Canada – Page 19 – Research Co.

Canadians Expect to Work from Home More After COVID-19

April 17, 2020April 17, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five (63%) believe more companies will phase out business travel in favour of teleconferencing.

Vancouver, BC [April 17, 2020] – The way Canadian workers are currently dealing with the COVID-19 outbreak will have repercussions on how we conduct business in the future, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 73% of Canadians think more people will “definitely” or “probably” work from home than before once the COVID-19 outbreak ends.

In addition, 63% of Canadians expect more companies to phase out business travel in favour of teleconferencing.

“Many Canadians believe some of the current features of their job will remain in place once offices are fully operational again,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Two thirds of Atlantic Canadians (67%) and Quebecers (also 67%) believe meetings that do not require travel will become the norm.”

Canadians who are currently working from home instead of their regular office were asked about specific issues they are facing as they fulfill their duties during the COVID-19 outbreak.

Almost two thirds of Canada’s “provisional home workers” (65%) hope they would like to be able to work from home more often after the COVID-19 outbreak has passed—a proportion that jumps to 72% among men and 76% among those aged 55 and over.

Across the country, 62% of “provisional home workers” say working from home has been easier than they originally thought, but almost half (46%) are having a difficult time working due to the distractions at home.

Home distractions are a big concern for “provisional home workers” in British Columbia (55%), while only 23% of those in Atlantic Canada feel the same way.

Two thirds of “provisional home workers” in Canada (67%) say they miss interacting with other people at their regular office, and a smaller proportion (44%) miss commuting to their workplace.

“Provisional home workers” in Quebec are more likely to say their miss their daily commute (50%), followed by those who reside in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (47%), Ontario (44%), British Columbia (43%), Atlantic Canada (39%) and Alberta (38%).

Four-in-five “provisional home workers” (80%) feel their company trusts they are doing their work from home, and almost seven-in-ten (69%) believe their company is perfectly equipped for them to carry on with their duties from home.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from April 9 to April 11, 2020, 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 full dataset 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

Public Approval for Handling of COVID-19 Improves in Canada

April 14, 2020May 14, 2020By Mario Canseco

Among provincial administrations, Quebec has the highest level of satisfaction (88%) and Alberta the lowest (57%).

Vancouver, BC [April 14, 2020] – Most Canadians remain pleased with the way their governments are managing the COVID-19 outbreak, although there are some substantial differences in specific provinces, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 68% of Canadians are satisfied with the way the federal government has handled the COVID-19 outbreak, up two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in March.

“As was the case last month, Canadians aged 55 and over (71%) are more likely to endorse Ottawa’s performance on COVID-19,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians aged 35-to-54 (68%) and aged 18-to-34 (66%) are also satisfied.”

Just over a third of Canadians (34%) think former prime minister Stephen Harper would be doing a better job handling the COVID-19 outbreak than current head of government Justin Trudeau, while half (50%) disagree with this assessment.

Significantly smaller proportions of Canadians believe Conservative Party leader Andrew Scheer (25%), and leadership candidates Peter MacKay (23%) and Erin O’Toole (17%) would be performing better than Trudeau.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, +5) are satisfied with how their municipal government has handled the outbreak. More than three-in-four (77%, +7) feel the same way about their provincial government.

Residents of Quebec continue to provide the highest marks for their provincial administration on COVID-19 (88%, +4), followed by Atlantic Canada (80%, +13), Ontario (78%, +12), British Columbia (72%, +3), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (70%, +16%) and Alberta (57%, -8).

Canadians are split when asked if their province’s previous premier would be doing a better job handling the COVID-19 outbreak than the current one. While 39% believe this would be the case, 41% disagree.

In Ontario and British Columbia, just over a third of residents (36% and 35% respectively) believe their former premier would be doing a better job handling the COVID-19 outbreak than the current one. Larger proportions of residents (43% and 44% respectively) disagree with this assessment.

Quebecers are almost evenly divided between the previous premier (42%) and the current one (38%).

In Alberta, more than half of residents (54%) would prefer to have their former premier in charge during the COVID-19 outbreak, while 29% would prefer to keep the current one.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from April 6 to April 8, 2020, 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 full dataset 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

COVID-19 Fosters Interest in National and Local News in Canada

April 10, 2020April 9, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than two-in-five Canadians have received or seen messages featuring unproven claims about COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [April 10, 2020] – Most Canadians are paying attention to accurately sourced news related to the COVID-19 outbreak, but more than two-in-five have been exposed to messages featuring unverified assertions about the virus, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than three-in-five Canadians have sought information on the COVID-19 outbreak through national news outlets (69%), briefings and press conferences by the Prime Minister (67%) and local news outlets (62%).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%) have watched briefings and press conferences by their Premier, provincial ministers and health authorities, while fewer have visited the Health Canada website (46%) and provincial government health websites (40%).

