Lifestyle – Page 6 – Research Co.

Dissent Over Changing Province’s Name Rises in British Columbia

July 17, 2024July 16, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just over half of the province’s residents disagree with modifying the provincial flag to remove the Union Jack.

Vancouver, BC [July 17, 2024] – The proportion of British Columbians who are against changing the province’s name has risen over the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 60% of British Columbians disagree with changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians (29%, -3) think a name change is warranted, while 10% (-5) are not sure.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are significantly more likely to endorse changing the province’s name (52%, +2) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (32%, -1) and aged 55 and over (11%, -6).

The possibility of a name change is more popular in Northern BC (38%, +6), followed by Metro Vancouver (32%, +1), Vancouver Island (31%, -6), the Fraser Valley (21%, -9) and Southern BC (20%, -6).

“Most British Columbians of Indigenous descent (61%) would welcome changing the province’s name,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among residents whose heritage is South Asian (38%), European (29%) or East Asian (also 29%).”

Almost two thirds British Columbians (65%, +3) say nothing bothers them about the name “British Columbia” for the province. Fewer than one-in-five are upset about the “British” part (18%, -1), the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous peoples (17%, -3) and the “Columbia” part (6%, -2).

Fewer than a third of British Columbians (31%, =) agree with changing the flag of the province to remove the Union Jack, while just over half (51%, +5) disagree and 19% (-4) are not sure.

Appetite for removing the Union Jack from British Columbia’s flag is highest among residents whose origins are Indigenous (51%) and South Asian (48%) but drops among those whose heritage is East Asian (35%) and European (26%).

In 2010, the Queen Charlotte Islands were renamed as Haida Gwaii. As was the case in 2022, most British Columbians (57%, -1) believe this was the correct decision, while 23% (+3) disagree and 20% (-3) are not sure.

Agreement with this particular name change is highest among British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the last provincial election (72%), followed by those who cast ballots for the BC Green Party (60%) and the BC Liberals (47%) in 2020.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 24 to June 26, 2024, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Concerns About Antisemitism and Protests Rise in British Columbia

July 15, 2024July 14, 2024By Mario Canseco

Practically seven-in-ten residents think dismantling the campus protests and encampments was the correct course of action.

Vancouver, BC [July 15, 2024] – Many British Columbians are dissatisfied with the way the current conflict in Israel and Gaza is affecting Jewish Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, two thirds of British Columbians (66%) believe that Canadian Jews are being unfairly targeted for what is happening in Israel and Gaza. This includes majorities of residents who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (78%), the BC Liberals (77%) and the BC Green Party (55%) in the 2020 provincial election.

Concerns about specific domestic ramifications of the current conflict in Israel and Gaza have increased since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in February.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians are currently “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about attacks, including gunfire and firebombs, on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses (79%), protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses (76%, +4), rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (antisemitism) (75%, +6) and aggressive behaviour by Pro-Palestinian Protestors (74%, +4).

“The perception of antisemitism as a significant issue does not vary greatly by political allegiance,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (84%), the BC Liberals (81%) and the BC Green Party (64%) in the 2020 provincial election are worried about prejudice rising against Jewish Canadians.”

More than half of British Columbians (57%) are familiar with the protests and encampments that have been happening at college and university campuses in Canada and the United States.

In some cases, protestors barricaded areas of campuses and refused to allow Jewish students and professors to enter or make their way to classes. The encampments were eventually dismantled by police and arrests were made.

Practically seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%) think universities were right to rely on the police to dismantle the protests and encampments, while only 14% believe they were wrong to do so.

Only 41% of British Columbians think police and governments are doing enough to combat antisemitism in their communities. Women (36%) are particularly skeptical of the way the situation has evolved.

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

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

Canadians Question Effect of Proposed Sexual Education Policies

July 12, 2024July 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

Support for “SOGI-Inclusive Education” is strong among all Canadians and parents or guardians of children aged 0-to-18.

Vancouver, BC [July 12, 2024] – Practically half of Canadians endorse the use of “SOGI-Inclusive Education” in their province’s classrooms, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 48% of Canadians support this type of sexual education in schools. Just over three-in-ten Canadians (31%) are opposed to it, and 21% are undecided.

“SOGI-Inclusive Education” raises awareness of and welcomes students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and family structures. More than half of Canadian parents or guardians of children aged 0-to-18 (52%) support “SOGI-Inclusive Education”, while a third (33%) are opposed and 15% are not sure.

On average, Canadians think children should begin to learn about sexuality at the age of 12 and a half (12.51 years).

Canadians of European descent believe sexual education should start earlier (11.83 years) than their counterparts whose origins are Indigenous (12.47 years), East Asian (12.53 years) and South Asian (14.58 years).

On this question, the differences are slight in the average age provided by Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (12.03 years), the Liberal Party (12.24 years) and the Conservative Party (12.74 years) in the 2020 federal election.

Respondents were asked to weigh in on eight different policies that were introduced this year by the Government of Alberta. At least three-in-five Canadians agree with three of these ideas: banning top and bottom surgeries for minors aged 17 and under (66%, and 70% among parents), banning hormone therapies for gender affirmation and puberty blockers for minors aged 15 and under (61%, and 67% among parents) and compelling schools to advise parents and obtain their consent if a minor aged 15 and under wishes to alter their name or pronouns (60%, and 61% among parents).

Most Canadians and parents also voice agreement with three other policies: compelling schools to advise parents if a minor aged 16 or 17 wishes to alter their name or pronouns (59%, and 62% among parents), ensuring that parents “opt-in” any minors every time topics such as gender identity, sexual orientation or sexuality are discussed in the classroom (55%, and 61% among parents) and banning transgender women from taking part in women’s sports leagues competitions (54%, and 58% among parents).

Agreement is lower for two other policies: the provincial education ministry approving all third-party teaching materials on gender identity, sexual orientation or sexuality that are used in the classroom. (48%, and 50% among parents) and allowing minors aged 16 and 17 to start hormone therapies for gender affirmation if they have the approval of their parents, a physician and a psychologist (45%, and 44% among parents).

Canadians are not convinced that the outcome of these policies will be universally positive. Just under half think it is likely that parents will be in full control of the way their children learn about sexuality (48%) and that gender-diverse youth will be placed at risk (also 48%).

More than a third of Canadians also foresee medical practitioners (such as doctors and psychologists) being unable to assess the ethical and medical implications of individual cases (43%), gender-diverse youth being unable to seek support from teachers or school staff (also 43%), an increase in sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) (40%) and an increase in teenage pregnancies (35%).

“Canadian parents are more likely to predict a negative outcome from some of Alberta’s proposed sexual education policies,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half (51%) think their implementation will place gender-diverse youth at risk.”

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

Canadians Becoming Less Proud of Economy and Multiculturalism

July 5, 2024June 25, 2025By Mario Canseco

The flag, the Armed Forces and hockey remain at the top the list of sources of pride for the country’s residents.

Vancouver, BC [July 5, 2024] – Over the past year, the perceptions of Canadians on two institutions and features of the country have become significantly more negative, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 65% of Canadians say multiculturalism makes them proud, down nine points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in June 2023.

Canadians of European descent are less likely to be proud of multiculturalism (64%) than their counterparts whose origins are Indigenous (73%), East Asian (also 73%) and South Asian (84%).

Only 34% of Canadians (-8) say the Canadian economy makes them proud. Almost half of those who voted for the Liberal Party in 2021 (48%) are proud of the Canadian economy, compared to 32% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters and 31% among Conservative Party voters in the last federal election.

“In 2019, four-in-five Canadians (80%) said they were proud of the national economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion has fallen by 46 points since then.”

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%, +2) say the Canadian flag makes them proud, and more than seven-in-ten feel the same way about the Canadian Armed Forces (72%, +2) and hockey (71%, -1).

More than half of Canadians are proud of Indigenous culture (63%, -3), bilingualism (58%, -6) and the state of democracy in Canada (55%, -6).

Bilingualism is more likely to be a source of pride for Canadians aged 18-to-34 (69%) than for their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (53%) and aged 55 and over (51%).

Fewer than half of Canadians are proud of the Canadian justice system (48%, -2) and the health care system (also 48%, -2).

Fewer than half of residents of Atlantic Canada (28%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%) and Quebec (46%) say the health care system makes them proud. The proportions are higher in Alberta (50%), British Columbia (52%) and Ontario (57%).

Fewer than two-in-five Canadians are proud of Parliament (38%, -7) and the monarchy (35%, -8).

Only 28% of Canadians who voted for the Conservatives in 2021 are proud of Parliament, compared to 28% for those who supported the New Democrats and 43% for those who voted for the Liberals.

The monarchy is more likely to be a source of pride for residents of British Columbia (45%). The proportions are lower in Ontario (39%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%), Alberta (29%), Quebec (32%) and Atlantic Canada (25%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 23 to June 25, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

British Columbia is the Most Popular Destination for Relocation

June 19, 2024June 18, 2024By Mario Canseco

When asked where they would go if they had to move, British Columbians prefer Alberta and Quebecers look to Ontario.

Vancouver, BC [June 19, 2024] – British Columbia is a “top of mind” destination for residents of four Canadian provinces if they had to relocate within the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of representative samples in six Canadian provinces asked respondents to ponder a scenario in which they needed to move out and live in another region of Canada.

“British Columbia is in first place as a possible relocation destination in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Quebecers prefer Ontario and British Columbians put Alberta on top.”

In British Columbia, just under one-in-four residents (24%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2019) choose Alberta for relocation, followed by Ontario (19%, +3), Nova Scotia (8%, =) and Yukon (5%, +2).

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 favour Alberta over Ontario (33% to 19% and 31% to 18% respectively). Their counterparts aged 55 and over prefer Ontario to Alberta (19% to 14%).

In Alberta, half of respondents (50%, +3 since August 2019) select British Columbia, followed by Saskatchewan (11%, =), Ontario (10%, -1), Nova Scotia (4%, =) and Newfoundland and Labrador (3%, +1).

Majorities of respondents of both the Edmonton (56%) and Calgary (52%) metropolitan areas pick British Columbia as their destination, along with 62% of those who voted for the United Conservative Party (UCP) in the last provincial election.

In Saskatchewan, almost three-in-ten residents (29%) choose British Columbia, followed by Alberta (26%), Ontario (13%), Manitoba (7%) and Nova Scotia (4%).

Saskatchewanians aged 55 and over are particularly fond of British Columbia (42%), while those aged 35-to-54 prefer Alberta (33%) and those aged 18-to-34 pick Ontario (28%).

In Manitoba, 27% of residents choose British Columbia, followed by Alberta (24%), Ontario (11%), Saskatchewan (7%) and Nova Scotia (5%).

British Columbia is a popular destination for Manitobans aged 35-to-54 (31%) and aged 55 and over (26%), while those aged 18-to-34 prefer Alberta (31%).

In Ontario, practically a third of residents (32%) pick British Columbia, followed by Nova Scotia (15%), Alberta (12%), Quebec (6%) and Prince Edward Island (5%).

While British Columbia is the first choice for Ontarians among all three age groups, those aged 55 and over and aged 35-to-54 are more fond of Nova Scotia (18% and 16% respectively) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (6%).

In Quebec, more than a third of residents (34%) select Ontario, followed by British Columbia (19%), New Brunswick (9%), Alberta (8%) and Prince Edward Island (4%).

New Brunswick is a popular destination for Quebecers aged 35-to-54 and aged 55 and over (12% each), as well as among those who voted for the Parti Québécois (PQ) (16%) or the Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) (12%) in the last provincial election.

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

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

Acceptability of Pornography and Prostitution Drops in Canada

June 14, 2024June 13, 2024By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +5 since 2023) think abortion is “morally acceptable”.

Vancouver, BC [June 14, 2024] – Canada’s moral compass has experienced sizeable changes on two issues related to human sexuality, in spite of a pronounced gender gap, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians whether they considered 21 different issues as “morally acceptable” or “morally wrong.”

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians believe pornography (28%, -4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2023) and prostitution (25%, -7) are “morally acceptable”.

“Only 20% of Canadian women think pornography is morally acceptable, and 17% feel the same way about prostitution,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In stark contrast, pornography is morally acceptable for 39% of Canadian men, and 34% have no moral qualms about prostitution.”

The numbers did not shift drastically on other issues, with more than two thirds of Canadians finding four issues as “morally acceptable”: contraception (76%, +1), divorce (72%, +1), sexual relations between an unmarried man and woman (70%, +1) and having a baby outside of marriage (67%, -2).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +5) say abortion is “morally acceptable”—a proportion that rises to 66% among Canadians aged 55 and over, 65% in British Columbia and 64% in Quebec.

More than half of Canadians see three other issues as “morally acceptable”: physician-assisted death (57%, -1), sexual relations between two people of the same sex (55%, -2) and medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos (also 55%, =).

Sizeable majorities of Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (70%) and the Liberal Party (64%) in the last federal election have no moral reservations about same-sex relations. Among Conservative Party voters in 2021, the proportion stands at 39%.

More than a third of Canadians regard three issues as “morally acceptable”: gambling (49%, -3), the death penalty (40%, +1) and buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (34%, +4).

Canadians aged 35-to-54 are more likely to believe gambling is morally acceptable (53%) than their counterparts aged 55 and over (48%) and aged 18-to-34 (46%).

Canadian men are less likely to have moral reservations about buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (43%) than their female counterparts (27%).

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians believe eight other issues are “morally acceptable”: medical testing on animals (23%, +1), cloning animals (19%, -1), polygamy (17%, -4), suicide (also 17%, -3), married men and/or women having an affair (16%, -2), using illegal drugs (14%, -5), cloning humans (13%, +2) and paedophilia (5%, -2).

One-in-four Quebecers (25%) think married men and/or women having an affair is “morally acceptable”. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (16%), British Columbia (also 16%), Ontario (15%), Atlantic Canada (8%) and Alberta (6%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on June 1 to June 3, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Would Decrease Legal Immigration

June 12, 2024June 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

The perception of immigration having a negative effect in Canada has increased for the second consecutive year.

Vancouver, BC [June 12, 2024] – The views of Canadians on immigration have become more negative over the past few months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians think immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

A slightly smaller proportion of Canadians (42%, -3) say immigration is having a mostly positive effect in the country, while 14% (-3) are undecided.

While more than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 hold positive views on immigration (55%, -3), the proportions are significantly lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over (37%, -12) and aged 35-to-54 (32%, -12).

This month, 46% of Canadians (+7) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada should decrease. Just over three-in-ten (31%, -6) think there should be no change, while 15% (-2) want to increase legal immigration levels.

Majorities of Atlantic Canadians (53%) and Ontarians (also 53%) are in favour of reducing legal immigration levels in Canada. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (50%), British Columbia (48%), Alberta (42%) and Quebec (34%).

“About two-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (41%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (39%) in the last federal election would decrease legal immigration to Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion jumps to 63% among Canadians who supported the Conservative Party in 2021.”

Two thirds of Canadians (66%, -9) believe the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better, while 65% (=) think immigrants should only be allowed in Canada if they adopt Canadian values.

As was the case last year, Canadians remain split when assessing two different concepts related to immigration. While 44% (-1) would prefer for Canada to be a mosaic, where cultural differences within Canadian society are valuable and should be preserved, 42% (=) would embrace the concept of the melting pot, where immigrants assimilate and blend into Canadian society.

There are some striking gender and ideological differences on this question. Men (50%) and Conservative voters (58%) favour the melting pot, while women (48%), Liberals (also 48%) and NDP voters (54%) are fonder of the mosaic.

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

Exposing Egg Carton Deception at Loblaw

June 4, 2024June 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

Download the full report and data tables.

We polled 1,000 Loblaw customers from May 7 to May 10 and the results show that due to egg carton designs and marketing claims, Loblaw customers are being misled into believing that eggs from caged chickens are cage-free.

