Public Policy – Page 3

Conservative Party Holds Six-Point Lead Over Liberals in Canada

September 7, 2023September 13, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Some Canadians Willing to Pay Higher Taxes to Deal with Issues

August 16, 2023August 15, 2023By Mario Canseco

Fewer than half of Canadians would welcome paying more in order to fund transit improvements.

Vancouver, BC [August 16, 2023] – More than half of Canadians are willing to pay higher taxes to tackle specific challenges, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 57% of Canadians say they would “definitely” or “probably” be willing to pay higher taxes to adequately address homelessness and climate change.

“Support for additional tax revenue to deal with homelessness is highest in Atlantic Canada and Quebec (61% each),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Alberta (60%), Ontario (58%), British Columbia (51%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 51%).”

Almost two thirds of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (65%) are willing to pay higher taxes to adequately address climate change, along with 54% of those aged 35-to-54 and 53% of those aged 55 and over.

Slightly fewer Canadians would be willing to pay higher taxes in exchange for adequate action on schools (56%), forest fires (55%), housing improvements (54%) and floods (52%).

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%) would be willing to pay higher taxes to adequately deal with transit improvements.

More than three-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (62%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 62%) in the 2021 federal elections are willing to pay higher taxes for housing improvements. The proportion drops to 41% among those who cast ballots for the Conservative Party.

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

English-Speaking Canadians Split on More “O Canada” Changes

August 11, 2023August 10, 2023By Mario Canseco

Younger respondents would welcome a different first line for the national anthem, but their older counterparts are not on board.

Vancouver, BC [August 11, 2023] – The notion of once again altering the lyrics of Canada’s national anthem again is divisive among English-speaking Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of English-speaking Canadians would agree to change the first line of “O Canada” from “Our home and native land” to “Our home on native land”, while 44% disagree with the proposed modification.

In February, Canadian artist Jully Black sang “O Canada” with the line “Our home on native land” during the National Basketball Association (NBA) All-Star Game in Salt Lake City, Utah.

More than half of English-speaking Canadians aged 18-to-34 (55%) agree with amending the lyrics to “O Canada” to swap “and” for “on”, but are joined by just 42% of those aged 35-to-54 and 28% of those aged 55 and over.

“Majorities of English-speaking Canadians of South Asian (68%), Indigenous (64%) and East Asian heritage (51%) endorse the proposed change to the national anthem,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 36% of English-speaking Canadians of European descent concur.”

The lyrics to the national anthem in English were modified in 2018. The second line of “O Canada” was changed from “in all thy sons command” to “in all of us command”.

Across the country, 48% of English-speaking Canadians agree with this modification (+6 since a similar survey conducted in February 2018), while 34% (-14) disagree and 17% (+7) are undecided.

When asked which of the two versions of the national anthem they prefer, almost half of English-speaking Canadians (47%, -7) choose “in all thy sons command”, while 38% (+4) select “in all of us command”.

English-speaking men (52%) are more likely than English-speaking women (43%) to express a preference for the previous version of “O Canada”.

English-speaking Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election are more likely to prefer the “sons” version of the national anthem (67%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (43%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (36%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 20 to July 24, 2023, among 1,572 English-speaking Canadian adults. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 2.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty..

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Hold Mixed Views on Gender Identity in the Classroom

August 4, 2023August 3, 2023By Mario Canseco

At least three-in-five Canadians endorse both same-sex marriage and the federal government’s ban on “conversion therapy”.

Vancouver, BC [August 4, 2023] – Almost half of Canadians believe there is no need for teachers to advise parents in the event a child aged 16 and under chooses a new name or pronoun, a new Research Co. poll has found.

New Brunswick’s Policy 713 seeks to prohibit teachers from using the preferred names and pronouns of students aged 16 and under without the consent of their parents.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 49% of Canadians think it should be mandatory for teachers to address students aged 16 and under using their preferred pronouns or names without having to inform their parents.

“Almost three-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (59%) believe that a name or pronoun change in the classroom should be permitted without parental disclosure,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (45%) and aged 55 and over (44%).”

More than half of Canadians (54%) believe a specific situation does merit a conversation between a teacher and a child’s parents: a student aged 16 and under expressing a desire to change his or her gender.

Canadians aged 55 and over (60%) and Albertans (61%) are more likely to believe that a conversation about affirmation or reassignment between a teacher and a student aged 16 and under should be revealed to his or her parents.

In January 2022, legislation that came into effect that makes it illegal to promote, advertise, or profit from providing “conversion therapy”, or to subject a person, consenting or not, to “conversion therapy” in Canada.

Proponents of “conversion therapy” believe that individuals who identify themselves as lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer, and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2+) can be “converted” into heterosexuals through psychological or spiritual intervention.

More than half of Canadians (52%, -5 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022) think “conversion therapy” is impossible and three-in-five (60%, -2) agree with the government’s decision to outlaw the practice in the country.

The ban on “conversion therapy” is supported by 70% of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2021 federal election, 73% of those who backed the New Democratic Party (NDP) and 56% of those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates.

Just under two thirds of Canadians (64%, -2) think same-sex couples should continue to be allowed to legally marry in the country.

Fewer Canadians would prefer to bring back the concept of civil unions for same-sex couples (14%, +2), and one-in-ten (10%, =) would not allow for any kind of legal recognition for same-sex couples.

Support for same-sex marriage is highest in Atlantic Canada (71%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (68%), Ontario (65%), Quebec (64%), Alberta (61%) and British Columbia (59%).

On one question, Canadians are more divided now than in 2022. Just over a third (34%, +6) believe people choose to identify as LGBTQ2+, while 36% (-6) think people are born as LGBTQ2+ and 30% (-1) are undecided.

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Almost Two Thirds of Canadians Content with COVID-19 Measures

July 26, 2023July 25, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 64% of Canadians believe we are in a different moment and there is no need for additional public health measures related to COVID-19.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Home Office Still Desirable for Young Workers in British Columbia

July 19, 2023July 18, 2023By Mario Canseco

One-in-five British Columbians who worked from home during the pandemic have left a job over work-from-home guidelines.

Vancouver, BC [July 19, 2023] – The COVID-19 pandemic has had a lasting impact on the way British Columbians perceive work, with a significant proportion of young adults interested in avoiding the office, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 19% of British Columbians who worked from home at some point during the COVID-19 pandemic say they left a position because their company did not allow them to work from home as often as they wanted.

“Few British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and aged 55 and over have quit after a disagreement over work-from-home regulations (9% and 2% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In stark contrast, 39% of pandemic home workers aged 18-to-34 have switched jobs at least once since 2020 to be able to work from home more often.”

Across the province, 49% of employed adults say they had to work from home at least temporarily during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Fewer than one-in-five of British Columbia’s pandemic home workers (17%) are no longer working from home at all. This leaves 32% who are able to labour from home once or twice a week, 19% who do so three or four days a week, and 32% who do so five days a week.

The proportion of British Columbia’s pandemic home workers who are no longer commuting to an office reaches 36% in Metro Vancouver, 29% in the Fraser Valley and 27% in Vancouver Island.

More than three-in-five of British Columbia’s pandemic home workers (63%, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2022) are happy with their current arrangements. Just under one-in-four (23%, -4) say they are working from home less often than they would like to, and 14% (+4) say they are working from home more often than they would like to.

More than half of British Columbia’s pandemic home workers (55%, +2) say they are “very likely” or “moderately likely” to seek a different job if their current company does not allow them to work from home as often as they want.

Sizeable proportions of British Columbia’s pandemic home workers would also consider new positions in their own metropolitan area (64%, -2), their own province (58%, -1) or a different province (46%, +1) to work from home more often.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 3 to July 8, 2023, among 1,000 adults who work in British Columbia, including 492 who worked from home during the COVID-19 pandemic. 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 +/- 3.1 percentage points for all workers and +/- 4.4 percentage points for home workers, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Few Canadians Are Paying Attention to Online News Act

July 12, 2023July 12, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than two-in-five consumers of online news would try a different search engine if Bill C-18 restricts access to platforms.

Vancouver, BC [July 12, 2023] – Fewer than half of Canadians are monitoring the discussions related to Bill C-18, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians are following news stories related to the Online News Act “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

Men (47%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%) and British Columbians (also 50%) are more likely to be currently paying attention to Bill C-18.

The Online News Act seeks to compel Internet companies—such as Meta or Google—to negotiate deals and ultimately pay Canadian media companies for the content they preview and link to on their platforms.

At this point, just over two-in-five Canadians (43%) agree with the idea behind Bill C-18, while 35% disagree and 23% are undecided.

“Support for the Online News Act is highest among Liberal Party voters in the 2021 federal election (56%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 40% of Conservative Party voters and 38% of New Democratic Party (NDP) voters hold positive views on Bill C-18.”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) access news online (on a smartphone, computer, or tablet) at least four days a week. The proportions are lower for television news (51%), radio news (34%) and print (15%).

More than half of Canadians aged 55 and over (56%) watch television news every day, compared to 28% among those aged 35-to-54 and 19% among those aged 18-to-34.

About half of Canadians aged 35-to-54 (51%) and aged 55 and over (49%) are daily consumers of online news, along with 37% of those aged 18-to-34.

Canadians who access news online were asked about the way they seek content. More than a third say they access specific stories through a news aggregator (such as Google News) (42%), through a search engine, seeking information about a specific event (38%) or clicking on a link they saw on social media (35%) at least four days a week.

Fewer Canadians who access news online at least four days a week rely on three other methods: typing the URL of a specific website (28%), through newsletters they have subscribed to (21%) or through podcasts (15%)

Bill C-18 has the potential to restrict content that Canadians can find online on news aggregators. At least two-in-five Canadians who access news online say they would be likely to try a different search engine (43%) or access news on television (40%) if their ability to find content is limited.

Fewer Canadians who access news online are willing to try a different news aggregator (29%), bookmark news websites (28%), access news on the radio (also 28%) or access news on a print publication (18%).

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

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

July 7, 2023July 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 10 to June 12, 2023, among 800 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Kelly Tarala

Canadians Cautiously Optimistic About Economic Conditions

July 5, 2023January 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadian Police Officers Do Well on Friendliness, Low on Fairness

June 28, 2023July 9, 2023By Mario Canseco

One-in-four Canadians have lost confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP over the last five years.

Vancouver, BC [June 28, 2023] – More than two thirds of Canadians hold police officers in high regard on approachability and promptness, but perceptions are markedly lower on impartiality, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to say whether the police officers who operate in their community possess five characteristics.

More than two thirds of Canadians believe the police officers who serve their communities are approachable (69%) and respond to calls promptly, while more than half say they can be trusted (64%) and are a source of pride (57%).

Only 50% of Canadians think the police officers who operate in their community treat every person fairly.

More than half of Canadians who reside in Alberta (58%) and British Columbia (52%) believe the police officers who serve their communities treat every person fairly, along with fewer than half of those who live in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (49%), Ontario (also 49%), Quebec (48%) and Atlantic Canada (43%).

“Fewer than half of Canadians of Indigenous and European descent (48% and 49% respectively) think police officers are fair to everyone,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is slightly higher among East Asians (51%) and superior among South Asians (61%).”

Two thirds of Canadians (67%) have confidence in the internal operations and leadership of their local police force. More than three-in-five feel the same way about the Supreme Court of Canada (65%) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) (64%). Respondents hive the lowest rating to the criminal courts in their province (58%).

On a regional basis, confidence in the RCMP is highest in Quebec (68%), followed by Ontario (65%), Alberta (also 65%), British Columbia (63%), Atlantic Canada (60%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (57%).

More than half of Canadians (54%) say their confidence in the internal operations and leadership of the RCMP has stayed the same over the last five years. One-in-four (26%) have lost confidence, while 12% say it has increased.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 17 to June 19, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Suwannee.payne

Distracted Driving on the Rise Across British Columbia

June 23, 2023July 12, 2023By Mario Canseco

Public support for three proposed penalties for offenders is up markedly since 2022.

Vancouver, BC [June 23, 2023] – More than three-in-five British Columbians noticed a distracted driver on the road over the past four weeks, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 62% of British Columbians say they witnessed a driver talking on a hand-held cell phone or texting while driving over the past four weeks, up 16 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

On a regional basis, residents of the Fraser Valley are more likely to report seeing a distracted driver recently (82%) than their counterparts in Northern BC (66%), Vancouver Island (63%), Southern BC (59%) and Metro Vancouver (57%).

Drivers caught emailing, texting, or using an electronic device while driving in British Columbia face a fine of $368 and four penalty points (currently equivalent to $214) in their insurance penalty point premium. This means a total of $582 for a first-time infraction.

More than half of British Columbians (54%, -2) believe the current fine for distracted driving in the province is “about right”, while 29% (+5) consider it “too low” and 12% (-3) deem it “too high.”

Since 2022, support for three possible penalties for drivers caught emailing, texting, or using an electronic device in British Columbia has risen across the province.

Just over two thirds of British Columbians (67%, +3) are in favour of seizing the electronic devices of repeat offenders—a proportion that rises to 79% among those aged 55 and over.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%, +7) support doubling the current fine for distracted driving to $1,240.

“Most British Columbians who voted for each of the three major parties in the 2020 provincial election believe it is time to implement steeper fines for distracted drivers,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Three-in-five residents who cast ballots for the BC Liberals or the BC Green Party (60% each), along with 68% of those who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP), agree on this issue.”

More than half of British Columbians (56%, +4) are in favour of suspending distracted drivers for a year. Support for this course of action rises to 59% in Metro Vancouver.

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Majorities in British Columbia and Alberta Agree on TMX Pipeline

June 21, 2023July 3, 2023By Mario Canseco

The proportion of British Columbians who think the provincial government should stop the project has dropped to 28%.

Vancouver, BC [June 21, 2023] – More than half of British Columbians and two thirds of Albertans believe the federal government was right in re-approving the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative provincial samples, 54% of British Columbians agree with the decision, up three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022. Two thirds of Albertans (67%, -2) also agree with the re-approval of the Trans Mountain Pipeline expansion.

In British Columbia, support for the project is highest in Northern BC (62%), followed by Southern BC (61%), the Fraser Valley (58%), Metro Vancouver (53%) and Vancouver Island (52%).

In Alberta, there is virtually no variation in the perceptions of residents of the Calgary CMA (67%), Edmonton CMA (also 67%) and the rest of the province (68%).

Significant majorities of Albertans (79%, +1) and British Columbians (71%, =) believe the Trans Mountain pipeline will create hundreds of jobs for residents of their province.

The public is decidedly more skeptical about the effect the Trans Mountain pipeline will have on fuel costs. Fewer than two-in-five Albertans (37%, -3) and British Columbians (36%, -1) expect to experience lower gas prices as a result of the project’s re-approval.

“Albertans are particularly critical of the federal government on the Trans Mountain file, with 60% (-1) saying they are disappointed with Ottawa’s performance,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of British Columbians (48%, -3) share this feeling.”

Only 20% of Albertans (-5) and 28% of British Columbians (-5) think their provincial government should do anything necessary to ensure that the Trans Mountain expansion does not happen. This is a significant change in British Columbia from a Research Co. survey conducted in June 2019, when 41% of the province’s residents called for government action to stop the project.

One-in-four Albertans (25%, -3) and more than a third of British Columbians (36%, -4) believe the Trans Mountain expansion threatens the health and safety of residents.

British Columbians remain divided on whether this would be a good time to reconsider the Enbridge Northern Gateway—a proposal to build a new pipeline from Alberta to British Columbia’s north coast, to export oil on tankers to Asian markets—which was rejected by the federal government in November 2016.

Fewer than half of British Columbians (44%, -2) would agree to take a second look at the proposal, while three-in-ten (30%, +4) disagree.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 10 to June 12, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia and 800 adults in Alberta. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each province. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.5 percentage points for each province, 19 times out of 20.

Find our data tables for British Columbia here, our data tables for Alberta here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Race Relations Improving for More than Two-in-Five Canadians

June 9, 2023June 8, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians have witnessed behaviour on social media that they would consider racist.

Vancouver, BC [June 9, 2023] – The proportion of Canadians who believe race relations are on the mend has risen since 2021, even if specific groups recall being targeted by racist behaviour in particular settings, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 45% of Canadians believe race relations in Canada have improved over the past two years, up four points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in July 2021.

More than a third of Canadians (37%, +1) think race relations have worsened over the past two years, while 18% (-4) are undecided.

Almost half of British Columbians (48%) believe race relations have degraded. The numbers are significantly lower in Ontario (40%), Alberta (36%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%), Quebec (33%) and Atlantic Canada (24%).

Majorities of Canadians whose ancestry is African (71%, +18), South Asian (57%, -1) and Southeast Asian (54%, +11) feel race relations are better now than in 2021. The proportions are lower among respondents of First Nations (48%, -5), European (41%, +7) and East Asian (40%, -1) origins.

More than two-in-five Canadians say they have personally endured racism on social media (47%, -2), on day-to-day social interactions (46%, -3) and at work (42%, +1).

Fewer Canadians have personally experienced racism at work (39%, -1), during interactions with police or law enforcement officers (33%, -2) or during interactions with the health care system (32%, =).

“Just under four-in-five Canadians of East Asian origins (78%) have experienced racism during day-to-say social interactions,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Canadians of First Nations descent are significantly more likely to have endured racism at work (59%) or when dealing with the police (also 59%).”

When asked about behaviour they have witnessed in Canada, there are increases in the number of Canadians who have been exposed to racism on social media (63%, +5), on day-to-day social interactions (58%, +5) and at school (50%, +3).

Fewer than half of Canadians report seeing racist behaviour at work (45%, +2), engaging with police and law enforcement officers (42%, =) and dealing with the health care system (41%, +5).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from May 19 to May 21, 2023, among 1,000 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.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Kenny Louie

Metro Vancouverites Endorse Various Ideas to Curb Opioid Crisis

June 7, 2023June 6, 2023By Mario Canseco

Still, opioids are way behind public safety, housing and the economy on the list of priorities for municipal governments.

Vancouver, BC [June 7, 2023] – There is high public support in Metro Vancouver for specific actions that could be taken to deal with the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Metro Vancouver residents, more than four-in-five respondents (81%) agree with promoting abstinence, rehabilitation and recovery.

Almost seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (69%) agree with regulating the drug supply to ensure that users do not die from tainted substances, while just over three-in-five (61%) are in favour of establishing tougher sentences for people charged and convicted of drug possession.

More than seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites endorse both voluntary (77%) and mandatory (72%) treatment for individuals with substance use or addiction issues.

“Support for a properly regulated drug supply in Metro Vancouver is highest among residents aged 18-to-34 (77%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of those aged 35-to-54 (64%) and aged 55 and over (67%) are also in agreement.”

Respondents to this survey were provided with a list of six different priorities for their municipal government. More than two thirds of Metro Vancouverites want to focus primarily on either public safety (35%) or housing, homelessness and poverty (33%).

The rating as the most important priority is lower for the economy and jobs (17%), opioids (10%), municipal services (4%) and infrastructure (also 4%).

More than two-in-five Metro Vancouverites aged 35-to-54 (43%) and aged 55 and over (45%) placed opioids as their least important priority. The proportion is lower among those aged 18-to-34 (26%).

When asked why they think people use prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community, more than seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites (71%) believe it is to escape or abandon reality, while more than half (56%) think this is done to numb physical pain.

About two-in-five Metro Vancouverites (39%) think prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs are used in their community for fun or to experiment—a proportion that rises to 47% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than half of Metro Vancouverites (55%) have encountered empty bottles or cans of alcoholic beverages on the street or in a park. About a third (33%) have also found used needles in public places, while 28% have come across pipes or other drug paraphernalia on the street or in a park.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 19 to May 21, 2023, among 600 adults in Metro Vancouver. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Metro Vancouver. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 4.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Hisakazu Watanabe

British Columbians Displeased with Politicians on Opioid Crisis

June 2, 2023June 2, 2023By Mario Canseco

One-in-five of the province’s residents (20%) personally know someone who died after using opioid drugs.

Vancouver, BC [June 2, 2023] – Many British Columbians remain concerned about the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 61% of British Columbians describe the situation as a “major problem”, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2018.

More than half of British Columbians (56%, +14) think Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Canadian Federal Government have done a “bad” or “very bad” job coming up with solutions to deal with the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs.

Pluralities of British Columbians are also dissatisfied with how their Member of Parliament (48%, +17), Premier David Eby and the provincial government (45%), their mayors and councils (44%, +9), and their member of the Legislative Assembly (43%, +13) have handled this issue.

More than two thirds of British Columbians support three ideas to address the use of prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community: creating more spaces for drug rehabilitation (81%, -9), launching more education and awareness campaigns about drug use (76%, -14) and reducing the prescription of opioids by medical professionals (69%, -9).

Most British Columbians are also in agreement on establishing safe supply programs where alternatives to opioids, can be prescribed by health professionals (63%) and setting up more harm reduction strategies, such as legal supervised injection sites (58%, -8). Fewer of the province’s residents are in favour of decriminalizing all drugs for personal use (40%, -5).

“More than half of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals in 2020 (55%) agree with safe supply programs,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The level of support is higher among those who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%) or the BC Green Party (73%) in the last provincial election.”

More than a third of British Columbians (36%) say they know someone in their community who has used prescription or non-prescription opioid drugs in the last year—including a friend or member of their extended family (17%), someone they know from work, school, neighbourhood or place of worship (13%) or a family or household member (12%).

One-in-five British Columbians (20%) personally know someone who died after using prescription and non-prescription opioid drugs in their community—a proportion that rises to 27% in the Fraser Valley and to 25% in both Northern BC and Southern BC.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 17 to May 19, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Andrew Raun

Support for UCP Consolidates in Final Stages of Alberta Campaign

May 27, 2023September 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

UCP leader Danielle Smith now has a small lead over the NDP’s Rachel Notley in the “Best Premier” question.

Vancouver, BC [May 27, 2023] – The governing United Conservative Party (UCP) is ahead of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in Alberta, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample of likely voters, half of decided voters in Alberta (50%) would cast a ballot for the UCP candidate in their constituency in this Monday’s election, while 46% would support the NDP.

“Since our previous survey conducted in mid-May, voter support for the UCP has increased by three points across Alberta,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, the NDP’s province-wide numbers are down by the same margin.”

Four per cent of decided voters are backing other parties, including the Green Party (1%, =) and the Solidarity Movement (also 1%, =).

The NDP was ahead of the UCP in Edmonton by 16 points earlier this month, but currently has a significantly smaller advantage (55% to 42%). The UCP holds the upper hand in Calgary (50% to 47%) and has expanded its advantage in the remaining regions of the province (68% to 28%).

Only 15% of decided voters say they may change their mind and support another party’s candidate on Monday’s election. NDP voters are more certain of their choice (95%) than UCP supporters (86%).

Over the past 10 days, the approval rating for Premier and UCP leader Danielle Smith increased from 39% to 47% across Alberta. Official Opposition and NDP leader Rachel Notley experienced a more modest rise, from 50% to 53%.

Fewer than one-in-four likely voters in Alberta approve of the way Green leader Jordan Wilkie (22%, +7) and Solidarity leader Artur Pawlowski (18%, +7) have handled their duties

On the momentum question, just over one-in-four likely voters in Alberta (26%) have an improved opinion of Smith since the start of the campaign, while 38% say it is worse now. Notley’s score on this indicator is even (27% improved, 27% worsened).

Smith heads to Election Day with a two-point edge over Notley on being regarded as the best premier for the province (43% to 41%). In our previous survey, Notley was ahead of Smith by five points.

As was the case in the middle of the campaign, Albertans point to two issues as the most important challenges facing the province right now: health care (27%, -2) and the economy and jobs (also 27%, =).

Housing, poverty and homelessness is third on the list of concerns with 12% (+4), followed by crime and public safety (8%, =) and government accountability (7%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on May 26 and May 27, 2023, among 600 likely voters in Alberta, including 571 decided voters in the 2023 provincial election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Alberta. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.0 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 4.1 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Almost Three-in-Five British Columbians Say Crime is Rising

May 24, 2023May 23, 2023By Mario Canseco

The proportion of residents who have been the victims of a crime that merited a call to the police has been stable since 2018.

Vancouver, BC [May 24, 2023] – The proportion of British Columbians who hold negative perceptions about public safety has risen markedly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 59% of British Columbians say the level of criminal activity in their community has increased in the past four years, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2022.

Just under one-in-five British Columbians (18%, =) say they have been victims of a crime involving the police (such as an assault or a car break-in) in their community.

“The perceptions of British Columbians on criminal activity have worsened every year since we started asking these questions in 2018,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “During the same period, there has been little movement when residents of the province are asked if they were victims of a crime that merited a police report.”

When asked about which factors are to blame “a great deal” for the current situation regarding crime and public safety in their community, a majority of British Columbians mention addiction and mental health issues (59%, +8).

Other factors that British Columbians blame “a great deal” are gangs and the illegal drug trade (41%, +4), an inadequate court system (39%, +7), poverty and inequality (34%, +2), lack of values and improper education for youth (28%, +1), a bad economy and unemployment (22%, -2), insufficient policing and a lack of resources to combat crime (also 22%, =) and immigrants and minorities (11%, +3).

More than half of British Columbians (52%, +4) say they fear becoming victims of crime in their community “a great deal” or “a fair amount”—a proportion that rises to 72% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than a third of British Columbians (36%, +2) say they would feel “moderately unsafe” or “very unsafe” walking alone in their own neighbourhood after dark, including 47% in the Fraser Valley and 45% in Northern BC.

Support for establishing a provincewide police force in British Columbia is up significantly, going from 39% in June 2022 to 51% in May 2023.

More than half of residents of Northern BC (54%) and Metro Vancouver (also 54%) favour the creation of a provincewide police force. Support is lower in the Fraser Valley (49%), Vancouver Island (45%) and Southern BC (43%).

At least four-in-five British Columbians voice support for banning military-style assault weapons (82%, =) and handguns (80%, +5) in their municipality.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 14 to May 16, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Tight Race in Alberta as Support for Minor Parties Fizzles

May 18, 2023September 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

BC NDP Extends Advantage in British Columbia’s Political Scene

May 9, 2023May 8, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from May 1 to May 3, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490 [e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most Canadians Back Status Quo on Medical Assistance in Dying

May 5, 2023May 4, 2023By Mario Canseco

Views are more nuanced on expanding the guidelines beyond “grievous and irremediable” medical conditions.

Vancouver, BC [May 5, 2023] – More than seven-in-ten Canadians believe the country has the right policies in place to allow people to seek medical assistance in dying, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 73% of Canadians (down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2021) are in favour of the practice under the current federal guidelines:

Being eligible for health services funded by the federal government, or a province or territory (or during the applicable minimum period of residence or waiting period for eligibility).
Being at least 18 years old and mentally competent.
Having a grievous and irremediable medical condition.
Making a voluntary request for medical assistance in dying that is not the result of outside pressure or influence.
Giving informed consent to receive medical assistance in dying.

Compared to January 2021, there is little movement when Canadians are asked about their personal feelings on this issue. Almost three-in-five (58%, =) think medical assistance in dying should be allowed, but only under specific circumstances.

One-in-five Canadians (20%, =) believe medical assistance in dying should always be allowed, regardless of who requests it, while 12% (+1) believe it should never be permitted.

In Alberta, almost one-in-five residents (19%) would prefer to ban medical assistance in dying. In Atlantic Canada, almost three-in-ten residents (28%) think the practice should be available to anyone.

Almost half of Canadians (48%, +5) are satisfied with the regulations that are currently in place in the country to manage the issue of medical assistance in dying, while 27% (+1) are dissatisfied and 25% (-6) are undecided.

Satisfaction with the existing guidelines related to medical assistance in dying is highest in Quebec (53%), followed by British Columbia (52%), Ontario (46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 46%), Atlantic Canada (44%) and Alberta (40%).

At this point, only an adult with a grievous and irremediable medical condition can seek medical assistance in dying in Canada. Respondents were asked if people should be able to seek medical assistance in dying because of five different reasons.

Half of Canadians would agree to allow adults in Canada to seek medical assistance in dying due to an inability to receive medical treatment (51%) or a disability (50%). Fewer than three-in-ten would consent to expand the guidelines to include homelessness (28%) or poverty (27%) as reasons to seek medical assistance in dying.

Canadians are split when pondering if mental illness should be a justification for an adult to seek medical assistance in dying: 43% support this idea, while 45% are opposed. The federal government has delayed a final decision for eligibility related to mental illness until March 2024.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%) think people who help a person to commit suicide should be prosecuted, while just over a third (34%) disagree and 23% are undecided.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) think counselling a person to end their lives should continue to be a crime,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (41%) and aged 55 and over (34%) hold the same view.”

When asked about the appropriate punishment for a parent who is found guilty of assisting a terminally ill son or daughter to die, one-in-four Canadians (24%) select no penalty at all.

Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians (8%) believe this action warrants a mandatory sentence of life imprisonment, while 29% would consent to a prison sentence at the discretion of a judge, and 14% would deal with it through a fine, but no time in prison.

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca