Politics – Research Co.

British Columbians See “Fake News” and Polarization as Threats

September 20, 2023September 19, 2023By Mario Canseco

About two thirds of residents also think the state of democracy in Canada is endangered by low voter turnout in elections.

Vancouver, BC [September 20, 2023] – Three-in-four residents of British Columbia are concerned about the effect of two issues in Canada, a new Research Co. poll conducted in partnership with the “Strengthening Democracy” initiative has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 76% of British Columbians think “fake news” featured on social media and online publications is “definitely” or “probably” a threat to the state of democracy in Canada, while 75% feel the same way about polarization, or political attitudes becoming more extreme.

More than two thirds of British Columbians also deem three other issues as threats to democracy in Canada: racism and discrimination (70%), low engagement from citizens on important issues (68%) and low voter turnout in democratic processes (67%).

Majorities of British Columbians are also preoccupied with the actions of government being perceived as limiting personal freedom (60%) and hyper partisanship, or political parties disagreeing intensely with each other (59%). Only 32% of the province’s residents believe immigration endangers the state of democracy in Canada.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) rate the state of democracy in Canada as “very good” or “good”, while 29% consider it “bad” or “very bad.”

“More than a third of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (35%) are not pleased with the state of democracy in Canada right now,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (27%) and aged 55 and over (26%).”

The survey also gauged support for five ideas related to municipal politics in British Columbia.

Majorities of the province’s residents agree with three proposals: allowing permanent residents who have lived in a municipality for at least six months to vote in municipal elections (62%), compelling media outlets to provide a specific number of minutes (in the case of radio and television) or articles (in the case of print and online journalism) solely devoted to municipal issues (59%) and having elected councillors who represent a specific portion of the municipality (also known as wards), instead of voting for several at-large councillors (56%).

Two other ideas are more contentious, with 50% of British Columbians agreeing with abolishing political parties or “slates” and having every candidate for mayor, council or school board run as independents, and 47% agreeing with making voting mandatory for all citizens in municipal elections.

Majorities of British Columbians think their municipal governments (53%) and the provincial government (also 53%) are very responsive” or “moderately responsive” to their needs and the needs of other residents. The rating is significantly lower (40%) for the federal government.

Over the past year, only 31% of British Columbians have engaged directly with their municipality on a specific issue, such as reporting a problem, seeking a permit or obtaining a business license. More than half of these residents (54%) are satisfied with the way their issue was dealt with by their municipality, while 43% are dissatisfied.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 4 to September 6, 2023, among 813 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Conservative Party Holds Six-Point Lead Over Liberals in Canada

September 7, 2023September 13, 2023By Mario Canseco

Pierre Poilievre is tied with Justin Trudeau when Canadians are asked who would make the “Best Prime Minister.”

Vancouver, BC [September 7, 2023] – The popularity of the opposition Conservative Party has increased markedly in Canada over the past six months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 37% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the Conservative candidate in their constituency, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

The governing Liberal Party is in second place across the country with 31% (-3), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 17% (-1), the Bloc Québécois with 8% (=), the Green Party with 3% (=) and the People’s Party with 1% (=).

The Conservatives are ahead of the Liberals in Ontario (40% to 35%) and British Columbia (42% to 31%). In Quebec, the Bloc is now in first place (34%), followed by the Liberals (30%) and the Conservatives (20%).

“About two-in-five decided voters aged 35-to-54 (39%) and aged 55 and over (40%) would support the Conservatives in a Canadian federal election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The race is closer among decided voters aged 18-to-34.”

This month, the approval rating for Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau stands at 41% (-5). Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre posts the same number (41%, =), while NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is at 48% (-1).

Fewer Canadians hold positive views on the way Green Party leader Elizabeth May (32%, =), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (20%, -2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (also 20%, +4) are handling their duties.

When asked which federal party leader would make the “Best Prime Minister”, Trudeau and Poilievre are tied at 28%, followed by Singh with 17%. On this particular question, Trudeau has lost five points since February, while Poilievre has gained three.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, -3) are satisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since they established a supply and confidence agreement in March 2022.

The Liberal-NDP deal is popular in Ontario (51%), but garners lower support in Atlantic Canada (45%), Quebec (also 45%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (41%), Alberta (35%) and British Columbia (33%).

Practically equal proportions of Canadians say they would be comfortable with Trudeau (44%, =) or Poilievre (42%, +2) being in charge of Canada’s economy.

One-in-four Canadians (25%, +4) identify housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the country, followed by health care (24%, -2), the economy and jobs (20%, -6) and the environment (10%, +3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 2 to September 4, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most British Columbians See Province as Unique Within Canada

August 9, 2023August 8, 2023By Mario Canseco

Four-in-five residents are proud of where they live, but only one-in-five believe BC would be better off as its own country.

Vancouver, BC [August 9, 2023] – British Columbians continue to see themselves as fundamentally different from residents of other Canadian provinces, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 80% of British Columbians say they are very proud of the province that they live in, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

A majority of British Columbians (57%, -2) believe their views are different from the rest of Canada, but only one-in-five (20%, +1) think the province would be better off as its own country.

