Public Policy – Research Co.

Most Canadians Would Welcome a UK-Style Smoking Ban

October 9, 2026October 9, 2026By Mario Canseco

The decision to print warning labels on individual cigarettes is endorsed by more than seven-in-ten Canadians.

Vancouver, BC [October 9, 2026] – As the United Kingdom prepares to implement its Generational Smoking Ban in 2027, Canadians maintain a favourable opinion on the legislation and would like to implement it in Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

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

In the online survey of a representative national sample, two thirds of Canadians (66%, +1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2024) hold a positive opinion of the UK’s legislation, while 21% (=) have negative views.

When asked if Canada should consider a law similar to the one ratified in the United Kingdom (that is, increase the legal age to purchase cigarettes every year so that people born in or after 2009 are never allowed to purchase cigarettes), just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, -2) believe this should be the case, while one-in-four (25%, =) are opposed and 14% (-1) are undecided.

“Support for a Generational Smoking Ban in Canada is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (65%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 55 and over (58%) also endorse the legislation.”

On a regional basis, more than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%) think Canada should emulate the legislation that will be implemented in the United Kingdom. Support is lower, but still in majority territory, in Quebec (63%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (60%), Ontario (59%), Alberta (54%) and Atlantic Canada (also 54%).

Only 50% of Conservative Party voters in the 2025 federal election are in favour of a Generational Smoking Ban in Canada. The proportions are higher among Canadians who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) (65%) or the Liberal Party (70%) last year.

Just over half of Canadians who smoked tobacco in any form over the past year (52%) are also in favour of Canada enacting legislation similar to the British one, along with more than three-in-five non-smokers (63%).

In 2024, Canada became the first country to mandate printed warning labels on individual cigarettes sold in the country. More than seven-in-ten Canadians (71%, +3) believe the federal government made the correct decision with this mandate, while 17% (-3) disagree and 12% (+1) are undecided.

Over the course of the past year, fewer than one-in-five Canadians smoked marijuana (18%, -1), consumed marijuana in a non-smoking form (edibles) (17%, +2), used an electronic cigarette or e-cigarette (vaping) (16%, =) or consumed tobacco in a non-smoking form (chewable tobacco) (7%, +3).

As was the case in 2024, just over one-in-five Canadians (21%, =) smoked tobacco in any form (cigarette, cigar, pipe) in the last 12 months.

This year, the lowest proportion of tobacco smokers is observed in British Columbia (19%, +1), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 19%, +3) and Alberta (also 19%, -10). The proportions are slightly higher in Atlantic Canada (21%, +4), Quebec (22%, -4) and Ontario (also 22%, +4).

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to have smoked tobacco in the past year (25%, +5) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (22%, =) and aged 55 and over (16%, -5).

The incidence of vaping remains markedly higher among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (27%, =) than among those aged 35-to-54 (19%, +3) and those aged 55 and over (5%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 21 to September 23, 2026, among 1,003 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

High Support for Capped Child Care Fees in British Columbia

October 8, 2026October 8, 2026By Mario Canseco

Almost seven-in-ten respondents want action to provide universal school-age child care in the province’s elementary schools.

Vancouver, BC [October 8, 2026] – Most British Columbians want to follow the standard set by other Canadian provinces and territories on child care fees, a new Research Co. poll conducted for the Coalition of Child Care Advocates of BC has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than two thirds of British Columbians (68%) think the next provincial government should make sure all families have access to low capped child care fees, like $10 per day.

Across Canada, child care fees in nine provinces and territories are now capped at a low amount for all families (ranging from $10/day to $22/day). In British Columbia, only 10% of licensed child care is capped at $10 per day, with some families still paying up to $100/day.

More than half of British Columbians (51%) think $10 a day child care would make a “major difference” for families with young children, while 22% believe it would make a “minor difference”.

“British Columbians are still saying that quality, affordable child care is what they want government to deliver,” says Sharon Gregson, provincial spokesperson for the $10aDay Child Care campaign. “It’s good for children, families, women’s equality and our economy.”

More than a third of British Columbians (37%) say they are more likely to vote for candidates who support quality, universal child care with low capped fees—such as $10 per day—in the provincial election scheduled for October 24.

Almost three-in-four British Columbians (73%) are in favour of the next provincial government investing more in child care, ensuring space for all families who need it.

Right now, Early Childhood Educators—who are mostly women—earn $10 per hour less than similarly educated men across British Columbia’s broader labour market. Three-in-four British Columbians (75%) think the next provincial government should close this gender pay gap.

“Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (83%) or the BC Green Party (78%) in the 2024 provincial election call for a fair province-wide wage grid for all Early Childhood Educators,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Two thirds of Conservative Party of BC voters in the last election (66%) share this view.”

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians are also supportive of two other ideas: the next provincial government in British Columbia giving school districts the mandate and resources to provide universal school-age child care in the province’s elementary schools (69%) and the next provincial government making sure child care expansion is formally planned like is done for K-12 schools (also 69%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 3 to October 6, 2024, among 805 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.

How Quebec Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”

October 6, 2026October 6, 2026By Mario Canseco

A sovereigntist party emerges victorious, but voters are not overwhelmingly embracing the idea of becoming an independent nation.

Vancouver, BC [October 6, 2022] – In the mid-way point of the provincial election campaign in Quebec, the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) seemed ready to re-assemble supporters after the televised debates, as one of three parties—along with the Liberal Party of Quebec and the Conservative Party of Quebec—trying to wrestle first place from the sovereigntist Parti Québécois (PQ).

In the final week, support for the CAQ fell to fourth place, just above Québec solidaire (QS), and the possibility of a new party taking over the provincial government became clearer.

The CAQ—which dominated in 2018 and 2022 under leader François Legault—was unable to win a third consecutive election. When we asked voters in Quebec about six possible outcomes for the 2026 provincial election, the ones that provoked the least happiness where a CAQ majority (25%) and a CAQ minority (28%). Fewer than two-in-five voters welcomed the Liberal Party of Quebec assembling minority (37%) or majority (38%) governments. The rating was higher for a PQ majority (40%) or a PQ minority (45%).

Almost half of Quebecers (47%, +13 compared to the 2022 “Exit Poll”) say the most important factor in their support this year was the party’s ideas and policies, with the party’s leader a distant second consideration (27%, -8). This question outlines some key differences. CAQ voters—just like they did in the previous election—were more likely to gravitate towards the leader (48%), while PQ voters were primarily guided by ideas and policies (53%).

Half of Quebec voters (50%) think the PQ campaign was “positive” while 38% consider it “negative”. A favourable campaign assessment is lower for the Liberals (47%), the Conservatives (44%) and Québec solidaire (43%). The CAQ—which spent ample time discussing the province’s relationship with the United States and hinted at foreign interference in the electoral process—checks in at a paltry 31%, with 57% of voters thinking its campaign was “negative”.

Once again, about half of Quebecers (49%, =) admit to having voted strategically, or supporting the candidate in their riding who had the best chance of defeating a party they disliked, even if the candidate they voted for was not their first preference. This course of action was particularly popular with voters aged 18-to-34 (61%) and more likely to have moved English speakers (58%) than French speakers (47%).