Practically four-in-five Canadians aged 55 and over (79%) have watched the prime minister’s briefings and press conferences, compared to 67% among Canadians aged 35-to-54 and 60% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

“There is a noticeable gender gap when it comes to seeking information about COVID-19 online,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half of Canadian women (53%) have visited the Health Canada website, compared to only 44% of men.”

Almost two thirds of residents of Atlantic Canada (65%) and Quebec (also 65%) have watched the press briefings from provincial public servants, compared to 58% in both Ontario and British Columbia, 53% in Alberta and 50% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

Across the country, 56% of Canadians did not recall receiving or seeing any of five messages—by email, text, WhatsApp or in social media—featuring unproven claims about COVID-19.

More than one-in-four Canadians were exposed to messages claiming that COVID-19 is an artificially created biological weapon (27%) and that COVID-19 was created in a laboratory (26%).

Smaller proportions of Canadians recalled claims about COVID-19 originating in the United States (14%) and that getting more sunlight can protect against the virus (10%).

More than four-in-five Canadians who saw the message related to COVID-19’s hypothetical creation in a laboratory believe it is “definitely” or “probably” true (43%). Similar proportions feel the same way about sunlight providing protection against the virus (39%) and the virus being an artificially created biological weapon (38%).

Fewer Canadians who recalled an assertion about COVID-19’s supposed American origin find the claim believable (28%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 30 to April 1, 2020, 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 full dataset 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

Half of Canadians Concerned About Savings and Investments

April 7, 2020April 7, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than a third have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about their employer running into serious financial trouble.

Vancouver, BC [April 7, 2020] – The proportion of Canadians who are apprehensive about specific economic issues during the COVID-19 outbreak is higher than it was during the global financial crisis of 2008, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 52% of Canadians say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about the safety of their savings in the past month.

Half of Canadians (50%) have worried about the value of their investments over the past four weeks, while slightly fewer have been concerned “frequently” or “occasionally” about unemployment affecting their household (46%), being able to pay mortgage or rent (41%) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (37%).

Compared to a similar survey conducted in September 2008—as the global financial crisis was developing—the proportion of Canadians who are troubled about the safety of their savings and the value of their investments has increased by 15 points and 12 points respectively.

“In late September 2008, 51% of Canadians had not worried at all about being able to pay their mortgage or rent,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In early April 2020, only 41% feel the same way.”

The incidence of specific concerns varies across the country. At this point, Ontarians are the most worried about the safety of savings (59%), Albertans about unemployment affecting their household (52%) and British Columbians about being able to pay mortgage or rent (46%).

While only one-in-five Canadians aged 55 and over (20%) have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about their employer running into serious financial trouble, the proportion climbs to 41% among Canadians aged 35-to-54 and 50% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

When asked about investments, almost two thirds of Canadians (65%) say they plan to keep their current long-term strategy, while only 12% are planning to change their approach.

A majority of Canadians (52%) expect the domestic economy to perform better than Italy’s in the next six months.

Smaller proportions of Canadians foresee the domestic economy outpacing France (32%), China (29%), United Kingdom (26%), the United States (23%), Germany (22%) and Japan (20%).

Methodology:

Find our full dataset 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 Miss Family, Friends and Travel Most During COVID-19

April 3, 2020April 2, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-five Canadians are paying attention to the news more often than they did before the outbreak.

Vancouver, BC [April 3, 2020] – As Canadians remain mostly confined to their homes on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, more than two-in-five are finding it challenging to relinquish personal contact with family and friends, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 45% of Canadians say it has been hard to give up seeing family members in person during the outbreak.

A similar proportion of Canadians (44%) say it has been difficult to give up seeing friends in person, while 41% find it hard to not be able to travel.

“Albertans are more likely to say that being away from family members during the COVID-19 outbreak has been difficult (49%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than half of British Columbians (53%) feel the same way about being away from friends.”

More than a third of Canadians say it has been hard to abandon dining out in restaurants (38%) and being able to attend entertainment events, such as concerts, plays or movies (36%).

A smaller proportion of Canadians (32%) say it has been difficult to be without live sports—a proportion that rises to 41% among Canadian men.

Just over half of Canadians with children aged 14 or younger (51%) say it has been easy having their kids at home all day on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, while 44% say the experience has been difficult.

When asked about specific activities, more than three-in-five Canadians (61%) say they are following the news—either reading, listening to or watching—more often than they did a few weeks ago.

More than a third of Canadians say they are participating more regularly in entertainment activities that involve electronics (such as tablets, smartphones or video game consoles) (41%), streaming content online (such as movies or television shows) (40%) and communicating with relatives (36%).

Slightly smaller proportions of Canadians are exercising at home (30%), reading books (27%), participating in entertainment activities that do not involve electronics (such as board games or puzzles) (20%), ordering food in (14%) and exercising outside their home (10%) more often than before.

One-in-four Canadians who profess a religion (25%) say they are praying more regularly now than they did before, including 29% of women and 36% of those aged 18-to-34.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 21 to March 22, 2020, 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 full dataset 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 Endorse Harsh Punishment for COVID-19 Opportunists

March 31, 2020March 31, 2020By Mario Canseco

Three-in-four would support authorizing jail time for people who are offering bogus cures against the coronavirus.

Vancouver, BC [March 31, 2020] – More than seven-in-ten Canadians believe people who have behaved inappropriately during the COVID-19 outbreak should face legal consequences, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 72% of Canadians voice support for imposing monetary fines for people who ignore their quarantine or self-isolation period.

“Public backing for fining people who disregard their quarantine is highest in Atlantic Canada (79%) and British Columbia (77%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is also high among people who voted for the Liberal Party (77%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (73%) and the Conservative Party (72%) in last year’s federal election.”

Practically four-in-five Canadians (79%) are in favour of imposing monetary fines for people who have bought items and re-sold them at a higher price.

An even larger proportion of Canadians (84%) support imposing monetary fines to people who are offering bogus cures against the coronavirus.

Canadians are evenly divided on whether jail time should be authorized for people who ignore their quarantine or self-isolation period, with 45% voicing support for this idea and 45% saying they are opposed to it.

More than half of Canadians (56%) would be willing to authorize jail time for people who have bought items and re-sold them at a higher price, and three-in-four (74%) would follow the same course of action for people who are offering bogus cures against the coronavirus.

Photo Credit: Sarang

Methodology:

Find our full dataset 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 Satisfied with Governments on COVID-19 Handling

March 24, 2020March 23, 2020By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of Canadians favour implementing a global ban on “wet markets” that sell live animals for human consumption.

Vancouver, BC [March 24, 2020] – Most Canadians are content with the way in which different levels of government have managed the COVID-19 outbreak so far, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, two thirds of Canadians (66%) say they are satisfied with the way the federal government has dealt with the COVID-19 outbreak.

Canadians aged 55 and over (73%) are more likely to express a positive view of Ottawa’s efforts related to COVID-19 than those aged 35-to-54 (64%) and those aged 18-to-34 (60%).

“As expected, public backing for Ottawa’s performance on COVID-19 is particularly high among Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in last year’s election (80%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “But majorities of Canadians who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (67%) and the Conservative Party (54%) are also pleased.”

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) are satisfied with how their provincial governments have handled the current situation, while 64% feel the same way about the performance of their municipal administrations.

Approval of provincial governments is highest in Quebec (84%), followed by British Columbia (69%), Ontario (66%), Alberta (65%), Atlantic Canada (64%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (also 64%).

A “wet market” in Wuhan, China, which sells live animals for human consumption has been mentioned as the place where COVID-19 may have originated.

A sizeable proportion of Canadians (68%) would like to see governments around the world implementing a ban on “wet markets”—including 75% of British Columbians and 73% of Ontarians.

Two thirds of Canadians (66%) believe the Government of the People’s Republic of China should take responsibility for its role in the COVID-19 outbreak. This includes majorities of Canadians who voted for the Conservatives (76%), the Liberals (66%) and the New Democrats (61%) in the 2019 federal election.

Three-in-five Canadians (61%) think it is not acceptable to refer to COVID-19 as the “Chinese virus” or “Chinese flu”. This sentiment is more pronounced among residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (64%) and women (63%).

When asked if the Government of Canada should consider launching legal action against the People’s Republic of China on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, about one third of Canadians (32%) agree but a majority (52%) disagree.

Methodology:

Find our full dataset 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 Continue to Wish for an Elected Senate

March 23, 2020March 23, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than a third of Canadians think the changes implemented by the prime minister have made the upper house better.

Vancouver, BC [March 23, 2020] – More than two-in-five Canadians would welcome the possibility of playing a direct role in the selection of the upper house’s members, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 45% of Canadians think the country needs a Senate, but citizens should be allowed to take part in the process to choose senators.

The proportion of Canadians who want to be allowed to participate in selecting the members of the upper house is highest in British Columbia (52%) and Alberta (51%).

Just over a quarter of Canadians (27%) believe Canada does not need a Senate and would prefer for all legislation to be reviewed and authorized by the House of Commons.

Only 9% of respondents say Canada needs a Senate and want the current guidelines that call for appointed senators to remain unchanged.

When given a choice, two-in-five Canadians (40%) say they would prefer to reform the Senate to allow for the direct election of members of the upper house.

“Support for a reform process that ultimately allows Canadians to cast ballots for Senate candidates grows with age,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 33% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 are fond of this idea, the proportion jumps to 39% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 47% among those aged 55 and over.”

Conversely, three-in-ten Canadians (31%) would rather have a selection committee that would appoint non-partisan Senators, while only 10% would let the prime minister name the new members of the upper house.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has only named senators that were recommended by an arm’s-length advisory body and not directly appointed by him.

More than a third of Canadians (37%) think the changes implemented by Trudeau have made the Senate of Canada “better” than before, while 30% see no change and 16% believe the state of affairs is “worse” now.

More than half of Canadians (54%) expect Canadians to one day “definitely” or “probably” be able to elect their senators, while 29% do not think this scenario will materialize.

Photo Credit: Xiaphias

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from February 22 to February 25, 2020, 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 full dataset 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 Forgoing Social Distancing in COVID-19 Crisis

March 21, 2020March 23, 2020By Mario Canseco

Three-in-ten say it is “reasonable” to attend a gathering of 10 people or fewer—against the advice of health authorities.

Vancouver, BC [March 21, 2020] – While more than seven-in-ten Canadians are resigned to a worsening situation on account of the COVID-19 outbreak, some believe specific activities that could spread the virus are still sensible at this time, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 72% of Canadians think the worst is “definitely” or “probably” ahead of us when it comes to COVID-19.

Albertans (82%), Atlantic Canadians (81%) and residents aged 55 and over (76%) are more likely to believe that the situation will worsen.

Over the past two weeks, health authorities and governments of all levels have urged Canadians to abide by social distancing guidelines and increase the physical space between people to avoid spreading the illness. These recommendations include working from home instead of at the office and avoiding in-person visits to loved ones.

More than one-in-five Canadians (22%) believe visiting elderly relatives, such as parents or grandparents, is “reasonable” at this time—including 28% of those aged 18-to-34, 26% of men and 27% of Ontarians.

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) think it is “reasonable” to hold a gathering of 10 people or fewer at this time.

“Toronto’s chief medical officer of health, Dr. Eileen de Villa, stated on March 18 that having people over for dinner or coffee is not social distancing,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Yet we see that 41% of Canadians aged 18-to-34, 38% of Albertans and 34% of men believe this is reasonable behaviour during the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Significantly fewer Canadians think it is “reasonable” at this point to eat inside restaurants (15%), hold a gathering of more than 10 people (13%) and exercise at gyms or fitness facilities (12%).

Across the country, 82% of Canadians refer to the COVID-19 outbreak as a “major crisis”, including 85% of women, 85% of Quebecers and 92% of Atlantic Canadians.

Conversely, 13% of Canadians believe the outbreak represents a “minor crisis”, while only 3% believe it is “not a crisis at all.”

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 19 to March 20, 2020, 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 full dataset 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 in Canada and U.S. Friendly to Breastfeeding in Public

March 20, 2020March 19, 2020By Mario Canseco

Agreement is lowest among Canadians who voted for the Conservatives and Americans who identify as Republican.

Vancouver, BC [March 20, 2020] – Sizeable majorities of Canadians and Americans have no problem with women breastfeeding in specific public spaces, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 82% of Canadians and 74% of Americans think women should have the right to breastfeed a baby in a park.

Most residents of the two countries believe women should be allowed to breastfeed a baby in a shopping mall (78% in Canada and 71% in the United States), in a restaurant (74% in Canada and 65% in the United States) and in a public transit vehicle (71% in Canada and 68% in the United States).

Conversely, more than one-in-five Canadians are not sympathetic to breastfeeding in public transit vehicles (23%) and at restaurants (21%), while fewer believe the practice should be allowed in shopping malls (16%) and parks (12%).

In the United States, at least one-in-five Americans voice opposition to breastfeeding in each of the four locations: restaurants (28%), public transit vehicles (27%), shopping malls (23%) and parks (20%).

“While most Canadians and Americans preserve the right of women to breastfeed in public, there are some nuances when it comes to opposition,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Some Americans are more likely to resist the practice inside a restaurant, while some Canadians are more hesitant about it happening inside a public transit vehicle.”

Among Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in last year’s federal election, the level of opposition climbs to 31% for breastfeeding in a public transit vehicle.

In the United States, at least a third of those who identify as Republicans are against breastfeeding inside a public transit vehicle (33%) and a restaurant (36%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from February 7 to February 9, 2020, among 1,000 Canadian adults, and an online study conducted from February 6 to February 8, 2020, among 1,000 American adults. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian and U.S. census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for each study, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our full Canadian dataset here, our full American dataset here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most British Columbians Would Steer Clear of Wexit Party

March 13, 2020March 11, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than half of voters in the province would consider casting a ballot for the NDP or the Liberals in the next federal election.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2020] – A minuscule proportion of voters in British Columbia are enthralled by the possibility of the Wexit Party running a candidate in their federal constituency, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, only 15% of British Columbians say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the secessionist political organization in the next federal election.

“Almost two thirds of British Columbians (64%) say they would not contemplate the Wexit Party as an option in the next election to the House of Commons,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 58% of voters aged 18-to-34, 62% of those aged 35-to-54 and 75% of those aged 55 and over .”

More than half of British Columbians say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (58%) and the Liberal Party (56%) in the next federal election.

The voter pool in British Columbia is slightly lower for the Conservative Party (46%) and the Green Party (45%).

More than three-in-five women in the province (63%) would consider supporting the NDP in the next federal election. A similar proportion of female voters would contemplate the Liberals (59%), while fewer would ponder the Greens (45%), the Conservatives (39%) or Wexit (9%).

Among male voters, the NDP also currently has the largest voter pool (55%), with Liberals and Conservatives tied at 51% each. Consideration is lower for the Greens (45%) and Wexit (21%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from March 4 to March 7, 2020, 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 full dataset 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

Half of Canadians Expect to Remain a Monarchy in Twenty Years

March 10, 2020March 10, 2020By Mario Canseco

Queen Elizabeth holds the highest favourability rating in the Royal Family, while Prince Charles remains below the 50% threshold.

Vancouver, BC [March 11, 2020] – While indifference towards the monarchy has increased in Canada, most Canadians believe the country will maintain the current system of government for the next two decades, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 52% of Canadians believe Canada will “definitely” or “probably” be a monarchy twenty years from now, while 27% expect to have an elected head of state by then.

Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, down two points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in 2019) have a favourable opinion of Queen Elizabeth II. The rating is slightly lower for Prince Harry (64%, -6) and Prince William (63%, -8).

More than half of Canadians hold favourable views of Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge (64%, -4), and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex (56%, -4).

The rating is lower for Prince Philip (48%, -6), Prince Charles (44%, +1) and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall (32%, unchanged).

Across the country, 32% of Canadians (down one point since 2019) would prefer for Canada to have an elected head of state, while 27% (down four points) would rather keep the monarchy. The proportion of Canadians who say they do not care either way increased by eight points to 28%.

“The level of support for the continuation of the monarchy in Canada is lowest among women (23%) and among those who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s federal election (20%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “On a regional basis, more than two-in-five Quebecers (41%) would like to have an elected head of state.”

More than a third of Canadians (35, -6%) would prefer to see Prince William as monarch after Queen Elizabeth II dies or abdicates, while 25% (+5) would rather have Prince Charles ascend the throne.

Men are evenly divided when assessing the next monarch (29% for Prince Charles and 29% for Prince William). Women prefer Prince William over Prince Charles by a 2-to-1 margin (41% to 21%).

Methodology:

Find our full dataset here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: Michal Klajban

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Death Penalty Splits Views in Canada and the United States

March 3, 2020March 3, 2020By Mario Canseco

More Canadians than Americans select life imprisonment without parole as their preferred punishment for murder.

Vancouver, BC [March 3. 2020] – More than half of Canadians and Americans are supportive of capital punishment, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 51% of Canadians are in favour of reinstating the death penalty for murder in their country, and 59% of Americans support the possibility of prosecutors relying on capital punishment for murder cases.

Support for reinstating the death penalty in Canada is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (56%) and people who voted for the Conservative Party in the 2019 federal election (68%).

In the United States, the groups that voice the highest support for prosecutors relying on the death penalty are people who voted for Republican Party nominee Donald Trump in the 2016 presidential election (76%) and those who reside in the West (69%).

Supporters of the death penalty in the two North American countries believe that, if a convicted murdered has taken a life, the death penalty fits the crime (60% in Canada and 68% in the United States).

“A sizeable majority of Canadians who are in favour of the return of the death penalty (57%) believe it would save taxpayers money and the costs associated with having murderers in prison,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In the United States, only 43% of supporters of capital punishment feel the same way.”

Opponents of the death penalty in both North American countries are primarily concerned with the possibility of executing a person who was wrongfully convicted (73% in Canada and 65% in the United States).

When asked about their personal point of view about the death penalty, Canadians are more likely to believe that it is “never appropriate” (27%) than Americans (18%).

Conversely, Americans are slightly more likely to say that capital punishment is “always appropriate” (16%) than Canadians (13%).

Almost half of Canadians (47%) select life imprisonment without the possibility of parole over the death penalty (34%) as their preferred punishment in cases of murder.

In the United States, respondents are evenly split when pondering the two approaches (42% for the death penalty and 42% for life imprisonment without parole).

Methodology:

Find our full Canadian dataset here, our full American dataset 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

Conscience Rights on Physician-Assisted Death Split Canadians

February 26, 2020February 26, 2020By Mario Canseco

About two-in-five Canadians would allow health care professionals to object to providing abortion services.

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2020] – While practically half of Canadians are not in favour of legislative action that would entrench conscience rights for health care workers, the country is evenly divided when assessing cases of physician-assisted death, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians agree that health care professionals should have the ability to object to providing services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to physician-assisted death. A similar proportion of Canadians (42%) disagree with this stipulation.

Alberta—where public debate over Bill 207 intensified late last year—has the lowest proportion of residents who would agree to entrench conscience rights in cases of physician-assisted death (38%).

The level of support for a caveat for health care professionals on physician-assisted suicide cases is highest in British Columbia (48%), followed by Quebec (47%), Atlantic Canada (46%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (46%) and Ontario (41%).

When asked about conscience rights on two other instances, Canadians are not as divided. Practically half (49%) disagree with health care professionals objecting to provide services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to abortion, while 39% agree.

A majority of Canadians (58%) disagree with health care professionals objecting to provide services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to serving lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2+) people, while 31% agree.

“Canadians who profess a religion are more likely to extend the ability for health care professionals to have moral or faith-based objections in cases of physician-assisted suicide (52%), abortion (46%) and serving LGBT people (37%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The level of support is considerably lower among Canadians who have no religious affiliation (28%, 24% and 18% respectively).”

Across the country, 49% of Canadians say that they would oppose a bill that sought to allow health care professionals the ability to have a moral or faith-based objection to providing services, while 39% would support this provincial legislation.

Opposition to this type of bill is highest in Alberta (59%), followed by Atlantic Canada (53%), British Columbia (51%), Ontario (49%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45%) and Quebec (42%).

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from February 14 to February 17, 2020, 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 full dataset 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 and Americans Agree on Vaccinations for Children

February 14, 2020March 18, 2020By Mario Canseco

Majorities in both countries believe individuals should decide if they want to get immunized against seasonal diseases.

Vancouver, BC [February 14, 2020] – While four-in-five Canadians endorse the concept of mandatory inoculations for children, the proportion of Americans who feel the same way is smaller, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 81% of Canadians—up three points since a similar study conducted in 2018—believe that vaccinations for children should “definitely” or “probably” be mandatory in their province.

The proportion of Americans who think immunizations for children should “definitely” or “probably” be mandatory in their state is lower (68%).

“More than one-in-four Americans (27%) believe decisions on childhood vaccinations should be made by parents,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of Canadians who would follow this course of action is decidedly lower (12%).”

In Canada, Quebec has the highest proportion of residents (17%) who believe parents should choose whether their children should be vaccinated. In the United States, 30% of residents of the South and the West feel the same way.

When asked about inoculations and seasonal diseases (such as the flu), slim majorities of Canadians and Americans (51% in each country) believe each person should “definitely” or “probably” be allowed to decide whether they want to get vaccinated or not.

Just over two-in-five respondents in each country (44% in Canada and 43% in the United States) feel the flu vaccine should be mandatory for everybody in their province or state.

In the late 1990s, a study published in the weekly medical journal The Lancet—which has since been discredited and retracted—attempted to link childhood vaccination and autism.

In Canada, 26% of respondents to this survey think there is a connection between the childhood vaccine for measles, mumps and rubella and autism. The proportion of Americans who believe this is slightly higher, at 30%.

Respondents aged 18-to-34 in both countries (36% in Canada and 43% in the United States) are more likely to believe in the debunked connection between childhood immunization and autism than their older counterparts.

Methodology:

Find our full Canadian dataset here, our full American dataset here and download the press release here.

Photo Credit: John Keith

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Are Watching More Recorded TV Than Live TV

February 7, 2020March 18, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than four-in-five cable subscribers say there are many channels in their current plan that they never watch.

Vancouver, BC [February 7, 2019] – Canadians who watch television are spending more time enjoying programming that has been digitally recorded than watching shows the moment they air, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to describe how they watch television.

About a third of the time spent by Canadians who watch television (32%) is done through a digital recording device, while 25% of the time is spent watching live television and 23% is spent streaming on online sites, such as Netflix, CraveTV or Disney Plus.

“Women are significantly more likely to watch recorded content (37% of their time) and to stream (28% of their time) than men,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Conversely, men are more likely to be watching live programming than women (34% of their time).”

Streaming is decidedly more popular among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35% of their time) than among those aged 35-to-54 (24% of the time) and those aged 55 and over (11% of the time).

When it comes to cable television, three-in-four Canadian subscribers (75%) say they watch Canadian networks “daily or a few times a week”.

Majorities of Canadian cable subscribers also watch news channels (63%), American networks (61%) and sports channels (53%) “daily or a few times a week”, while fewer watch lifestyle channels (47%), specialty channels (41%) and movie channels (34%) at the same rate.

While 15% of Canadian cable subscribers have a large package with many premium channels, 40% describe their deal as mid-sized, with some premium channels. Equal proportions of cable subscribers have a small package, but not the cheapest (21%) or the cheapest available (also 21%).

More than four-in-five Canadian cable subscribers (83%) say there are many channels included in their current plan that they never watch, and three-in-four (75%) believe they pay too much money for cable television.

Across the country, 59% of Canadian cable subscribers claim to be disappointed with the variety of programming they are getting from their plan—a proportion that grows to 64% in both Atlantic Canada and British Columbia.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from January 23 to January 26, 2020, among 895 adults in Canada who watch television at home. 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 +/- 3.3 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our full data set 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 Remain Opposed to Huawei in 5G Networks

January 31, 2020February 17, 2020By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of respondents think Canada should not work to establish closer ties with China.

Vancouver, BC [January 31, 2019] – A sizeable majority of Canadians continue to believe that a telecommunications company from the People’s Republic of China should be excluded from the 5G spectrum, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The federal government is currently reviewing the guidelines for the development of 5G (or “Fifth Generation”) mobile networks, which are expected to provide Canadians with larger data capacity and faster connections.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, two thirds of Canadians (66%) think the federal government should not allow Huawei to participate in Canada’s 5G mobile networks.

The level of rejection for Huawei’s presence in the 5G spectrum is similar to what was observed by Research Co. in July 2019 (68%), and remains higher than what was first reported in February 2019 (57%).

Canadians aged 55 and over (72%) and British Columbians (81%) are the groups that are voicing the highest opposition to Huawei’s participation in the 5G spectrum.

A series of extradition hearings for Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou were held in the BC Supreme Court earlier this month. Meng was arrested in December 2018 and faces charges in the United States, including bank fraud and obstruction of justice.

Two thirds of Canadians (67%, -5 since July 2019) agree with the way Canadian authorities have acted in this case.

“More than four-in-five Liberal Party voters in last year’s election (83%) endorse the performance of the federal government on the Meng case,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Smaller majorities of federal New Democratic Party (NDP) voters (68%) and Conservative Party voters (53%) concur.”

Following Meng’s arrest, China’s detained two Canadians—Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor—on espionage allegations, and banned exports of Canadian canola, pork and beef.

When asked if Canada should work to establish closer ties with China, one-in-five Canadians (19%, +1 since July 2019) believe that it should, while a majority (67%, -1) think it should not.

In a Research Co. survey conducted in December 2019, 27% of Canadians expressed a positive opinion of China, while 61% had negative views.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from January 23 to January 26, 2020, 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 full data set here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Views of Canadians on Donald Trump Remain Mostly Negative

January 24, 2020February 17, 2020By Mario Canseco

More than half of respondents think the American President has “accomplished little” since taking office.

Vancouver, BC [January 24, 2020] – As the United States gets ready for a presidential election in November, a large majority of Canadians continue to hold negative views on the current occupant of the White House, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians think the presidency of Donald Trump has been “bad” or “very bad” for Canada, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2019.

One-in-five Canadians (21%,+4) believe Trump’s tenure has been “very good” or “good” for Canada, while 18% (=) remain undecided.

“There is a pronounced gender gap when it comes to the perceptions of Canadians on Donald Trump,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 14% of women believe his tenure has been positive for Canada, the proportion increases to 27% among men.”

More than half of Canadians (54%, +17) believe that Trump has “accomplished little” as president, while 16% (+6) think he has “accomplished much” and 16% (-23) say it is too early to judge his achievements as president.

Albertans (24%) and Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in last year’s federal election (30%) are more likely to believe that Trump has “accomplished much” since taking office three years ago.

Three-in-ten Canadians (31%, -15) think Trump has performed “about the same” as they expected, while 16% (+8) feel he has performed “better” than they expected.” More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +4) believe Trump has performed “worse” than they expected.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from January 6 to January 9, 2020, 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 full data set here and download the press release here.

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Views of Canadians on Moral Issues Vary Greatly by Gender

January 22, 2020February 17, 2020By Mario Canseco

Men are significantly more likely than women to believe pornography and prostitution are “morally acceptable.”

Vancouver, BC [January 22, 2020] – More than two thirds of Canadians have no moral qualms when assessing four issues related to human relations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than two thirds of Canadians find contraception (75%), divorce (71%), sexual relations between an unmarried man and woman (70%) and having a baby outside of marriage (68%) as “morally acceptable.”

In addition, at least half of Canadians consider the following issues “morally acceptable”: physician-assisted death (62%), sexual relations between two people of the same sex (61%), abortion (56%) and gambling (50%).

“There are some issues where political allegiance leads to severe fluctuations,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Abortion is morally acceptable for only 45% of Conservative Party voters, but to more than three-in-five Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (61%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%) in last year’s federal election.”

More three-in-ten Canadians believe medical research using stem cells obtained from human embryos (49%), the death penalty (40%), pornography (36%), prostitution (33%) and buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (32%) are “morally acceptable.”

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians think eight other issues are morally acceptable: medical testing on animals (22%), suicide (also 22%), using illegal drugs (21%), cloning animals (19%), polygamy (17%), married men and/or women having an affair (14%), cloning humans (10%) and paedophilia (3%).

There is a sizeable gender gap when Canadians are asked about animals. Men are more likely than women to believe that three issues are morally acceptable: buying and wearing clothing made of animal fur (Men 41%, Women 24%), medical testing on animals (Men 31%, Women 14%) and cloning animals (Men 26%, Women 13%).

Conversely, 45% of men have no moral qualms about pornography or prostitution, but the proportion of women who agree with these views is significantly smaller (28% and 21% respectively).

Ethnicity also plays a role in the perceptions of specific issues. While 23% of Canadians of European descent think using illegal drugs is morally acceptable, the proportion drops to 12% for South Asians and 11% for East Asians.

Methodology:

Find our full data set 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 Are Not Getting Enough Sleep Each Night

January 14, 2020February 17, 2020By Mario Canseco

Money and relationships are the two issues that are more likely to make it harder for Canadians to fall asleep.

Vancouver, BC [January 14, 2020] – Just over a third of Canadians are actually meeting the night sleep guidelines issued by Health Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 35% of Canadians say their typical night’s sleep on a weekday or workday lasts from 7 to 9 hours—matching the recommendations endorsed by Health Canada.

Almost two thirds of Canadians (64%) say they slumber for fewer than 7 hours on a typical night’s sleep on a weekday or workday.

On weekends, the proportion of Canadians who reach the recommended guidelines of 7 to 9 hours of sleep rises to 45%. However, more than half (51%) still spend fewer than 7 hours in bed.

Across the country, 17% of Canadians claim to be “very well rested” after a typical night’s sleep on a weekday or workday, while 53% say they are “moderately well rested.” Conversely, three-in-ten Canadians (30%) are “not too well rested” or “not well rested at all” on a weekday or workday.

Women (38%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35%) and residents of Manitoba and Saskatchewan (34%) are more likely to say that they are usually “not too well rested” or “not well rested at all” when facing a new workday or weekday.

The proportion of Canadians who feel “very well rested” or “moderately well rested” rises to 75% after a typical night’s sleep on a weekend or non-workday.

One-in-four Canadians (25%) say they never find it hard to sleep at night during the course of an average week. More than a third (36%) find it hard to sleep for 1 or 2 days each week, while almost two-in-five (39%) have a difficult time sleeping at least 3 days a week.

Practically half of Canadians (49%) say worrying about money and financial matters made it harder for them to fall asleep at night over the course of the past month.

“Albertans (62%) are significantly more likely to say that they were kept awake by financial concerns than residents of all other regions,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Women are also more likely to have lost sleep because of financial matters than men (54% to 43%).”

Almost a third of Canadians (32%) lost sleep at night because they were concerned about relationships and family, while a similar proportion (29%) had trouble sleeping because of health worries.

About one-in-four Canadians (23%) say they had difficulty falling sleep because they were concerned about work—including 41% of those aged 18-to-34 and 3% of Albertans.

Significantly fewer Canadians say domestic politics and issues (6%) or international politics and issues (also 6%) kept them awake at night.

Methodology:

Results are based on an online study conducted from December 18 to December 20, 2019, 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 full data set 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