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (58%, -4) think the province’s residents have more in common with the people of Seattle and Portland than with those in Toronto or Montreal.

“There is no generation gap in the affinity of British Columbians towards Cascadia,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 18-to-34 (57%), aged 35-to-54 (58%) and aged 55 and over (59%) feel the same way about their counterparts in Washington State and Oregon.”

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%, +1) think they will stay in the province for the rest of their lives. The proportion is lower among those aged 18-to-34 (59%).

Compared to 2022, there is little fluctuation in a question related to nationality. More than three-in-five respondents (62%, -1) say they are “Canadians first, and British Columbians second”, while 21% (-1) consider themselves “British Columbians first, and Canadians second.”

When asked about the best premier the province has had since 1986, three-in-ten British Columbians (30%, =) select John Horgan. Gordon Campbell is second with 8% (+1), followed by Christy Clark (7%, =) and Mike Harcourt (6%, =).

Christy Clark is the worst recent head of government for British Columbians (19%, =), followed by Campbell (13%, +3), Glen Clark (8%, =) and Bill Vander Zalm (7%, -1).

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

United Kingdom and Japan Most Liked Countries for Canadians

July 28, 2023July 27, 2023By Mario Canseco

Fewer than one-in-five currently have a positive opinion of Iran, Russia and North Korea.

Vancouver, BC [July 28, 2023] – Practically three-in-four Canadians have a favourable view of two G7 nations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 74% of Canadians have a positive opinion of the United Kingdom (unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023) and Japan (up four points).

Nine-in-ten Canadians aged 55 and over (90%) hold favourable views on the United Kingdom, along with 71% of those aged 35-to-54 and aged 18-to-34.

On a regional basis, positive opinions on the United Kingdom are highest in British Columbia (82%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 82%), followed by Atlantic Canada (77%), Alberta (71%), Ontario (71%) and Quebec (70%).

Just over three-in-four Canadians aged 18-to-34 (76%) hold favourable views on Japan. The rating is similar among Canadians aged 55 and over (75%) and slightly lower among those aged 35-to-54 (69%).

At least two thirds of Canadians have a positive opinion of three European nations: Italy (73%, +2), Germany (72%, +3) and France (68%, -2).

More than half of Canadians hold favourable views on South Korea (58%, +1) and the United States (54%, =). The rating is lower for Mexico (47%, -2), India (39%, -2) and Venezuela (28%, -2).

There is a significant gender gap when it comes to the way Canadians feel about the United States right now. While 59% of men have a positive opinion of the country, only 50% of women concur.

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party or the Liberal Party in the 2021 federal election are more likely to hold favourable views on the United States (62% and 60% respectively) than those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%).

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians have a positive opinion on Saudi Arabia (22%, -1) and China (20%, +2). As was the case in January, three countries are at the bottom: Iran (13%, =), Russia (also 13%, +2) and North Korea (11%, =).

“In December 2019, more than one-in-four Canadians (26%) had a positive opinion of the Russian Federation,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The favourability rating is 13 points lower in 2023.”

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

Almost Two Thirds of Canadians Content with COVID-19 Measures

July 26, 2023July 25, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five support holding a public inquiry into the way the federal government managed the pandemic.

Vancouver, BC [July 26, 2023] – Most Canadians believe the country is currently in a good situation when it comes to the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 64% of Canadians 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-five Canadians (22%) think we should continue to have strict public health measures in place to stop the spread of COVID-19, while fewer than one-in-ten (10%) say COVID-19 was a hoax and we never should have altered our lives.

“In November 2021, two thirds of Canadians were in favour of vaccine passports for office workers,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This month, a similar proportion believe no supplementary actions are required anymore to deal with COVID-19.”

About half of Canadians believe the federal government (50%), their provincial governments (49%) and their municipal governments (51%) were successful in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. The rating is lower for the official opposition in Canada (35%) and the official opposition in their province (38%).

While 74% of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2021 think the federal government’s pandemic management was a success, the rating is lower among those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (53%) or the Conservative Party (32%).

About half of Canadians also think the media was successful in dealing with the pandemic, in the form of television news (52%), radio news (51%) and newspapers (49%). Fewer Canadians think non-governmental organizations (47%), unions (40%) and trade associations (35%) were successful in managing COVID-19.

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

More than half of Canadians believe similar public inquiries are warranted at three different levels: federal (62%, -4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022), provincial (61%, -3) and municipal (57%, -4).

Support for a federal public inquiry into pandemic management is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (74%), followed by Ontario (65%), Alberta (62%), Quebec (61%), Atlantic Canada (56%) and British Columbia (53%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 16 to July 18, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Pierre Best, Justin Worst as Canadians Rank Recent Prime Ministers

July 21, 2023July 20, 2023By Mario Canseco

For almost half of Canadians, Jack Layton would have been a “very good” or “good” head of the federal government.

Vancouver, BC [July 21, 2023] – Pierre Trudeau keeps a sight lead over Stephen Harper as Canadians ponder the best prime ministers of the past 55 years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 20% of Canadians (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2022) think Pierre Trudeau has been the best head of government since 1968.

