Conservatives Close 2023 With 14-Point Lead in Canadian Politics

A third of Canadians (32%) say Pierre Poilievre would make the “Best Prime Minister”, with Justin Trudeau in second place (23%).

Vancouver, BC [November 30, 2023] – The opposition Conservative Party has extended its advantage in Canada’s political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of decided voters would vote for the Conservative candidate in their constituency if an election were held tomorrow, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September.

The governing Liberal Party is a distant second with 24% (-7), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) (21%, +3) the Bloc Québécois with 9% (+1), the Green Party with 4% (+1) and the People’s Party with 2% (+1).

The Conservatives are the most popular federal party in Alberta (58%), Atlantic Canada (47%), British Columbia (45%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (44%) and Ontario (42%). In Quebec, the Liberals are first (34%), followed by the Bloc (29%).

“The Conservatives and the New Democrats are holding on to most of their supporters from the last federal election (93% and 81% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 66% of Liberal voters in 2021 are staying with the party.”

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%,-2) approve of the performance of Justin Trudeau as Prime Minister and Liberal leader. The rating is higher for Official Opposition and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, +6) and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (48%, =).

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, +2) are satisfied with the way Green Party leader Elizabeth May is handling her duties. The proportions are lower for Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (21%, +1) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (19%, -1).

When Canadians are asked which one of the six party leaders would make the best prime minister, 32% select Poilievre (+4) while 23% choose Trudeau (-5). Singh is third on this indicator with 18% (+1), followed by May (4%, +1) and Bernier (2%, +1).

Almost three-in-ten Canadians (29%, +4) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the country right now—a proportion that rises to 34% in Ontario, 36% in British Columbia and 37% in Atlantic Canada.

The economy and jobs is second on the list of nationwide concerns (21%, +1), followed by health care (19%, -5), the environment (6%, -4) and immigration (6%, +3).

Almost half of Canadians (47%, +5) would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy. Fewer than two-in-five (37%, -7) are comfortable with Trudeau at the helm.

Only 42% of Canadians (-2) are satisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since their March 2022 supply and confidence agreement—including 70% of Liberal voters in 2021 and 55% of NDP voters in the same federal election.

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

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

Photo Credit: Hutima

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

Across the country, appetite for pizza with pineapple has decreased from 73% in 2021 to 68% this year. 

Vancouver, BC [November 17, 2023] – More than four-in-five Canadians would consume one of the staples of Québécoise cuisine, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 82% of Canadians say they would “definitely” or “probably” eat poutine, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2021.

Poutine is particularly popular among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (84%) and aged 18-to-34 (82%). More than three-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (77%) would also try this dish.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (68%, -5) would eat pizza with pineapple, while 29% (+5) would not.

At least seven-in-ten residents of British Columbia (81%), Alberta (76%), Ontario (71%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (70%) would consume Hawaiian pizza. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (62%) and Quebec (54%).

Just over half of Canadians (51%, +1) would try a plant-based hamburger patty—a proportion that rises to 57% among those aged 18-to-34 and to 63% among those who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%, -2) would consume a steak with ketchup, including 47% of British Columbians and 46% of Conservative Party voters in 2021.

The rating remains low for four other dishes. Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians would “definitely” or “probably” eat prairie oysters (27%, =), shark fin soup (20%, -1), cod tongues (also 20%, +1) and scrunchions (17%, -2).

“As was the case two years ago, Quebecers and Ontarians are particularly fond of prairie oysters (29% each),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The delicacy is not as popular in Alberta (21%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (19%).”

When Canadians were asked to select up to three ingredients to design their own pizza, more than half (53%, +2) chose pepperoni, while 39% (-8) favoured mushrooms.

About one-in-four Canadians (24%, +6) would add sausage to their pizza, while fewer selected other ingredients, including green pepper (22%, -2), onion (21%, -2), ham (17%, -1), chicken (16%, +3) and pineapple (also 16%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 10 to November 12, 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 plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Photo Credit: Jen Arrr

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 See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

Only 26% of the country’s residents think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job.

