Canada – Page 5 – Research Co.

Canadians Think Trump Will Have Negative Impact on the World

January 15, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

Almost half think a Conservative federal government is preferable to properly deal with the effects of the Donald Trump presidency.

Vancouver, BC [January 15, 2025] – Most Canadians have unfavourable expectations when pondering the second presidential term of Donald Trump in the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than half of Canadians believe Trump’s tenure as president will be negative for the world (59%), Canada (also 59%) and their province (56%).

Slightly larger proportions of Canadians also believe Trump’s term at the White House will be negative for the state of political correctness in the world (60%) and the fight against climate change (63%).

“More than a third of Canadian men (38%) think having Donald Trump as president in the United States will be positive for Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion of Canadian women who feel the same way is decidedly lower (26%).”

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (75%) and aged 35-to-54 (56%) believe Trump’s term will be negative for Canada. Among Canadians aged 18-to-34, the proportion drops to 47%.

Just over half of Canadians (51%) think having Joe Biden as President of the United States since January 2021 has been “very good” or “good” for Canada. Conversely, 54% look back at Trump’s first term—from January 2017 to January 2021—and say he was “bad” or “very bad”.

When asked to rely on one of eight emotions to describe their feelings about Trump taking office as President of the United States this month, almost one-in-four Canadians (23%) outline “disgust”, while just under one-in-five (19%) express “fear”.

Other emotions used by Canadians to describe the inauguration of the next American president are “surprise” (12%), “trust” (9%), “joy” (8%), “anticipation” (8%), “sadness” (6%) and “anger” (5%).

Almost half of Canadians (46%) think a Conservative federal government would be better to properly deal with the effects of a Trump presidency, while 31% would rather have a Liberal federal government.

More than half of Albertans (55%) prefer a federal Conservative government to handle Trump. Pluralities across all other regions feel the same way, including Saskatchewan and Manitoba (49%), Ontario (also 49%), Atlantic Canada (44%), British Columbia (42%) and Quebec (41%).

More than one-in-ten Canadians (11%) say they have avoided American restaurant franchises in Canada as a result of Trump’s election. Slightly more Canadians say they have cancelled a planned trip to the United States (13%) or avoided purchasing goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative was available (16%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 3 to January 5, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Conservatives Rise in Canada on Eve of Trudeau’s Resignation

January 7, 2025January 22, 2025By Mario Canseco

Majorities of voters across all regions—with the exception of Quebec—would support the opposition party in an election.

Vancouver, BC [January 7, 2025] – The federal Conservative Party amassed a sizeable lead over the governing Liberal Party in Canada, on the weekend prior to Justin Trudeau’s announced resignation as prime minister, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 47% of decided voters in Canada would support the Conservative candidate in their riding if an election took place tomorrow, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2024.

The governing Liberal Party is a distant second with 21% (-4), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 15% (-2), the Bloc Québécois with 10% (+1), the Green Party with 3% (-3) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

The Conservatives are the most popular party for decided voters in Atlantic Canada (58%, +7), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (57%, +17) Alberta (56%, +1), British Columbia (54%, +4), and Ontario (51%, +12). In Quebec, the Bloc is first (37%, +4), followed by the Conservatives (29%, +8) and the Liberals (21%, -7).

Almost three-in-ten Canadians (29%, -3) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important concern facing the country, followed by the economy and jobs (22%, -3), health care (16%, +1), immigration (13%, +3) and the environment (6%, =).

As was the case in August 2024, Official Opposition and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre has the highest approval rating among all federal leaders (52%, =). The numbers are lower for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (39%, -3), Prime Minister and Liberal leader Trudeau (34%, =), Green leader Elizabeth May (32%, -3), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (27%, +2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (23%, -3).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, Poilievre is first with 39% (+2), followed by Trudeau (21%, -1) and Singh (12%, -2).

A majority of Canadians (55%, +1) say they would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy. Just over a third (34%, =) are currently comfortable with Trudeau in this position.

The survey re-asked some questions posed to Canadians in October 2023 about possible cooperation between the Liberals and the New Democrats.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%, -7) would welcome a formal agreement where the Liberal Party and the NDP share power in a coalition government. Fewer are in favour of two other ideas: an agreement to only run candidates from one of the two parties in every riding in Canada in the next federal election (34%, -1) or a full merger between the two parties (33%, -3).

When Canadians ponder a vote with a merged Liberal-NDP party, the Conservatives remain ahead in scenarios with Trudeau (48% to 31%) or Singh (46% to 34%) as leaders of the new political organization.

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

Career is Becoming a Priority for Canadians and Americans

January 6, 2025January 5, 2025By Mario Canseco

While 54% of Americans say country is “very important” to them personally, only 47% of Canadians concur.

Vancouver, BC [January 6, 2025] – The perceptions of Canadians and Americans on specific features of life have shifted over the past couple of years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 76% of Canadians and 74% of Americans say family is “very important” to them personally. This represents a three-point increase in Canada since 2023 and a three-point drop in the United States since 2022.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) say friends are “very important” to them. The proportions are lower for country (47%, +2), career (38%, +6), religion (26%, +1) and affluence (15%, +2).

In the United States, majorities of residents consider friends (56%, +1) and country (54%, +3) as “very important”. Fewer Americans feel the same way about career (41%, +1), religion (40%, +2) and affluence (21%, +9).

Just over two-in-five Americans aged 55 and over (43%) say religion is “very important” to them. The numbers are significantly lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (22%).

“In 2020 and 2021, only 29% of Canadians said career was very important to them,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion in 2024 is nine points higher.”

Fewer than three-in-five Canadians (57%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual.” In the United States, seven-in-ten residents (70%, +3) feel this way.

More than half of Canadians (51%, +2) and almost two thirds of Americans (65%, +2) describe their religious faith as Christian. Just under a third of Canadians (32%, -2) and fewer than one-in-four Americans (23%, -2) say they are atheist, agnostic or have no religious faith.

The Canadian province with the largest proportion of atheist, agnostic or non-religious residents is British Columbia (45%, +4). In the United States, residents of the Midwest are more likely to not have a specific religious faith (31%, +4) than their counterparts in the remaining census regions.

Just over one third of Canadians (34%, +4) say they never attend religious gatherings, while 23% (+1) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week.

In the United States, almost a third of Americans (32%, +9) go to a church, temple or synagogue at least once a week, while more than one-in-four (27%, =) never do.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 8 to November 10, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada and 1,001 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in each country. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

One-in-Four Canadians Flirt with Province Joining the USA

December 20, 2024January 8, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-ten Canadians think their province would be better off with a different Prime Minister in Ottawa.

Vancouver, BC [December 20, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who believe their province would benefit from becoming an American state has increased over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) think their province would be better off joining the U.S. and becoming an American state, up eight points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

The notion of a province benefitting from becoming the 51st State resonates most in Alberta (30%), followed by Saskatchewan and Manitoba (29%), Ontario (also 29%), Quebec (24%), Atlantic Canada (24%) and British Columbia (18%).

“The appeal of a province joining the United States varies greatly by age,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 10% of Canadians aged 55 and over perceive benefits, the proportion rises to 27% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 40% among those aged 18-to-34.”

Just over three-in-ten Canadians (31%, +7) believe their province would be better off as its own country. More than a third of residents of Alberta (38%) and Quebec (35%) share this view.

The survey outlines a significant level of animosity towards the federal and provincial heads of government across the country. More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, +9) believe their province would be better off with a different Prime Minister in Ottawa.

Two thirds of Albertans (67%) and Ontarians (66%) think their province would benefit from having someone other than Justin Trudeau in charge of the federal government. Majorities of residents of Atlantic Canada (64%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (58%), British Columbia (57%) and Quebec (53%) concur.

Canadians aged 35-to-54 are more likely to think that their province would benefit from a change in Ottawa (65%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (62%) and those aged 55 and over (56%).

Most Canadians (57%) think their province would be better off with a different premier in charge. This sentiment is more prevalent in Ontario (65%), Alberta (64%) and Quebec (57%). Fewer residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%), Atlantic Canada (48%) and British Columbia (47%) feel the same way.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from December 13 to December 15, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Majority of Canadians Expect Fun, Not Stressful, Holiday Season

December 18, 2024December 17, 2024By Mario Canseco

There is no clear consensus about the proper age to disclose “the truth” about Santa Claus to children.

Vancouver, BC [December 18, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who foresee a tense holiday season increased since last year, even as more than half predict a relatively carefree time in the next few weeks, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 53% of Canadians expect the current holiday season to be “more fun than stressful” (-3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2023), while 31% (+4) believe it will be “more stressful than fun.”

“About a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 and aged 35-to-54 (both at 34%) think the holiday season will be stressful,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 27% of Canadians aged 55 and over share this view.”

“Merry Christmas” remains the preferred greeting for Canadians (62%, +1), while just under one-in-four (24%, +3) like “Happy Holidays” and 14% (-2) are not sure or do not care either way.

More than two thirds of Atlantic Canadians (73%) and Albertans (67%) choose “Merry Christmas” as their greeting. The proportions are lower in Ontario (64%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (63%), British Columbia (62%) and Quebec (52%).

Three staples of the holiday season remain popular across the country. At least three-in-five Canadians say they like turkey (85%, +2), cranberry sauce (68%, +3) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).

The rating is lower for egg nog (59%, +3), fruit cake (58%, =), mince pies (49%, -1), plum pudding (47%, =) and mulled wine (40%, +3).

Quebec remains the province with the smallest proportion of residents who like egg nog (49%). The numbers are higher in Ontario (63%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 63%), Atlantic Canada (also 63%), British Columbia (59%) and Alberta (55%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked how old they were when they learned “the truth” about Santa Claus. More than half of Canadians (56%) say they found out at age 9 or younger, while fewer than three-in-ten (28%) realized at age 10 or older.

Just over a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (34%) found out “the truth” about Santa Claus after their 10th birthday. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (30%) and aged 55 and over (20%).

Half of Canadians (50%) think the appropriate age for children to be told “the truth” about Santa Claus is age 9 or younger, while more than a third (36%) believe this should happen at age 10 or older.

Almost half of Atlantic Canadians (48%) think “the truth” about Santa Claus should be discussed with children after they turn 10. The proportions are lower in Ontario (42%), Alberta (40%), British Columbia (35%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%) and Quebec (24%).

Just over seven-in-ten Canadians (71%) say they are satisfied with the way their parents and/or caregivers handled conversations about “the truth” about Santa Claus, while 15% are dissatisfied.

The level of dissatisfaction with these conversations is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (20%), Canadians of South Asian descent (19%), Ontarians (18%), Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election (16%) and Canadians in the highest. Income bracket (also 16%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 5 to December 7, 2024, among a representative sample of 1,004 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Almost Half in Canada and USA See Trump Followers as “Cult”

December 4, 2024December 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of both countries are less critical when assessing people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

Vancouver, BC [December 4, 2024] – A significant proportion of Canadians and Americans hold a particularly negative view of followers of Donald Trump and the Republican Party, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, respondents in Canada and the United States were asked if it is far or unfair to refer to followers of specific people, parties and ideas as a cult.

A cult is often defined as a group which is typically led by a charismatic leader, who tightly controls its members, requiring unwavering devotion to a set of beliefs and practices which are considered outside the norms of society.

Almost half of Canadians (47%) and Americans (46%) think it is fair to refer to followers of the Republican Party and Donald Trump as a cult.

Half of Canadians aged 55 and over (50%) can describe followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult. The numbers are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 18-to-34 (48%).

In the United States, respondents aged 55 and over are less likely to believe it is warranted for followers of Trump and the Republicans to be thought of as a cult (42%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (48%) and aged 35-to-54 (49%).

“Americans who describe themselves as Democrats (76%) and Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Paty (NDP) in 2021 (63% and 54% respectively) think it is fair to refer to followers of Trump and the Republicans as a cult,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Republicans in the United States (41%) and Conservatives in Canada (40%).”

At least two-in-five Canadians (40%) and Americans (42%) think it is warranted to refer to people who participated in the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic as a cult. Slightly smaller proportions of Canadians and Americans (36% and 39% respectively) feel the same way about people who refuse to be vaccinated against COVID-19.

While 37% of Americans believe it is fair to refer to followers of the Democratic Party and Kamala Harris in the United States as a cult, the proportion drops to 30% in Canada. The results are similar for followers of Robert Kennedy Jr. in the United States (38% in the United States and 29% in Canada).

In Canada, at least a third of respondents believe it is warranted to refer to followers of the Conservative Party and Pierre Poilievre (35%) and followers of the Liberal Party and Justin Trudeau (33%) as cults, The proportions are lower for followers of the New Democratic Party (NDP) and Jagmeet Singh (31%), followers of the People’s Party and Maxime Bernier (also 31%) and followers of the Green Party and Elizabeth May in Canada (26%).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

Canadians and Americans Clearly at Odds on Climate Change

November 20, 2024November 19, 2024By Mario Canseco

Residents of the United States are less likely to describe the current situation as a “major crisis” than their Canadian counterparts.

Vancouver, BC [November 20, 2024] – While just over three-in-five Canadians believe climate change is real and caused by human activity, the proportion of Americans who feel the same way has dwindled over the past two years, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 61% of Canadians say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

In the United States, just over half of residents (51%, -9 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in August 2022) believe global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

About a quarter of Americans and Canadians (27% and 25% respectively) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes, while smaller proportions (12% in the United States and 10% in Canada) say global warming is a theory that has not been proven.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, =) describe climate change as a “major crisis”, compared to 55% of Americans (-5).

Fewer respondents in the two countries refer to global warming as a “minor crisis” (23% in the United States and 24% in Canada) or “not a crisis at all” (13% in the United States, 9% in Canada).

Americans who voted for Republican Party presidential nominee Donald Trump in 2024 are significantly more likely to say climate change is “not a crisis at all” (25%) than those who cast ballots for Kamala Harris of the Democratic Party (3%).

In Canada, fewer than one-in-twenty Canadians who supported the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election (4% and 3% respectively) think climate change is “not a crisis at all”. Among those who voted for Conservative Party candidates, the proportion rises to 21%.

Majorities of Canadians and Americans believe three entities should be doing more to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: companies and corporations (71% in Canada and 63% in the United States), governments (64% in Canada and 62% in the United States) and individuals and consumers (55% in Canada and 58% in the United States).

The results are similar when Canadians and Americans are asked about issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future. Majorities believe governments (69% in Canada and 63% in the United States), companies and corporations (68% in Canada and 63% in the United States) and consumers (57% in Canada and 58% in the United States) should be more active.

A final question asked Canadians and Americans about their willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address seven issues.

More than half of Americans (55%) say they would be willing to pay higher taxes to deal with climate change. This includes three-in-four Democrats (76%), but significantly fewer Independents (45%) and Republicans (42%).

More than half of Americans expressed a willingness to pay higher taxes to adequately address schools (66%), homelessness (62%), floods (57%), forest fires (56%), housing improvements (54%) and transit improvements (51%).

In Canada, 55% of respondents are also willing to pay more to deal with global warming. More than three-in-four Canadians who voted for the Liberals or the NDP In 2021 (66% and 64% respectively) agree on this issue, but only 45% of Conservative supporters concur.

Compared to Americans, Canadians are more reticent about paying higher taxes to adequately address schools (56%), forest fires (54%), housing improvements (53%), homelessness (53%), floods (52%) and transit improvements (47%).

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here.

More Canadians Interested in Grey Cup Now Than in 2021

November 13, 2024November 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of Canadians who consider themselves fans of the NBA rose by seven points since 2021.

Vancouver, BC [November 13, 2024] – A larger proportion of Canadians intend to watch the Canadian Football League (CFL) championship game this weekend than three years ago, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say they will “definitely” or “probably” watch the Grey Cup on November 17, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2021.

More than half of Canadians (53%, +3) plan to watch the Super Bowl of the National Football League (NFL) in February—a proportion that rises to 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

“The Grey Cup is particularly appealing to Canadians of South Asian (56%), Indigenous (45%) and European (43%) ancestry,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only 31% of Canadians of East Asian descent plan to watch the game.”

The results are different for the Super Bowl. At least half of Canadians whose origins are European (50%), East Asian (51%), Indigenous (63%) and South Asian (64%) plan to watch the contest next year.

Three-in-five Canadians (60%, +5) consider themselves fans of the National Hockey League (NHL). Fandom is lower for all the other leagues tested, including the NFL (39%, +3), the National Basketball Association (NBA) (38%, +7), the CFL (33%, +1), Major League Baseball (MLB) (also 33%, +2) and Major League Soccer (MLS) (26%, +4).

Roughly the same proportions of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (33%), aged 35-to-54 (31%) and aged 55 and over (34%) are fans of the CFL. In contrast, NFL fans in Canada are primarily aged 18-to-34 (43%) and aged 35-to-54 (41%).

More than two-in-five Canadian men consider themselves fans of the NHL (66%), the NBA (47%), the NFL (46%) and MLB (41%). The proportions are lower for the CFL (38%) and MLS (33%).

Among female respondents, the most popular leagues are the NHL (55%) and the NFL (31%). Fewer than three-in-ten Canadian women are fans of the NBA (29%), the CFL (27%), MLB (25%) and MLS (19%).

Just under one-in-four Canadians (24%, +5) have become more interested in the NHL over the past two years. The results are lower for the NFL (16%, +6), the NBA (15%, +3), MLS (14%, +6), the CFL (12%, +4) and MLB (also 12%, +4).

In 2021, the Edmonton CFL franchise changed its name from Eskimos to Elks. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, -2) think the team made the correct decision, while 31% (+2) disagree.

In Alberta, almost half of residents (48%, +1) think Edmonton’s CFL franchise should have kept its previous name, while 41% (+1) are in favour of the change to Elks.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 1 to November 3, 2024, 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.

Photo Credit: TorontoGuy79

Most Canadians Would Restrain Residential School Denialism

November 6, 2024November 5, 2024By Mario Canseco

Respondents of all age groups want their own Member of Parliament to support the bill proposed by the NDP’s Leah Gazan.

Vancouver, BC [November 6, 2024] – Practically three-in-five Canadians back a proposal to criminalize residential school denialism, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Leah Gazan, a New Democratic Party (NDP) Member of Parliament from Manitoba, recently introduced a private member’s bill in the House of Commons. The bill seeks to make it a Criminal Code offence to willfully promote hatred against Indigenous people by condoning, denying, justifying or minimizing the facts about residential schools.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 59% of Canadians want their own MP to vote in favour of Gazan’s bill, while 24% would prefer for their elected representative to vote against it.

“Support for criminalizing residential school denialism is highest among NDP (77%) and Liberal Party (67%) voters in 2021,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer than half of Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (46%) concur.”

The level of support for Gazan’s bill is similar among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (60%), aged 35-to-54 (59%) and aged 55 and over (58%).

Majorities of Canadians whose desscent is Indigenous (69%), South Asian (65%), East Asian (61%) and European (59%) want their elected representative to support the Gazan’s bill.

This survey confirms the findings of a Research Co. poll conducted in August 2020, which focused on the way Canadians learned about residential schools.

Almost half of Canadians who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada (48%) say they did not hear about residential schools at all during their time as students.

Canadians aged 55 and over who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada are less likely to have learned about residential schools in the classroom (70%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (51%) and aged 18-to-34 (26%).

Looking back at what they were told as students in Canada, 41% of these respondents say the assessment of residential schools provided by their teachers at the time was positive, while 36% recall it as negative.

The perceptions of these respondents are very different now, with 54% saying they currently view residential schools in a negative light, and 34% saying their opinion is positive.

More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (58%) and aged 55 and over (52%) who attended Elementary School and/or High School in Canada now have a negative view of residential schools.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 21 to October 23, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Photo Credit: TheGoodAndHolyLord

Almost Half of Canadians Still Hoping for Senate Reform

November 1, 2024October 31, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only 12% of Canadians have met a sitting Senator, while at least one-in-four have met mayors, councillors or MPs.

Vancouver, BC [November 1, 2024] – A significantly low proportion of Canadians express satisfaction with the status quo related to the upper house, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, only 7% of Canadians say the country needs a Senate and the current guidelines that call for appointed senators should not be modified, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%, +3) think Canada does not need a Senate and want all legislation to be reviewed and authorized by the House of Commons. Almost half (48%, +3) believe Canada needs a Senate, but Canadians should be allowed to take part in the process to choose senators.

Support for a type of Senate reform that would allow for the participation of Canadians is highest in Alberta (59%). More than two-in-five residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%), Ontario (47%), British Columbia (also 47%), Quebec (46%) and Atlantic Canada (44%) share this view.

When asked to choose between four different options for the Red Chamber, just under two-in-five Canadians (38%, +5) support reforming the Senate to allow for the direct election of senators.

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians prefer any of the other three options tested: having a selection committee that would appoint non-partisan senators (18%, +1), abolishing the Senate of Canada altogether (also 18%, +4) and the Prime Minister appointing senators (11%, +5).

“Support for the abolition of the Senate of Canada, in spite of its unique complexities, is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (30%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (16%) and aged 18-to-34 (6%) feel the same way.”

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

Canadians are split on this decision, with 32% (+4), saying Trudeau’s changes have made the Senate “better”, 27% (-4) claiming the changes have had no effect, and 28% (+8) saying the situation is now worse.

Just over half of respondents (51%, -5) expect Canadians to one day be able to directly elect their senators, while 28% (+5) disagree with this notion.

Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to believe that one day Canada will have direct elections to the Senate (62%) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (55%) and aged 55 and over (37%).

Respondents were asked if they have met sitting political leaders during the course of their lives. While at least a quarter of Canadians have met a mayor (31%), councillor (27%), Member of Parliament (26%) or member of their provincial legislature (25%), only 12% have crossed paths with a sitting senator.

Residents of Quebec (17%) are more likely to have met a sitting senator than their counterparts in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (15%), Atlantic Canada (14%) British Columbia (11%), Alberta (also 11%) and Ontario (8%).

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

Photo Credit: abdallahh

Canadians Ambivalent on Moving Halloween to Saturdays

October 29, 2024October 28, 2024By Mario Canseco

The proportion of Canadians who enjoy pumpkin spice beverages has increased from 44% in 2022 to 52% this year.

Vancouver, BC [October 29, 2024] – Compared to two years ago, fewer Canadians are convinced about celebrating every Halloween on the weekend, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians agree with moving Halloween to the last Saturday in October, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +5) disagree with changing Halloween’s date, while 15% (-2) are undecided.

Support for moving Halloween to the last Saturday in October is highest in Quebec (45%), followed by Ontario (41%), British Columbia (also 41%), Atlantic Canada (40%), Alberta (37%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (34%).

The survey also asked Canadians about the suitability of specific Halloween costumes for children and adults. More than half of Canadians believe children’s costumes that represent an ethnic stereotype (58%, -2) or that change the colour of the wearer’s skin (53%, -4) are inappropriate.

More than two-in-five Canadians also believe three other kinds of children’s costumes are inappropriate: those that require toy or replica weapons (48%, -3), those that refer to a culture that is not the wearer’s own (42%, -1) and those that depict a social stereotype (such as a jailbird or vagabond) (41%, +1).

The perceptions of Canadians are similar when the same garments are imagined on adults. Three-in-five (60%, =) think costumes that represent an ethnic stereotype are inappropriate, and more than half (54%, -6) feel the same way about costumes that alter the adult’s skin colour.

More than two-in-five Canadians find fault in adult costumes that refer to a culture that is not the adult’s own (46%, -4), incorporate toy or replica weapons (45%, -5) or represent a social stereotype (41%, =).

“Majorities of Canadians whose ancestry is Indigenous (55%) or European (52%) decry adult Halloween costumes that refer to a culture that is not the wearer’s own (55%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among Canadians of East Asian (49%) and South Asian (38%) descent.”

Candy corn remains an extremely contentious confection, with 47% of Canadians (+5) saying they like it, and 45% (-3) saying they dislike it.

Animosity towards candy corn reaches 47% among Canadians aged 35-to-54 and 49% among Quebecers. Conversely, the confection is particularly popular among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%) and Ontarians (also 50%).

More than half of Canadians (52%, +8) say they like pumpkin spice flavoured drinks, while larger proportions enjoy pumpkin spice flavoured cakes (67%, +9) and pumpkin pie (70%, +4).

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

Photo Credit: Patricia (Brownies for Dinner)

Canadians Growing Skeptical of Childhood Vaccinations

October 16, 2024October 15, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just over three-in-ten continue to believe the debunked idea that there is a connection between the MMR vaccine and autism.

Vancouver, BC [October 16, 2024] – Practically three-in-ten Canadians are opposed to a mandate related to childhood vaccinations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 29% of Canadians think parents “definitely” or “probably” should be the ones deciding on whether their children should be vaccinated, up nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2022.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (67%, -8) say vaccinations for children should “definitely” or “probably” be mandatory in their province.

Support for allowing parents to decide on vaccinations for children is highest in Alberta (34%, +18), followed by Quebec (31%, +16), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (30%, +11), British Columbia (also 30%, +9), Ontario (28%, +3), and Atlantic Canada (also 28%, +3).

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.

More than three-in-ten Canadians (31%, +12) believe there is a connection between the childhood vaccine for Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR) and autism.

“The long-debunked nation of a link between childhood vaccinations and autism is a reality for two-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (40%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (36%) and aged 55 and over (19%) hold the same misguided belief.”

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +8) think everyone should be allowed to decide if they want to get vaccinations for seasonal diseases, while almost two-in-five (38%, -3) think the flu vaccine should be mandatory in their province.

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2021 are more likely to support a mandate for the flu vaccine in their province (46%) than those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (41%) or the Conservative Party (32%) in the last federal election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 7 to October 9, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Canadians Would Welcome New Oversight in Nomination Races

September 11, 2024September 10, 2024By Mario Canseco

Seven-in-ten would place the contests under the purview of Elections Canada and more than half support holding primaries.

Vancouver, BC [September 11, 2024] – As the activities of the Foreign Interference Commission continue, many Canadians express support for new guidelines to govern federal nomination races, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions has raised questions about foreign interference affecting federal nomination races.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) think it would be a “very good” or “good” idea to place all federal nomination races under the jurisdiction of Elections Canada.

“The notion of Elections Canada overseeing federal nomination contests is very popular among supporters of all three major parties,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Sizeable majorities of those who voted for the Liberal Party (77%), the Conservative Party (72%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (71%) in the 2021 federal election regard this as a positive move.”

More than half of Canadians (53%) are in favour of holding open primary elections in contested federal nominations, like they do in the United States.

Support for holding this type of open primaries is highest in British Columbia (60%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 60%), followed by Ontario (57%), Alberta (55%), Quebec (52%) and Atlantic Canada (48%).

More than two-in-five Canadians (45%) are following the Foreign Interference Commission “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

Compared to a Research Co. survey conducted in February 2023—before the Foreign Interference Commission was called—there is an increase in the proportion of Canadians who think China is “very likely” or “moderately likely” to have attempted to influence electoral processes in Canada in this century, from 60% last year to 66% in 2024.

Fewer Canadians feel the United States (63%, +2), Russia (57%, +1), India (42%) and Pakistan (33%) have attempted to influence Canada’s electoral processes.

There is a noticeable jump when Canadians are asked about the type of electoral processes that have been successfully influenced by foreign governments in this century.

Almost two thirds of Canadians (64%, +6) think there has been “definite” or “probable” foreign influence on federal elections, and more than half (55%, +6) feel the same way about federal nomination contests.

This year, Canadians are also more likely to think that four other types of democratic contests have been tainted by foreign actors: provincial elections (49%, +7), provincial nomination contests (39%, +4), municipal elections (40%, +7) and municipal nomination contests (34%, +5).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%, +1) are in favour of Canada introducing laws against foreign interference similar to the ones currently in place in Australia, which criminalize covert and deceptive or threatening activities.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on August 19 to August 21, 2024, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Mulroney Gains, Justin Trudeau Sinks as Canadians Rate PMs

September 4, 2024September 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

Canada’s 18th Prime Minister improves his standing, while the negative rating increases for the current head of government.

Vancouver, BC [September 4, 2024] – About one-in-six Canadians deem Brian Mulroney as the best Prime Minister the country has had since 1968, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 15% of Canadians pick Mulroney from a list of nine current and former heads of government, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

Two former prime ministers are ahead of Mulroney on this question: Pierre Trudeau (18%, -2) and Stephen Harper (16%, -1). The rating is lower for Justin Trudeau (10%, -2), Jean Chrétien (9%, -2), Kim Campbell (3%, +2), Paul Martin (2%, -1), Joe Clark (2%, =) and John Turner (1%, -1).

Among men, Harper has a four-point edge over Pierre Trudeau (21% to 17%) as the best recent prime minister. Women put Pierre Trudeau in first place (18%) with Mulroney four points behind (14%).

“Practically one-in-four Quebecers (24%) think Mulroney is the best recent Canadian prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In Ontario, Harper and Pierre Trudeau are tied for first place with 19% each.”

Almost two-in-five Canadians (38%, +8) think Justin Trudeau is the worst recent prime minister. Harper is a distant second with 14% (-4), followed by Pierre Trudeau (7%, +2), Campbell (6%, -1), Mulroney (3%, -3), Chrétien (3%, =), Clark (3%, =), Martin (2%, =) and Turner (2%, +1).

Majorities of residents of Alberta (55%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (52%) believe Justin Trudeau has been the worst recent Canadian head of government. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (39%), British Columbia (also 39%), Ontario (37%) and Quebec (28%).

The survey also asked questions about 10 different people who served as leaders of the Official Opposition in Ottawa over the past five decades.

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians believe five of these politicians would have made “very good” or “good” prime ministers: Michael Ignatieff (22%, +3), Stéphane Dion (24%, +6), Stockwell Day (26%, +7), Andrew Scheer (27%, +5) and Rona Ambrose (also 27%, +9).

The rating is slightly higher for four other former leaders of the Official Opposition: Erin O’Toole (31%, +9). Robert Stanfield (33%, +6), Preston Manning (also 33%, +5) and Tom Mulcair (34%, +7).

As has been the case in previous years, the best rated politician on this question is Jack Layton, with 52% of Canadians (+2) believing he would have made a “very good” or “good” prime minister.

Two thirds of Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election (66%) think Layton would have made a very good” or “good” head of government, along with 68% of those who voted for the Liberal Party and 45% of those who voted for the Conservative Party.

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

Photo Credit: Bob McNeely

Photograph of President William Jefferson Clinton, Canadian Prime Minister Brian Mulroney walking outside the University of British Columbia President’s residence in Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.

Half of Canadians Endorse UK-Style Mandatory National Service

August 28, 2024August 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

Fewer than one-in-five of the country’s residents think provincial legislatures should begin their sessions with a Christian prayer.

Vancouver, BC [August 28, 2024] – A sizeable proportion of Canadians would welcome a proposal to create a mandatory national service for all 18-year-old residents of the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Earlier this year, the Conservative Party in the United Kingdom suggested bringing back mandatory national service. The proposal called for all 18-year-old residents of the United Kingdom to either take a full-time military placement for one year, or to volunteer one weekend a month performing community service for one year.

Half of Canadians (50%) support implementing a similar mandatory national service for all 18-year-old residents of Canada, while 41% disagree and 8% are not sure.

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (55%) would like to see a form of mandatory national service in the country,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (47%) and aged 55 and over (48%).”

The notion of having a mandatory national service in Canada is more popular in Ontario (60%), British Columbia (58%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (54%). Fewer than half of residents of Atlantic Canada (46%), Alberta (44%) and Quebec (42%) concur.

The perceptions of Canadians change when asked about the return of conscription, or the compulsory enlistment of young adults for full-time military service.

In Canada, conscription has not been practiced since the end of the Second World War in 1945. Some European and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member countries—including Norway, Sweden and Latvia—have recently reintroduced conscription.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) are in favour of reintroducing conscription for adults of both genders aged 18-to-27 in Canada, while 50% are opposed.

Similar proportions of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (44%), the Conservative Party (43%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (40%) in the 2021 federal election support the implementation of conscription for Canadians aged 18-to-27, regardless of their gender.

Public backing for the return of conscription is lower if a directive called for its implementation exclusively for men (31%) or women (25%).

In the United States, the “Pledge of Allegiance” is recited during Congressional sessions and other government meetings. Just over half of Canadians (52%) think Canada should implement a similar directive, where lawmakers and government workers state their allegiance to the country.

The creation of a “Canadian pledge” is more popular among men (55%), Canadians aged 18-to-34 (56%), Ontarians (57%) and Albertans (55%).

In Canada, some provincial legislatures begin their sessions with moments of silent reflection, non-denominational prayers, and/or Christian prayers.

Just under two-in-five Canadians (39%) would prefer to start legislative sessions in their province with a moment of silent reflection, while fewer select a Christian prayer (19%) or a non-denominational prayer (13%).

More than one-in-five Canadians (22%) believe provincial legislatures should not start sessions with moments of reflection or prayers—a proportion that reaches 28% in British Columbia and 27% in Quebec.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 24 to July 26, 2024, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Politically, Most Canadians See Themselves at or Near Centre

August 23, 2024August 23, 2024By Mario Canseco

While 44% regard the Conservatives as “right” or “extreme right”, 33% say the Liberals as “left” or “extreme left”.

Vancouver, BC [August 23, 2024] – Few Canadians look at their own political views as extreme, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, fewer than one-in-twenty Canadians place themselves in the political spectrum as extreme right (4%) or extreme left (3%).

Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians brand themselves politically as right (9%) or left (also 9%). The bulk of responses from Canadians appear in three categories: centre (33%), centre left (15%) and centre right (14%).

“Almost two-in-five Canadians aged 55 and over (39%) say their political views are at the centre,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (34%) and aged 18-to-34 (27%).”

Just under a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (31%) describe themselves as extreme right, right or centre right. Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians aged 35-to-54 (27%) and aged 55 and over (23%) rely on any of the same three categories.

Similar proportions of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (28%), aged 35-to-54 (27%) and aged 55 and over (also 27%) say they are centre left, left or extreme left.

When asked to place the six main federal political parties on the spectrum, more than two-in-five Canadians (44%) say the Conservative Party is extreme right or right.

One third of Canadians (33%) place the Liberal Party as extreme left or left, and a slightly higher proportion (36%) feel the same way about the New Democratic Party (NDP). The Green Party is regarded as extreme left or left by 29% of Canadians.

About a third of Canadians (32%) are undecided when asked to place both the Bloc Québécois and the People’s Party on the political spectrum. Respondents were more likely to brand each of the two parties as extreme right or right (18% for the Bloc Québécois and 26% for the People’s Party) than as extreme left or left (15% and 10% respectively).

A separate question asked Canadians to place the six main federal party leaders on the political spectrum. More than a third (35%) regard People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier as extreme right, right or centre right, while fewer (28%) use the same categories for Bloc Québécois leader Yves-François Blanchet.

Elizabeth May of the Green Party and Jagmeet Singh of the NDP are regarded as centre left, left or extreme left by 40% and 41% of Canadians respectively.

Half of Canadians (50%) describe Justin Trudeau of the Liberal Party as centre left, left or extreme left, while a larger proportion (55%) brands Pierre Poilievre of the Conservative Party as extreme right, right or centre right.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 12 to August 14, 2024, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Conservatives Solidly Ahead in Canada’s Federal Political Scene

August 20, 2024August 19, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians are dissatisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since their March 2022 deal.

Vancouver, BC [August 20, 2024] – The Conservative Party holds a significant advantage as Canadians ponder their options in a federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 40% of decided voters in Canada would vote for the Conservative candidate in their constituency if an election took place tomorrow, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2024.

The governing Liberal Party is in second place with 25% (-1), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 17% (-3), the Bloc Québécois with 9% (-1), the Green Party with 6% (+3) and the People’s Party with 2% (+1).

The Conservatives are the top choice for decided voters in Alberta (55%, -5), Atlantic Canada (51%, +7), British Columbia (50%, +4), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (40%, -8) and Ontario (39%, -1). In Quebec, the Bloc remains on top (33%, -1), with the Liberals in second place (28%, =).

More than half of Canadians (54%, +5) are dissatisfied with what the Liberals and the NDP have accomplished since their March 2022 supply and confidence agreement, while 39% (-4) are satisfied.

“In October 2022, Canadians were equally split in their assessment of the Liberal-NDP deal in Ottawa,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost two years later, most are unhappy with what has been achieved so far.”

Almost a third of Canadians (32%, +5) identify housing, homelessness and poverty as the most important issue facing the country at this moment, followed by the economy and jobs (25%, +1), health care (15%, =), immigration (10%, +2) and the environment (6%, -2).

For the first time in six surveys conducted since October 2022, more than half of Canadians (52%, +5) approve of the way Official Opposition and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is handling his duties.

The approval ratings are lower this month for NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (42%, -6), Green leader Elizabeth May (35%, +2), Prime Minister and Liberal leader Justin Trudeau (34%, -5), People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (26%, +4) and Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (25%, =).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, Poilievre’s standing increased from 32% in April to 37% this month, while Trudeau dropped from 26% to 22%. Singh is in third place with 14% (-3).

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -4) say they are comfortable with Trudeau being in charge of Canada’s economy. More than half (54%, +5) say they would be comfortable if Poilievre were in charge.

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

Canadians Grow Weary When Assessing Their Financial Situation

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than two-in-five Canadians (42%) have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” about being able to pay their mortgage or rent.

Vancouver, BC [August 14, 2024] – More than half of Canadians are dissatisfied with the current state of their finances, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 51% of Canadians rate their own personal finances as “poor” or “very poor”, up nine points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in January 2024.

Only 46% of Canadians (-9) say their own personal finances are “very good” or “good” at the moment.

“More than three-in-five Albertans (61%) are dissatisfied with their current financial situation,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of British Columbians (52%), Ontarians (51%), Quebecers (also 51%) and Atlantic Canadians (also 51%) feel the same way.”

Almost two thirds of Canadians (64%, +3) rate the economic conditions in Canada today as “bad” or “very bad”, while about a third (32%, -3) consider them “very good” or “good.”

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -3) believe Canada’s financial standing will decline over the next six months. Only 15% (+1) foresee a recovery, while 43% (+2) expect no changes.

Majorities of Canadians have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about two issues: the value of their investments (52%, +6) and the safety of their savings (51%, +4).

Compared to January, there are also increases on three other concerns for Canadians: being able to pay mortgage or rent (42%, +8), unemployment affecting their household (also 42%, +8) and their employer running into serious financial trouble (33%, +5).

Canadians are also more worried about inflation, with majorities expecting to pay more for gasoline (77%, +12), a week’s worth of groceries (76%, +2), a new car (68%, +5) real estate (65%, +14) and a new television set (53%, +6) in the next six months.

On the political front, more than a third of Canadians (36%, -2) trust Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to do the right thing to help the economy. The rating is similar for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (35%, +1) and higher for federal leader of the opposition Pierre Poilievre (41%, -2).

Poilievre’s numbers on the economic confidence question are highest in Alberta (54%), followed by Ontario (45%), British Columbia (37%) and Quebec (31%).

Trudeau does best in Quebec (44%), but his rating is lower in British Columbia (36%), Ontario (35%) and Alberta (22%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from August 5 to August 7, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Appetite for Abortion Debate Hits Lowest Point in Canada

August 9, 2024August 6, 2024By Mario Canseco

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians think the discussion about abortion should be re-opened.

Vancouver, BC [August 9, 2024] – Most Canadians remain skeptical about reigniting a debate on abortion in the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost three-in-five Canadians (58%) believe there is no point in re-opening a debate about abortion in Canada right now, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2022.

Fewer than one-in-four Canadians (23%, -3) think a debate about abortion is long overdue in Canada and the discussion should be re-opened, while 20% (-1) are not sure.

“In July 2019, more than a third of Canadians (37%) were ready to have a debate over abortion,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion has fallen by 14 points since then.”

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (68%), the Liberal Party (63%) and the Conservative Party (58%) in the 2021 federal election believe there is no point in re-opening a debate about abortion in Canada right now.

Almost half of Canadians (46%, +2) think abortion should be legal under any circumstances, while just over a third (35%, -2) would allow the procedure only under certain circumstances. Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians (7%, -3) believe abortion should be illegal in all circumstances.

Women are more likely to favour the legality of abortion in all circumstances (49%) than men (44%).

In Canada, abortions are provided on request to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, and are funded by the health care system.

Almost half of Canadians (46%) think the health care system should fund abortions whenever they are requested, while more than a third (36%) believe the health care system should only fund abortions in the event of medical emergencies. Only 7% of Canadians think the health care system should not fund abortions at all.

Majorities of Quebecers (52%) and British Columbians (51%) support the health care system funding abortions whenever they are requested. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (44%), Ontario (42%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (40%) and Alberta (38%).

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

Canadians Ponder the Appropriateness of “No-Show Fees”

August 7, 2024August 6, 2024By Mario Canseco

Majorities endorse them for medical and grooming appointments, but there is a split on their use in restaurants.

Vancouver, BC [August 7, 2024] – Canadians are divided on whether restaurants should be allowed to charge a “no-show fee” when booked appointments are not kept, a new Research Co. has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 44% of Canadians say charging a “no-show fee” if a reservation is missed at a restaurant is “justified”, while 48% believe the practice is “unjustified”.

On a regional basis, most Quebecers (52%) think restaurants are “justified” in charging a “no-show fee”. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (44%), British Columbia (43%), Ontario (42%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (41%) and Alberta (33%).

More than half of Canadians think “no-show fees” are justified if appointments are missed with the dentist (59%), a doctor or medical specialist (57%), the barber or hair salon (53%) or for pet grooming (51%).

Over the course of the past year, just over one-in-four Canadians (26%) say they have missed a reservation or appointment, while 74% have not.

“More than two-in-five Canadians aged 18-to-34 (43%) missed a booked appointment over the past year,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are significantly lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (27%) and aged 55 and over (9%).”

The most missed appointments belong to doctors and medical specialists (15%), followed by dentists (11%), restaurants (9%), barbers or hair salons (8%) and pet grooming (3%).

Canadians who were unable to meet a reservation or appointment cite personal issues (40%) as their main reason for not arriving. Other excuses mentioned by these respondents are scheduling (27%), transportation (26%), work (25%), family (24%) and the weather (21%).

More than four-in-five Canadians (85%) have not paid a “no-show fee” in the past year, while 15% had to cover a charge after missing an appointment. Dentists and doctors were the main recipients of “no-show fees” (7% each), followed by restaurants (6%), barbers and hair salons (4%) and pet grooming establishments (also 4%).

More than one-in-four Canadians aged 18-to-34 (27%) had to pay a “no-show fee” in the past year, compared to 13% among those aged 35-to-54 and 5% among those aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 5 to July 7, 2024, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error, which measures sample variability, is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of 20.

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