Harper is a close second with 17% (unchanged), followed by Jean Chrétien (11%, +2), Justin Trudeau (also 11%, -1), Brian Mulroney (8%, =), Paul Martin (3%, =), Joe Clark (2%, =), John Turner (1%, -1) and Kim Campbell (also 1%, =).

“More than a third of Albertans (36%) believe Stephen Harper has been Canada’s best recent prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Pierre Trudeau fares best in British Columbia (27%), Ontario (23%) and Atlantic Canada (22%).”

When asked about the worst recent prime minister, three-in-ten Canadians (30%, +1) choose Justin Trudeau. Harper is second with 18% (+1), followed by Campbell (7%, +1), Mulroney (6%, +1), Pierre Trudeau (5%, -1), Chrétien (3%, -2), Clark (3%, =), Martin (2%, =) and Turner (1%, -1).

About a third of Atlantic Canadians (32%) think Harper has been the worst recent head of government in Canada. Justin Trudeau’s negative rating reaches 45% in Alberta, 36% in British Columbia and 36% in Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

The survey also asked questions about 10 different politicians who served as leaders of the Official Opposition in Ottawa over the past five decades.

Just under half of Canadians (48%, -4) believe Jack Layton would have made a “very good” or “good” prime minister, including 61% of Canadians aged 55 and over.

Five former leaders of the opposition are regarded positively on this question by more than one-in-five Canadians: Preston Manning (28%, -1), Robert Stanfield (27%, -3), Tom Mulcair (also 27 %, -2), Andrew Scheer (22%, -1) and Erin O’Toole (also 22%, -1).

The rating is lower for Michael Ignatieff (19%, +1), Stockwell Day (also 19%, -1), Rona Ambrose (18%, -4) and Stéphane Dion (also 18%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on July 4 and July 5, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Tony Webster

Fewer Than One-in-Four Albertans Consent to Full Independence

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

Support rises slightly if other Canadian provinces join in, but majorities reject all scenarios.

Vancouver, BC [July 7, 2023] – Compared to early 2021, fewer Albertans are openly welcoming the concept of outright sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 22% of Albertans agree with the idea of Alberta becoming a country independent from Canada, down three points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in February 2021.

Residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area are more likely to support the notion of a sovereign Alberta (26%) than their counterparts in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (18%) and all other regions of the province (23%).

While only 9% of Albertans who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in this year’s provincial election favour the idea of Alberta’s independence, the proportion rises to 29% among those who cast ballots for the governing United Conservative Party (UCP).

The survey presented respondents with three other scenarios related to sovereignty.

Just under one-in-four Albertans (23%, -3) would consent to Alberta and Saskatchewan becoming a country independent from Canada, including 32% of those who do not reside in either of the two main metropolitan areas.

The creation of a nation encompassing Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba garners the backing of 25% of Albertans, while a sovereign country including Canada’s four western provinces—Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia—is supported by 30% of Albertans.

“A third of Albertans aged 35-to-54 (33%) endorse the concept of a nation that featured Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia as its components,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are slightly lower among those aged 18-to-34 (30%) and aged 55 and over (28%).”

More than three-in-five Albertans reject each of the four proposals for sovereignty, whether the plan entails only Alberta (71%) or includes Saskatchewan (69%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (67%) or Saskatchewan, Manitoba and British Columbia (61%).

Fewer than one-in-five Albertans (19%, +1) would agree with Alberta joining the United States—a feeling that is highest among those aged 18-to-34 (31%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 10 to June 12, 2023, among 800 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 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

Photo Credit: Kelly Tarala

Canadians Cautiously Optimistic About Economic Conditions

July 5, 2023July 4, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than seven-in-ten Canadians expect to pay more for groceries and gasoline in the next six months.

Vancouver, BC [July 5, 2023] – While most Canadians consider the country’s economic conditions as “bad” or “very bad”, the proportion is lower than it was at the start of the year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians hold negative views when asked about the country’s financial standing, down six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023.

Two-in-five Canadians (41%, +6) consider the country’s current economic conditions as “very good” or “good”.

Only 30% of Albertans (+3) have a positive opinion of Canada’s economy. The proportion is higher in Ontario (41%, +4), British Columbia (42%, +7), Atlantic Canada (also 42%, +13), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (43%, +15) and Quebec (45%, +4).

About a third of Canadians (32%, -12) foresee a decline in the nation’s finances over the next six months. Only 16% (+3) expect an improvement, while 45 (+7) predict no changes.

The survey shows little movement on the question related to personal finances. More than half of Canadians (52%, +1) consider their situation as “very good” or “good”, while 46% (-1) regard it as “poor” or “very poor.”

There is a drop in the proportion of Canadians who have worried “frequently” or “occasionally’ in the last two months about the value of their investments (48%, -4) and the safety of their savings (47%, -5).

Fewer Canadians have been concerned recently about unemployment impacting their household (34%, -3), being able to cover their mortgage or rent payments (also 34%, =) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (27%, -2).

This month, 43% of Canadians (+1) have confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to do the right thing to help the economy. The numbers are lower for federal Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre (36%, +3) and Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (33%, -1).