For context, the cage confinement of egg-laying chickens has emerged as a prominent issue for Canadians. Heightened consumer familiarity, catalyzed by comprehensive media scrutiny and undercover exposés documenting severe food safety, quality, and animal welfare problems has prompted an avalanche of corporate cage-free egg commitments.

In 2016, Loblaw announced it would transition exclusively to selling cage-free eggs by 2025. Its rationale was articulated in its Corporate Responsibility Report that year, where the company stated, “Our customers expect that the products we sell are safe, of high quality, responsibly sourced, and produced in a humane way.”

While the company has since abandoned the 2025 timeline, it continues to assure customers that its ultimate goal remains to eventually only sell cage-free eggs. However, it recently disclosed that in 2023, a staggering 83% of the eggs it sold still came from chickens confined in cages. So, we polled Loblaw customers.

Respondents were shown images of various cartons of eggs from caged hens that depict farm scenes and asked whether they think the eggs are cage or cage-free. Overwhelmingly, far more respondents (in every single demographic group) mistakenly thought they come from cage-free hens than correctly identified them as coming from caged hens.

For example, our poll found that nearly half of Loblaw customers (46%) inaccurately believe that egg cartons with the term “Nestlaid” contain cage-free eggs, even though those eggs actually come from caged hens. Similarly, our poll found that 45% of Loblaw customers inaccurately believe that egg cartons with the term “Nature’s Best” contain cage-free eggs, even though those eggs come from caged hens.

Perhaps most strikingly, 82% of Loblaw’s customers would favour the company adding colour-coded shelf tags that identify which eggs are cage-free and which are not. As well, over three quarters of Loblaw customers (76%) favour open barns to cage confinement. That number is nearly identical (73%) when given the choice between open barns and so-called “enriched cages” (a type of cage used by some egg producers in Canada).

Along with the vast confusion over egg carton marketing, the results indicate that Loblaw consumers support open housing for hens and think they’re already buying cage-free eggs but are, in fact, being misled into purchasing eggs from caged hens.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study commissioned by The Accountability Board and conducted by Research Co. from May 7 to May 9, 2024, among 1,000 adult Canadians who have gotten groceries at Loblaws or Loblaws-affiliates in the last three months. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Download the full report and data tables.

What Do British Columbians Think About $10aDay Child Care?

May 27, 2024May 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

Practically four-in-five British Columbians agree that employers benefit from investments in child care cause more parents can go to work.

Introduction

In March 2024, the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC worked with Research Co.^[1] to conduct a provincial poll asking British Columbians about their views on $10aDay child care. The poll results add to the extensive input we regularly receive from over 20,000 $10aDay supporters and through outreach to and engagement in communities across the province. We also meet with government officials and carry out research and analysis – all to inform and update our $10aDay policy and funding recommendations.

The new provincial poll explores public views of $10aDay child care 6 years after the program’s launch in BC, and 5 years after our last provincial poll. To support comparisons over time, some polling questions are consistent with previous polls. Others reflect the new context (e.g. post-COVID, new federal funding, system implementation now underway) and the interest in flexible approaches to child care within the evolving $10aDay system.

Summary of Findings

British Columbians continue to strongly support $10aDay child care^[2]. Nearly 80% of British Columbians say it’s important for government to continue with its $10aDay commitments and three quarters (76%) think implementation should be moving more quickly. 75% of British Columbians also agree that flexible child care options are needed as more parents today work outside of Monday to Friday 9-5.

While only 9%^[3] of all the licensed child care spaces in BC are currently $10aDay, 20% of British Columbians report they’ve been personally touched by $10aDay child care, either directly or through someone they know. Notably, 35% of 18–34-year-olds have benefitted themselves or know someone who has.

At the same time, 84% of BC families with young children report that long waiting lists for child care are still a problem. This is not surprising as there are only enough licensed child care spaces for 23%^[4] of young children in BC. 43% of families with young children reported that they had to wait more than 6 months for child care.

Overall, 70% of British Columbians with young children say that government has made child care more affordable for their family, and 88% confirm that they would like to have access to $10aDay child care.

