Public Policy – Research Co.

British Columbians Happy with FIFA World Cup in Vancouver

May 1, 2024May 1, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Deeply Divided on Teaching Creationism in Schools

April 26, 2024April 25, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

BC New Democrats Remain Ahead of Rivals in British Columbia

April 23, 2024April 25, 2024By Mario Canseco

The Conservative Party of BC holds the upper hand against BC United and the BC Green Party among decided voters.

Vancouver, BC [April 23, 2024] – More than two-in-five decided voters would cast a ballot for the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) if British Columbia’s provincial election were held today, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 45% of decided voters would back the BC NDP candidate in their constituency, down one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2024.

The Conservative Party of BC Is in second place with 27% (+2), followed by BC United with 15% (-2) and the BC Green Party with 11% (=), while 1% of decided voters (-1) would support other parties or independent candidates.

The BC NDP is solidly ahead of the BC Conservatives in Vancouver Island (56%) and Metro Vancouver (47%). The races are tighter in the Fraser Valley (37% to 36%), Southern BC (35% to 32%) and Northern BC (38% to 33%).

The BC NDP is still the first choice across all three age groups in British Columbia. The BC Conservatives are more popular among voters aged 18-to-34 (34%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (29%) and aged 55 and over (22%).

Just over half of British Columbians (51%, -2) approve of the way David Eby has handled his duties as Premier and BC NDP leader. Fewer than two-in-five feel the same way about BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (37%, +3), BC United leader Kevin Falcon (36%, +5) and BC Conservative leader John Rustad (35%, +3).

Housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province for 37% of British Columbians (-2). Health care is second on the list of concerns with 21% (-1), followed by the economy and jobs (18%, +1), the environment (6%, +2) and crime and public safety (5%, =).

“A third of British Columbians aged 55 and over (34%) think health care is the most pressing issue right now,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Those aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 are primarily concerned about housing, homelessness and poverty (42% and 40% respectively).”

Compared to January, there is no movement in the voting consideration question for the BC Conservatives, with 41% of British Columbians (=) saying they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for their candidates. The rating is lower for both the BC Greens (37%, +3) and BC United (also 37%, +4), and higher for the BC NDP (54%, =).

Almost half of British Columbians (48%) agree that all political parties should establish quotas to increase the number of female candidates in the provincial election. A smaller proportion (44%) would like to see quotas to increase the number of candidates from visible minorities.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) believe that, when politicians show up to festivals and celebrations (such as Vaisakhi) they are just pandering for votes and not truly interested in engaging with people from different cultures and backgrounds.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%) think it should be mandatory for candidates to attend at least one public debate in their constituency with the candidates from other parties—a proportion that rises to 72% among residents of Northern BC.

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) think all political parties should compel candidates to step down if they said something offensive on social media. This course of action is favoured the most by residents of Southern BC (58%), followed by those who live in Metro Vancouver (52%), the Fraser Valley (49%), Vancouver Island (also 49%) and Northern BC (45%).

Almost two-in-five British Columbians (39%, +7) would like to see a merger encompassing BC United and the Conservative Party of BC before this year’s provincial election, while 42% (-3) disagree and 20% (-3) are not sure. The creation of a merged party is backed by more than half of British Columbians who would vote for the BC Conservatives (54%) or BC United (53%) if an election took place today.

Falcon is regarded as better suited than Rustad to attract male voters (26% to 19%), female voters (20% to 17%), voters aged 18-to-34 (23% to 17%) and voters in Metro Vancouver (25% to 19%) to BC United.

Rustad is ahead of Falcon as the best leader to attract voters aged 55 and over (30% to 20%), voters in the Fraser Valley (25% to 20%) and voters in Northern BC (27% to 17%) to the BC Conservatives.

The two party leaders are virtually tied on five other categories: forming the government after this year’s election (Falcon 21%, Rustad 20%), serving as Official Opposition leader after this year’s election (Rustad 24%, Falcon 22%), attracting voters aged 35-to-54 (Rustad 24%, Falcon 22%), attracting voters in Southern BC (Rustad 22%, Falcon 21%) and attracting voters in Vancouver Island (Falcon 21%, Rustad 20%).

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.

Conservatives Maintain Double-Digit Advantage in Canada

April 16, 2024April 15, 2024By Mario Canseco

Perceptions on the tenure of Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister are significantly worse now than in 2020.

Vancouver, BC [April 16, 2024] – Support for the Conservative Party remains stable and superior to that of all other federal political organizations in Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of decided voters in Canada would back the Conservative candidate in their riding if an election took place tomorrow, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in late November 2023.

The governing Liberal Party is second with 26% (+2), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 20% (-1), the Bloc Québécois with 10% (+1), the Green Party with 3% (-1) and the People’s Party with 1% (-1).

The Conservatives are ahead among decided voters in Alberta (60%, +2), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (48%, +4), British Columbia (46%, +1), Atlantic Canada (44%, -3) and Ontario (40%, -2). In Quebec, the Bloc is now in first place (34%, +5), followed by the Liberals (28%, -6).

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%, -2) believe housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the country right now, followed by the economy and jobs (24%, +3), health care (15%, -4), the environment (8%, +2) and immigration (also 8%, +2).

The approval rating did not change over the past few months for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (48%, =), Official Opposition and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, =) and Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (39%, =). The proportions remain lower for Green leader Elizabeth May (33%, -1), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (25%, +4) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (22%, +3).

When Canadians ponder which one of the six party leaders would make the best prime minister, Poilievre remains in first place with 32% (=), followed by Trudeau (26%, +3) and Singh (17%, -1).

Poilievre also maintains his advantage as a financial manager, with 49% of Canadians (+2) saying they would be comfortable if he oversaw the national economy. The rating is lower for Trudeau (38%, +1).

There is little movement on a question related to the March 2022 supply and confidence agreement struck by the Liberals and the NDP, with 43% of Canadians (+1) saying they are satisfied with what has been achieved so far.

“Canadians aged 55 and over are particularly skeptical of the current deal encompassing the Liberals and the New Democrats,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half (53%) are dissatisfied with its accomplishments.”

Across the country, 50% of Canadians (+25 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2020) think Trudeau has performed worse than they expected since taking office in November 2015. More than a third (35%, -13) say he has performed as they expected, while 10% (-14) believe Trudeau has been better than originally envisioned.

Most Canadians (55%, +14) believe Trudeau has accomplished little since he became prime minister, while 20% (-4) say he has achieved much and 15% (-9) think it is too early to judge his accomplishments.

At least three-in-five Canadians think three issues are worse now than nine years ago: the Canadian economy (67%, +19), taxation (61%, +28) and health care (60%, +31).

More than a third of Canadians also believe seven other issues have declined since 2015: national unity (49%, +19), public safety (48%, +25), Canada’s reputation in the world (46%, +24), the environment (43%, +16), ethics and accountability (also 43%, +18), Canada’s role in global affairs (38%, +16) and national defence (37%, +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.

Purported Return of the Death Penalty Splits Views in Canada

April 3, 2024April 2, 2024By Mario Canseco

Support for capital punishment is up, but most Canadians pick life imprisonment without parole for murder convictions.

Vancouver, BC [April 3, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who would welcome the return of capital punishment has increased over the past year, although a majority would prefer to punish convicted murderers with life imprisonment, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 57% of Canadians support reinstating the death penalty for murder in Canada, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2023.

More than a third of Canadians (35%, -1) disagree with bringing back capital punishment, while 9% (-1) are undecided.

At least three-in-five residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (62%, +2), Atlantic Canada (60%, +5) and Alberta (also 60%, -2) support the return of the death penalty with this question, along with majorities of British Columbians (58%, =), Ontarians (57%, -1) and Quebecers (52%, +9).

Canadians aged 55 and over are more likely to endorse the return of capital punishment (61%, +2) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (56%, +2) and aged 18-to-34 (53%, +3).

“Practically seven-in-ten Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (69%, -2) would bring the death penalty back to Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (56%, +8) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (49%, =) in 2021.”

Half of Canadians who support reinstating capital punishment think it will serve as a deterrent for potential murderers (50%) and say the punishment fits the crime because a convicted murderer has taken a life (also 50%).

Other reasons cited by supporters of the death penalty include saving taxpayers money and the costs associated with having murderers in prison (48%), providing closure to the families of murder victims (47%) and a belief that murderers cannot be rehabilitated (28%).

Just over two thirds of Canadians who are opposed to the return of capital punishment (67%) are worried about a person being wrongly convicted and then executed.

Fewer opponents of the death penalty also think it is wrong to take a convicted murderer’s own life (45%), call for murderers to do their time in prison, as indicated by a judge (40%), question whether capital punishment will work as a deterrent (38%) and believe that murderers can be rehabilitated (20%).

A separate question, which asks Canadians to choose between the death penalty and life imprisonment without the possibility of parole as sentencing approaches for convicted murderers, yields different results.

More than half of Canadians (55%, +2) say they would prefer life imprisonment without the possibility of parole for convicted murderers, while just over a third (35%, -2) select capital punishment.

With this question, almost half of Conservative voters in 2021 (48%) are supportive of an approach that would sentence convicted murderers to death. Fewer Liberal and New Democratic voters agree with this course of action (34% and 23% respectively)

More than half of Canadians (53%, -5) believe the death penalty is “sometimes” appropriate. Just over one-in-four (26%, +1) think capital punishment is “never” appropriate, while fewer than one-in-ten (7%, -2) consider it as “always” appropriate.

Image Credit: Pearl Vas

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.

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.

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

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Like Pharmacare Deal, Have High Hopes on Scope

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only one-in-four Canadians believe the Conservatives should cancel the national program if they form the next government.

Vancouver, BC [March 6, 2024] – Two thirds of Canadians appear satisfied with a recent announcement related to pharmacare, but perceptions differ on the ultimate reach of the national program, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the final weekend of February, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh announced that a deal had been reached with the governing Liberal Party to establish a national pharmacare program.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 67% of Canadians welcome the establishment of a national pharmacare program, while 20% disagree and 13% are undecided.

“More than two thirds of British Columbians (72%), Atlantic Canadians (69%) and Ontarians (also 69%) are happy with the recent pharmacare announcement,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians who reside in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), Alberta (65%) and Quebec (62%) share the same view.”

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians (27%) believe their province should opt-out of the national pharmacare program.

In Quebec and Alberta, two provinces in which the sitting premiers have signaled their intention to opt-out of the national pharmacare program, about half of respondents (48% and 54% respectively) disagree with this course of action.

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%) say they trust the current Liberal government to roll out the national pharmacare program, while 42% do not and 12% are not sure.

Confidence in the current federal administration to manage this program reaches 49% among Canadians aged 18-to-34, but drops to 45% among those aged 35 to 54 and those aged 55 and over.

Only 25% of Canadians believe that the Conservative Party should cancel the national pharmacare program if they form the government after the next federal election.

More than two thirds of Canadians who voted for the Liberals (68%) or the NDP (67%) in the 2021 federal election disagree with the eventual abandonment of the national pharmacare program, along with 44% of those who cast ballots for the Conservatives.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians believe insulin for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (85%) and contraceptives and birth control (71%) should “definitely” or “probably” be included in the national pharmacare program.

More than three-in-five Canadians think six other types of medication should also be covered by the national pharmacare program: blood pressure medication (84%), antibiotics (82%), cholesterol lowering medication (77%), antidepressants (73%), anticoagulants (68%) and pain relievers (65%).

Fewer than half of Canadians would add nutritional supplements (47%) and vitamins (also 47%) to the list of substances that should be included in the national pharmacare program.

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

Most British Columbians Remain Satisfied with Housing Guidelines

February 28, 2024February 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

Majorities are in favour of new rules related to short-term rentals, as well as the extension of the federal foreign ownership ban.

Vancouver, BC [February 28, 2024] – Two measures recently implemented by the provincial government to deal with short-term rentals are supported by most of the province’s residents, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 69% of British Columbians agree with raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (58%) are in favour of banning homeowners from operating a short-term rental business unless it is located on their principal residence and/or on a different unit on their property.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) agree with the decision to cap rent increases in 2024 at 3.5%—a proportion that rises to 74% among those who are currently renting their primary residence.

Majorities of British Columbians also agree with building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (75%, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (69%, -2), ending most strata age restrictions (60%, -4) and removing strata rental restrictions (52%, -7).

More than two thirds of British Columbians continue to hold favourable views on three other policies: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (74%, -3), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (71%, -4) and introducing a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in BC, and those who own second properties that aren’t long-term rentals (69%, -3).

More than three-in-five British Columbians are also in favour of the decisions to increase the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (62%, -3) and to introduce a tax of 0.2% on the value of homes between $3 million and $4 million, and a tax rate of 0.4% on the portion of a home’s value that exceeds $4 million (also 62%, -4).

Across the province, 41% of British Columbians (-7) think the actions of the provincial government will be effective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia. Almost half (47%, +6) believe they will be ineffective.

More than two-in-five British Columbians “completely” or “moderately” trust the provincial government under the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (46%, -3) and their municipal government (42%, -4) to deliver affordable housing in British Columbia. The rating is lower when residents ponder provincial administrations headed by the BC Greens (35%, -4), the Conservative Party of BC (32%) or BC United (29%, -4).

At the federal level, the level of confidence is the same for governments headed by the Liberal Party (35%, -2) and the Conservative Party (also 35%, +4), and higher for the NDP (40%, =).

As was the case last year trust is significantly higher for not-for-profit developers (49%, =) than for for-profit developers (22%, +1).

Seven-in-ten British Columbians (70%, -1) support the federal government’s decision to ban non-Canadians (with exclusions for international students and temporary residents) from purchasing residential property in Canada until 2027.

Almost two thirds of British Columbians (65%, +4) believe the federal government should tie immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts.

“More than seven-in-ten British Columbians aged 55 and over (73%) want the federal and provincial governments to work together to ensure local residents and immigrants have a place to live in,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 18-to-34 (65%) share the same view.”

Just over three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +2) think municipal governments should immediately dismantle any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality. Support for this course of action is highest in the Fraser Valley (66%), followed by Vancouver Island (62%), Metro Vancouver (59%), Northern BC (57%) and Southern BC (51%).

Practically half of British Columbians (49%) think the provincial government was right to implement a $400 renters’ rebate for households earning up to $80,000 a year—a proportion that rises to 65% among renters.

Conversely only 29% of British Columbians—and just 20% of home owners—would like the provincial government to cancel the home owner grant, which reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence.

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

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

Most British Columbians Worried About Protests and Antisemitism

February 26, 2024February 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five of the province’s residents agree with Canada’s decision to suspend funding for UNRWA.

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2024] – A significant proportion of British Columbians express concerns about the local ramifications of the recent conflict in the Middle East, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than two thirds of British Columbians are concerned about aggressive behaviour by protestors at pro-Palestine rallies (70%) and antisemitism, or rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (69%).

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) are also worried about protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses in Canada.

“A rise in antisemitism in Canada is a concern for more than seven-in-ten residents of Vancouver Island (77%), the Fraser Valley (74%) and Southern BC (71%),” says Mario Canseco. “Majorities of those who live in Northern BC (70%) and Metro Vancouver (65%) are also worried.”

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) is a United Nations group created to provide aid to Palestinians in Gaza.

After evidence was found showing some UNRWA staff participated in the atrocities of October 7 and the holding of hostages, several nations—including Canada—suspended their funding for UNRWA.

Across British Columbia, 64% of residents agree with Canada’s decision to suspend funding for UNRWA, while 14% disagree and 22% are undecided.

Majorities of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (60%), aged 35-to-54 (61%) and aged 55 and over (70%) think Canada’s federal government made the correct call in suspending funding to UNRWA.

Late last year, Langara College professor Natalie Knight was suspended after describing the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that killed more than 1,300 Israelis and started the current violent conflict as “amazing and brilliant” at a Free Palestine rally in Vancouver.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) agree with Langara’s decision to suspend the professor, while 20% disagree and 18% are not sure.

Agreement with Langara’s original course of action includes majorities of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (58%), aged 35-to-54 (58%) and aged 55 and over (71%).

In January, Langara College dismissed Knight permanently. More than half of British Columbians (53%) think that, by celebrating the terrorism of October 7 at a public rally, and not apologizing, the professor created an unsafe climate for Jewish students and showed she cannot be trusted as a teacher in our colleges or universities.

About one-in-four British Columbians (24%) believe that, regardless of how a person feels about what she said, the professor was within her rights to academic freedom and freedom of speech and should have her job back.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on February 9 to February 11, 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.

Photo Credit: Michal Klajban

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

Canadians Assess How Federal Politicians Are Elected

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024By Mario Canseco

Most are satisfied with “first-past-the-post”, but a majority would welcome a move to party-list proportional representation.

Vancouver, BC [February 22, 2024] – More than three-in-five Canadians have no qualms about the electoral system used in federal ballots, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Canadians elect the members of the House of Commons through a system called “first-past-the-post”, where a candidate wins a constituency by receiving more votes than any others.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians say they are satisfied with “first-past-the-post”, while 27% are dissatisfied and 11% are not sure.

More than two thirds of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (67%) are satisfied with the current system, along with 61% of those aged 55 and over and 57% of those aged 35-to-54.

Just over three-in-four Canadians who supported the Liberal Party in the last federal election (76%) are content with “first-past-the-post”. Satisfaction is lower among those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (62%) or the Conservative Party (58%) in 2021.

Respondents to this survey were provided with the definitions of three electoral systems that are used in other countries.

More than half of Canadians (56%) would agree to elect all members of the House of Commons through Party-List Proportional Representation, a system in which parties make lists of candidates to be elected, and seats get allocated to each party in accordance with the number of total votes the party receives.

“A move to Party-List Proportional Representation in federal elections would be welcomed by 62% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 and 57% of Canadians aged 35-to-54,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over (49%).”

On a regional basis, agreement with electing the members of the House of Commons through Party-List Proportional Representation is highest in British Columbia (60%), followed by Ontario (57%), Atlantic Canada (also 57%), Quebec (54%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%) and Alberta (also 51%).

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%) would agree to adopt the Single Transferable Vote system, where votes are initially allocated to a voter’s most preferred candidate, and as the count proceeds and candidates are either elected or eliminated, they are transferred to other candidates in accordance to the voter’s stated preferences.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) would prefer to elect the members of the Hose of Commons through Mixed Member Proportional Representation MMP—a hybrid method that would use Party-List Proportional Representation for a portion of the legislature, and first-past-the-post for another portion.

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

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

Even After Court Ruling, British Columbians Back Plastics Ban

February 14, 2024February 13, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Approve of Processes to Decrease Infertility

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

British Columbians Skeptical About Move to “Zero Emission” Cars

January 18, 2024January 30, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Positive Perceptions of National Economy Decline in Canada

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Willing to Explore Trade Beyond the United States

December 20, 2023December 19, 2023By Mario Canseco

Most residents want to capitalize on Asia’s need for Canadian energy resources, but reject state-owned corporate takeovers.

Vancouver, BC [December 20, 2023] – While Canadians overwhelmingly regard the United States as the country’s most important trade partner, two thirds of residents believe the time is right to expand into other markets, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to rank the importance of having good trade relations with 10 different countries and entities.

The United States was mentioned in the “top three” by 95% of Canadians, followed by the European Union (EU) (54%), the United Kingdom (51%) and China (47%).

Fewer Canadians included six other countries in their “top three”: Mexico (25%), Japan (19%), India (10%), Russia (6%), South Korea (4%) and Brazil (also 4%).

About two thirds of Canadians (67%) believe the Canadian federal government should aim to diversify its trade to be less dependent on the United States.

Majorities of Canadians who in the 2021 federal election voted for the Conservative Party (68%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 68%) and the Liberal Party (78%) agree with this policy goal.

More than half of Canadians believe strengthening economic and political relations with Asia should be Canada’s top foreign policy priority (52%) and think Canada stands to benefit from more Asian investment in the country (51%).

“Most residents of British Columbia (59%), Alberta (56%) and Ontario (52%) foresee benefits from Asian investment in Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (47%), Quebec (46%) and Atlantic Canada (44%).”

For three-in-five Canadians (60%), Canada needs to act now to take advantage of Asian countries’ need for energy resources.

Only three-in-ten Canadians (30%) consider Canada to be part of the Asia Pacific region—including 34% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 42% of British Columbians.

A separate question asked Canadians about their feelings if a company, bank or investment fund controlled by a foreign government were trying to purchase a controlling stake in a major Canadian company.

Canadians are more welcoming to corporate takeovers originating in three countries: the United States (61%), France (53%) and Japan (50%).

The favourability rating is significantly lower for similar actions involving the governments of Brazil (33%), India (29%), the United Arab Emirates (25%), Qatar (24%), Saudi Arabia (23%) and China (22%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 23 to November 25, 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.

Willingness to Pay for Health Care Access Rises in British Columbia

December 15, 2023December 14, 2023By Mario Canseco

Two-in-five British Columbians say a shortage of doctors and nurses is the biggest problem facing the system right now.

Vancouver, BC [December 15, 2023] – The proportion of British Columbians who are ready to explore different options in health care has grown over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 46% of British Columbians say they would be willing to pay out of their own pocket to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2022.

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (38%, +5) would consider travelling to another country to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times.

“Just over half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (51%) would consider paying for specific medical services,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half (46%) are willing to travel abroad to access them.”

In September 2020, a B.C. Supreme Court justice ruled that access to private health care is not a constitutional right, even if wait times for care under the public system are too long.

Almost half of British Columbians (49%, =) disagree with the decision of the B.C. Supreme Court justice, while more than a third (36%, -1) agree and 15% (+1) are undecided.

Most British Columbians (55%, +5) think there are some good things in the province’s health care system, but some changes are required. Three-in-ten (30%, -1) say health care in the province has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it, while one-in-ten (10%, -3) believe health care in the province works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -10) identify a shortage of doctors and nurses as the biggest problem facing the health care system right now, followed by long waiting times (22%, +4). Only two other issues reach double digits: bureaucracy and poor management (12%, +2) and inadequate resources and facilities (10%, +3).

Residents of Vancouver Island (54%) and Southern BC (50%) are more likely to select a shortage of doctors and nurses as the most pressing health care concern than their counterparts in the Fraser Valley (44%), Northern BC (41%) and Metro Vancouver (35%).

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

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

Photo Credit: waferboard