“Justin Trudeau gets a higher favourability rating as an economic manager in Ontario (48%), Atlantic Canada (also 48%), Quebec (43%) and British Columbia (also 43%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Pierre Poilievre fares best in Alberta (50%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%).”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on June 26 to June 28, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Tight Race in Alberta as Support for Minor Parties Fizzles

May 18, 2023September 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

Rachel Notley is ahead of Danielle Smith when Albertans are asked who would make the best head of government.

Vancouver, BC [May 18, 2023] – Alberta’s two main political parties are virtually tied as voters ponder their choices in the provincial election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 49% of decided voters in Alberta would support the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their riding in this month’s election, while 47% would cast a ballot for the governing United Conservative Party (UCP).

Only 4% of decided voters in Alberta are currently choosing candidates from other parties, including the Green Party (1%) and the Solidarity Movement (also 1%).

Support for the UCP has increased by 17 points since a Research Co. survey conducted in March 2022, when Jason Kenney was still Alberta’s premier. The NDP has gained four points in that span, as voter support for third parties declined from 25% to just 4%.

At this stage of the campaign, the NDP has a significant advantage among decided voters in Edmonton (61% to 35%). The UCP is ahead in Calgary (52% to 44%) and in the remaining regions of the province (63% to 31%).

“Just under one-in-five decided voters in Alberta (19%) say they may change their mind and support a different party’s candidate in the election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 27% of those aged 18-to-34 and 24% of those who do not reside in the Calgary or Edmonton metropolitan areas.”

Two topics continue to dominate when Albertans are asked about the most important issue facing the province: health care (29%, -1) and the economy and jobs (27%, -2). All other perceived challenges are in single digits, including crime and public safety (8%, +6), housing, poverty and homelessness (also 8%, +1) and government accountability (7%, -6).

Half of the province’s residents (50%, +1) approve of the way Official Opposition and NDP leader Rachel Notley is handling her duties. The rating is lower for Premier and UCP leader Danielle Smith (39%), Green leader Jordan Wilkie (15%, -5) and Solidarity leader Artur Pawlowski (11%).

All four party leaders post a negative momentum score: -2 for Notley, -7 for Wilkie, -15 for Pawlowski and -25 for Smith.

On the preferred premier question, Notley holds a five-point advantage over Smith (43% to 38%), with significant support from women (48%) and Albertans aged 18-to-34 (52%).

When asked which of the two party leaders is better suited to manage specific issues, Notley holds the upper hand on health care (50% to 32%), education (49% to 31%), the environment (47% to 29%), housing, poverty and homelessness (45% to 29%), accountability (45% to 34%), seniors care (44% to 29%) and child care (43% to 28%).

Smith is ahead on energy and pipelines (50% to 28%), the economy and jobs (44% to 35%), managing the province’s finances (40% to 37%), crime and public safety (39% to 34%) and transportation projects (37% to 33%).

The two leaders are tied, each with 38%, when Albertans ponder who would be the best at creating jobs.

Only 16% of Albertans (-5) support the introduction of a provincial sales tax (PST), while more than three-in-four (77%, +5) are opposed to it.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on May 16 and May 17, 2023, among 600 adults in Alberta, including 529 decided voters in the 2023 provincial election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.0 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 4.3 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, 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

BC NDP Extends Advantage in British Columbia’s Political Scene

May 9, 2023May 8, 2023By Mario Canseco

Crime and public safety rise markedly as issues of concern for residents, going from 5% in February to 14% in May.

Vancouver, BC [May 9, 2023] – Public backing for the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) has increased over the past three months in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 46% of decided voters would support the BC NDP candidate in their constituency if an election took place today, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

BC United is in second place with 33% (-3 since the previous survey as BC Liberals), followed by the BC Green Party with 16% (=) and the Conservative Party of BC with 4% (+2).

“Female decided voters in British Columbia pick the BC New Democrats over BC United by a two-to-one margin (50% to 24%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The two parties are practically tied among male decided voters (42% for the BC NDP and 41% for BC United).”

Respondents to this survey were asked if they would consider voting for each of the four main parties if they ran a candidate in their constituency in the next provincial election. The BC Conservatives featured candidates in 10 of 87 constituencies in the 2017 provincial election, and in 19 of 87 ridings in the 2020 ballot.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the BC NDP candidate in their riding. The rating is lower for BC United (46%), the BC Greens (37%) and the BC Conservatives (25%).

Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby maintains an approval rating of 59% across the province. The numbers are lower for BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (40%, -2), BC United leader Kevin Falcon (38%, -6) and BC Conservative leader John Rustad (18%).

Just under a third of British Columbians (32%, -2) select housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (28%, -1), crime and public safety (14%, +9), the economy and jobs (12%, -1) and the environment (4%, -2).

Housing, homelessness and poverty is the prevalent concern for residents of the Fraser Valley (41%), Southern BC (35%) and Metro Vancouver (33%). Health care is the main worry for residents of Vancouver Island (32%), while the economy and jobs dominates in Northern BC (28%).

Public safety is a greater concern for residents of Metro Vancouver (16%), Vancouver Island (15%) and Southern BC (12%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 3.5 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 Back Housing Action to Alleviate Homelessness

May 3, 2023May 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents are dissatisfied with how all three levels of government have managed this issue.