The “Exit Poll” shows that this was a campaign about change, but devoid of a significant increase in the overall appetite for sovereignty. We still see voters people identifying themselves as “Quebecers first, Canadians second” (52%, =) than as “Canadians first, Quebecers second” (44%, =). More than two thirds (68%) really think the views of Quebecers are different from the rest of Canada.

Just over two-in-five voters in the 2026 provincial election (42%) think Quebecers have more in common with the people of France than with those in other parts of Canada. However, only 35% believe Quebec would be better off as its own country (56% disagree). When asked directly what they would choose if a new referendum on sovereignty were held today, only 27% would cast a ballot for Quebec to become a nation independent from Canada, while 58% would stay put.

In the end, the efforts of CAQ leader Christine Fréchette to turn the election into a referendum on which leader is best to manage Donald Trump were misguided. The incoming PQ government now faces the task of connecting with a population that remains concerned primarily about health care, housing, and jobs.

Sizeable proportions of Quebec voters think it is important for the new provincial government to have good relationships with Mark Carney and the federal government (88%) and with Doug Ford and the Ontario government (84%). More than three-in-five (61%) also say it is important to take steps to abolish the office of the lieutenant-governor and cancel its funding—a pledge made by PQ leader and incoming premier Paul St-Pierre Plamondon that zeroes in on the traditionally low level of adherence to the monarchy that Quebecers have outlined in national surveys.

The lowest item on this question is establishing a timeframe for a new referendum on sovereignty. This idea is regarded as “very important” or “moderately important” by 36% of voters in Quebec—and rising to 63% among those who backed the PQ. Plamondon will need to balance the current wishes of his base with a government that establishes a contrast with the final months of Fréchette’s tenure.

Find our data tables here.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on October 4 and October 5, 2026, among 500 Quebec adults who voted in the 2026 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.4 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

CAQ Provincial Government Poised to End After Quebec Election

October 4, 2026October 6, 2026By Mario Canseco

Since mid-September, support has dropped markedly for both the governing party and leader Christine Fréchette.

Vancouver, BC [October 4, 2026] – The Parti Québécois (PQ) heads to tomorrow’s provincial election in Quebec as the frontrunner, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Quebecers, 31% of decided voters would vote for the PQ candidate in their constituency or have already done so in the advance polls, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in mid-September.

The Liberal Party of Quebec is second with 25% (+3), followed by the Conservative Party of Quebec with 20% (+4), the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) with 13% (-10) and Québec solidaire with 10% (=).

The Liberals are ahead of the PQ in the Montreal Metropolitan Area (34% to 27%), while the Conservatives are leading the PQ in Quebec City (36% to 31%). The PQ holds the upper hand in the rest of the province (35%).

“Quebec’s oldest voters are abandoning the CAQ,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of voters aged 55 and over who plan to vote for the governing party fell from 36% in mid-September to 21% in early October.”

The approval rating for Premier and Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette dropped to 30% (-14). There is improvement in the final stages of the campaign for Liberal leader Charles Millard (41%, +4), Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal (40%, +6) and Conservative leader Éric Duhaime (39%, +8). The numbers did not change for PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (45%, =).

Just over one-in-four likely voters in Quebec (26%, +5) think Plamondon would make the best Premier of Quebec out of the five party leaders. The rating is lower for Millard (19%, +8), Duhaime (15%, +4), Fréchette (14%, -11) and Ghazal (8%, +1).

Fréchette posts a momentum score of -39, with almost half of likely voters (47%) saying their opinion of her has worsened since the start of the campaign. The results are better for Plamondon (-10), Duhaime (-5), Milliard (-3) and Ghazal (+2).

Three-in-ten likely voters in Quebec (30%, +2) say health care is the most important issue facing the province, followed by housing, poverty and homelessness (22%, -6), the economy and jobs (20%, +3), education (5%, +2), government accountability (4%, -1) and the environment (also 4%, +1).

When asked which of the five party leaders is best suited to manage specific issues, Plamondon holds the upper hand on national unity and separation (30%), government accountability (25%), health care (21%) and education (also 21%).

The races are closer on five other issues, including the environment (Plamondon 19%, Ghazal 19%), housing, poverty and homelessness (Plamondon 19%, Ghazal 19%), the economy and jobs (Plamondon 22%, Milliard 21%), crime and public safety (Plamondon 20%, Duhaime18%) and energy and pipelines (Duhaime, Plamondon and Milliard all tied with 18%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 2 to October 4, 2026, among 708 likely voters in Quebec, including 658 decided voters in the 2026 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 3.9 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Keep Avoiding U.S. Goods as Dispute Intensifies

October 1, 2026October 1, 2026By Mario Canseco

Almost two thirds of Canadians approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs.

Vancouver, BC [October 1, 2026] – The proportion of Canadians who are actively shunning American products has increased slightly since the start of the summer. a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians say they are avoiding goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June.

“Active evasion of American products in Canada is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (70%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (54%) and aged 18-to-34 (50%) are taking the same course of action.”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (71%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (76%) in last year’s federal election are eschewing American goods. The proportion drops to 46% among Canadians who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates in 2025.

A third of Canadians (33%, +6) say they are avoiding American restaurant franchises in Canada, while just under three-in-ten have cancelled a planned trip to the United States (29%, -3) or avoided American entertainment options (28%, +3).

Three-in-four Canadians (75%, +7) are following news related to the tariffs dispute with the United States “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

Despite the increase in attention to the issue, there is little change in the expectations of Canadians. About two-in-five (38%, +1) expect the tariffs on Canadian products to be expanded by the U.S. government in the next six months, while just over three-in-ten (31%, =) think the tariffs will be rescinded.

As was the case in June, more than four-in-five Canadians (82%, =) consider the American tariffs as a threat to Canada, while 43% (-7) deem the United States as a military threat to Canada right now.

Almost two thirds of Canadians (65%, +5) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs, while just over two-in-five (41%, +1) feel the same way about Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

Fewer than two-in-five Canadians (39%, -3) believe a Conservative federal government would be better positioned right now to manage the dispute over tariffs with the United States, while almost half (47%, =) disagree with this view.

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +5) approve of the way their premier has handled the dispute over tariffs. Among the four most populous provinces, satisfaction is highest in British Columbia (56%, +5), followed by Ontario (54%, +3), Quebec (50%, +5) and Alberta (32%, -4).

Just over a third of Canadians (35%, +2) approve of the way the Official Opposition leader in their province is dealing with the tariffs implemented by the United States. The highest numbers are observed in Ontario (39%, +1), followed by Quebec (34%, -3), Alberta (32%, +8) and British Columbia (31%, +6).

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +2) say it is time consider enhancing trade with China and larger proportions feel the same way about commerce with Mexico (75%, +1), Japan (76%, +5), Australia and New Zealand (77%, +3), the United Kingdom (also 77%, +1) and the European Union (EU) (also 77%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (53%, +3) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to join the EU. Support for this new relationship with the continental block reaches 64% among Liberal voters and 60% among NDP voters, but only 42% among Conservative voters.

The appetite for seriously pondering a formal process for Canada to become an American state remains stagnant (20%, =).

A majority of Canadians (55%, -4) believe Canada should consider requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

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

Perceptions on Artificial Intelligence Sour Across Canada

September 24, 2026September 23, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than seven-in-ten Canadians call for either a slowdown (51%) or the abandonment (18%) of the technology.

Vancouver, BC [September 24, 2026] – Negative views on artificial intelligence (AI) have increased in Canada in the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-five Canadians (60%, up 10 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2025) think AI is a threat to humanity, while fewer than one third (31%, -6) consider it an opportunity.

As was the case last year, Canadians aged 35-to-54 are the least likely to regard AI as a threat (44%, -2) compared to their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (60%, +7) and aged 55 and over (63%, +12).

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +2) would like to slow down the development of AI, while one-in-five (20%, -4) believe the technology should continue to be developed as quickly as possible. The proportion of Canadians who would prefer to abandon the development of AI altogether grew from 13% in 2025 to 18% this year.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +7) have followed news stories about AI “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past 12 months—including 70% of Canadians aged 18-to-34, 70% of Quebecers and 74% of Canadians in the highest household income bracket.

More than four-in-five Canadians are worried about AI leading to less intelligent students at schools of universities (82%, +3) and AI taking over jobs currently performed by humans (also 82%, +3), while just under three-in-four are concerned about AI causing an event that leads to the loss of human life (74%, +3).

The level of concern is also high on other questions. Just over four-in-five Canadians are worried about AI confusing people about the position of political candidates through “deep fake” videos (82%), AI taking over their own identity through “deep fake” videos (81%) and the cost and energy demands of Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centres (specialized large-scale warehouse facilities equipped with advanced graphic processors designed to train and run AI models) (also 81%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians are also concerned about AI scraping websites and datasets to extract information and photos (78%) and AI bots removing funds from their bank account (74%).

Just over three-in-five Canadians sometimes think it is hopeless to protect themselves against AI-related intrusions (61%) and think AI will negatively impact them, or someone in their family, in the future (62%).

“Two thirds of Canadian women (67%) foresee Artificial Intelligence having a negative impact on themselves or their families,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Just under three-in-five Canadian men (58%) share this view.”

Large proportions of Canadians admit they are having harder time trusting the images they see online because they could be AI-generated and not real (80%) and having a harder time trusting the information they see online because it could be AI-generated and not verified reporting (77%).

Canadians continue to place the highest level of trust for the development and management of AI on doctors and nurses (59%, -2) and universities (56%, +2), followed by the federal government (45%, +7) and provincial governments (43%, +5). The confidence rating is lower for tech executives (38%, -2), international governments (33%, +4) and business executives and CEOs (31%, +1).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%) have relied on or used AI—such as ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini or Grok—in the past month.

Canadian AI users are primarily focused on writing and editing (40%), translation (33%) and image creation and image modification (31%). Fewer are relying on AI for trip planning (25%), task planning (23%), meal planning (22%), exercise and workout planning (21%), note organization (19%), home design (17%) or coding (9%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 10 to September 12, 2026, among 1,008 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Minority Looms as Quebec Provincial Election Continues

September 15, 2026October 4, 2026By Mario Canseco

The approval ratings are practically the same for Premier Christine Fréchette and PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon.

Vancouver, BC [September 15, 2026] – Voters in Quebec appear headed to the closest provincial election since 2012, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Quebecers, 28% of decided voters would support the Parti Québécois (PQ), while 23% would back the governing Coalition Avenir Québec (CAQ) and 22% would cast a ballot for a Liberal Party of Quebec candidate.

Support is lower for the Conservative Party of Quebec (16%) and Québec solidaire (10%).

The PQ holds the upper hand in the Quebec City Metropolitan Area with 29%, followed by the Conservatives with 23% and the CAQ with 21%. In the Montreal Metropolitan Area, the PQ and the Liberals are tied at 25%, with the CAQ at 21%. In the rest of the province, the PQ is two-points ahead of the CAQ (30% to 28%).

“At this point in the 2022 electoral campaign, the CAQ was the only party garnering the support of more than one-in-five decided voters,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This year, three parties meet the same threshold.”

Only in two of the seven provincial elections held in this century in Quebec has a party finished in first place with about a third of all cast ballots: the Liberals in 2007 (33%) and the PQ in 2012 (32%). Both elections resulted in minority governments.

More than two-in-five Quebecers approve of the performance of PQ leader Paul St-Pierre Plamondon (45%) and Premier and Coalition Avenir Québec leader Christine Fréchette (45%). The rating is lower for Liberal leader Charles Millard (37%), Québec solidaire co-spokesperson Ruba Ghazal (34%) and Conservative leader Éric Duhaime (31%).

Fréchette has a four-point lead over Plamondon on the “Best Premier” question (25% to 21%), with Duhaime and Millard tied at 11% and Ghazal at 7%.

Similar proportions of Quebecers say their opinion of Fréchette has improved (23%) or worsened (25%) since the start of the campaign for a momentum score of -2. The results on this question are also negative for Ghazal (-5), Duhaime (-7), Plamondon (-10) and Millard (-14).

Health care (28%) and housing, poverty and homelessness (also 28%) are tied when Quebecers ponder the most important issue facing the province. The economy and jobs is third with 23 per cent, followed by government accountability (5%), the environment (3%), crime and public safety (also 3%) and education (also 3%).

When asked which of the five party leaders is best suited to manage specific issues, Fréchette is ahead of Plamondon on government accountability (24% to 20%), the economy and jobs (23% to 18%), health care (22% to 18%), education (21% to 19%), housing, poverty and homelessness (20% to 17%) and crime and public safety (20% to 18%).

Fréchette is two-points ahead of Duhaime on energy and pipelines (19% to 17%), while Plamondon has a sizeable lead on national unity and separation over Fréchette (27% to 16%). Ghazal and Fréchette are virtually tied on the environment (20% and 19% respectively).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 10 to September 13, 2026, among 705 Quebec adults, including 613 decided voters in the 2026 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 3.9 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Carney Extends Lead on Economic Management in Canada

September 10, 2026September 10, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just under three-in-five Canadians rate the country’s economic conditions as “poor” or “very poor”.

Vancouver, BC [September 10, 2026] – The gap between Canada’s prime minister and the leader of the Official Opposition on financial matters has grown over the past seven months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 59% of Canadians say they trust Mark Carney to do the right thing to help the economy, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

Fewer than two-in-five Canadians (38%, -2) trust Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy. The rating is slightly higher for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (40%, +2).

Majorities of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (53%), aged 35-to-54 (57%) and aged 55 and over (66%) express confidence in Carney’s economic management. Poilievre does best with Canadians aged 18-to-34 (46%) but drops markedly among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (38%) and aged 55 and over (29%).

About three-in-five Canadians (59%, -1) rate the economic conditions in Canada today as “poor” or “very poor”, while 36% (+1) deem them “very good” or “good”.

Just over one-in-four Albertans (27%, -9) think Canada’s financial standing is currently “very good” or “good”. The proportions are higher in Ontario (35%, +2), British Columbia (also 35%, +1), Atlantic Canada (36%, +4), Quebec (39%, +1) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%, +14).

More than three-in-ten Canadians (31%, -4) think the Canadian economy will decline over the next six months, while 44% (+3) foresee no changes and 17% (+2) predict an improvement.

There is little fluctuation on the question related to household finances, with 51% of Canadians (+2) describing their own situation as “very good” or “good” (51%, +2) while 44% (-2) consider it “poor” or “very poor”.

Two thirds of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in last year’s federal election (66%) provide a positive assessment of their own financial standing. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for candidates representing the Conservative Party (50%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (35%).

More than half of Canadians expect to pay more for a week’s worth of groceries (75%, =), gasoline (also 75%, +18), a new car (63%, -2), a new television set (53%, +3) and real estate (51%, +3) in the next six months.

“Most Canadians aged 18-to-34 (57%) foresee higher real estate prices in the next six months,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (50%) and aged 55 and over (45%).”

A third of Canadians (34%, +1) say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about their employer running into serious financial trouble.

Larger proportions of Canadians—but short of a majority—have been concerned about unemployment affecting their household (38%, -2), being able to pay their mortgage or rent (39%, -3), the value of their investments (44%, -4) or the safety of their savings (45%, -3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 31 to September 2, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Still Divided When Assessing Fairness in Justice System

September 3, 2026September 2, 2026By Mario Canseco

Public support for alternative penalties in lieu of prison time for offenders is lower than three years ago.

Vancouver, BC [September 3, 2026] – Canadians remain evenly split when pondering the impartiality of the justice system, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians think that the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly, while 43% disagree and 13% are undecided.

The results show little fluctuation from a previous Research Co, poll conducted in April 2023.

“There is a discernible gender gap when Canadians review the justice system,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While half of men (50%) think it treats every person fairly, only 40% of women concur.”

Just over half of Quebecers (51%) say the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly. The proportions are lower in Ontario (44%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (42%), British Columbia (41%), Alberta (also 41%) and Atlantic Canada (37%).

Majorities of Canadians whose origins are South Asian (63%) or East Asian (51%) think the justice system in Canada treats every person fairly. Fewer Canadians whose descent is European (41%) or Indigenous (30%) share this view.

More than half of Canadians (54%, -2) think Canada’s criminal courts do a good job in determining whether or not an accused person is guilty—a proportion that rises to 58% among men and to 56% among Canadians aged 55 and over.

More than a third of Canadians (38%, +1) believe Canada’s prison system does a good job in helping prisoners become law-abiding, including 44% of those aged 18-to-34.

Respondents to this survey were asked about the use of alternative penalties—such as fines, probation or community service—rather than prison for specific offences.

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians (22%, -3) are in favour of relying on alternative penalties after an arson conviction, and just under a third (32%, -6) would consent to their use as punishment for drunk driving offences.

More Canadians—but short of a majority—support alternative penalties in cases of online harassment or cyberbullying (40%, -5) and credit card fraud (43%, -3).

The survey also asked Canadians about the Youth Criminal Justice Act, which governs the application of criminal and correctional law to people who have committed an offence between the ages of 12 and 18.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%, +3) agree with having the possibility of finding parents in contempt of court if they do not attend hearings or participate in the legal process.

About two thirds of Canadians agree with two other elements of the Youth Criminal Justice Act: allowing non-violent, first-time offenders who are unlikely to re-offend to avoid trial in youth justice court by taking part in programs of extrajudicial sanctions (67%, -2) and disclosing the identity of the youths who have been charged only under special circumstances (65%, -2).

Canadians are divided when assessing the provision establishing that no person can be convicted of an offence while he or she is under the age of 12 years, with 43% (-5) agreeing with it and 44% (+5) disagreeing.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 17 to August 19, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

United Conservatives Keep Lead Over New Democrats in Alberta

September 2, 2026August 30, 2026By Mario Canseco

Danielle Smith trails Naheed Nenshi on approval, but holds a four-point advantage on the “Best Premier” question.

Vancouver, BC [September 2, 2026] – The governing United Conservative Party (UCP) remains ahead of the New Democratic Party (NDP) in Alberta’s provincial political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of likely voters in Alberta, 46% of decided voters would support the UCP Candidate in their constituency while 43% would back the NDP.

The Progressive Tory Party of Alberta is third with 5%, followed by the Republican Party of Alberta with 2% and the Wildrose Loyalty Coalition also with 2%.

The race is close in the Calgary Metropolitan Area, where the UCP has a two-point edge over the NDP (46% to 44%). The New Democrats are three points ahead of the United Conservatives in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (46% to 43%), while the governing party keeps the upper hand in the rest of the province (49% to 39%).

“Majorities of decided voters aged 35-to-54 (53%) and aged 55 and over (52%) would cast a ballot for the United Conservatives in Alberta,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats are ahead among decided voters aged 18-to-34 (57%).”

The UCP is holding on to 86% of its voters from the 2023 provincial election, losing 6% to the Progressive Tories and 5% to the New Democrats. Nine-in-ten NDP voters in the last provincial ballot (90%) are staying with the party.

Official Opposition and NDP leader Naheed Nenshi has the highest approval rating of all party leaders in the province (49%), followed by Premier and UCP leader Danielle Smith (43%), Progressive Tory Party of Alberta leader Peter Guthrie (23%), Wildrose Loyalty Coalition leader Paul Hinman (18%) and Republican Party of Alberta leader Cameron Davies (also 18%).

On the preferred premier question, Smith has a four-point lead over Nenshi (37% to 33%), with the remaining party leaders in the low single digits.

The economy and jobs is the most important issue facing Alberta for 22% of likely voters, followed by health care (20%), housing, homelessness and poverty (13%), government accountability (11%) and national unity and separation (also 11%).

Just over a third of residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area (34%) pick the economy and jobs as the most pressing concern, while almost one-in-four residents of the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (23%) select health care.

Concerns over national unity reach 20% among Albertans aged 55 and over, 16% among NDP voters in the 2023 provincial election and 20% among Liberal Party voters in the 2025 federal election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 24 to August 26, 2026, among 750 likely voters in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.6 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Fewer Than 1/4 of Voters in Alberta Side with Separation

August 31, 2026August 29, 2026By Mario Canseco

Stephen Harper and Mark Carney are the most trusted sources on the issue of Alberta seceding from Canada.

Vancouver, BC [August 31, 2026] – The upcoming referendum in Alberta would see a high level of support for the questions related to immigration, but the idea of holding a binding vote on separation is not resonating with the public, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of likely voters in Alberta, 74% say they would vote for the province to remain in Canada, while 22% would cast a ballot in favour of the Government of Alberta commencing the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada.

“Support for a binding referendum on Alberta’s separation from Canada is highest among Albertans aged 35-to-54 (27%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Albertans aged 55 and over (20%) and aged 18-to-34 (18%) concur.”

The survey also outlines a drop when the questions used in a January 2026 Research Co. poll are revisited, with 26% of Albertans (-5) supporting the idea of Alberta becoming a country independent from Canada and 16% (-8) welcoming the notion of Alberta joining the United States.

The province-wide referendum scheduled for October 19 also includes questions on immigration and constitutional issues.

Majorities of likely voters in Alberta say they will vote “Yes” on the five questions related to immigration:

The Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring individuals to provide proof of citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election (66%).
The Government of Alberta taking increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels, prioritizing economic migration and giving Albertans first priority on new employment opportunities (65%).
The Government of Alberta introducing a law requiring all individuals with a non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially-funded social support programs, assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now (60%).
The Government of Alberta charging a reasonable fee or premium to individuals with a non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their and their family’s use of the health care and education systems, assuming that all Canadian citizens and permanent residents continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now (also 60%).
The Government of Alberta introducing a law mandating that only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status will be eligible for provincially-funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services (58%).

Public support is decidedly lower on the four questions related to constitutional issues:

The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to better protect provincial rights from federal interference by giving a province’s laws dealing with provincial or shared areas of constitutional jurisdiction priority over federal laws when the province’s laws and federal laws conflict (46%).
The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to have provincial governments, and not the federal government, select the justices appointed to provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts (45%).
The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction such as health care, education and social services, without a province losing any of the associated federal funding for use in its social programs (41%).
The Government of Alberta working with the governments of other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the unelected federal Senate (39%).

Likely voters in Alberta think that the validity of the referendum as a true representation of the wishes of the public hinges on voter turnout. Majorities believe a level of participation that ranges from 51% to 60% of registered voters (58%), from 61% to 70% of registered voters (75%) or of more than 70% of registered voters (80%) would be sufficient.

Conversely, most likely voters in Alberta believe turnouts ranging from 41% to 50% of registered voters (55%), from 31% to 40% of registered voters (69%) or fewer than 30% of registered voters (72%) would not be enough to deem the referendum as a true representation of the wishes of Albertans.

Likely voters in Alberta were asked if they trust 15 different individuals on the issue of Alberta separating from Canada.

More than half say they “definitely” or “probably” trust former Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper (51%) and current Canadian prime minister Mark Carney (also 51%). The rating is lower for current federal Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (47%), current provincial Official Opposition leader Naheed Nenshi (46%), former Alberta premier Rachel Notley (40%), current Alberta premier Danielle Smith (37%) and former Alberta premier Jason Kenney (32%).

Fewer than a third of likely voters in Alberta trust professional hockey player Connor McDavid (26%), leader of the federal New Democratic Party (NDP) Avi Lewis (20%), Progressive Tory Party of Alberta leader Peter Guthrie (17%), Wildrose Loyalty Coalition leader Paul Hinman (13%), Alberta Prosperity Project co-founder and lawyer Jeffrey Rath (also 13%), Alberta Prosperity Project CEO Mitch Sylvestre (also 13%), social media personality Marty Belanger (11%) or Republican Party of Alberta leader Cameron Davies (10%) on the issue of Alberta separating from Canada.

Respondents to this survey were presented with potential scenarios in the event Alberta secedes from Canada.

Likely voters are evenly divided on whether they would stay put (45%) or move out of the province (44%) if separation happens.

Residents of the Calgary Metropolitan Area are more likely to say they would leave a sovereign Alberta (49%) than those who live in the Edmonton Metropolitan Area (44%) or in other parts of the province (38%).

Just over half of likely voters in in Alberta (51%) think a sovereign Alberta should keep a parliamentary system (where the leader of the party with the most seats in the legislature becomes the head of government), while 19% would prefer to adopt a presidential system (with a head of government that is directly elected).

More than two-in-five likely voters in Alberta (43%) believe an independent Alberta should rely on the Canadian dollar as its currency. Fewer would prefer to establish a new currency (22%) or adopt the American dollar (16%).

Just over four-in-five likely voters in Alberta (81%) think a sovereign Alberta should maintain a publicly funded universal health care system, while half (50%) would like a sovereign Alberta to reintroduce the death penalty for murder.

Fewer likely voters in Alberta would welcome other ideas after independence, such as maintaining a Goods and Services Tax (GST) (43%), allowing Albertans to own and carry handguns for self-defence (36%), making marijuana illegal (31%), making same-sex marriage illegal (27%) or making abortion illegal (24%).

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

Confidence in RCMP Operations and Leadership Grows in Canada

August 27, 2026August 26, 2026By Mario Canseco

Fewer than three-in-five Canadians are satisfied with the criminal courts in their province.

Vancouver, BC [August 27, 2026] – The perceptions of Canadians on the national police service have become more positive over the past three years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 70% of Canadians say they have confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

About two thirds of Canadians also express confidence in the internal operations and leadership of two other elements of the Canadian justice system: their municipal police force (66%, -1) and the Supreme Court of Canada (65%, =). The rating is lower for provincial criminal courts (57%, -1).

More than seven-in-ten residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (76%, +19). British Columbia (72%, +9) and Ontario (also 72%, +7) have confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP. The proportions are lower in Alberta (69%, +4), Quebec (68%, =) and Atlantic Canada (56%, -4).

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +7) say their confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP has stayed the same over the past five years. One-in-five (20%, -6) say their confidence has decreased, while one-in-ten (10%, -2) report an increase.

The survey also asked Canadians to state whether the police officers who operate in their community possess five characteristics.

At least two thirds of Canadians say these police officers are approachable (70%, +1) respond to calls promptly (66%, -2) and can be trusted (also 66%, +2). Slightly fewer also think the police officers who operate in their community are a source of pride (58%, +1) and treat every person fairly (54%, +4).

“Only 49% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 regard police officers as a source of pride,” says Mario Canseco. President of Research Co. “The proportions are a higher among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 55 and over (70%).”

Fewer than half of Atlantic Canadians (46%, +3) and Albertans (also 46%, -12) believe police officers treat every person fairly. The ratings is higher in British Columbia (53%, +1), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (54%, +5), Quebec (56%, +8) and Ontario (57%, +8).

Only 38% of Canadians of Indigenous descent (-10) the police officers who operate in their community treat every person fairly, compared to majorities of Canadians whose heritage is European (53%, +4), East Asian (57%, +6) or South Asian (58%, -3).

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

Long Wait Times Rise as Health Care Concern Across Canada

August 20, 2026August 17, 2026By Mario Canseco

Seven-in-ten Canadians express confidence in the health care system being there to provide help and assistance.

Vancouver, BC [August 20, 2026] – Canadians identify two main setbacks when assessing the health care system right now, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 31% of Canadians (-4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2025) say a shortage of doctors and nurses is the biggest problem facing the health care system, while 28% (+5) cite long wait times.

Bureaucracy and poor management is third on the list of concerns with 12% (-4), followed by inadequate resources and facilities with 11% (+2).

Fewer Canadians are primarily worried about a reduced focus on preventive care (7%, +2), a lack of a wider range of services for patients (4%, -2) and insufficient standards of hygiene (3%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (55%, +1) believe there are some good things in Canada’s health care system, but many changes are required.

One-in-five Canadians (20%, -3) believe Canada’s health care system works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better, while the same proportion (20%, +3) feel Canada’s health care system has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it.

The notion of a full overhaul of Canada’s health care system is more popular in Atlantic Canada (30%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (26%).

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%, -1) are “very confident” or “moderately confident” that Canada’s health care system would be there to provide the help and assistance that they would need if they had to face an unexpected medical condition or disease.

Confidence in the availability of medical services at a time of need is higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (74%, =) than among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (69%, -1) and aged 35-to-54 (67%, -2).

Only 20% of Canadians (-4) believe the federal government should make cuts to health care funding in order to reduce government debt, while 72% (+1) disagree with this idea.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (77%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (69%) or the Conservative Party (64%) in the April 2025 federal election disagree with enacting cuts to health care funding.

More than a third of Canadians (37%, +1) believe health care in Canada would be better than it is now if it were run by the private sector, while almost half (49%, +1) reject this notion.

“More than two-in-five men in Canada (43%) believe that Canada’s health care system would improve in the hands of the private sector,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 30% of Canadian women concur.”

Just over half of Conservative voters in the last federal election (51%) think health care in Canada would be better than it is now if it were run by the private sector—a view shared by 34% of those who cast ballots for the Liberals or the New Democrats.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 5 to August 7, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Governing New Democrats Retake Lead in British Columbia

August 18, 2026August 17, 2026By Mario Canseco

A provincial election would result in very close contests in the Fraser Valley, Metro Vancouver and Southern BC.

Vancouver, BC [August 18, 2026] – The governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) is once again first in British Columbia’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters (+2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2026) would back the BC NDP candidate in their constituency in a provincial election, while 39% (-3) would support the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party remains in third place with 10% (+1), followed by Centre BC with 5% (+2) and OneBC with 1% (-1).

The BC NDP is ahead of the Official Opposition among women (47% to 34%), voters aged 35-to-54 (44% to 41%) and voters aged 55 and over (52% to 37%). The BC Conservatives lead the governing party among men (45% to 40%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (40% to 34%).

“Over the summer, the BC Conservatives have dropped five points among decided voters aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The BC New Democrats have gained in this demographic by the same margin.”

The BC NDP is ahead on Vancouver Island (52% to 26%), while the BC Conservatives hold the upper hand in Northern BC (53% to 32%). The two parties are tied in the Fraser Valley (45% each), and the New Democrats are barely ahead in Metro Vancouver (42% to 40%) and Southern BC (47% to 45%).

A majority of British Columbians (54%, +2) would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the BC NDP in the next provincial election. Consideration remains lower for the BC Conservatives (47%, +5), the BC Greens (37%, +1), Centre BC (23%, =) and OneBC (22%, -2).

The approval rating for Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby stands at 49% this month (+1). More than a third of British Columbians are satisfied with the way BC Green Party leader Emily Lowan (38%, +4) and BC Conservative leader Kerry-Lynne Findlay (34%, +2) are managing their duties. The proportions are lower for new Centre BC leader Mike Bernier (24%) and OneBC leader Dallas Brodie (18%, -2).

Almost three-in-ten British Columbians (29%, =) say housing, poverty and homelessness is the most important issue facing the province, followed by the economy and jobs (24%, -2), health care (21%, =), crime and public safety (8%, =), the environment (5%, +2) and accountability (3%, +1).

There is a significant age gap when British Columbians ponder the most important issue. Those aged 18-to-34 put the economy and jobs at the top of the list (32%), those aged 35-to-54 select housing, homelessness and poverty (36%) and those aged 55 and over pick health care (34%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 12 to August 14, 2026, 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.

Views on Indigenous Issues Turn Negative Across British Columbia

August 13, 2026August 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds remain concerned about the ramifications of the B.C. Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision.

Vancouver, BC [August 13, 2026] – British Columbians are not as enthused about specific matters related to Indigenous communities as they were at the end of 2025, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, almost half of British Columbians (47%) say they have heard about the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2025.

UNDRIP establishes global standards for the rights of Indigenous peoples. It outlines collective and individual rights, such as self-determination, and the right to maintain distinct cultures, languages and institutions.

The UNDRIP Act, which came into effect in June 2021, requires the Canadian government to ensure all laws are consistent with the Declaration, in consultation with Indigenous peoples, and mandates the creation of an action plan to achieve the Declaration’s objectives.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%, -14) believe the UNDRIP Act is a positive development for Canada, while 25% (+11) regard it negatively and 16% (+3) are not sure.

“Animosity towards the UNDRIP Act is particularly high among those who voted for the Conservative Party of BC in the 2024 provincial election (46%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 23% of BC New Democratic Party (NDP) voters and 16% of BC Green Party voters think it has been a negative development for Canada.”

More than half of British Columbians (53%, -10) say the right of self-determination—meaning that Indigenous people can determine their political status and freely pursue their economic, social and cultural development, and dispose of and benefit from their wealth and natural resources—has been positive for Canada.

Majorities of British Columbians believe First Nations and Indigenous organizations across British Columbia should decide what type of housing projects can be built on their territories (64%, -2) and if natural resource projects can be established on their territories (59%, -3).

British Columbians are almost evenly split on the practice of non-Indigenous Canadians and Permanent Residents calling themselves “settlers”: 38% (-7) regard it as adequate, while 36% (+6) consider it inadequate.

Three-in-five British Columbians (60%, -8) say territory acknowledgements are adequate in today’s Canada, while almost one-in-four (24%, +6) think this gesture is inadequate.

Only 33% of British Columbians (-6) believe people should speak positively about the Residential School system, while 45% (+2) consider this course of action as inadequate.

There are also significant drops since November 2025 on the proportion of British Columbians who think that, compared to 20 years ago, First Nations and Indigenous organizations are doing better on cultural development (45%, -5), economic development (42%, -7) and social development (37%, -7).

Economic Reconciliation is defined as “the process of making economic amends for historical injustices to Indigenous Peoples.”

Almost three-in-ten British Columbians (28%) consider that the provincial government is doing “too much” to foster Economic Reconciliation. Fewer express the same feeling when assessing the actions of the federal government (25%) or their municipal government (20%).

As was the case in November 2025, more than two-in-five British Columbians (45%, +1) say they are following news related to the B.C. Supreme Court’s Cowichan decision “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

The B.C. Supreme Court ruled that the Cowichan Tribes had “established Aboriginal title” to more than 5.7 square kilometres of land in Richmond and stated that Aboriginal title is a “prior and senior right” to other property interests, regardless of whether the land in question is public or private.

Almost seven-in-ten British Columbians (69%, +1) believe property owners in British Columbia should be concerned about the consequences of the court’s decision, including 76% of those aged 55 and over and 75% of those who own their primary residence.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (61%, +9) think all negotiations related to Aboriginal title agreements in British Columbia should be paused until the Cowichan Tribes case is settled.

Majorities of British Columbians also believe that fee simple title in private property should always be superior to Aboriginal title (53%, +6) and that the B.C. Supreme Court’s recent decision erases private property ownership (51%, +6).

Fewer than half of British Columbians (46%, -2)—and 42% of property owners—say they believe the Cowichan Tribes when they say they are not looking to displace any individual from the properties they own.

Most British Columbians (55%, +1) think the City of Richmond took the correct course of action by sending an official letter to property owners in the claimed area, warning them that the decision “may compromise the status and validity” of their ownership.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from August 2 to August 4, 2026, among 802 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.

Canadian Liberals Enjoy 20-Point Lead Over Rival Conservatives

August 10, 2026August 10, 2026By Mario Canseco

Mark Carney has a 23-point advantage over Pierre Poilievre when Canadians ponder who would make the best prime minister.

Vancouver, BC [August 10, 2026] – The governing Liberal Party is enjoying its largest lead in Canada since the April 2025 federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of decided voters across Canada would support the Liberal candidate in their constituency in a federal election, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May.

The Conservative Party remains in second place with 27% (-4), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 10% (-1), the Bloc Québécois with 6% (-1), the Green Party with 5% (+2), the People’s Party with 4% (+3) and other parties and independent candidates with 1% (=).

“More than half of female decided voters in Canada (51%) are supporting the Liberal Party,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The governing party is also ahead among male decided voters (43%).”

The Liberals lead the Conservatives among Generation Z (36% to 28%) and Millennials (37% to 30%). The advantage for the governing party is larger among Generation X (50% to 29%) and Baby Boomers (63% to 16%).

More than two-in-five decided voters in British Columbia (45%), Ontario (46%), Quebec (49%) and Atlantic Canada (56%) would cast a ballot for Liberal candidates. The Conservatives have a six-point lead in Alberta (42% to 36%).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) approve of the way Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney is managing his duties. The approval rating is lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (38%, =), Green leader Elizabeth May (37%, +5), NDP leader Avi Lewis (32%, +1), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (28%, +3) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (22%, +2).

On the “Preferred Prime Minister” question, Carney holds a 23-point lead over Poilievre (45% to 22%), with the remaining federal party leaders in single digits.

The economy and jobs remains the most important issue facing the country for Canadians (25%, +3), followed by housing, homelessness and poverty (23%, +3), health care (14%, -1), Canada-U.S. Relations (12%, -4) and immigration (9%, +1).

As was the case in May, Canadians pick Carney over Poilievre to manage 11 different issues.

At least two-in-five Canadians prefer the current prime minister over the leader of the Official Opposition to handle foreign affairs (51% to 23%), Canada-U.S. Relations (50% to 23%), national unity (48% to 24%), accountability and leadership (47% to 25%), the economy and jobs (46% to 27%), health care (44% to 25%), energy and pipelines (43% to 27%), the environment (41% to 22%), immigration (40% to 29%), and housing, homelessness and poverty (40% to 26%).

The race is closer—albeit with Carney still ahead of Poilievre—oncrime and public safety (37% to 30%).

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

Little Appetite for Name and Flag Change in British Columbia

August 6, 2026August 6, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents agree with the decision to rename the Queen Charlotte Islands as Haida Gwaii in 2010.

Vancouver, BC [August 6, 2026] – Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians are ready to endorse a change in the province’s name or flag, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 28% of British Columbians (-1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) agree with changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage, while 58% (-2) disagree with this idea.

More than two-in-five British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (43%, -9) support changing the province’s name. The proportions are smaller among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (30%, -2) and aged 55 and over (15%, +4).

A provincial name change is more popular in Northern BC (38%, =) and the Fraser Valley (37%, +16), followed by Metro Vancouver (27%, -5), Vancouver Island (also 27%, -4), and Southern BC (21%, +1).

“In 2022, Vancouver Island led all regions of British Columbia (37%) in its desire to change the name of the province,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for the idea has fallen by 10 points over the past four years.”

Just over one-in-four British Columbians (26%, -5) would change the flag of the province to remove the Union Jack, while a majority (52%, +1) is against this proposal.

Support for establishing a new provincial standard in British Columbia without the Union Jack is low among respondents of European (23%, -3) and East Asian (24%, -11) descent, but increases among residents whose origins are Indigenous (34%, -17) and South Asian (41%, -7).

When asked if anything bothers them about the name “British Columbia” for the province, fewer than one-in-five respondents cite the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous peoples (17%, =), the “British” part (16%, -2) or the “Columbia” part (7%, +1). Two thirds of British Columbians (66%, +1) say nothing bothers them particularly.

In 2010, the Queen Charlotte Islands were renamed as Haida Gwaii. Just over half of British Columbians (51%, -6) agree with this decision, while 23% (=) disagree and 26% (-3) are not sure.

Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (66%) or the BC Green Party (60%) in the 2024 election endorse the decision to rename the Queen Charlotte Islands as Haida Gwaii. Only 41% of respondents who cast ballots for Conservative Party of BC candidates in the last provincial election share this view.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 13 to July 15, 2026, 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.

1/3 of the Vote Could Suffice in Vancouver’s Mayoral Election

August 4, 2026August 3, 2026By Mario Canseco

Few likely municipal voters held positive views on the recently abandoned Villages Plan.

Vancouver, BC [August 6, 2026] – Three candidates have emerged as the main challengers to Ken Sim in Vancouver’s mayoral election, but many likely voters are still pondering their options, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative sample of municipal likely voters measured favourability for local politicians, positive perceptions of political parties, voting behaviour in the mayoral and Council elections, and perceptions on the Villages Plan that was originally introduced by Mayor Ken Sim in October 2023, but was ultimately rejected by City Council in a 10-1 vote on July 28.

Just under two-in-five likely voters in Vancouver (39%) hold favourable views on current mayor Ken Sim of A Better City (ABC). The rating is slightly higher for former mayor Kennedy Stewart (40%) and Pete Fry of the Green Party of Vancouver (45%).

More than a third of likely voters in Vancouver (36%) hold favourable views on Colleen Hardwick of TEAM for a Livable Vancouver. Kareem Allam of the Vancouver Liberals is next on the list (33%), followed by Rebecca Bligh of Vote Vancouver (31%), William Azaroff of OneCity Vancouver (25%) and Stephanie Allen of the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) (24%).

When likely voters are asked about their impression of municipal political parties, 42% hold a positive opinion of ABC. Three parties are ranked higher: OneCity (44%), the Liberals (48%) and the Greens (51%). The rating is lower for TEAM (41%), COPE (35%) and Vote Vancouver (34%).

Among decided voters in the mayoral race, incumbent Sim is first with 30 per cent, followed by Allam and Fry with 19% each, and Hardwick with 14%. Support is in single digits for Bligh (7%), Azaroff (5%), Allen (4%) and other candidates (3%).

“The presence of many credible mayoral candidates has made it difficult for likely voters in Vancouver to solidify their choice for mayor,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than a quarter of likely voters in Vancouver (26%) are undecided in the election, including 36% of those aged 55 and over.”

One-in-five likely voters (20%) think Allam is best positioned to defeat Sim in the October mayoral election, while 14% select Fry and 11% choose Hardwick. Almost two-in-five likely voters (39%) cannot pick a particular candidate as the favourite to defeat Sim.

In the election for City Council, 42% of likely voters say they would “definitely” or “probably” cast a ballot including candidates representing the Green Party. ABC is second on this question (40%), followed by TEAM and the Liberals (each with 35%), OneCity (34%), Vote Vancouver (32%) and COPE (26%).

Over the past year, only two-in-five likely voters (40%) had seen, read or heard anything about the Villages Plan.

When asked to gauge the proposal based on what they have seen, read, heard or experienced, fewer than one-in-five likely voters (18%) provided a positive assessment of the Villages Plan, while 47% expressed negative views and 35% were not sure.

A final question allowed respondents to the survey to read the overview of the Villages Plan. After being exposed directly to this information, positive views rose by six points to 26%, while negative opinions increased by 10 points to 57%.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 30 to August 1, 2026, among 401 likely voters in the City of Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in the City of Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Albertans and Canadians at Odds Over Non-Binding Referendum

July 30, 2026July 30, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians think the federal government should not allow Alberta’s separation to happen.

Vancouver, BC [July 30, 2026] – While Canadians are split when assessing the possible outcome of Alberta’s non-binding referendum on separation, half of Albertans expect it to usher in a binding vote in the future, a new Research Co. poll has found.

A non-binding provincial referendum has been set for October 19, 2026, in Alberta. One of the questions in this referendum asks: “Should Alberta remain a province in Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?”

In the online survey of a representative national sample, Canadians are divided on whether voters in Alberta will choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation from Canada: 40% think a victory for the “leave” side on the non-binding referendum is “very likely” or “moderately likely”, while 41% consider this possibility “not too likely” or “not likely at all.”

In Alberta, half of respondents (50%) expect voters to compel a binding independence referendum at a later date, while 30% do not expect this scenario to materialize.

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%, -15 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2025) believe the United States will take steps to annex Alberta as an American state—a view shared by 24% of Albertans (-22).

One third of Canadians (33%) think it is “likely” that the United States will recognize Alberta’s sovereignty if a majority of voters choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada, while a smaller proportion (28%) predict a similar situation even if a majority of voters reject holding a binding provincial referendum.

Albertans are less likely to expect a recognition of sovereignty from the United States, regardless of whether the “leave” (26%) or “remain” (also 26%) sides emerge victorious in the non-binding referendum.

If voters in Alberta choose to hold a binding provincial referendum on separation, only 28% of Canadians—and 32% of Albertans—think the Government of Canada should ultimately allow Alberta’s separation to happen.

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (68%), aged 18-to-34 (60%) and aged 35-to-54 (55%) think the federal government should ultimately not allow Alberta to secede.

“More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2025 would welcome federal intervention to stop Alberta’s separation,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “They are joined by majorities of voters who backed the Conservative Party (56%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 56%) in the last federal election.

Public confidence across Canada on all political leaders on the issue of national unity is down significantly from June 2025. Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, -6) trust the Prime Minister of Canada to make the best decisions on this file. The rating is lower for provincial premiers (51%, -8), provincial leaders of the Official Opposition (44%, -7) and the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada (43%, -8).

In Alberta, the rating is highest for the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada (50%, -6), followed by the Prime Minister (48%, -10), the provincial premier (46%, -9) and the provincial leader of the Official Opposition (40%, -13).

Only one-in-five Canadians (20%, =) think Canada would be better off as an American state, while 21% (=) believe their own province would be better off joining the United States and 28% (-1) say their province would be better off as its own country.

In a separate question, one-in-five Canadians (20%, +1) say they would vote in favour of Canada becoming an American state. Slightly fewer (18%, -1) would cast a ballot for their province to join the United States, while just under one-in-four (24%, -4) would vote for their province to become independent from Canada.

One third of Albertans (33%, -1) say they would vote in favour of their province becoming its own country, while 50% (-12) would vote against this idea and 17% (+12) are undecided.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from July 20 to July 22, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Mixed Reaction to Federal Housing Plan in British Columbia

July 23, 2026July 22, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than two thirds would like to remove the full 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for new homes valued up to $1 million

Vancouver, BC [October 22, 2025] – Residents of British Columbia are ambivalent about the federal government’s recently announced affordable housing proposal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, half of British Columbians (50%) have followed news related to the federal government’s plan to convert 2,200 unsold condos into affordable “rent-to-buy” housing as part of a larger housing plan worth $5 billion over the next decade.

Respondents to this survey were asked if they agreed or disagreed with four different statements related to the plan without revealing the politicians who made them.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the plan “is another way to give people a chance to get into housing that wouldn’t otherwise have the chance”—a position expressed by British Columbia Premier David Eby.

Just under three-in-five British Columbians (59%) believe “converting unsold condos into affordable housing is about supporting Canadians, not distressed developers”—a view espoused by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.

More than half of British Columbians (55%) say the plan “bails out developers and banks for their bad bets instead of letting condo prices fall to an affordable level”—a statement made by federal Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

Just over half of British Columbians (51%) claim the plan “wastes taxpayer dollars on artificially propping up developers”—as outlined by Linda Hepner, provincial Official Opposition Critic for Housing.

Just under half of British Columbians (48%) think the federal government’s plan to convert 2,200 unsold condos into affordable housing will be effective or ineffective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia, while 39% disagree and 13% are undecided.

“Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Greens (57%) or the New Democrats (54%) in the 2024 provincial election think the federal government’s affordable housing plan will be successful,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 38% of those who voted for the Conservatives share this view.”

The credibility of key players in the housing debate across British Columbia is lower than it was in April 2025, prior to the last federal election in Canada.

Just under half of British Columbians express “complete” or “moderate” trust in four people and institutions to deliver affordable housing in British Columbia: not-for-profit developers (49%, -8), their municipal government (47%, -5), the provincial government under the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (46%, -4) and the federal government under the Liberal Party (also 46%, -5).

The rating is lower for the provincial government under the Conservative Party of BC (34%), the federal government under the Conservative Party (32%, -10) and for-profit developers (21%, -13).

More than two thirds of British Columbians (68%) would like to see the removal of the full 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) for new homes valued up to $1 million. A similar program has been implemented in Ontario, which removes the full 13% of the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) for new homes valued up to $1 million.

Three-in-four British Columbians (75%, +1 since October 2025) are in favour of banning non-Canadians (with exclusions for international students and temporary residents) from purchasing residential properties in Canada until 2027.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (68%, +11) think the provincial government was right to implement a $400 renter’s tax credit for low- and moderate-income individuals and families, while fewer than three-in-ten (27%, -10) call on the provincial government to cancel the home owner grant, which reduces the amount of property tax people pay for their principal residence.

Most British Columbians also express support for municipal governments immediately dismantling any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality (58%, -4) and for the federal government to tie immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts (62%, -4).

Fewer than half of British Columbians (46%, -8) believe the actions of the provincial government will be effective in making housing more affordable in British Columbia.

More than three-in-five British Columbians continue to endorse five policies introduced when John Horgan served as the province’s premier: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (69%, -5), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (68%, -5), 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 (68%, -2), introducing 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 64%, -2), and increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (63%, -3).

Majorities of British Columbians support seven policies implemented during the tenure of current BC Premier David Eby: capping rent increases in 2026 at 2.3% (71%), building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (69%, -4), raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction (66%, +1), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (also 66%, =), ending most strata age restrictions (60%, +2), 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 (54%, -2), and removing strata rental restrictions (also 54%, -4).

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