Highlights

The poll asked British Columbians to consider 17 $10aDay policy recommendations. While the results show that support drops slightly for older age groups, and men relative to women, overall, the recommendations were broadly supported (see charts below).

Specifically,

84% of British Columbians agree it’s important for Early Childhood Educators to earn fair wages for their important work.
81% agree that all elementary schools should provide before and after school care for the children in that school.
75% agree that Indigenous children should have access to culturally safe child care programs.
72% agree that child care should be publicly available like elementary schools.
71% agree that BC cannot create and staff more child care programs without ensuring fair compensation for Early Childhood Educators.
67% agree that, with substantial public funds being invested, government should ensure child care programs are non-profit.

Furthermore,

90% of young people (aged 18-34) think it’s important to keep building the $10aDay child care system, and 58% say this issue will be vote-determining for them in the upcoming BC election.

Among older British Columbians,
90% think it’s important for Early Childhood Educators to earn fair wages.
78% think BC’s child care system should help parents who work non-traditional schedules.
76% agree that all new child care facilities in BC should be built to be climate resilient.

$10aDay child care is a vote-determining issue for nearly half the population (45%), which is far more than the percent of the population who presently needs child care for young children.

On affordability,

85% of British Columbians – and 88% of those over 55 – agree that having children now costs a lot more than it did 40 years ago.
82% agree child care is important to support working parents.
80% agree that single parents have a better opportunity to work when there’s access to quality flexible $10aDay child care.
78% confirm that when child care is affordable and available, more mothers can work and pay taxes.

On the economic impacts of child care,

78% of British Columbians agree that employers benefit from investments in child care because more parents can go to work.
78% agree that investing in child care is beneficial to the economy.
67%of parents with recent child care experience said a parent had to remain away from work for a longer period following the end of parental leave because child care was unavailable..

These poll results confirm what we hear from families, educators, and communities across BC. Public support for $10aDay Child Care remains very strong and consistent.

When asked what they knew about $10aDay child care, one respondent summarized the general sentiment expressed throughout this provincial poll, saying “it’s been in the works for some time, and we need to get it done”.

The Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC gratefully acknowledges the support of Employment and Social Development Canada.

[1] Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from March 21 to March 23, 2024, among 803 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.

In this survey, we asked questions related to child care (sometimes referred to as childcare, daycare or preschool). For the purpose of this survey, child care is defined as the caring and supervision of a child 0-12 years old that is performed by a person other than the child’s legal guardians for part of or all of a day. The care may take place in a licensed/regulated setting or in an unregulated and informal setting.

Consult the data tables here and here.

[2] See summary of 2019 survey here.

[3] Data as of March 2024, as reported by the BC Government’s child care data dashboard, accessed May 23, 2024 (calculation:13,571 $10aDay spaces / 148,383 total spaces participating in government programs). On March 28, 2024 the BC Government announced the total number of $10aDay spaces would be increasing to 15,300 in April, 2024.

[4] Calculation: 148,383 total spaces (as cited above) divided by the government-projected 2024 population of children 0-12 (accessed May 23, 2024).

Download the press release here.

An End to Fights in Professional Hockey Seen Positively in Canada

May 17, 2024May 16, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four Canadians—and four-in-five hockey fans—would ban heads shots in the professional game.

Vancouver, BC [May 17, 2024] – By a 2-to-1 margin, Canadians are on side with the notion of outlawing fighting in professional hockey, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 61% of Canadians (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2021) support banning fighting in professional hockey, while 30% (+1) are opposed and 9% (-3) are not sure.

Among Canadians who describe themselves as “hockey fans, who truly enjoy watching the game”, support for a ban on fighting in professional hockey reaches 50% (+4).

“Three-in-four Canadians of South Asian descent (75%) are willing to end fighting in professional hockey,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians whose heritage is East Asian (64%), European (61%) or Indigenous (54%) share the same view.”

The notion of banning head shots in professional hockey remains popular, albeit at a lower level than in 2021. Three-in-four Canadians (76%, -6) and four-in-five “true fans” (81%, -8) voice support for this directive.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) and two thirds of “true fans” (67%) believe the game of hockey would be better off without head shots. Fewer Canadians and “true fans” (44% and 39% respectively) think the effect will be positive if fights are outlawed from hockey.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%, =) believe professional hockey has become a more violent sport over the past five years. More than a third of Quebecers (37%) and Ontarians (35%) agree with this assessment. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (33%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (32%), British Columbia (29%) and Alberta (20%)

Some Canadians have developed a more negative attitude towards hockey in the past couple of years. One-in-four (25%, +5) would encourage their kids to avoid playing the sport as a result of recent violent incidents, and the same proportion (25%, =) would watch fewer hockey games than they currently do. A slightly smaller number of Canadians (24%, +4) would refrain from buying products from companies that sponsor professional hockey.

More than half of Canadians (57%, +5) believe the National Hockey League (NHL) is doing a “very good” or “good” job in looking after the safety of its players—a proportion that rises to 86% among “true fans”.

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

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

Canadians Taking Different Routes to Deal with Inflation

May 15, 2024May 14, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half are shopping around for bargains, instead of acquiring all groceries and toiletries in the same store.

Vancouver, BC [May 15, 2024] – Most Canadians say they are paying more for specific items now than in November 2023, and dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs is directed primarily at governments and retailers, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than two thirds of Canadians say the price they pay for five items has increased in the past six months: vegetables (79%), fruits (77%), beef (73%), chicken (also 73%) and bread (68%).

More than half of Canadians also report more expensive cereal (65%), prepared frozen meals (65%), laundry detergent (60%), shampoo (58%) and soap (56%).

One third of Canadians (33%) think the actions of governments are primarily to blame for items becoming more expensive, while just under one-in-four (23%) think the actions of supermarket retailers and grocery stores are chiefly responsible.

Fewer Canadians point the finger at the actions of product manufacturers and suppliers (18%), global political conflicts affecting supplies (15%), labour and supply setbacks (7%), climate change (6%) or the actions of farmers and growers (2%) for the rising costs of the items they buy.

“More than half of Albertans (54%) blame the actions of governments for the rising cost of groceries and toiletries,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 26% of Quebecers feel the same way.”

There are some striking political differences on this question. Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the last federal election are more likely to believe that the actions of supermarket retailers and grocery stores are to blame for rising costs (36%) than those who voted for the Liberal Party (26%) or the Conservative Party (18%).

Conversely, half of Conservative voters in 2021 (50%) think the actions of governments are responsible for the current scenario. Only 25% of Liberal voters and 15% of NDP voters concur.

More than three-in-four Canadians think the federal government (80%) and their provincial governments (76%) can do a lot to help lower the price of groceries.

More than half of Canadians have taken two actions to deal with higher prices in the past six months: buying items at different stores (instead of at a single one) (57%) and switching packaged food brands to lower priced alternatives (52%).

Fewer Canadians are using apps to collect points at a retailer (42%), using online coupons (35%) or using printed coupons (28%) Only 17% have boycotted or stopped going to a specific retailer.

Reliance on apps to collect points at a retailer is highest in Atlantic Canada (50%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (48%), Ontario (46%), Alberta (42%), British Columbia (40%) and Quebec (33%).

About a third of Canadians (32%) say their diet has not been healthy over the past two months—a proportion that rises to 37% among women, 37% among Canadians aged 18-to-34 and 36% among those in the lowest income bracket.

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

Most Canadians Would Emulate UK’s Cigarette Purchase Law

May 9, 2024May 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds think the federal government made the right decision in printing warning labels on individual cigarettes.

Vancouver, BC [May 9, 2024] – Canadians are open to implementing a regulation related to the sale of cigarettes that was recently introduced in the United Kingdom, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Under the new law, the legal age to purchase cigarettes in the United Kingdom—currently set at 18 years—will increase by one year every year. In essence, people born in or after 2009 will never be allowed to purchase cigarettes.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost two thirds of Canadians (65%) have a positive opinion of the UK’s legislation, while 21% hold negative views.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) think Canada should consider legislation similar to the one being implemented in the United Kingdom (that is, increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes every year so that people born in or after 2009 are never allowed to purchase cigarettes).

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (73%), the Conservative Party (67%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (63%) in the 2021 federal election would welcome a law that would increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes every year.

Earlier this year, Canada became the first country to mandate printed warning labels on individual cigarettes sold in the country. More than two thirds of Canadians (68%) agree with this decision, while 20% disagree and 11% are undecided.

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%) smoked tobacco in any form (cigarette, cigar, pipe) over the course of the past year.

Smaller proportions of Canadians smoked marijuana (19%), used an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette (vaping) (16%), consumed marijuana in a non-smoking form (edibles) (15%) or consumed tobacco in a non-smoking form (chewable tobacco) (4%).

Fewer than one-in-five residents of Ontario (18%), British Columbia (also 18%), Atlantic Canada (17%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (16%) smoked tobacco in the past 12 months. The proportions are higher in Quebec (26%) and Alberta (29%).

Similar proportions of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (20%), aged 35-to-54 (22%) and aged 55 and over (21%) smoked tobacco over the past year.

The use of electronic cigarettes is significantly higher among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (27%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (16%) and aged 55 and over (5%).

“Most Canadians who smoked in the past year (62%) agree with the decision to print warning labels on individual cigarettes sold in Canada,” says Mario Canseco. President of Research Co. “Smokers are evenly split on whether Canada should implement legislation related to the sale of cigarettes similar to the one recently enacted in the United Kingdom.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 28 to April 30, 2024, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Half of Canadians Sad or Dissatisfied Over Statue Toppling

May 3, 2024May 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

Most of the country’s residents question the effectiveness of the practice as a form of protest.

Vancouver, BC [May 3, 2024] – Canadians are divided on the goals and motivations of people who have toppled statues across the country, and practically half express negative feelings on the practice, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than two thirds of Canadians (68%) are aware that several statues of historical figures in Canada, such as John A. Macdonald and Queen Victoria, have been toppled by protestors in the last few years.

When asked about how statue toppling makes them feel, fewer than one-in-five Canadians (17%) answered “happy” (7%) or “satisfied, but not happy” (10%), while about three-in-ten (29%) are “indifferent”.

Almost half of Canadians (49%) said statue toppling makes them feel “sad” (28%) or “dissatisfied, but not sad” (21%).

More than two-in-five Albertans (41%) are saddened by statue toppling in Canada. The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (38%), Atlantic Canada and British Columbia (each at 29%), Ontario (26%) and Quebec (18%).

Canadians aged 55 and over are more likely to feel sad when they ponder statue toppling (43%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (28%) and aged 18-to-34 (12%).

Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election are more likely to say they feel “happy” or “satisfied, but not happy” when they think of statue toppling (27%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (17%) or the Conservative Party (11%).

Majorities of Canadians believe that the people who have toppled statues in Canada should be prosecuted (66%) and that any statue that was toppled should be repaired or replaced with one featuring the same historical figure (57%).

Just over a third of Canadians (34%) perceive statue toppling as an effective form of protest, while more than half (58%) disagree and 9% are undecided.

While 45% of Canadians agree that the goals and motivations of the people who have toppled statues are clear to them, a similar proportion of the country’s residents (43%) disagree with the statement.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (53%) can identify the goals and motivations related to statue toppling,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 and aged 55 and over concur (45% and 38% respectively).”

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

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

Photo Credit: Skol fir (September 2013)

British Columbians Happy with FIFA World Cup in Vancouver

May 1, 2024May 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 15 to April 17, 2024, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Deeply Divided on Teaching Creationism in Schools

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians think creationism—the belief that the universe and life originated from specific acts of divine creation—should be part of the school curriculum in their province (down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023), while 42% (+4) disagree and 17% (-2) are undecided.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

April 19, 2024April 18, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Perception of Crime Highest in Manitoba, Lowest in Saskatchewan

April 12, 2024April 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wobbly Commitment to Net-Zero Goal in British Columbia

April 8, 2024April 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Four Years Later, British Columbians Assess the Pandemic

March 27, 2024March 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Almost Half of Canadians Would Prefer an Elected Head of State

March 20, 2024March 20, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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