Vancouver, BC [May 3, 2023] – Sizeable proportions of British Columbians believe specific housing measures would reduce homelessness across the province, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) agree with Increasing temporary housing options for people experiencing homelessness, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%, -1) favour offering incentives to developers if they focus on building affordable housing units, and two thirds (67%, =) agree with devoting tax money to build units to house homeless residents.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +2) favour changing zoning laws to allow property owners to build more units on standard lots.

Most British Columbians believe three levels of government have done a “bad” or “very bad” job coming up with solutions to deal with homelessness: federal (64%, +3), provincial (59%, +3) and municipal (57%, +2).

Almost four-in-five British Columbians (78%, +5) believe homelessness in the province is a major problem. Fewer feel the same way about homelessness in their municipality (52%, =) or in their neighbourhood (24%, -3).

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -2) believe that homelessness has increased in their neighbourhood over the past three years. Almost two thirds (64%, +1) think there has been a surge in their municipality, and four-in-five (80%, +1) report a worsening situation in the province.

Residents of British Columbia remain divided when asked if the problem can be eradicated. Half (50%, +3) think this goal can be reached with the proper funding and policies, while 48% (+2) state that homelessness will always be a problem.

“Only 33% of British Columbians aged 55 and over foresee the eventual termination of homelessness in the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (53%) and aged 18-to-34 (74%) are more hopeful.”

A majority of British Columbians (63%, +3) think addiction and mental health issues are to blame “a great deal” for the current situation regarding homelessness in British Columbia.

Fewer of the province’s residents share the same view on other possible causes, including a lack of affordable housing (47%, -6), poverty and inequality (34%, -7), personal actions and decisions (31%, +1) and bad economy and unemployment (19%, -5).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 23 to April 25, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. 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 3.5 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 1/3 of Canadians See Trudeau & Poilievre as Arrogant

April 28, 2023April 27, 2023By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five Canadians (40%) describe Jagmeet Singh as compassionate.

Vancouver, BC [April 28, 2023] – Canadians rely mostly on negative attributes when they think of the leaders of the Liberal Party and the Conservative Party, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample provided Canadians with a list of 18 different words—nine positive and nine negative—and asked them to choose up to six to describe the leaders of Canada’s three main federal political parties.

The words used the most by Canadians to describe Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau are arrogant (37%), dishonest (36%), out of touch (35%), intelligent (also 35%), inefficient (31%) and foolish (29%).

Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre garners a slightly higher score on arrogant (39%). The other five words relied on the most to describe him are intelligent (34%), out of touch (29%), dishonest (28%), strong (26%) and uncaring (23%).

Canadians used mostly positive words when asked about New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh: compassionate (40%), intelligent (37%), honest (35%), down to earth (also 35%), open (30%) and in touch (27%).

“Sizeable proportions of Canadians aged 55 and over describe Justin Trudeau and Pierre Poilievre as arrogant (46% and 49% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 12% feel the same way about Jagmeet Singh.”

The words used the least to describe Trudeau are honest (19%), strong (also 19%), efficient (17%), boring (15%), in touch (14%) and exciting (9%).

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians relied on words like secretive (19%), inefficient (18%), boring (17%), compassionate (16%), weak (15%) and exciting (14%) to describe Poilievre.

Only 10% of Canadians labelled Singh as uncaring. The proportions are slightly higher for dishonest (16%), arrogant (14%), boring (also 14%), secretive (12%) and exciting (also 12%).

Most Liberal Party voters in the 2021 election (57%) described Trudeau as intelligent. A majority of Conservative Party voters from the previous federal ballot (53%) rely on the same word to label Poilievre. The word used the most by NDP voters to describe Singh is honest (58%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from April 22 to April 24, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Few Canadians Say They Are Always Frank with Family and Friends

April 5, 2023April 4, 2023By Mario Canseco

While 66% of Canadians claim to never lie to their children, only 52% say they are always truthful when talking with their parents.

Vancouver, BC [April 5, 2023] – Many Canadians acknowledge being loose with the truth when dealing with family members, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 66% of parents in Canada say they never lie to their children over the course of an average week.

Just over three-in-five fathers in Canada (61%) claim to always tell the truth when chatting with their offspring, compared to 45% among mothers.

More than half of Canadians who have parents (52%) say they never lie to their mother or father—a proportion that falls to 36% among those aged 18-to-34.

“Canada’s youngest adults are not particularly truthful when talking to their mons or dads,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 15% of sons and daughters aged 18-to-34 say they lie to their parents all or most of the time, the proportion drops to 7% among those aged 35-to-54.”

More than three-in-five Canadians who are in a relationship (64%) say they never lie to their wife, husband, girlfriend or boyfriend—including 72% of those aged 55 and over.

Fewer Canadians say they are always truthful to people on social media (62%) or to friends (60%).

Two thirds of employed Canadians (66%) say they never lie to their clients or customers, while fewer say they are always truthful when dealing with their boss (62%) or their co-workers (57%).

The proportion of employed Canadians who never lie to their boss is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (69%) and lowest in British Columbia (57%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked how truthful they think people employed in 16 different professions are. More than a third (35%) believe federal politicians lie all of the time. The numbers are slightly lower for provincial politicians (31%) and municipal politicians (28%).

Almost one-in-four Canadians (23%) think lobbyists are never truthful. Slightly fewer feel the same way about religious leaders (21%), advertisers (20%), lawyers (18%), business executives (17%), real estate agents (16%) and union leaders (also 16%).

Fewer Canadians believe people involved in six other professions lie all the time: television journalists (15%), online journalists (also 15%), print journalists (14%), radio journalists (also 14%), building contractors (also 14%) and pollsters (13%).

This is the last of three releases exploring the relationship of Canadians with the truth. Read the first release and the second release.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2023, among 1,000 Canadian adults. 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

Support for the Return of Capital Punishment Rises in Canada

March 17, 2023March 16, 2023By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of opponents are worried about a person being wrongly convicted, and then executed.

Vancouver, BC [March 17. 2023] – A majority of Canadians are in favour of reinstating the death penalty for murder, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 54% of Canadians support relying on capital punishment on murder convictions, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022.

Support for the death penalty in Canada is highest in Alberta (62%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (60%), Ontario (58%), British Columbia (also 58%) and Atlantic Canada (55%). In Quebec, the proportion falls to 43%.

“Almost three-in-five Canadians aged 55 and over (59%, +4) would welcome the return of the death penalty,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are slightly lower among those aged 35-to-54 (54%, +3) and those aged 18-to-34 (50%, +3).”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the last federal election (71%, +8) support reinstating capital punishment for murder in Canada. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (49%, -3) and the Liberal Party (48%, -1) in 2021.

A majority of Canadians (53%, +1) would prefer to sentence convicted murderers in Canada to life imprisonment without the possibility of parole, while more than a third (37%, +1) favour the death penalty.

One-in-four Canadians (25%, -2) think the death penalty is “never” appropriate, while about one-in-ten (9%, -2) deem it “always” appropriate. A majority of Canadians (58%, +4) believe the death penalty is “sometimes” appropriate.

Canadians who are opposed to reinstating the death penalty for murder are worried primarily about the possibility of a person being wrongly convicted and executed (66%).

Other reasons cited by opponents of capital punishment are feeling that it is wrong to take a convicted murderer’s own life (42%), calling for murderers to do their time in prison, as indicated by a judge (41%), doubting that the death penalty will work as a deterrent (39%) and thinking that murderers can be rehabilitated (20%).

Most supporters of the death penalty believe it will serve as a deterrent for potential murderers (57%), fits the crime because a convicted murderer has taken a life (55%) and will save taxpayers money and the costs associated with keeping a person behind bars (51%).

Fewer than half of supporters of capital punishment think it would provide closure to the families of murder victims (46%) and believe murderers cannot be rehabilitated (30%).

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 Inquiry, New Laws to Tackle Foreign Interference

March 6, 2023March 9, 2023By Mario Canseco

Almost three-in-five Canadians think foreign governments have successfully influenced federal elections in this century.

Vancouver, BC [March 6, 2023] – Most Canadians believe it is time to both review the full extent of foreign interference in domestic democratic processes and establish a new set of guidelines to curb its influence, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost two thirds of Canadians (64%) support calling an independent inquiry into foreign interference on electoral processes in Canada, while 21% are opposed and 15% are undecided.

Support for an independent inquiry is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (73%) and also encompasses majorities of Canadians aged 35-to-54 (61%) and aged 18-to-34 (59%).

A majority of Canadians (58%) say that, from what they have seen, read, heard or experienced, foreign governments have successfully influenced federal elections in Canada in this century—including 63% of British Columbians and 62% of Albertans.

Almost half of Canadians (49%) think foreign governments have targeted federal nomination contests. Fewer believe this type of interference has occurred in provincial elections (42%), provincial nomination contests (35%), municipal elections (33%) or municipal nomination contests (29%).

A third of Canadians (33%) think it is “very likely” that the Government of China has attempted to influence electoral processes in Canada in this century—a proportion that rises to 37% among British Columbians and to 45% among Canadians aged 55 and over.

More than one-in-five Canadians believe Russia (28%) and the United States (24%) are “very likely” to have attempted to influence electoral processes in Canada in this century. Fewer Canadians feel the same way about the United Kingdom (13%), France (10%) and Germany (9%).

The Government of Australia recently enacted a suite of laws designed to criminalize or comprehensively limit foreign interference efforts. These laws criminalize covert and deceptive or threatening activities by persons intending to interfere with Australia’s democratic systems and processes, or to support the intelligence activities of a foreign government.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%) think the Government of Canada should introduce similar laws against foreign interference.

“Canadians of all political stripes believe the country should enact tougher laws to shield against foreign interference,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Sizeable majorities of Canadians who supported the Liberals (80%), the New Democrats (75%) and the Conservatives (73%) in the 2021 federal election are in agreement.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 26 to February 28, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Liberals and Conservatives are Neck and Neck in Canada

March 3, 2023March 2, 2023By Mario Canseco

Neither of the two leaders of the main federal parties are gaining ground on economic management.

