Lifestyle – Page 5 – Research Co.

Saving Money Remains a Challenge for Many British Columbians

March 15, 2022March 13, 2022By Mario Canseco

Significant proportions of the province’s residents are spending more on transportation and groceries than in 2020.

Vancouver, BC [March 15, 2022] – Most British Columbians acknowledge that it is hard to meet certain financial goals two years after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 64% of British Columbians say it is “very difficult” or “moderately difficult” to save money for retirement or a rainy day, while 56% feel the same way about having money for leisure.

More than two-in-five British Columbians (43%) say it is currently hard to pay for necessities—a proportion that rises to 50% among women and to 56% among residents aged 18-to-34.

“Disposable income is a significant problem for younger British Columbians, with two thirds of those aged 18-to-34 (68%) saying it is difficult to find money for dining out or entertainment,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (55%) and aged 55 and over (47%).”

Across the province, 33% of British Columbians say that, compared to how things were before the COVID-19 pandemic, their household’s financial situation is currently worse, unchanged since a Research Co. poll conducted in March 2021.

One-in-five British Columbians (21%, +4) say that their household’s financial standing is better now than before the pandemic, while 42% (-6) believe it is about the same.

On a regional basis, residents of Vancouver Island are more likely to state that their household’s financial situation has worsened (37%) than those who reside in Northern BC (34%), Metro Vancouver (33%), the Fraser Valley (32%) and Southern BC (30%).

British Columbians report spending more than they did before the COVID-19 pandemic started on several items, including books (19%), board games (16%) and newspapers and magazines (15%).

In March 2021, only 14% of British Columbians said they were spending more on housing—such as rent or mortgage—than they did a year earlier. In March 2022, the proportion has risen markedly to 44%.

Residents of the province report significantly higher expenses than in 2021 on other categories, including electronic entertainment (46%, +17), transportation (54%, +36) and groceries (75%, +21).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 2 to March 4, 2022, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and 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 of Royal Family Worsen Considerably in Canada

March 1, 2022February 28, 2022By Mario Canseco

Almost half of Canadians would prefer to have an elected head of state, while only one-in-five would keep the monarchy.

Vancouver, BC [March 1, 2022] – Only one-in-five Canadians express an outright preference for Canada to remain a monarchy, while almost half continue to yearn for an elected head of state, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, only 21% of Canadians say that, thinking of Canada’s constitution, they would prefer for the country to remain a monarchy, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2021 and the lowest level recorded in six separate surveys since 2009.

For the first time in 13 years, almost half of Canadians (49%, +4) express a preference for Canada to have an elected head of state—a proportion that rises to 55% among men, 51% among those aged 55 and over and 59% among Quebecers.

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s federal election are more likely to prefer having an elected head of state in Canada (each at 51%) than those who cast ballots for the Conservative Party (45%).

Over the past year, the views of Canadians on seven members of the Royal Family have worsened markedly. Queen Elizabeth II is regarded favourably by 64% of Canadians, down four points. The rating fell more dramatically for Prince Harry (50%, -14) and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (44%, -10).

About three-in-five Canadians hold positive views of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (60%, -4) and Prince William (58%, -9). As has been the case for the past four years, the lowest favourability numbers are posted by Prince Charles (35%, -6) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (27%, -3).

Just over one third of Canadians (34%, -1) would like to see Prince William take over as king from Queen Elizabeth II, while fewer than one-in-five (17%, -8) would rather have Prince Charles—the first in line—as monarch.

“Since 2019, there has been a steady growth in the proportion of Canadians who, when asked about the future king, steer clear of both Prince Charles and Prince William,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Four years ago, only 19% of Canadians envisioned a Canada without a monarch, but now 34% feel this way.”

The notion of Prince William as the next king is particularly popular in Atlantic Canada (39%), British Columbia (38%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 38%).

Among Canadians who express a preference for the continuation of the monarchy, Prince William is regarded as a superior option to Prince Charles (50% to 36%).

There was little movement on a question related to Canada’s future. Fewer than half of Canadians (48%, -1) believe the country will “definitely” or “probably” be a monarchy two decades from now, while 30% (-1) expect Canada to have an elected head of state by that time.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 18 to February 20, 2022, 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

Canadians Back Reliance on Emergencies Act By 2-to-1 Margin

February 24, 2022February 23, 2022By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five oppose the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vancouver, BC [February 24, 2022] – Most Canadians are not supportive of the people who have participated in protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 59% of Canadians oppose the protests and blockades, while 35% are in favour of them and 6% are not sure.

The highest level of rejection to the protests and blockades is observed in Atlantic Canada (66%), followed by British Columbia (62%), Alberta (also 62%), Quebec (60%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (59%) and Ontario (55%).

A slight majority of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) oppose the protests and blockades. The proportion is higher among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (54%) and aged 55 and over (71%).

“Almost two thirds of Canadians who have been vaccinated against COVID-19 (64%) voice opposition to the protests and blockades,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, seven-in-ten Canadians who have not been vaccinated (70%) are supportive.”

More than four-in-five Canadians (81%) say they are following news stories related to the protests and blockades “very closely” or “moderately closely.”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) think the federal government was justified in invoking the Emergencies Act to deal with the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, while 28% think Ottawa’s actions were unjustified.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (83%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (67%) and the Green Party (53%) in the September 2021 federal election endorse the government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act. Support is lower among Canadians who cast ballots for the Conservative Party (46%) and the People’s Party (30%) last year.

Just over four-in-five Canadians (81%) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades. Slightly smaller proportions of Canadians are worried about foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (71%), Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions (70%), and the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (65%).

More than three-in-five Canadians (65%) disagree with the notion that the federal government should be overthrown. Just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) agree with this statement, including 30% of Albertans, 30% of Ontarians, 46% of Conservative voters and 55% of People’s Party voters.

Majorities of Canadians disagree with three other ideas: that the people protesting against restrictions and mandates are fighting for freedom (64%), that the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates are justified (58%) and that all COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should be repealed (54%).

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

Housing is Greatest Source of Stress for Parents in British Columbia

February 21, 2022February 21, 2022By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five parents across the province say it is difficult for them and their family to save money in a bank account.

Vancouver, BC [February 21, 2022] – Compared to two years ago, parents across British Columbia are not as worried about issues related to finances, work or family, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample of parents, 48% say they experience financial stress “frequently” or “occasionally”, down nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2020.

Fewer than half of parents in British Columbia acknowledge experiencing family-related stress (47%, -6) and work-related stress (37%, -21) “frequently” or “occasionally”.

Almost three-in-five parents (58%, +7) say they experience housing-related stress—such as finding a place to live or paying for a mortgage or rent—“frequently” or “occasionally”.

“Losing sleep over housing is not an occurrence exclusive to parents in the Lower Mainland,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In fact, parents in Southern BC (71%) and Northern BC (66%) are significantly more likely to say that they are experiencing housing-related stress.”

Two-in-five parents (40%, =) say it is “moderately difficult” or “very difficult” for them to make ends meet at this point—a proportion that rises to 46% among those who reside in Southern BC.

As was the case in 2020, almost three-in-five parents in British Columbia (59%, +1) acknowledge having difficulties saving money in a bank account. More than two-in-five (42%, -2) feel the same way about covering day-to-day expenses.

Fewer parents in British Columbia say it is currently difficult to pay for transportation (34%, -5) and to pay for child care (30%, -12).

Almost half of parents in British Columbia (49%, -16) 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.

While majorities of parents in Metro Vancouver (56%) and Southern BC (52%) expect their kids to move away at some point because of affordability issues, the proportion is lower in Vancouver Island (38%), the Fraser Valley (30%) and Northern BC (23%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 7 to February 9, 2022, among 627 adult parents of children aged 0 to 18 in Metro Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Metro Vancouver. 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

Most Canadians Continue to Have Positive Views on Immigration

February 15, 2022February 14, 2022By Mario Canseco

Canadians who supported the Liberals and the New Democrats in 2021 are more likely to feel this way than Conservative voters.

Vancouver, BC [February 15, 2022] – A majority of Canadians hold favourable views on immigration, although some political and regional disparities persist, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 54% of Canadians think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in the country, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2020.

Just over one-in-four Canadians (26%, -4) think immigration is having a mostly negative effect, while 19% (+3) are not sure.

Majorities of Canadians who reside in Ontario (58%), Quebec (56%), Alberta (also 56%), Atlantic Canada (54%) and British Columbia (also 51%) hold favourable views on immigration.

In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, 40% of residents think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada, while 39% believe it is having a mostly negative effect.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2021 federal election (69%) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada, compared to 60% among those who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) and 46% among those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates.

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%, -4) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada should remain the same, while 25% (+8) would increase this amount and 25% (-7) would decrease it.

“More than a third of Quebecers (36%) are in favour of allowing a larger number of immigrants to settle in Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, 36% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba call for a reduction in immigration levels.”

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

Canadians who voted for the Conservatives in the 2021 federal election are more likely to call for newcomers to Canada to adopt Canadian values (80%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberals (65%) or the New Democrats (55%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 6 and February 7, 2022, 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

Bad Breath Equals Break Up for More Than One-in-Four Canadians

February 11, 2022February 11, 2022By Mario Canseco

A similar proportion would stop dating a person because of their manners at the dinner table.

Vancouver, BC [February 11, 2022] – More than a quarter of Canadians would not be interested in continuing a romantic relationship with a person who had bad breath or poor etiquette at the dinner table, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 28% of Canadians say they would stop going out with a person because they have bad breath.

More than three-in-ten Canadians aged 55 and over (31%) would forego a relationship with a person with bad breath. The proportion is lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (24%) and those aged 18-to-34 (also 24%).

There is no political divide on this particular matter. Similar proportions of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (30%), the Conservative Party (28%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (27%) in last year’s federal election would break up with a person who had bad breath.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) would stop dating a person because of their manners at the dinner table. “A third of Canadian women (32%) are willing to call off a relationship with a person because of the way they eat,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 22% of Canadian men would follow the same course of action.”

Residents of British Columbia are more likely to stop going out with a person who had inferior etiquette at the dinner table (33%) than their counterparts in Atlantic Canada (27%), Ontario (also 27%), Quebec (26%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (25%) and Alberta (23%).

Only 9% of Canadians say they would break up with a person because they have a different diet than theirs, and 8% would not date a person who ate animal products.

Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians acknowledge already calling off a relationship because their partner had bad breath (7%), inferior table manners (6%), a diet they disagreed with (3%) or consumed animal products (also 3%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 28 to January 30, 2022, 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

Most Canadians Perceive “Booster Shot” Campaign Positively

February 8, 2022February 7, 2022By Mario Canseco

Just over three-in-five are satisfied with the current pace of COVID-19 vaccination efforts in their province.

Vancouver, BC [February 8, 2022] – Significant proportions of Canadians are content with the way in which governments are managing the campaign to provide COVID-19 “booster shots”, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 68% of Canadians are satisfied with the procurement of “booster shot” doses from the federal government while 22% are dissatisfied and 9% are undecided.

More than four-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in last year’s federal election (84%) are satisfied with the procurement of “booster shots”, along with two thirds of those who cast ballots for candidates representing the New Democratic Party (NDP) (69%) and the Conservative Party (68%).

Almost two thirds of Canadians (65%) are satisfied with the “booster shot” plans and phases outlined by their province and just over three-in-five (61%) are content with the pace of “booster shot” vaccination efforts.

“As was the case in the early stages of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout in 2021, older Canadians are more likely to believe that the current effort is proceeding at the proper pace,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 55% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 are satisfied with how vaccines are being provided in their province, the proportion rises to 61% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 67% among those aged 55 and over.”

In Quebec, 68% of residents are satisfied with the “booster shot” plans and phases outlined by the provincial government. The rating is similarly high in British Columbia (67%), Ontario (65%) and Atlantic Canada (64%), but lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (60%) and Alberta (55%).

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

COVID-19 Rating for Governments Drops Markedly Across Canada

February 4, 2022March 21, 2022By Mario Canseco

Satisfaction with the federal government fell by seven points since December, while Quebec experienced a 17-point drop.

Vancouver, BC [February 4, 2022] – Fewer Canadians are content with the way various levels of government are dealing with COVID-19, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians are satisfied with the way the federal government has managed the pandemic, down seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021.

Fewer Canadians are also content with the way municipal governments (57%, -7) and provincial governments (51%, -11) are handling COVID-19.

Satisfaction with the performance of the provincial administration fell drastically in Quebec, from 72% in December to 55% in late January. The numbers also declined in three other provinces: from 68% to 60% in British Columbia, from 56% to 51% in Ontario, and from 42% to 33% in Alberta.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%) believe the measures that are in place in their province to deal with COVID-19 are correct for the situation, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2021. In addition, 27% (-2) think the measures do not go far enough and 23% (+4) say they go too far.

“In Quebec, where the government hinted at taxing the unvaccinated, 34% of residents believe the COVID-19 measures go too far,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In Alberta, 42% of residents think their provincial administration has not done enough.”

Compared to May 2021, fewer Canadians endorse their provincial governments on specific competencies. Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians trust their provincial administration to respond to a natural disaster (57%, -3), establish public health guidelines (55%, -3), release accurate information (53%, -8), release complete information (51%, -5) and ensure the sustainability of the health care system (50%, -5). Even fewer Canadians have confidence in their provincial governments to spend tax dollars wisely (38%, -5).

Sizeable proportions of Canadians both consider COVID-19 as a real threat (85%, =) and support requiring all customers or visitors entering an indoor premise to wear a mask or face covering while inside (84%, +1). In addition, just under three-in-four (72%, -4) acknowledge wearing a mask every time they go out.

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, -8) agree with the decision to allow K-12 students to go back to in-class learning in their province. Support for this measure is highest in British Columbia, Quebec and Atlantic Canada (each at 63%).

Just over half of Canadians (52%, +5) think the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is “behind us”, while 29% (-4) believe it is still “ahead of us.”

The concept of “vaccine passports” continues to be backed by majorities of Canadians for travel abroad (70%, -3), to a different province (68%, -3) and within the same province (62%, -2).

Practically two thirds of Canadians also think it is a good idea to rely on “vaccine passports” to go to live sporting events (69%, -2), visit a gym or fitness facility (68%, -3), go to live concerts (also 68%, -3), go to the cinema or theater (67% -5) or work at an office (65%, -3).

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

Almost Half of Canadians Will Ignore Beijing 2022 Winter Games

February 1, 2022February 1, 2022By Mario Canseco

Practically three-in-five (59%) think Canada should boycott this year’s Winter Olympics—including 65% of those aged 55 and over.

Vancouver, BC [February 1, 2022] – The proportion of Canadians who will avoid coverage of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics has increased slightly across the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of Canadians say they will make a conscious effort to refrain from watching the sporting event, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021.

Half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%) and a majority of Quebecers (53%) say they will consciously avoid this year’s Winter Olympics.

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) think Canada should boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics over China’s human rights record—a proportion that rises to 62% among men, 65% among Canadians aged 55 and over and 67% among those who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election.

“Sizeable majorities of Canadians who reside in Quebec (66%) and British Columbia (also 66%) are in favour of a full boycott of the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for a full boycott is also high in Atlantic Canada (58%), Ontario (57%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (56%).”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%, +2) are worried about the health and safety of Canadian athletes who participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, including 74% of women and 83% of those aged 55 and over.

Across Canada, 72% of respondents (+2) believe athletes who wish to protest China’s human rights record during the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics should be able to do so. The same proportion (72%, +1) believe the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should not punish athletes who decide to speak out.

Just over half of Canadians (51%, -1) say they check labels “all the time” or “most of the time” to review where the products they purchase for their home or family were manufactured.

More than half of Canadians never avoid goods made in Europe (62%, -6), the United States (57%, -5) and Mexico (54%, -2). The proportion is slightly lower for products manufactured in Russia (44%, -5) and India (43%, -5).

Compared to December, there is little change in the perception of Canadians about goods manufactured in China. Only 30% (-2) never refrain from buying them, while seven-in-ten (70%, +2) avoid Chinese products “all the time” (16%, +1), “most of the time” (25%, +5) or “some of the time” (29%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 21 to January 23, 2022, 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

More Than Half of Canadians Rate Economic Conditions as Bad

January 28, 2022January 27, 2022By Mario Canseco

Canadians are split when asked if they have confidence in Justin Trudeau to do the right thing to help the economy.

Vancouver, BC [January 28, 2022] – Many Canadians appear dissatisfied with the current state of the nation’s finances, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 54% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada today as “bad” or “very bad”, while 41% consider them “very good” or “good.”

Economic confidence is particularly low in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (26%) and Alberta (33%). At least two-in-five residents of British Columbia (40%), Ontario (43%), Atlantic Canada (also 43%) and Quebec (48%) think the economic conditions in Canada today are “very good” or “good.”

Only one-in-five Canadians (20%) expect the Canadian economy to improve over the next six months, while 30% foresee a decline and 41% believe it will remain the same.

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%) say their own personal finances today are “very good” or “good”, while almost two-in-five (38%) state that they are “bad” or “very bad.”

Compared to a survey conducted by Research Co. in April 2020, Canadians are not as concerned about possible financial setbacks.

More than two-in-five Canadians acknowledge worrying “frequently” or “occasionally” about two issues in the past couple of months: the safety of their savings (44%, -8) and the value of their investments (41%, -9).

Fewer Canadians are concerned about unemployment affecting their household (31%, -15), being able to pay their mortgage or rent (31%, -10) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (26%, -11).

More than four-in-five Canadians expect the price of a week’s worth of groceries (83%) and gasoline (82%) to go up in the next six months. At least three-in-five Canadians also foresee rising costs for real estate (72%), a new car (71%) and a new television set (62%).

While 47% of Canadians trust Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to do the right thing to help the economy, 48% express no confidence in his leadership.

More than a third of Canadians (37%) trust Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem to make the right decisions, while only 29% feel the same way about Federal Leader of the Opposition Erin O’Toole.

“Canadians are not particularly thrilled with the current economic conditions and are not expecting a quick fix to address inflation,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “However, they are less likely to express grave concerns about meeting existing financial commitments or losing their job than in the early stages of the pandemic.”

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 Would Take “Home Office” To New Employer

January 25, 2022January 24, 2022By Mario Canseco

More than half of those who worked from home during the pandemic are willing to switch jobs to avoid commuting.

Vancouver, BC [January 25, 2002] – Most British Columbians who have had to work from home during the COVID-19 pandemic are willing to explore opportunities that provide the flexibility to be away from an office setting, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, 58% of employed British Columbians who have worked from home during the pandemic say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to seek a different job if their current company does not allow them to labour from home as often as they want, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2021.

“British Columbians aged 18-to-34 have developed a deeper attachment to the home office, with 64% saying they would switch jobs if their new employer allows them to avoid commuting,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower among those aged 35-to-54 (59%) and those aged 55 and over (45%).”

Almost two thirds of British Columbia’s “home workers” (64%, =) would consider switching to a different job that can be performed from home for a company located in their own metropolitan area. A majority (57%, +2) would consider this course of action for a business located in the province, while 45% (+1) would be willing to enter an arrangement with a company headquartered in another province.

More than half of employed British Columbians (54%) acknowledge working from home at some point during the COVID-19 pandemic—a proportion that rises to 65% among those aged 18-to-34.

This month, only 34% of employed British Columbians who have worked from home during the pandemic say they expect to be able to remain in their home office at least three times a week when the pandemic ends, down 13 points since September 2021. Only 11% (-4) believe they will not be able to work from home at all when COVID-19 is over.

Fewer than two-in-five “home workers” in British Columbia have been advised of a plan for employees to return to the usual office (37%, -8) or of a plan for how employees will be able to work from home after the pandemic is over (also 37%, -3).

Employed British Columbians continue to expect certain features of their jobs to remain in place after COVID-19 is behind us. More than two-in-five foresee increases in virtual communications between offices (46%, +3), virtual staff meetings (45%, +2) and virtual business development (also 45%, +4).

Conversely, sizeable proportions of employed British Columbians expect reductions for in-person staff meetings (43%, +1), business travel (39%, +2) and in-person business development meetings (38%, =) once the pandemic is over.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted on January 6 and January 7, 2022, among 700 adults who work 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

Scam and Foreign Language Calls Increase in British Columbia

January 21, 2022January 21, 2022By Mario Canseco

Half of mobile phone users have been targeted by calls and messages where an individual speaks Cantonese or Mandarin.

Vancouver, BC [January 21, 2022] – The incidence of phone calls and messages from people pretending to represent a government agency has risen dramatically in British Columbia over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of British Columbians, 50% of mobile phone users say they have been targeted by these phone calls and messages in the past two months, up 15 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2019.

Phone calls and/or phone messages from an individual purporting to represent a government agency (such as the Canada Revenue Agency) are more prevalent among men (52%) and British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (also 52%).

“Almost three-in-five mobile phone users in Vancouver Island (58%) report getting these scam calls recently,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half of those who reside in Northern BC (54%) and Metro Vancouver (51%) also had to deal with these unwanted communications.”

Just over half of mobile phone users in British Columbia (51%) say they have received phone calls and/or phone messages where an individual speaks Cantonese or Mandarin in the past two months, up 20 points since September 2019.

More than three-in-five mobile phone users in Metro Vancouver (61%) have been exposed to calls or messages in Cantonese or Mandarin.

British Columbians of South Asian descent are more likely to report being targeted by these communications in a foreign language (70%) than their counterparts of East Asian (61%) and European (47%) origins.

Only 18% of mobile phone users in British Columbia received a text message asking if they support a specific party or policy from an individual they do not know in the past two months, down 19 points since 2019.

Across the province, only 28% of mobile phone users (+1) say they did not receive any of these types of messages in the past two months.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 21 to December 23, 2021, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 +/- 3.5 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, Hockey Fans Agree on Banning Head Shots

January 14, 2022January 13, 2022By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of Canadians and three-in-four hockey fans believe the game would be “better off” if this regulation is implemented.

Vancouver, BC [January 14, 2022] – A significant proportion of Canadians and hockey fans are ready to take a significant step to make the professional game safer, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 80% of Canadians—and 89% of self-described “hockey fans”—support banning heads shots in professional hockey.

“At least four-in-five residents of British Columbia (83%), Ontario (81%), Quebec (also 81%) and Atlantic Canada (80%) are in favour of a head shot ban in professional hockey,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “They are joined by 75% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 68% of Albertans.”

When asked about a ban on fighting in professional hockey, Canadians favour the idea by a 2-to-1 margin (60% to 29%). Hockey fans are divided, with 49% opposing this course of action and 46% supporting it.

The idea of banning fights in professional hockey is particularly popular in Quebec (69%). Majorities in Ontario (59%), British Columbia (57%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 57%), Atlantic Canada (55%) and Alberta (51%) are also supportive.

Two thirds of Canadians (66%) and three-in-four hockey fans (74%) believe hockey would be better off if heads shots are banned from the professional game.

The numbers are lower for a ban on fighting, with 43% of Canadians and 28% of hockey fans thinking this regulation would be beneficial.

More than half of Canadians (52%) rate the efforts of the National Hockey League (NHL) in looking after the safety of its players as “very good” or “good”—a proportion that rises to 76% among fans.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) think professional hockey has become a more violent sport over the past five years. Women (29%) and Canadians aged 55 and over (31%) are more likely to believe that the sport is now more violent.

One-in-five Canadians (20%) say they would encourage their kids to avoid playing hockey as a result of recent violent incidents in the sport. The same proportion (20%) would refrain from buying products from companies that sponsor professional hockey, while one-in-four (25%) would watch fewer hockey games than they currently do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 15 to December 17, 2021, 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 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

Belief in Astrology and Other Concepts Falls in Canada

January 4, 2022December 30, 2021By Mario Canseco

Only 14% of Canadians say they currently pay attention to astrology, while 58% claim to have never followed it.

Vancouver, BC [January 4, 2022] – Fewer Canadians believe in astrology than two years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 32% of Canadians believe in the concept of studying the movements and relative positions of celestial objects to make observations about human affairs and terrestrial events, down four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2019.

Two-in-five Albertans (40%, +13) say they believe in astrology, along with 34% of British Columbians (+3) and 31% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (+3). The numbers are lower in Ontario (38%, -4), Atlantic Canada (30%, -7) and Quebec (22%, -14).

“While belief in astrology is down at the national level, there is significant growth among Canada’s youngest adults,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (55%, +6) believe in the concept, compared to 36% among those aged 25-to-54 (-1) and 23% among those aged 55 and over (-4).”

When asked about their behaviour, 14% of Canadians (-6) say they currently pay attention to astrology—a proportion that includes 26% of those aged 18-to-34, 18% of Ontarians and 16% of women.

Larger proportions of Canadians say they used to pay attention to astrology at some point in their lives (28%, +1) or claim to have never paid attention to it (58%, +4).

The proportion of Canadians who believe in three other concepts is also lower than it was in 2019. Just under one third of the country’s residents (32%, -1) believe in haunted houses, or buildings being inhabited by spirits of dead people.

Belief in haunted houses is highest in British Columbia (38%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (37%) and Alberta (36%), and lower in Ontario (32%), Atlantic Canada (30%) and Quebec (24%).

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians (28%, -3) believe in clairvoyance, or the ability to gain information about an object, person, location or physical event through extrasensory perception.

Women are more likely to believe in clairvoyance (35%) than men (21%).

More than one-in-four Canadians (26%, -5) believe in mediumship, or mediating communication between living human beings and spirits of dead people.

While almost half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 believe in mediumship (48%), the proportion drops to 30% among those aged 35-to-54 and 16% among those aged 55 and over.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 15 to December 17, 2021, 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

British Columbians Still Back Proposed Ban on Single-Use Plastics

December 31, 2021December 30, 2021By Mario Canseco

Three-in-four of the province’s residents say they rely on their own re-usable bags to transport groceries out of a store.

Vancouver, BC [December 31, 2021] – Public support remains high in British Columbia for the federal government’s plan to reduce plastic use across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 82% of British Columbians are in favour of banning single-use plastics, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2021.

The federal government’s proposed regulation focuses on items such as grocery checkout bags, straws, stir sticks, six-pack rings, plastic cutlery and food takeout containers made from hard-to-recycle plastics. Several municipalities in British Columbia have already implemented their own guidelines for specific items, such as grocery checkout bags.

Just over three-in-four British Columbians (76%, -1) acknowledge relying on their own reusable bag to transport groceries out of a store after purchasing them. Significantly smaller proportions of the province’s residents use bags provided by the store, either made out of paper (11%) or plastic (9%).

“There is a generational gap in the adoption of reusable bags in British Columbia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Practically nine-in-ten residents aged 55 and over (88%) are already using their own bags at grocery stores, compared to 73% among those aged 35-to-54 and 62% among those aged 18-to-34.”

Just over half of British Columbians (51%, -3) 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. Once again, this behaviour is more common among the province’s residents aged 55 and over (66%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (50%) and aged 18-to-34 (32%).

More than three-in-five residents of Vancouver Island (65%) and Northern BC (63%) claim to go out of their way to recycle “all of the time.” The proportion is lower in Southern BC (58%), the Fraser Valley (57%) and Metro Vancouver (44%).

One-in-five British Columbians (20%, -6) acknowledge limiting 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 say they unplug electrical devices in their home—such as TVs, computers and cell phone chargers—when they are not in use (12%, -1), buy biodegradable products (5%, -2) or eat organic or home-grown foods (also 5%, -2) “all of the time.”

Methodology:

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

Half of Canadians Expect Fun, Not Stressful, Holiday Season

December 21, 2021December 20, 2021By Mario Canseco

“Merry Christmas” is still the preferred greeting, but “Happy Holidays” is gaining ground among the youngest adults.

Vancouver, BC [December 21, 2021] – Compared to last year, more Canadians think the holiday season will be a time of joy and excitement, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 49% of Canadians say they expect this time of the year to be “more fun than stressful”, up 19 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2020.

Only 27% of Canadians (-10) believe this holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”, while 24% (+9) are undecided.

“Majorities of Quebecers (53%) and Ontarians (51%) expect the current holiday season to be more fun than stressful,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower in Alberta (46%) and British Columbia (41%).”

More than three-in-five Canadians (62%, -6) state that “Merry Christmas” is their preferred greeting for the season, while 20% (+6) say “Happy Holidays” is their favourite.

Significant majorities of Canadians of all age groups favour “Merry Christmas“ as a greeting. “Happy Holidays” is more popular with Canadians aged 18-to-34 (24%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (21%) and 55 and over (14%).

When Canadians are asked about six components of their lives, majorities say that “family” (78%, -2) and “friends” (54%, =) are “very important” to them personally.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%) say “country” is “very important” to them, down 10 points since 2020. Fewer of the country’s residents feel the same way about “career” (29%, =), “religion” (22%, -2) and “affluence” (11%, =).

Practically half of Canadians (49%, -3) say they are “very” or “moderately” spiritual—a proportion that rises to 52% among women, 53% among those aged 55 and over and 53% among Albertans.

Across Canada, almost one-in-five residents (18%) say they are “atheist” or “agnostic”, including 23% of Ontarians and 24% of British Columbians. Half of Canadians (50%, -6) describe themselves as Christian.

One third of Canadians (33%, +3) say they never attend religious services. The proportion rises to 35% in Quebec and 38% in British Columbia.

When asked about specific delicacies that are usually enjoyed during the holiday season, at least half of Canadians say they like turkey (84%), cranberry sauce (64%), Brussels sprouts (62%), fruit cake (56%), egg nog (54%) and mince pies (50%). Fewer Canadians express a preference for plum pudding (43%) and mulled wine (34%).

There is a marked gender gap when Canadians ponder egg nog, with 60% of men saying they like the beverage compared to only 48% of women. In fact, Canadian women are more likely to “definitely dislike” egg nog (32%) than to “definitely like” it (27%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 8 to December 10, 2021, 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

Views on Pandemic Worsen Considerably Across Canada

December 17, 2021February 3, 2022By Mario Canseco

Only 47% of Canadians think the worst of COVID-19 is “behind us”, down 18 points since November.

Vancouver, BC [December 17, 2021] – Fewer than half of Canadians are optimistic about the future ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of Canadians say that the worst of the pandemic is “behind us”, down 18 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November.

A third of Canadians (33%, +12) believe the worst of COVID-19 is “ahead of us”, while 20% (+5) are not sure.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (55%) and aged 35-to-54 (52%) believe that the pandemic will not worsen,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 37% of those aged 55 and over feel the same way.”

Across the country, 85% of Canadians (=) consider COVID-19 as a real threat.There is little movement in the level of satisfaction that Canadians express when asked to rate the way their municipal (64%, +1), federal (63%, +1) and provincial governments (62%, +3) have dealt with the pandemic.

More than two thirds of residents of Quebec (72%, -4) and British Columbia (68%, +6) believe that their provincial administrations have handled COVID-19 well. The rating is stagnant in Ontario (56%, =). Alberta continues to hold the lowest numbers among the four most populous provinces, but saw its standing improve markedly, from 29% in December to 42% this month.

More than four-in-five Canadians (83%, +2) are in favour of requiring all customers or visitors entering an indoor premise to wear a mask or face covering while inside. Just over three-in-four Canadians (76%, +6) say they wear a mask every time they go out.

The notion of allowing K-12 students to go back to in-class learning is supported by 69% of Canadians (-5).

Sizeable proportions of Canadians continue to support the use of a “vaccine passport” for specific endeavours, including travel to other countries (73%, -1 since November), to go to the theatre or cinema (72%, +3), to go to live concerts (also 71%, +1), to go to live sporting events (also 71%, +1), to visit a gym or fitness facility (also 71%, +1), for travel to other Canadian provinces (also 71%, +1), to be able to work at an office (68%, +1) and for travel inside the same province (66%, +1).

Methodology:

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

Metro Vancouver Drivers Reject Paying to Park on the Street

December 14, 2021December 13, 2021By Mario Canseco

Seven-in-ten drivers say it is harder to find a parking spot in their municipality when they need one.

Vancouver, BC [December 14, 2021] – A sizeable majority of drivers in Metro Vancouver reject the notion of having to pay to park their cars on residential streets overnight, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, almost two thirds of drivers in Metro Vancouver (64%) think it is a “bad idea” to charge a fee to vehicle owners who park their cars on residential streets overnight.

“More than three-in-five drivers in Surrey (62%) and Vancouver (61%) are not in favour of an overnight residential parking fee,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In the rest of the Metro Vancouver region, 67% of drivers are opposed.”

A majority of drivers in Metro Vancouver (51%) say they have a garage and park their vehicle there, while 22% rely on a shared parkade. Just over one-in-ten (13%) say they have a garage, but do not park their vehicle inside it—including 16% of men and 15% of those who reside in Surrey.

Seven-in-ten drivers in Metro Vancouver (70%) say it is harder now to find a parking spot in their municipality when they need one, down 11 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2018.

Over the past two years, 27% of drivers in Metro Vancouver acknowledge having received a parking ticket. Similar proportions of citations have been issued by municipalities (17%, -1) and by parking management companies (15%, -5).

Drivers in Vancouver are significantly more likely to report getting a parking ticket of any kind (40%, +12) than their counterparts in Surrey (22%, -11) and in other Metro Vancouver municipalities (20%, -13).

When asked how they dealt with the last parking ticket they were issued by a municipality, two thirds of offending drivers (68%, -8) say they paid quickly to get a discount, while 26% (+15) covered the full amount days later and 6% (-7) never paid it.

The situation is similar for tickets issued by a parking management company, with a majority of offending drivers (56%, +5) paying quickly, three-in-ten (30%,+15) covering the full amount later and 15% (-19) admitting to never paying the fine.

Drivers aged 55 and over who receive a parking ticket are significantly more likely to pay the fine early, whether the citation was issued by a municipality (86%) or by a parking management company (65%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from November 27 to November 29, 2021, among 521 adults in Metro Vancouver who drive to school or work on weekdays. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Metro Vancouver. The margin of error— which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.3 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 Continue to Back Boycott of Beijing 2022 Winter Games

December 9, 2021December 8, 2021By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of Canadians (68%) say they refrain from buying products made in China at least some of the time.

Vancouver, BC [December 9, 2021] – More than half of Canadians think the country’s athletes should avoid taking part in the next edition of the Winter Olympics, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians think Canada should boycott the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing over China’s human rights record.

The level of support for a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics is exactly the same as it was in a survey conducted by Research Co. in August 2021.

“The idea of a Canadian boycott of the Beijing Winter Olympics is more attractive in Ontario (60%), British Columbia (59%) and Quebec (56%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%), Atlantic Canada (50%) and Alberta (49%).”

Similar proportions of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (61%), the Conservative Party (59%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (58%) in this year’s federal election are in favour of a boycott of the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) are worried about the health and safety of Canadian athletes who participate in the Beijing Winter Olympics, and 45% say they will make a conscious effort to refrain from watching the games.

Almost three-in-four Canadians (74%) believe athletes who want to protest China’s human rights record during the 2022 Winter Olympics should be able to do so, and a slightly smaller proportion (71%) think the International Olympic Committee (IOC) should not punish those who actually speak out.

Across the country, 52% of Canadians claim to check labels “all the time” or “most of the time” to see where the products they buy for the home or family were manufactured.

More than three-in-five Canadians say they never refrain from buying products made in Europe (68%), the United States (62%) and Mexico (56%), while just under half follow the same course of action for goods manufactured in Russia (49%) and India (48%).

Only 32% of Canadians say they never refrain from buying products manufactured in China, with two thirds of residents (68%) saying they avoid purchasing Chinese goods “all the time” (15%), “most of the time” (20%) or “some of the time” (33%).

Women (70%), British Columbians (71%) and Canadians aged 55 and over (75%) are more likely to avoid acquiring products manufactured in China at least “some of the time.”

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 4 to December 6, 2021, among a representative sample of 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

Canadians Are More Interested in Super Bowl Than Grey Cup

December 7, 2021May 23, 2022By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians (55%) say they are fans of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Vancouver, BC [December 7, 2021] – Canadians are more likely to say that they plan to watch the final game of the National Football League (NFL) season than its equivalent for the Canadian Football League (CFL), a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 40% of Canadians say they will “definitely” or “probably” watch the Grey Cup on December 12, while a slight majority (52%) will not.

When Canadians are asked about the Super Bowl—which will take place on February 13, 2022—half (50%) say they intend to tune in while 44% say they will not.

“Canadians aged 55 and over are more likely to say they will watch the Grey Cup (45%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (36%) and aged 18-to-34 (39%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The country’s youngest adults are more likely to say they will tune in to the Super Bowl (53%) than those who are middle aged (47%) or older (49%).”

In Saskatchewan and Manitoba, a majority of residents (55%) intend to watch the Grey Cup this Sunday. The proportion is lower in Alberta (43%), Quebec (41%), British Columbia (40%), Ontario (39%) and Atlantic Canada (26%).

A majority of Canadians (55%) say they consider themselves fans of the National Hockey League (NHL), up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2020.

More than a third of Canadians (36%, +5) are fans of the NFL. The numbers are lower for the CFL (32%, -1), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (31%, -6), Major League Baseball (MLB) (31%, -2) and Major League Soccer (22%, +1).

Over the past two years, about one-in-five Canadians (19%) say their interest in the NHL has increased. Fewer of the country’s residents report paying more attention to the NBA (12%), the NFL (10%), MLB (8%), the CFL (also 8%) and MLS (also 8%).

The Edmonton CFL franchise changed its name this year from Eskimos to Elks. Just under half of Canadians (46%) agree with this decision, while 28% disagree.

In Alberta, almost half of residents (47%) disagree with changing the name of Edmonton’s CFL franchise, while 40% agree with this modification.

In a survey conducted by Research Co. in September 2019, 60% of Canadians and 71% of Albertans thought the Edmonton Eskimos name was “acceptable” for the CFL franchise.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from November 20 to November 22, 2021, among a representative sample of 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