Vancouver, BC [November 10, 2023] – Most Canadians believe more should be done to attain full gender equality in the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 57% of Canadians—and 62% of women—think that, in developed nations such as Canada, there is still a long way to go in order to achieve full gender equality.

Only 26% of Canadians—and 33% of men—believe developed nations such as Canada have already achieved full gender equality.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%) believe the federal government should be doing more to improve gender equality in the country—a proportion that rises to 50% among women and 52% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Just over half of Canadians (53%) think that, compared to 20 years ago, the overall situation of women in Canada is better. Just over three-in-ten (31%) think there has been no change, while 11% claim the situation has worsened.

“Practically three-in-five men in Canada (59%) believe there has been progress on gender equality in the past two decades,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of women in Canada (46%) concur.”

Just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) think women and men in Canada are paid the same salary when working the same job, while more than three-in-five (61%) disagree.

While one third of men (33%) believe gender pay equity already exists in Canada, only 19% of women share the same point of view.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians believe women generally have the same opportunities as men to get a university degree (86%) and be financially independent (74%). Agreement is lower on two other activities: becoming elected politicians (64%) and becoming CEOs of private companies or corporations (52%).

Just over one-in-twenty Canadians (6%) say that, generally speaking, they are less likely to vote for a woman running for political office. More than seven-in-ten (72%) say this fact would have no impact on their vote, while 15% are more likely to vote for female candidates.

Half of Canadians (50%) support establishing quotas so that a minimum mandatory number of women occupy seats in the House of Commons and the Senate, while 38% are opposed to this idea and 12% are undecided.

Support for gender quotas in Parliament is highest among women (58%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (also 58%) and residents of Atlantic Canada (56%).

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%) support implementing policies to allow both mothers and fathers to take paid parental leave when having a child.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 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, 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

Perceptions on Premiers Sour in Most Canadian Provinces

Fewer than three-in-ten Quebecers (28%) think their province would be better off as its own country.

Vancouver, BC [November 3, 2023] – Animosity towards sitting provincial heads of government is on the rise across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians believe their province would be better off with a different premier at the helm, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2023.

More than three-in-five residents of Ontario (64%, +4) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (61%, =) think they would do better under different premiers. The proportions are lower in Alberta (58%, +3), Atlantic Canada (56%, +8), Quebec (55%, +13) and British Columbia (47%, +7).

Just over half of Canadians (52%, =) think their province would be better off with a different prime minister in Ottawa. Half of Albertans (50%, -16) and Ontarians (50%, -2) express this view, along with 43% of Quebecers (+1).

Animosity towards Justin Trudeau is higher in British Columbia (55%, -2), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (59%, -6) and Atlantic Canada (67%, +13).

“More than half of men in Canada (55%, -3) think the country would be better off with a different prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of women who feel the same way is slightly lower, but rising (49%, +4).”

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, -1) believe their province would be better off as its own country—a proportion that climbs to 28% in Quebec (-1) and 27% in both Alberta (-1) and British Columbia (+3).

Only 18% of Canadians think their province would be better off would be better off joining the U.S. and becoming an American state. In Alberta, 26% of residents (+5) feel this way.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 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, 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

Trudeau and Harper Governments Split Views in British Columbia

More than three-in-five (62%) think the allegations made by the current prime minister on India are believable.

Vancouver, BC [November 1, 2023] – More than half of British Columbians appear dissatisfied with the current federal administration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 36% of British Columbians think the province has been treated “very well” or “well” by the federal government under Justin Trudeau, while more than half (52%) consider it has been treated “poorly” or “very poorly”.

When asked about the previous federal government, 40% of British Columbians believe the province was treated “very well” or “well” when Stephen Harper served as prime minister, while the same proportion (40%) claim it was treated “poorly” or “very poorly”.

“More than half of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (53%) think the province has been treated poorly by the current prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 34% of them feel the same way about the previous head of government.”

The federal government currently features four ministers who represent constituencies in British Columbia.

About a third of British Columbians (32%) approve of the performance of Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness & Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada. The proportions are lower for Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources (29%), Carla Qualtrough, Minister of Sport and Physical Activity (28%) and Terry Beech, Minister of Citizens’ Services (24%).

The survey also assessed the perceptions of British Columbians on bilateral relations between Canada and India. Over the past month, 58% of the province’s residents have followed news stories related to this topic “very closely” or “moderately closely”—including 75% of those of South Asian origins.

In September, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau revealed that Canadian intelligence services were investigating “credible allegations of a potential link between agents of the Government of India” and the killing of Canadian citizen Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (62%) think the allegations made by Trudeau are “believable”, while 17% consider them “not believable” and 20% are undecided.

Majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Liberal Party (73%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%) and the Conservative Party (57%) in the 2021 federal election think Trudeau’s claims are “believable.”

Majorities of British Columbians express concern about the well-being of Canadians living in and travelling to India (58%), believe India should be included in the recently announced Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions (55%) and say their opinion of India has worsened as a result of these allegations (53%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 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

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

More than three-in-five Canadians continue to agree with the legalization of marijuana. 

Vancouver, BC [October 27, 2023] – Almost three-in-five Canadians think companies should be able to administer drug tests to any employee now that marijuana is legal, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 58% of Canadians think these drug tests should “definitely” or “probably” be allowed, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, +5) are in favour of the federal government providing expungement orders to people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic.

In Canada, an expungement order compels police forces, federal departments or agencies to destroy or remove any judicial record of a conviction.

The notion of pardons for people convicted of possession of cannabis for personal use with no intent to traffic is more popular in Ontario (72%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (71%), Alberta (70%), Quebec (68%), Atlantic Canada (65%) and British Columbia (also 65%).

Across the country, 64% of Canadians (-2) agree with marijuana being legal, while three-in-ten (31%, +1) disagree.

“Support for the legalization of marijuana is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (66%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (56%) and those aged 18-to-34 (48%).”

Fewer than one-in-eight Canadians believe it is time to legalize other substances, such as ecstasy (12%, +2), powder cocaine (also 12%, +2), heroin (10%, =), crack cocaine (also 10%, +2), methamphetamine or “crystal meth” (9%, +1) or fentanyl (also 9%, +1).

More than half of Canadians (53%) claim to have never consumed marijuana in the country. A third (33%) say they tried cannabis before legalization, while 13% only used it after it became legal in October 2018.

Canadians who have consumed marijuana after legalization where asked where they bought their product. Almost half (48%) state that “all” of their cannabis was acquired at a licensed retailer. Fewer than one-in-five (17%, -3) say “none” of it came from a licensed retailer.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 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 plus or minus 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

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

Vancouver, BC [October 20, 2023] – The proportion of Canadians who regard immigration with pessimism has increased markedly in the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 38% of Canadians believe immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country, up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, -9) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect, while 17% (-2) are not sure.

Just over a third of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election (34%, -12) think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada. The proportions are larger among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (57%, -12) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (50%, -10) two years ago.

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%, +14) think the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada should decrease, while 37% (-2) would maintain the current levels and 17% (-8) would increase them.

“Half of Albertans (50%) think fewer legal immigrants should be allowed into Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents feel the same way in Atlantic Canada (45%), Ontario (42%), British Columbia (41%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%) and Quebec (28%).”

Almost two thirds of Canadians (65%, =) believe immigrants should only be allowed in Canada if they adopt Canadian values, while three-in-four (75%, =) think the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better.

Canadians are deeply divided when asked to choose between two concepts related to immigration. While 45% (+2 since July 2021) believe Canada should be a “mosaic” where cultural differences are valuable and preserved, 42% (+7) prefer a “melting pot”, where Immigrants assimilate and blend into society.

The concept of the “mosaic” is more popular in Atlantic Canada (51%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 51%), followed by Alberta (47%), Ontario (also 47%), British Columbia (45%) and Quebec (39%).

The “melting pot” is preferred by almost half of Quebecers (48%), but drops in Alberta (44%), Ontario (43%), British Columbia (41%), Atlantic Canada (35%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 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 plus or minus 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: Alexandre Moreau

Liberal-NDP Merger Would Not Hurt Conservatives in Canada

Half of Canadians disagree with the two centre-left parties joining forces before the next election to the House of Commons.

Vancouver, BC [October 13, 2023] – A merged political organization encompassing the Liberal Party and the New Democratic Party (NDP) would still trail the Conservative Party in a Canadian federal campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to ponder their options in a federal election if the Liberals and the New Democrats merged into a single party.

If the new party contested the election under current Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau, the Conservatives would be in first place among decided voters with 42%, followed by the new party (36%), the Bloc Québécois (8%), the Green Party (also 8%) and the People’s Party (2%).

In this scenario, the merged Liberal-NDP party trails in Ontario (38% to 43%) and British Columbia (35% to 49%). In Quebec, the new party has a six-point lead over the Bloc (39% to 33%, with the Conservatives at 21%).

If the new party were headed by current NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, the Conservatives would still be ahead nationally (43%), followed by the merged Liberal-NDP party (36%), the Bloc (9%), the Greens (7%) and the People’s Party (2%).

Once again, the Conservatives have an advantage over the new party in Ontario (44% to 38%) and British Columbia (50% to 35%), but are third in Quebec (21%, with the new party at 36% and the Bloc at 35%).

“Canadians aged 35-to-54 are particularly unenthused about the prospect of a merged Liberal-NDP party contesting the next federal election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Among these voters, support for the new entity stands at 35% with Trudeau and at 31% with Singh.”

The survey also gauged three ideas that could materialize before the next federal election. Half of Canadians (50%) oppose a full merger between the Liberals and the NDP, while 36% are in favour.

Support for a true merger between the two parties stands at 56% among Liberal voters in the last federal election and at 36% among those who cast ballots for NDP candidates in 2021.

The notion of the Liberals and the NDP only running candidates from one of the two parties in every riding in Canada is backed by 35% of Canadians and rejected by 49%. Conservative voters in 2021 are particularly opposed to this idea (70%).

Just under half of Canadians (48%) would support a formal agreement between the Liberals and the New Democrats to share power in a coalition government, while 43% disagree and 10% are undecided.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 6 to October 8, 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 plus or minus 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

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

While 46% regard the new technology as “a threat”, 40% see it as “an opportunity” for humanity.

Vancouver, BC [October 11, 2023] – The future of artificial intelligence (AI) is splitting views across Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians think AI is “a threat”, while 40% consider it “an opportunity” for humanity.

On a regional basis, belief in AI as an opportunity for humanity is highest in Alberta (45%), followed by British Columbia (44%), Quebec (also 44%), Ontario (41%), Atlantic Canada (40%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (30%).

“More than a third of Canadians in the lowest income bracket (36%) think of artificial intelligence as an opportunity,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are significantly higher among respondents in the other income brackets (each at 44%).”

Three-in-five Canadians (60%) have followed news stories about AI “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past year—including 67% of those aged 18-to-34 and 66% of those aged 35-to-54.

At least seven-in-ten Canadians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about three issues: AI causing an event that leads to the loss of human life (70%), AI leading to less intelligent students at schools of universities (73%) and AI taking over jobs currently performed by humans (77%).

The notion of AI eventually producing less intelligent students is a concern for 75% of women, 77% of Canadians aged 55 and over and 79% of Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election.

At this stage, Canadians are not particularly confident in politicians to develop and manage AI. Only 34% trust the federal government. The rating is similar for provincial governments (33%) and lower for international governments (22%).

About three-in-five Canadians express confidence in doctors and nurses (62%) and universities (59%) to develop and manage AI. The rating is lower for tech executives (40%) and business executives and CEOs (24%).

Most Canadians (55%) are currently in favour of slowing down the development of AI. Smaller proportions would prefer to continue to develop AI as quickly as possible (20%) or abandon its development altogether (13%).

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on September 27 and September 28, 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 plus or minus 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

More Canadians “Watching Their Mouth” in Public Conversations

Almost three-in-five say they “frequently” or “occasionally” swear when talking to friends.

Vancouver, BC [September 29, 2023] – More Canadians are making an effort to avoid uttering swear words in public, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they always alter the way they speak to make sure they do not swear in public, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2021.

The same proportion of Canadians (44%, -5) sometimes alter the way they speak so as not to swear in front of certain people, while 12% (-3) never alter the way they speak and do not worry if a curse word comes out.

“Canadians aged 35-to-54 are the least likely to always avoid swearing in public (38%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (46%) and aged 55 and over (48%).”

On a regional basis, residents of Ontario are the most likely to always watch their language in public (47%), followed by those in Alberta (46%), British Columbia (also 46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (43%), Quebec (41%) and Atlantic Canada (35%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (72%, +12) say they hear their friends swear “frequently” or “occasionally”. There are also slight increases in the proportion of Canadians who are exposed to curse words in conversations with relatives (55%, +6), co-workers (52%, +4) and strangers (also 52%, +2).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +9) acknowledge relying on swear words “frequently” or “occasionally” themselves when talking to friends. The numbers are lower when it comes to the personal use of swear words in chats with relatives (43%, +7), co-workers (39%, +8) and strangers (26%, +9).

Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election are more likely to use swear words “frequently” or “occasionally” when talking with friends (68%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (60%) or the Conservative Party (52%).

An open-ended question sought to collect the swear words that Canadians say the most. Two-in-five respondents wrote “f*ck” (40%), while just under a quarter (23%) chose “sh*t” or “m*rd*”. Just under one-in-five Canadians (17%) claim to not say any swear words.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from September 20 to September 22, 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 plus or minus 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

Many Canadians Still Displeased with Drivers as Bad Habits Drop

The proportion of Canadians who witnessed a driver turning without signaling fell by 10 points since 2022.

Vancouver, BC [September 22, 2023] – While fewer Canadians recall seeing five improper behaviours on the road, almost half continue to think that drivers in their municipality are not as good as they used to be, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 46% of Canadians believe drivers in their city or town are worse now than five years ago, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

Most residents of Atlantic Canada (52%, -9) think local drivers are not as good as they were in 2018. The proportions are lower in Quebec (47%, +13), Ontario (also 47%, +-9), British Columbia (45%, -12), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (42%, =) and Alberta (41%, -2).

“More than half of Canadians aged 55 and over (56%, -2) are convinced that drivers in their city or town are worse now than five years ago,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (43%, -9) and aged 18-to-34 (37%, +3).”

The annual survey also measures the incidence of specific occurrences on the country’s roads. Over the past month, just under three-in-five Canadians (59%, -10) recall seeing a driver not signalling before a turn, including 66% of Albertans.

Half of Canadians (50%, -4) recently witnessed a car taking up two or more spots in a parking lot, while fewer recall drivers not stopping at an intersection (45%, -4), drivers turning right or left from an incorrect lane (35%, -5) or a close call, such as having to slam the brakes or steer violently to avoid a collision (34%, -3).

For practically three-in-five Canadians (59%, +1), there are specific groups or people in their city or town who are worse drivers than others.

For the third consecutive year, the top four responses offered by Canadians on this open-ended question are “young” (33%, -7), “elderly” (21%, +3), “Asian (16%, -3) and “immigrant” (12%, +4).

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

Conservative Party Holds Six-Point Lead Over Liberals in Canada

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

Canadians Deeply Divided on Use of Biometrics for Purchases

Smartphone payments are gaining ground among Canadians aged 18-to-34, while those aged 55 and over prefer credit cards.

Vancouver, BC [September 6, 2023] – Support for the notion of paying for goods and services through biometrics has grown in Canada over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they would like to see people relying on fingerprints, palm recognition or iris scans to make purchases in their lifetime, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%, -4) say they would not like to see body measurements and calculations being used to buy things, while 11% (-1) are undecided.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (54%) would welcome a world where payments can be made through biometrics,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (44%) and aged 55 and over (31%) are not as certain.”

Just under one-in-four Canadians (23%, +5) expect to be able to rely on biometrics to make purchases in the next five years, while a third (33%, +1) foresee this option becoming available in the next 10 years.

Canadians were also asked how much have they have used specific methods to buy things over the course of the past month.

Fewer than one-in-five financial transactions in Canada (18%) involved the use of cash, while two-in-five (40%) were made through a credit card and just under three-in-ten (28%) entailed a debit card.

Canadians across the country were less likely to make payments through a smartphone (7%), an e-transfer (6%) or a cheque (2%).

Credit cards are the method used in half of all purchases made by Canadians aged 55 and over (50%). Reliance on this method is lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (41%) and aged 18-to-34 (31%).

Fewer than three-in-ten transactions across all age groups are handled with a debit card. Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to use their smartphone to make purchases (10%) than their older counterparts.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, =) say there was a time in the past month when they did not have any paper money with them and had to make a purchase of less than $10 with their credit or debit card.

Ontarians (71%) and Albertans (70%) are more likely to report having made a small purchase with a credit or debit card in the past month.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 17 to August 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, 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

Negative View of Using Animals in Rodeos Increases in Canada

Majorities of Canadians are also opposed to keeping animals in zoos or aquariums, killing animals for their fur and trophy hunting.

Vancouver, BC [September 1, 2023] – Just over two thirds of Canadians are against the use of animals in rodeos, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 67% of Canadians are opposed to the practice, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, -5) are in favour of using animals in rodeos—a proportion that rises to 31% in Alberta and to 30% in Atlantic Canada.

Since 2019, the proportion of Canadians who approve of the use of animals in rodeos has fallen by 10 points,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of women (73%) and men (59%) are currently opposed to this type of entertainment.”

As was the case last year, most Canadians are in favour of eating animals (75%, +3) and hunting animals for meat (63%, +1).

The issue of keeping animals in zoos and aquariums is decidedly more contentious, with 35% of Canadians (-4) saying they are in favour of this practice and 56% (+3) voicing opposition to it.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to be against keeping animals in zoos and aquariums (63%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (54%) and aged 55 and over (53%).

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians are in favour of killing animals for their fur (18%, +1) or hunting animals for sport (trophy hunting) (14%, =).

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2021 federal election are slightly more likely to have no problem with trophy hunting (20%) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (15%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (13%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 17 to August 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, 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

Phone Calls to Strangers Cause Anxiety for Half of Canadians

Residents of the country remain divided on whether text messages or emails are impersonal as modes of communication. 

Vancouver, BC [August 25, 2023] – Many Canadians are not thrilled at the prospect of having to connect by phone with a stranger, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 53% of Canadians say they feel anxious when they have to make a phone call to a person they do not know, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

“Two thirds of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (66%) dread a telephone conversation with a stranger,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (55%) and aged 55 and over (40%).”

As was the case last year, Canadians remain split in their assessment of text messages and emails, with 46% believing this form of communication is impersonal and 47% disagreeing with this notion.

Canadians who reside in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (49%), Ontario (48%) and British Columbia (47%) are more likely to consider text messages and emails as impersonal than their counterparts in Quebec (44%), Atlantic Canada (42%) and Alberta (41%).

Just over two-in-five Canadians (43%) say they would have no problem giving a speech in front of other people—a proportion that drops to 39% among women.

Compared to last year, there is some movement in the preferred modes of communications chosen by Canadians for various tasks.

Just over a third of Canadians (35%, +2) would place a phone call if they had to ask a question to their municipality or City Hall, while 31% (-8) would send an e-mail and 22% (+2) would schedule a meeting in person.

Two-in-five Canadians (41%, +4) would place a phone call if they had to ask a question to their bank, while three-in-ten (31%, -1) would have an in person meeting. Significantly fewer Canadians would communicate with their financial institution via email (11%, -4), app (9%, -2) or text message (7%, +2).

More than three-in-four Canadians (77%, -5) think the best way to end a relationship with someone is in person. For 9% (+2), a text message would be a reasonable way to break up—a proportion that rises to 13% among those aged 18-to-34.

Two thirds of Canadians (68%, -5) would prefer to quit a job in person, while 13% (-2) would leave a position after sending an email, including 19% of Canadians aged 35-to-54.

Canadians remain divided on their preferred way to order food delivery to their home, with very similar proportions opting for a phone call (40%,+1) or an app (38%, -1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 17 to August 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, 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

Three-in-Five Canadians Side with Human-Made Climate Change

More than one-in-four believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes.

Vancouver, BC [August 18, 2023] – The proportion of Canadians who think humans are responsible for global warming has dropped over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 60% of Canadians think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, down nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022.

More than one-in-four Canadians (27%, +7) think global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes, while 8% (+3) say climate change is a theory that has not yet been proven.

“More than four-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (82%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (81%) in the 2021 federal election say climate change is mostly caused by emissions,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 47% of Conservative Party voters feel the same way.”

More than tree-in-five residents of Atlantic Canada (63%), Quebec (also 63%) and Ontario (61%) think global warming is human-made. The proportions are lower in British Columbia (58%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (55%) and Alberta (52%).

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, -5) describe climate change as a “major crisis”—a proportion that rises to 71% among Canadians aged 55 and over and to 74% among Quebecers.

When it comes to dealing with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now, two thirds of Canadians think governments (68%, -1), as well as companies and corporations (also 68%, -7), should be doing more. Significantly fewer (58%, -9) believe individuals and consumers should also be playing a larger role.

When asked about actions that could be taken now to curb the impact of climate change in the future, the responses are similar. About two thirds of Canadians want companies and corporations (68%, -8) and governments (67%, -5) to do more, while fewer (60%, -8) think this is also the responsibility of individuals and consumers.

Just over three-in-five parents (61%, -24) claim to recycle more after conversations with their children motivated them to do so. Fewer parents are engaging in other behaviours, such as taking shorter showers (36%, -11) or driving less than usual (35%, -20).

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  

Some Canadians Willing to Pay Higher Taxes to Deal with Issues

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

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

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

Most Young Canadians Experience “Ghosting” in Life and Work

More than four-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 say someone abruptly ended communication with them without explanation.

Vancouver, BC [August 2, 2023] – More than half of Canadians have endured “ghosting” from a person they know or had a conversation with, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 55% of Canadians acknowledge having been “ghosted” over the course of their lives—including 81% of those aged 18-to-34.

The term “ghosting” has been used to refer to people who abruptly end communication with someone without explanation. Almost four-in-five Canadians (79%) are familiar with the term, including 83% of women and 91% of those aged 18-to-34.

Most instances of “ghosting” endured by Canadians are related to a friend (32%), a person they went out with (23%) or a relative (17%).

Fewer Canadians have been “ghosted” by a person they talked to during a job interview or hiring process (15%), a person they had a telephone conversation with for work-related purposes (9%) or a prospective client who sought information about their business (8%).

There is a significant generational gap when it comes to “ghosting”, particularly on friendship. While practically half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (49%) have been unable to connect with a friend they sought out, the proportion is lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (34%) and aged 55 and over (16%).

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%) have “ghosted” someone over the course of their lives, including friends (25%), someone they went out with (21%) or relatives (13%).

More than three-in-five Canadians say they would prefer to be told what happened—and not endure “ghosting”—when looking for a job (63%), dating (64%) or during work-related interactions (73%).

Canadians are divided on whether everyone should rely on “ghosting” if they so desire, with 44% saying the practice is sometimes appropriate, and 42% believing it is never appropriate. Only 2% of Canadians think “ghosting” is always appropriate.

“Just over three-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (61%), who rely more often on electronic modes of communication, say that ‘ghosting’ is sometimes appropriate,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, more than half of Canadians aged 55 and over (56%) think the practice is never appropriate.”

Residents of three provinces are more likely to brand “ghosting” as sometimes appropriate: Alberta (54%), British Columbia (49%) and Ontario (48%). Those who reside in three other regions of Canada are more likely to say the practice is never appropriate: Quebec (47%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 47%) and Atlantic Canada (46%).

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