Vancouver, BC [March 3, 2023] – Canada’s main federal political parties are locked in a virtual tie across the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 34% of decided voters (+3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022) would support the governing Liberal Party if a federal election were held tomorrow, while 33% (-2) would back the opposition Conservative Party.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is third with 18% (-1), followed by the Bloc Québécois with 8% (=), the Green Party with 3% (-1) and the People’s Party with 1% (-1).

The Liberals are ahead in Atlantic Canada (45%, +7), Quebec (39%, +1) and Ontario (39%, +7), while the Conservatives are leading in Alberta (58%, +7), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (48%, +1) and British Columbia (38%, +1).

More than one-in-five Canadians identify one of three issues as the most important facing the country right now: the economy and jobs (26%, -3), health care (26%, +5) and housing, homelessness and poverty (21%, =).

Fewer Canadians mention the environment (7%, =), accountability and leadership (4%, -1), immigration (4%, =) and crime and public safety (3%, -1) as the most important issues facing the country.

NDP leader Jagmeet Singh has the highest approval rating among the six federal party leaders this month (49%, +3), followed by Prime Minister and Liberal Party leader Justin Trudeau (46%, +2) and Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre (41%, +4).

The approval rating is lower for Green Party leader Elizabeth May (32%), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (22%, +2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (16%, -2).

A third of Canadians (33%) believe Trudeau would make the best prime minister among the six main party leaders. Poilievre is second with 25%, followed by Singh with 15%, Blanchet and May with 3% each, and Bernier with 1%.

“More than a third of Atlantic Canadians (40%), Quebecers (38%) and Ontarians (also 38%) believe Trudeau is the best choice to head the federal government,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Poilievre holds the upper hand on this question in Alberta (46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%) and British Columbia (27%).”

There is little change in the perceptions of the two main party leaders on financial management, with 44% of Canadians (+1) saying they are comfortable with Trudeau being charge of Canada’s economy and 40% (+1) saying they would be comfortable with Poilievre at the helm.

Almost half of Canadians (47%, +3) say they are satisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since their March 2022 supply and confidence agreement, while 44% (=) are dissatisfied.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 25 to February 27, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most Canadians Unaware of How Much the Prime Minister Earns

March 1, 2023February 28, 2023By Mario Canseco

When informed of the actual salary, 47% think it is “about right” while 41% believe it is “too much.”.

Vancouver, BC [March 1, 2023] – Fewer than one-in-five Canadians are cognizant of the yearly remuneration of the prime minister, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, only 18% of Canadians correctly stated that the prime minister’s annual salary is in the $301,000 to $400,000 range.

More than two-in-five Canadians (42%) thought the prime minister made less than $301,000 a year, while one-in-four (24%) assumed his emolument was higher than $400,000.

“Only 9% of Liberal Party voters in the last federal election believe the prime minister’s salary is higher than $500,000 a year” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is higher among those who supported the Conservative Party (17%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in 2021.”

When respondents were informed that the prime minister’s annual compensation is $379,000, just over two-in-five (41%) consider it “too much”, while almost half (47%) say it is “about right.”

More than half of respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%) and Alberta (51%) believe the prime minister makes too much money each year. The perception is lower in Atlantic Canada (45%), British Columbia (41%), Ontario (39%) and Quebec (35%).

Almost two-in-five Canadians (38%) accurately calculated that the annual salary of the Leader of the Official Opposition in Canada is in the $201,000 to $300,000 range.

Just over a third of Canadians (34%) assumed that the Leader of the Official Opposition made less than $201,000 a year, while 13% thought his salary was higher than $300,000.

When respondents were informed that the Leader of the Official Opposition’s annual remuneration is $279,900, 45% deem it “too much”, while 44% believe it is “about right.”

More than half of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%) and Atlantic Canada (also 52%) think the Leader of the Official Opposition is paid too much, along with 46% of British Columbians, 44% of Ontarians, and 41% of both Albertans and Quebecers.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 9 to February 11, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Majority of British Columbians Reject Return of COVID Restrictions

February 22, 2023February 21, 2023By Mario Canseco

Satisfaction with how various levels of government have handled the pandemic has dropped since March 2021.

Vancouver, BC [February 22, 2023] – More than three-in-five residents of British Columbia believe it would not be advisable to return to the restrictions and mandates that were implemented in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) think we are in a different moment and there is no need for additional public health measures related to COVID-19.

Almost one-in-five British Columbians (18%) want to have stricter public health measures in place right now to stop the spread of COVID-19, while 9% think COVID-19 was a hoax and we never should have altered our lives.

The appetite for a return to stricter regulations across the province is highest in Metro Vancouver (20%), followed by Vancouver Island (19%), Southern BC (15%), the Fraser Valley (13%) and Northern BC (11%).

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%) think COVID-19 is a real threat, down 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2021.

When asked if it would be justified to re-introduce specific measures, about one-in-four British Columbians (23%) would welcome the return of “Proof of Vaccination” certificates (or “Vaccine Passports”) to access specific venues and locations.

Fewer British Columbians believe three other actions would be justified: mask mandates (21%), capacity restrictions for worship services, concerts and sporting events (17%) and banning travel from British Columbia to other Canadian provinces (6%).

Support for the re-implementation of “Vaccine Passports” reaches 28% among British Columbians aged 55 and over and 30% among residents of Vancouver Island.

Almost four-in-five British Columbians (79%, -4 since March 2021) are satisfied with the way their family has handled the COVID-19 pandemic, while 71% (-2) feel the same way about their friends.

Majorities of British Columbians are satisfied with the way municipal governments (56%, -2) and the provincial government in Victoria (55%, -5) have managed the pandemic. The rating is lower for the federal government in Ottawa (49%, -4), the official opposition in Ottawa (36%, +4) and the official opposition in Victoria (35%, +3).

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, -3) are satisfied with the performance of non-governmental associations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fewer residents feel the same way about unions (39%, -4) and trade associations (36%, +2).

More than half of British Columbians (52%, -11) say they are satisfied with the way television news has handled the pandemic. The rating also fell this month for radio news (48%, -9) and newspapers (also 48%, -7).

“British Columbians who would like to see stricter guidelines to deal with the pandemic are more likely to be satisfied with the performance of news organizations on television (69%), radio (66%) and print (62%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Those who consider COVID-19 a hoax provide significantly lower marks.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 10 to February 12, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Views on Physically Disciplining Children Shifting in Canada

February 17, 2023February 16, 2023By Mario Canseco

Compared to 2018, fewer Canadians agree with allowing parents or schoolteachers to use “reasonable force” to correct a child.

Vancouver, BC [February 17, 2023] – More than half of Canadians think it is time to abolish the legislation that allows parents and schoolteachers to use “reasonable force” to discipline children, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 51% of Canadians think it is time to abolish Section 43 of the Criminal Code, up 17 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in May 2018.

Section 43 of the Criminal Code of Canada reads: “Every schoolteacher, parent or person standing in the place of a parent is justified in using force by way of correction toward a pupil or child, as the case may be, who is under his care, if the force does not exceed what is reasonable under the circumstances.”

A sizeable majority of Quebecers (61%) voice support for the repeal of Section 43. The proportions are lower in British Columbia (50%), Ontario (49%), Alberta (also 49%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45%) and Atlantic Canada (also 45%).

“More than three-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (61%) and a majority of those aged 35-to-54 (53%) would like to end the use of force to discipline children,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (42%).”

Several countries around the world, including Denmark, Finland, Norway, Germany, New Zealand and Sweden, have adopted laws that forbid physical punishment towards children, either by parents or schoolteachers.

In Canada, New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament Peter Julian tabled Bill C-273 in May 2022. The proposed legislation seeks to amend the Criminal Code to repeal Section 43.

More than half of Canadians (58%, -16) agree with allowing parents to physically discipline children in Canada—a proportion that rises to 65% among men and to 61% among those aged 55 and over.

Only 26% of Canadians (-17) agree with allowing schoolteachers to physically discipline children in Canada.

Just over three-in-four of Canadians (61%) acknowledge having been physically disciplined as children by a parent or guardian, while 22% report the same experience at school.

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) say they were never physically disciplined as children—a proportion that rises to 40% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 46% in Quebec.

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 British Columbians Foresee an Early Election in 2023

February 15, 2023February 15, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five of the province’s residents who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 like the name BC United.

Vancouver, BC [February 15, 2023] – A majority of British Columbians think voters will be asked to select the members of the Legislative Assembly before the end of the year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 53% of British Columbians think it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the province will have an election in 2023.

“Expectations of an early provincial election in British Columbia are highest among residents who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 (61%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer BC New Democratic Party (NDP) and BC Green Party voters (52% and 48% respectively) see themselves casting ballots in 2023.”

The BC Liberals will change their name to BC United in 2023. More than a third of British Columbians (36%) say they like the new name for the political party that formed the government from 2001 to 2017—a proportion that rises to 62% among those who voted for the BC Liberals in the last provincial election, held in October 2020.

If an early election indeed takes place in 2023, more than half of British Columbians (53%) predict a win for the BC NDP, while 28% believe the BC Liberals / BC United will emerge victorious.

The survey also gauged the opinion of British Columbians on the people who have served as full time or interim leaders of the three main provincial political parties in this century.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (64%) have a favourable opinion of John Horgan, who led the BC NDP from 2014 to 2022 and served as premier from 2017 to 2022. The rating is lower for Adrian Dix (46%), Carole James (40%), Ujjal Dosanjh (also 40%) and Joy MacPhail (31%).

Horgan’s favourability rating is 87% among BC NDP voters in the 2020 provincial election.

When British Columbians ponder the previous leaders of the BC Liberals, about two-in-five hold favourable views on the two who headed the provincial government: Gordon Campbell (41%) and Christy Clark (39%). The rating is significantly lower for Shirley Bond (27%), Andrew Wilkinson (24%) and Rich Coleman (22%).

The favourability rating for Campbell and Clark is almost identical among BC Liberal voters in 2020 (65% and 66% respectively).

Across British Columbia, Andrew Weaver (36%) has the highest favourability rating among former leaders of the BC Green Party, followed by Adriane Carr (32%), Adam Olsen (23%) and Jane Sterk (18%).

Weaver’s favourability rating reaches 57% among BC Green Party voters in the 2020 provincial election.

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca