columbians (73%, -3) are in favour of fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes.

Most British Columbians are also supportive of two other types of automated speed enforcement: mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (65%, -1), and point-to-point enforcement, which uses cameras at two or more distant points on a road to issue tickets to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive (57%, -4).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (43%, +4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2022) say they see a car that they perceive is circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h “at least once a day” on the street where they reside—a proportion that rises to 47% in the Fraser Valley.

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

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%, -3) think Vancouver’s pilot project is a “very good” or “good” idea—including 71% of women, 73% of residents aged 18-to-34 and 76% of those who reside in Northern BC.

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (61%, -5) would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets in their own municipality, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h.

Support for a reduced residential speed limit is highest in Northern BC (67%), followed by Vancouver Island (64%), Metro Vancouver (61%), the Fraser Valley (58%) and Southern BC (52%).

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

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

November 22, 2023November 22, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

Across the country, appetite for pizza with pineapple has decreased from 73% in 2021 to 68% this year.

Vancouver, BC [November 17, 2023] – More than four-in-five Canadians would consume one of the staples of Québécoise cuisine, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 82% of Canadians say they would “definitely” or “probably” eat poutine, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2021.

Poutine is particularly popular among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (84%) and aged 18-to-34 (82%). More than three-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (77%) would also try this dish.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (68%, -5) would eat pizza with pineapple, while 29% (+5) would not.

At least seven-in-ten residents of British Columbia (81%), Alberta (76%), Ontario (71%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (70%) would consume Hawaiian pizza. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (62%) and Quebec (54%).

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +1) would try a plant-based hamburger patty—a proportion that rises to 57% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 63% among those who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%, -2) would consume a steak with ketchup, including 47% of British Columbians and 46% of Conservative Party voters in 2021.

The rating remains low for four other dishes. Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians would “definitely” or “probably” eat prairie oysters (27%, =), shark fin soup (20%, -1), cod tongues (also 20%, +1) and scrunchions (17%, -2).

“As was the case two years ago, Quebecers and Ontarians are particularly fond of prairie oysters (29% each),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The delicacy is not as popular in Alberta (21%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (19%).”

When Canadians were asked to select up to three ingredients to design their own pizza, more than half (53%, +2) chose pepperoni, while 39% (-8) favoured mushrooms.

About one-in-four Canadians (24%, +6) would add sausage to their pizza, while fewer selected other ingredients, including green pepper (22%, -2), onion (21%, -2), ham (17%, -1), chicken (16%, +3) and pineapple (also 16%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 10 to November 12, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Photo Credit: Jen Arrr

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

November 10, 2023November 9, 2023By Mario Canseco

Only 26% of the country’s residents think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job.

Vancouver, BC [November 10, 2023] – Most Canadians believe more should be done to attain full gender equality in the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 57% of Canadians—and 62% of women—think that, in developed nations such as Canada, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve full gender equality.

Only 26% of Canadians—and 33% of men—believe developed nations such as Canada have already achieved full gender equality.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%) believe the federal government should be doing more to improve gender equality in the country—a proportion that rises to 50% among women and 52% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Just over half of Canadians (53%) think that, compared to 20 years ago, the overall situation of women in Canada is better. Just over three-in-ten (31%) think there has been no change, while 11% claim the situation has worsened.

“Practically three-in-five men in Canada (59%) believe there has been progress on gender equality in the past two decades,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of women in Canada (46%) concur.”

Just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job, while more than three-in-five (61%) disagree.

While one third of men (33%) believe gender pay equity already exists in Canada, only 19% of women share the same point of view.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians believe women generally have the same opportunities as men to get a university degree (86%) and be financially independent (74%). Agreement is lower on two other activities: becoming elected politicians (64%) and becoming CEOs of private companies or corporations (52%).

Just over one-in-twenty Canadians (6%) say that, generally speaking, they are less likely to vote for a woman running for political office. More than seven-in-ten (72%) say this fact would have no impact on their vote, while 15% are more likely to vote for female candidates.

Half of Canadians (50%) support establishing quotas so that a minimum mandatory number of women occupy seats in the House of Commons and the Senate, while 38% are opposed to this idea and 12% are undecided.

Support for gender quotas in Parliament is highest among women (58%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (also 58%) and residents of Atlantic Canada (56%).

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%) support implementing policies to allow both mothers and fathers to take paid parental leave when having a child.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 22, 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Propensity for Activism Rises in Some Instances in British Columbia

November 8, 2023November 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians continue to agree with the legalization of marijuana.

Vancouver, BC [October 27, 2023] – Almost three-in-five Canadians think companies should be able to administer drug tests to any employee now that marijuana is legal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians think these drug tests should “definitely” or “probably” be allowed, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, +5) are in favour of the federal government providing expungement orders to people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

In Canada, an expungement order compels police forces, federal departments or agencies to destroy or remove any judicial record of a conviction.

The notion of pardons for people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic is more popular in Ontario (72%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (71%), Alberta (70%), Quebec (68%), Atlantic Canada (65%) and British Columbia (also 65%).

Across the country, 64% of Canadians (-2) agree with marijuana being legal, while three-in-ten (31%, +1) disagree.

“Support for the legalization of marijuana is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (66%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 18-to-34 (48%).”

Fewer than one-in-eight Canadians believe it is time to legalize other substances, such as ecstasy (12%, +2), powder cocaine (also 12%, +2), heroin (10%, =), crack cocaine (also 10%, +2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (9%, +1) or fentanyl (also 9%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (53%) claim to have never consumed marijuana in the country. A third (33%) say they tried cannabis before legalization, while 13% only used it after it became legal in October 2018.

Canadians who have consumed marijuana after legalization where asked where they bought their product. Almost half (48%) state that “all” of their cannabis was acquired at a licensed retailer. Fewer than one-in-five (17%, -3) say “none” of it came from a licensed retailer.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023By Mario Canseco

Vancouver, BC [October 20, 2023] – The proportion of Canadians who regard immigration with pessimism has increased markedly in the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country, up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, -9) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect, while 17% (-2) are not sure.

Just over a third of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election (34%, -12) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada. The proportions are larger among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (57%, -12) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (50%, -10) two years ago.

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%, +14) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada should decrease, while 37% (-2) would maintain the current levels and 17% (-8) would increase them.

“Half of Albertans (50%) think fewer legal immigrants should be allowed into Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents feel the same way in Atlantic Canada (45%), Ontario (42%), British Columbia (41%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%) and Quebec (28%).”

Almost two thirds of Canadians (65%, =) believe immigrants should only be allowed in Canada if they adopt Canadian values, while three-in-four (75%, =) think the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better.

Canadians are deeply divided when asked to choose between two concepts related to immigration. While 45% (+2 since July 2021) believe Canada should be a “mosaic” where cultural differences are valuable and preserved, 42% (+7) prefer a “melting pot”, where Immigrants assimilate and blend into society.

The concept of the “mosaic” is more popular in Atlantic Canada (51%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 51%), followed by Alberta (47%), Ontario (also 47%), British Columbia (45%) and Quebec (39%).

The “melting pot” is preferred by almost half of Quebecers (48%), but drops in Alberta (44%), Ontario (43%), British Columbia (41%), Atlantic Canada (35%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Alexandre Moreau

Workplaces in British Columbia Failing to Meet Everyone’s Needs

October 18, 2023October 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

A third of the province’s residents who live with a disability face attitudinal and systemic barriers “all” or “most” of the time.

Vancouver, BC [October 18, 2023] – British Columbians who face barriers or difficulties with their daily activities, or whose activities are limited because of a disability or long-term physical, mental or health condition, are particularly dissatisfied with the current state of workplaces, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 60% of British Columbias say they are “satisfied” with how workplaces are equipped to assist people with disabilities. Among British Columbians who live with a disability, the level of satisfaction drops to 46%.

Most British Columbians who live with a disability are satisfied with the way universities (52%), parks and beaches (53%), their municipality (54%), stores and malls (57%), Canada (also 57%) and the province (60%) are equipped to handle their needs.

British Columbians who live with a disability were asked about the types of barriers that they experience in their daily lives.

More than one-in-five British Columbians who live with a disability say they experience three barriers “all of the time” or “most of the time”: technological (such as devices or technological platforms not being accessible to those who require assistive devices) (23%), information or communications (lacking consideration for individuals with sensory disabilities, such as hearing, seeing or learning) (27%) and architectural or physical (such as elements of buildings or outdoor spaces that create barriers to persons with disabilities) (28%).

At least a third of British Columbians who live with a disability experience two barriers “all of the time” or “most of the time”: organizational or systemic (such as policies, procedures or practices that unfairly discriminate and can prevent individuals from participating fully in a situation) (33%) and attitudinal (such as behaviours, perceptions and assumptions that discriminate against persons with disabilities) (34%).

“More than half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 who live with a disability (53%) say they experience attitudinal barriers all or most of the time,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 15% say they never face these barriers.”

A third of British Columbians who live with a disability (34%) recall having been negatively stereotyped or judged by colleagues because of their disability, while more than one-in-five (22%) had difficulty entering a workplace or school because of improper facilities.

More than a quarter of British Columbians who live with a disability (27%) had access to quiet areas in a workplace or school when needed, and 22% were provided with special supports to complete their work or studies.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 17 to September 19, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

October 11, 2023October 24, 2023By Mario Canseco

While 46% regard the new technology as “a threat”, 40% see it as “an opportunity” for humanity.

Vancouver, BC [October 11, 2023] – The future of artificial intelligence (AI) is splitting views across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians think AI is “a threat”, while 40% consider it “an opportunity” for humanity.

On a regional basis, belief in AI as an opportunity for humanity is highest in Alberta (45%), followed by British Columbia (44%), Quebec (also 44%), Ontario (41%), Atlantic Canada (40%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (30%).

“More than a third of Canadians in the lowest income bracket (36%) think of artificial intelligence as an opportunity,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are significantly higher among respondents in the other income brackets (each at 44%).”

Three-in-five Canadians (60%) have followed news stories about AI “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past year—including 67% of those aged 18-to-34 and 66% of those aged 35-to-54.

At least seven-in-ten Canadians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about three issues: AI causing an event that leads to the loss of human life (70%), AI leading to less intelligent students at schools of universities (73%) and AI taking over jobs currently performed by humans (77%).

The notion of AI eventually producing less intelligent students is a concern for 75% of women, 77% of Canadians aged 55 and over and 79% of Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election.

At this stage, Canadians are not particularly confident in politicians to develop and manage AI. Only 34% trust the federal government. The rating is similar for provincial governments (33%) and lower for international governments (22%).

About three-in-five Canadians express confidence in doctors and nurses (62%) and universities (59%) to develop and manage AI. The rating is lower for tech executives (40%) and business executives and CEOs (24%).

Most Canadians (55%) are currently in favour of slowing down the development of AI. Smaller proportions would prefer to continue to develop AI as quickly as possible (20%) or abandon its development altogether (13%).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on September 27 and September 28, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Emergency Preparedness Slowly Getting Better in British Columbia

October 6, 2023October 5, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four of the province’s residents are concerned about being personally affected by a fire or an earthquake.

Vancouver, BC [October 6, 2023] – Compared to 2021, the proportion of British Columbians who have taken action in order to face an emergency has increased slightly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 41% of British Columbians have bought or prepared an emergency kit with supplies they might need in case of a natural disaster, a serious accident, or an incident caused by human error, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2021.

Just over three-in-ten British Columbians (31%, +3) have put together an emergency plan that includes how to get in touch with family or friends in case of an emergency, and just under one-in-four (24%, +2) have established a meeting place with family or friends in case of an emergency.

“Only 36% of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 admit to lacking an emergency kit, an emergency plan and a meeting place,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Among their counterparts aged 55 and over, the proportion rises to 48%.”

The two emergencies that British Columbians are concerned the most about are a fire (81%, +1) and an earthquake (76%, +4).

At least three-in-five British Columbians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about high winds (66%, +8), intense rainfall (65%, +12), a flood (63%, +12) or heavy snowfall (60%, +13) personally affecting them. The rating is lower for a toxic spill (56%, +9), a tsunami (51%, +9), a landslide (50%, +11) and a terrorist attack (46%, =).

There are some striking regional differences on some of these concerns. Just under three-in-five residents of Vancouver Island (58%) are worried about facing a tsunami, while three-in-four residents of the Fraser Valley (75%) are worried about being personally affected by floods.

Just over half of British Columbians (55%) “definitely” or “probably” have confidence in the ability of their neighbours to successfully deal with an emergency. The rating is similar for the provincial government (57%, -9) and their municipal government (56%, -7), but decidedly lower for the federal government (49%, -10).

Just over three-in-four British Columbians (75%, +1) believe it is likely that an earthquake strong enough to damage buildings will occur in British Columbia in the next 50 years.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 17 to September 19, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Reject Return of Grizzly Bear Trophy Hunt

October 4, 2023October 4, 2023By Mario Canseco

Most are opposed to hunting grizzly bears for sport / trophy and want to pass a law to ensure the existing ban remains in place.

Vancouver, BC [October 4, 2023] – Across the province, 84% of British Columbians disapprove of the sport / trophy hunting of grizzly bears, a new Research Co. poll conducted in partnership with Pacific Wild Alliance has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 70% of British Columbians disagree with the Government of British Columbia reinstating the grizzly bear sport / trophy hunt, that was banned by the provincial government in 2017.

Opposition to the return of the grizzly bear trophy hunt is highest on Vancouver Island (79%), followed by Southern BC (75%), the Fraser Valley (74%), Northern BC (70%) and Metro Vancouver (66%).

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%) think it is time for the provincial government to pass a law ensuring that the ban on the trophy/sport hunting of grizzly bears implemented in December 2017, remains in place.

“The notion of enshrining the ban on grizzly bear trophy hunting in legislation is popular across the political spectrum,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At least two thirds of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals (66%), the BC Greens (68%) and the BC NDP in 2020 (73%), support this idea.”

More than three-in-four British Columbians (76%) agree that decisions about the stewardship of grizzly bears should remain in the hands of the provincial government, with grizzly bears held in trust for all British Columbians.

“Grizzly bears, like countless other transboundary species, need a coordinated conservation strategy at the provincial and national level working with Indigenous governments,” says Karen McAllister, the executive director of Pacific Wild, “The B.C. government appears to be going in the opposite direction, preferring to offload its wildlife management responsibilities to regional and local committees.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians think it is inappropriate for humans to hunt four different species for sport / trophy in the province: grizzly bears (84%), wild cats (also 84%), black bears (83%) and wolves (81%).

Just under three-in-four British Columbians (74%) disagree with the notion that natural predators (such as bears, cougars and wolves), should be killed to decrease competition with hunters for moose, deer and elk.

The B.C. government is currently seeking feedback on its draft Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework with a deadline of October 6th. Pacific Wild Alliance is encouraging people to let the government know—either by filling out the survey or contacting government directly—that the ban on grizzly hunting should be continued and legislated.

For more information on the Grizzly Bear Stewardship Framework visit www.pacificwild.org.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 23 to September 25, 2023, among 1,000 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 +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Karen McAllister, Executive Director, Pacific Wild.

250-957-7400

[e] karen@pacificwild.org

Photo Credit: Ian McAllister

More Canadians “Watching Their Mouth” in Public Conversations

September 29, 2023September 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five say they “frequently” or “occasionally” swear when talking to friends.

Vancouver, BC [September 29, 2023] – More Canadians are making an effort to avoid uttering swear words in public, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they always alter the way they speak to make sure they do not swear in public, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2021.

The same proportion of Canadians (44%, -5) sometimes alter the way they speak so as not to swear in front of certain people, while 12% (-3) never alter the way they speak and do not worry if a curse word comes out.

“Canadians aged 35-to-54 are the least likely to always avoid swearing in public (38%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (46%) and aged 55 and over (48%).”

On a regional basis, residents of Ontario are the most likely to always watch their language in public (47%), followed by those in Alberta (46%), British Columbia (also 46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (43%), Quebec (41%) and Atlantic Canada (35%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%, +12) say they hear their friends swear “frequently” or “occasionally”. There are also slight increases in the proportion of Canadians who are exposed to curse words in conversations with relatives (55%, +6), co-workers (52%, +4) and strangers (also 52%, +2).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +9) acknowledge relying on swear words “frequently” or “occasionally” themselves when talking to friends. The numbers are lower when it comes to the personal use of swear words in chats with relatives (43%, +7), co-workers (39%, +8) and strangers (26%, +9).

Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election are more likely to use swear words “frequently” or “occasionally” when talking with friends (68%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (60%) or the Conservative Party (52%).

An open-ended question sought to collect the swear words that Canadians say the most. Two-in-five respondents wrote “f*ck” (40%), while just under a quarter (23%) chose “sh*t” or “m*rd*”. Just under one-in-five Canadians (17%) claim to not say any swear words.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 20 to September 22, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Many Canadians Still Displeased with Drivers as Bad Habits Drop

September 22, 2023September 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

The proportion of Canadians who witnessed a driver turning without signaling fell by 10 points since 2022.

Vancouver, BC [September 22, 2023] – While fewer Canadians recall seeing five improper behaviours on the road, almost half continue to think that drivers in their municipality are not as good as they used to be, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians believe drivers in their city or town are worse now than five years ago, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

Most residents of Atlantic Canada (52%, -9) think local drivers are not as good as they were in 2018. The proportions are lower in Quebec (47%, +13), Ontario (also 47%, +-9), British Columbia (45%, -12), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (42%, =) and Alberta (41%, -2).

“More than half of Canadians aged 55 and over (56%, -2) are convinced that drivers in their city or town are worse now than five years ago,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (43%, -9) and aged 18-to-34 (37%, +3).”

The annual survey also measures the incidence of specific occurrences on the country’s roads. Over the past month, just under three-in-five Canadians (59%, -10) recall seeing a driver not signalling before a turn, including 66% of Albertans.

Half of Canadians (50%, -4) recently witnessed a car taking up two or more spots in a parking lot, while fewer recall drivers not stopping at an intersection (45%, -4), drivers turning right or left from an incorrect lane (35%, -5) or a close call, such as having to slam the brakes or steer violently to avoid a collision (34%, -3).

For practically three-in-five Canadians (59%, +1), there are specific groups or people in their city or town who are worse drivers than others.

For the third consecutive year, the top four responses offered by Canadians on this open-ended question are “young” (33%, -7), “elderly” (21%, +3), “Asian (16%, -3) and “immigrant” (12%, +4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 2 to September 4, 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Financial Stress Rising Markedly for Parents in British Columbia

September 13, 2023September 13, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds of parents also experience work-related and family-related stress “frequently” or “occasionally”.

Vancouver, BC [September 13, 2023] – Just over two thirds of parents of children aged 0 to 18 in British Columbia are experiencing stress on account of the cost of items such as groceries or gas, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample of parents, 67% acknowledge undergoing financial stress “frequently” or “occasionally”, up 19 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022.

Compared to last year, there are also significant increases in the proportion of parents across British Columbia who “frequently” or “occasionally” experience family-related stress (66%, +19) and work-related stress (65%, +21).

Conversely, the number of parents across British Columbia who “frequently” or “occasionally” undergo housing-related stress—such as finding a place to live or paying for a mortgage or rent—has dropped by 11 points to 47%

“The current state of affairs, particularly on economic matters, is taking a toll on mothers in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than two-in-five (42%) say they frequently experience financial stress.”

More than half of parents in British Columbia (57%, +17) say it is currently “moderately difficult” or “very difficult” to make ends meet for them and their families.

Two thirds of parents in Northern BC (66%) acknowledge setbacks in making ends meet. The numbers are slightly lower in the Fraser Valley (62%), Southern BC (58%), Metro Vancouver (55%) and Vancouver Island (52%).

More than two-in-five parents in British Columbia (43%, +9) say it is currently difficult to cover the cost of transportation, while a majority (56%, +14) feel the same way about paying for day to day expenses.

Saving money in a bank account is regarded as a difficult task by 80% of parents, up 21 points since February 2022.

Just over half of parents in British Columbia (52%, +3) believe it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that their child (or any one of their children) will have to move away from the municipality where they currently live due to the high cost of living.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 4 to September 6, 2023, among 619 adult parents of children aged 0 to 18 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 +/- 3.7 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Deeply Divided on Use of Biometrics for Purchases

September 6, 2023September 5, 2023By Mario Canseco

Smartphone payments are gaining ground among Canadians aged 18-to-34, while those aged 55 and over prefer credit cards.

Vancouver, BC [September 6, 2023] – Support for the notion of paying for goods and services through biometrics has grown in Canada over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they would like to see people relying on fingerprints, palm recognition or iris scans to make purchases in their lifetime, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, -4) say they would not like to see body measurements and calculations being used to buy things, while 11% (-1) are undecided.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (54%) would welcome a world where payments can be made through biometrics,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (44%) and aged 55 and over (31%) are not as certain.”

Just under one-in-four Canadians (23%, +5) expect to be able to rely on biometrics to make purchases in the next five years, while a third (33%, +1) foresee this option becoming available in the next 10 years.

Canadians were also asked how much have they have used specific methods to buy things over the course of the past month.

Fewer than one-in-five financial transactions in Canada (18%) involved the use of cash, while two-in-five (40%) were made through a credit card and just under three-in-ten (28%) entailed a debit card.

Canadians across the country were less likely to make payments through a smartphone (7%), an e-transfer (6%) or a cheque (2%).

Credit cards are the method used in half of all purchases made by Canadians aged 55 and over (50%). Reliance on this method is lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (41%) and aged 18-to-34 (31%).

Fewer than three-in-ten transactions across all age groups are handled with a debit card. Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to use their smartphone to make purchases (10%) than their older counterparts.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, =) say there was a time in the past month when they did not have any paper money with them and had to make a purchase of less than $10 with their credit or debit card.

Ontarians (71%) and Albertans (70%) are more likely to report having made a small purchase with a credit or debit card in the past month.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 17 to August 19, 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, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Negative View of Using Animals in Rodeos Increases in Canada

September 1, 2023August 31, 2023By Mario Canseco

Majorities of Canadians are also opposed to keeping animals in zoos or aquariums, killing animals for their fur and trophy hunting.

Vancouver, BC [September 1, 2023] – Just over two thirds of Canadians are against the use of animals in rodeos, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 67% of Canadians are opposed to the practice, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, -5) are in favour of using animals in rodeos—a proportion that rises to 31% in Alberta and to 30% in Atlantic Canada.

“Since 2019, the proportion of Canadians who approve of the use of animals in rodeos has fallen by 10 points,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of women (73%) and men (59%) are currently opposed to this type of entertainment.”

As was the case last year, most Canadians are in favour of eating animals (75%, +3) and hunting animals for meat (63%, +1).

The issue of keeping animals in zoos and aquariums is decidedly more contentious, with 35% of Canadians (-4) saying they are in favour of this practice and 56% (+3) voicing opposition to it.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to be against keeping animals in zoos and aquariums (63%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (54%) and aged 55 and over (53%).

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians are in favour of killing animals for their fur (18%, +1) or hunting animals for sport (trophy hunting) (14%, =).

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election are slightly more likely to have no problem with trophy hunting (20%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (15%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (13%).

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Enthusiasm Still High in British Columbia for Home MLB Team

August 30, 2023August 29, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than half of BC residents aged 18-to-34 would purchase merchandise or apparel featuring the team’s logo.

Vancouver, BC [August 30, 2023] – Three-in-five British Columbians remain open to establishing a Major League Baseball (MLB) team in Vancouver, a new Research Co. poll has found.

For the past three years, MLB has contemplated an expansion and there have been discussions about relocating the existing Oakland Athletics franchise to a different city in North America.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 60% of British Columbians believe it is a “very good” or “good” idea for Vancouver to host an MLB team, down one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2021.

Positive views on the idea of an MLB team playing in Vancouver are highest in the Fraser Valley (67%), followed by Metro Vancouver (60%), Southern BC (57%), Vancouver Island (also 57%) and Northern BC (53%).

Just over two-in-five British Columbians (41%, +3) already have a favourite team in MLB, with most selecting the Toronto Blue Jays (32%, +4). The Seattle Mariners are second in popularity (6%, -1) followed by various other MLB franchises (3%, +1).

Among all of the British Columbians who currently have a favourite MLB team, more than three-in-five (62%, -7) say they would stop rooting for it to support the Vancouver squad.

Compared to 2021, there is no fluctuation on the proportions of British Columbians who are likely to watch the Vancouver MLB team’s games at home (51%) or at a bar or pub (37%) if a franchise is established.

“If Vancouver eventually hosts an MLB team, there would be no major fights over the remote control in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of men and women who are likely to watch the games at home is similar (53% and 49% respectively).”

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, -1) are likely to purchase apparel or merchandise with the logo of Vancouver’s MLB team, including 51% of those aged 18-to-34.

There are drops in the number of Metro Vancouverites who are likely to attend at least one home game a year (47%, -5) or buy season tickets (19%, -3) if an MLB club is established in Vancouver.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 29 to August 1, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca