Canada – Page 7 – Research Co.

Seven-in-Ten Canadians See Homelessness as a Growing Problem

March 18, 2024March 11, 2024By Mario Canseco

Sizeable majorities of the country’s residents support solutions that address mental health and housing.

Vancouver, BC [March 18, 2024] – A large proportion of Canadians regard homelessness as a national concern, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, two thirds of Canadians (66%) describe the current situation related to homelessness in the country as a “major problem”.

More than three-in-five Canadians think homelessness is a “major problem” in their province (61%), while fewer feel the same way about the issue in their municipality (42%) and their neighbourhood (26%).

Just over seven-in-ten Canadians (71%) say homelessness has increased in the country over the past three years. Majorities also feel homelessness has grown in their province (67%) and in their municipality (51%), while fewer perceive an escalation in their neighbourhood (37%).

“More than two thirds of Ontarians (73%), Atlantic Canadians (71%), British Columbians (70%) and Albertans (69%) think homelessness has become a bigger issue in their province over the past three years,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (61%) and Quebec (57%).”

About four-in-five Canadians support two ideas to reduce homelessness in their province: increasing mental health support for residents who require assistance (81%) and increasing temporary housing options for people experiencing homelessness (79%).

Majorities of Canadians also endorse three proposals that focus on construction: offering incentives to developers if they focus on building affordable housing units (75%), devoting tax money to build units to house homeless residents (70%) and changing zoning laws to allow property owners to build more units on standard lots (65%).

Canadians are divided on whether municipal governments should immediately dismantle any encampment or “tent city” located within their municipality, with 46% supporting this course of action and 42% opposing it.

Only 31% of Canadians think the federal government has done a “very good” or “good” job to come up with solutions to deal with homelessness, while more than half (56%) deem its performance as “bad” or “very bad”.

Municipal governments fare better overall, with 39% of Canadians saying their performance on this file has been “very good” or “good”.

The nationwide rating for the way provincial governments are addressing homelessness is 35%. Among the four most populous provinces, Quebec posts the best numbers (39%), followed by Alberta (34%), British Columbia (33%) and Ontario (29%).

Respondents to this survey were asked about specific factors that might be to blame for the current situation regarding homelessness in Canada.

At least two-in-five Canadians think three factors are to blame “a great deal” for homelessness: lack of affordable housing (50%), addiction and mental health issues (46%) and poverty and inequality (40%).

Fewer residents place “a great deal” of the blame for the apparent rise of homelessness on a bad economy and unemployment (33%), personal actions and decisions (26%) and family and emotional trauma (24%).

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%) believe that, with the proper funding and policies, homelessness can “definitely” or “probably” be eradicated in Canada. More than a third (35%) think that homelessness will “definitely” or “probably” always be a problem in Canada, even with the proper funding and policies.

While only 50% of Canadians aged 55 and over are more convinced that an end to homelessness can be attained, the proportions are higher among their counterparts 35-to-54 (64%) and aged 18-to-34 (68%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 25 to February 27, 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 Like Pharmacare Deal, Have High Hopes on Scope

March 6, 2024March 5, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only one-in-four Canadians believe the Conservatives should cancel the national program if they form the next government.

Vancouver, BC [March 6, 2024] – Two thirds of Canadians appear satisfied with a recent announcement related to pharmacare, but perceptions differ on the ultimate reach of the national program, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the final weekend of February, New Democratic Party (NDP) leader Jagmeet Singh announced that a deal had been reached with the governing Liberal Party to establish a national pharmacare program.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 67% of Canadians welcome the establishment of a national pharmacare program, while 20% disagree and 13% are undecided.

“More than two thirds of British Columbians (72%), Atlantic Canadians (69%) and Ontarians (also 69%) are happy with the recent pharmacare announcement,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of Canadians who reside in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), Alberta (65%) and Quebec (62%) share the same view.”

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians (27%) believe their province should opt-out of the national pharmacare program.

In Quebec and Alberta, two provinces in which the sitting premiers have signaled their intention to opt-out of the national pharmacare program, about half of respondents (48% and 54% respectively) disagree with this course of action.

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%) say they trust the current Liberal government to roll out the national pharmacare program, while 42% do not and 12% are not sure.

Confidence in the current federal administration to manage this program reaches 49% among Canadians aged 18-to-34, but drops to 45% among those aged 35 to 54 and those aged 55 and over.

Only 25% of Canadians believe that the Conservative Party should cancel the national pharmacare program if they form the government after the next federal election.

More than two thirds of Canadians who voted for the Liberals (68%) or the NDP (67%) in the 2021 federal election disagree with the eventual abandonment of the national pharmacare program, along with 44% of those who cast ballots for the Conservatives.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians believe insulin for Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes (85%) and contraceptives and birth control (71%) should “definitely” or “probably” be included in the national pharmacare program.

More than three-in-five Canadians think six other types of medication should also be covered by the national pharmacare program: blood pressure medication (84%), antibiotics (82%), cholesterol lowering medication (77%), antidepressants (73%), anticoagulants (68%) and pain relievers (65%).

Fewer than half of Canadians would add nutritional supplements (47%) and vitamins (also 47%) to the list of substances that should be included in the national pharmacare program.

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

Canadians Assess How Federal Politicians Are Elected

February 22, 2024February 22, 2024By Mario Canseco

Most are satisfied with “first-past-the-post”, but a majority would welcome a move to party-list proportional representation.

Vancouver, BC [February 22, 2024] – More than three-in-five Canadians have no qualms about the electoral system used in federal ballots, a new Research Co. poll has found.

Canadians elect the members of the House of Commons through a system called “first-past-the-post”, where a candidate wins a constituency by receiving more votes than any others.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 62% of Canadians say they are satisfied with “first-past-the-post”, while 27% are dissatisfied and 11% are not sure.

More than two thirds of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (67%) are satisfied with the current system, along with 61% of those aged 55 and over and 57% of those aged 35-to-54.

Just over three-in-four Canadians who supported the Liberal Party in the last federal election (76%) are content with “first-past-the-post”. Satisfaction is lower among those who cast ballots for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (62%) or the Conservative Party (58%) in 2021.

Respondents to this survey were provided with the definitions of three electoral systems that are used in other countries.

More than half of Canadians (56%) would agree to elect all members of the House of Commons through Party-List Proportional Representation, a system in which parties make lists of candidates to be elected, and seats get allocated to each party in accordance with the number of total votes the party receives.

“A move to Party-List Proportional Representation in federal elections would be welcomed by 62% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 and 57% of Canadians aged 35-to-54,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support is lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over (49%).”

On a regional basis, agreement with electing the members of the House of Commons through Party-List Proportional Representation is highest in British Columbia (60%), followed by Ontario (57%), Atlantic Canada (also 57%), Quebec (54%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51%) and Alberta (also 51%).

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%) would agree to adopt the Single Transferable Vote system, where votes are initially allocated to a voter’s most preferred candidate, and as the count proceeds and candidates are either elected or eliminated, they are transferred to other candidates in accordance to the voter’s stated preferences.

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%) would prefer to elect the members of the Hose of Commons through Mixed Member Proportional Representation MMP—a hybrid method that would use Party-List Proportional Representation for a portion of the legislature, and first-past-the-post for another portion.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 29 to January 31, 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.

Canadians Get Pickier When Pondering Food and Romance

February 12, 2024February 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

A third of Canadians would break up with a person with bad breath or improper table manners.

Vancouver, BC [February 12, 2024] – The proportion of Canadians who would call off a relationship if they encounter two specific setbacks has increased over the past two years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 33% of Canadians say they would stop dating or going out with a person because of how they eat, up six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2022.

“More than a third of women (35%) would call off a relationship with a partner who displayed bad manners at the dinner table,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The issue is a deal-breaker for 37% of British Columbians and 36% of Albertans.”

Canadians of Indigenous descent are more likely to say they would stop dating or going out with a person because of how they eat (36%) than their counterparts whose origins are European (32%), East Asian (29%) and South Asian (24%).

One third of Canadians (33%, +5) would call off a relationship with a person who had bad breath—a proportion that rises to 37% in Ontario.

Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election are more likely to regard bad breath as a relationship deal-braker (36% and 37% respectively) than those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (31%).

Fewer Canadians would stop dating or going out with a person because they have a different diet (13%, +4) or because they eat animal products (11%, +3).

One-in-ten residents of Alberta (10%) and Atlantic Canada (also 10%) say they have already broken up with someone because of dietary differences.

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

Positive Perceptions on United States Rise Markedly in Canada

February 7, 2024April 30, 2025By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four Canadians (76%) hold a favourable view of the United Kingdom.

Vancouver, BC [February 7, 2024] – The views of Canadians on the United States have softened considerably over the past three and a half years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 64% of Canadians have a positive opinion of the United States, up 10 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2023.

“In July 2020, only 32% of Canadians held a favourable view of the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At the start of 2024, this proportion has effectively doubled.”

More than seven-in-ten Canadians aged 55 and over (71%) have a positive opinion of the United States. Majorities of Canadians aged 35 to 54 (62%) and aged 18 to 34 (59%) feel the same way.

More than three-in-four Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in 2021 (77%) hold a favourable view of the United States, along with majorities of those who supported the Liberal Party (70%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (57%) in the last federal election.

Canadians place five other G7 nations at the top of the ranking of positive opinions: the United Kingdom (76%, +2), Japan (73%, -1), Italy (72%, -1), Germany (69%, -3) and France (also 69%, +1).

On a regional basis, France has its highest rating in British Columbia (81%), followed by Alberta (72%), Quebec (69%), Ontario (66%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (65%) and Atlantic Canada (64%).

Majorities of Canadians hold favourable views of two other countries: South Korea (61%, +3) and Mexico (54%, +7). Fewer than two-in-five Canadians feel the same way about India (37%, -2) and Venezuela (32%, +4).

The five lowest ranked countries are China (28%, +8), Saudi Arabia (27%, +5), Iran (16%, +3), Russia (15%, +2) and North Korea (14%, +3).

In December 2020, at the height of the diplomatic impasse related to the arrest of Huawei Chief Financial Officer Meng Wanzhou in Vancouver and China’s subsequent detention of two Canadians—Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor—on espionage allegations, only 19% of Canadians expressed a positive opinion of China.

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

Canadians Approve of Processes to Decrease Infertility

January 24, 2024January 24, 2024By Mario Canseco

Three-in-four Canadians agree with proposals for the health care system to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization in their province.

Vancouver, BC [January 24, 2024] – Few Canadians express reservations about specific processes that can help people conceive, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost four-in-five Canadians (78%) approve of In vitro fertilization, a process of fertilization where an egg is combined with sperm in vitro.

Similar proportions of Canadians approve of sperm donation (76%), egg donation (also 76%) and surrogacy, a process in which a woman carries and delivers a child for a couple or individual (74%).

Across Canada, more than two-in-five residents (41%) say themselves or someone they know have been affected by infertility—including 47% of women and 47% of Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Practically seven-in-ten Canadians who have experienced infertility, or who have a family member, friend, colleague who has (69%), say that cost was a barrier to proceeding with treatment.

At the present time, three provinces—British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan—lack specific guidelines for the health care system to cover the cost of in vitro fertilization.

About three-in-ten Canadians (29%) endorse the model currently in place in Ontario and Quebec, which covers the costs of one round of in vitro fertilization treatment. About one-in-five Canadians (21%) select the system adopted by Manitoba and Nova Scotia, which offer a tax credit of up to 40 per cent of in vitro fertilization treatment costs.

Fewer Canadians express a preference for two other funding models: a one-time grant of $5,000 to be used for in vitro fertilization treatment which is currently in place in New Brunswick (14%) or a grant of $5,000 to be used for in vitro fertilization treatment for a maximum of three cycles, which has been implemented in Newfoundland and Labrador (11%).

“Only 25% of Canadians think in vitro fertilization should not be funded by the health care system,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This includes 28% of men, 35% of Canadians aged 55 and over and 32% of Conservative Party voters in the 2021 federal election.”

Earlier this month, Pope Francis called for a ban on surrogacy, stating: “I consider despicable the practice of so-called surrogate motherhood, which represents a grave violation of the dignity of the woman and the child, based on the exploitation of situations of the mother’s material needs.”

Just under a third of Canadians (32%) are in favour of banning surrogacy, while a majority (57%) disagree and 12% are undecided.

Rejection to a ban on surrogacy reaches 61% among women and 63% among Canadians aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 12 to January 14, 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, 19 times out of 20.

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

Positive Perceptions of National Economy Decline in Canada

January 12, 2024January 12, 2024By Mario Canseco

More Canadians trust Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy (42%) than Justin Trudeau (38%).

Vancouver, BC [January 12, 2024] – Just over a third of Canadians think the country’s finances are doing well at the start of 2024, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 35% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “very good” or “good”, down six points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2023.

Just over three-in-five Canadians (61%, +5) think the national economy is in “bad” or “very bad” shape.

“More than seven-in-ten Albertans (72%) are dissatisfied with the state of the Canadian economy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities feel the same way in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (66%), British Columbia (63%), Atlantic Canada (62%), Ontario (59%) and Quebec (55%).”

More than a third Canadians (37%, +5) expect the nation’s finances to decline over the next six months. Only 14% (+2) predict a recovery, while 41% (-4) foresee no changes.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, +7) trust federal Leader of the Opposition Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy, while 38% (-5) feel the same way about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The rating is lower for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem (34%, +1).

Trudeau’s best numbers as an economic manager are observed in Quebec (48%), Ontario (38%) and Atlantic Canada (34%). Poilievre fares best in Alberta (56%) and British Columbia (47%) and Ontario (44%).

A majority of Canadians (54%, +2) rate their own personal finances today as “very good” or “good”, while 42% (-4) consider them as “poor” or “very poor.”

Concerns about inflation are slightly lower now than they were in 2023, with more than three-in-five Canadians expecting to pay more for a week’s worth of groceries (74%, -5), gasoline (65%, -8) and a new car (63%, -3) in the next six months. Fewer Canadians predict higher prices for real estate (51%, -4) or a new television set (47%, -4).

Fewer than half of Canadians say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (47%, =), the value of their investments (46%, -2), being able to pay their mortgage or rent (34%, =), themselves or someone in their household becoming unemployed (34%, =) or their employer encountering serious financial trouble (28%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 6 to January 8, 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, 19 times out of 20.

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

Canadian Social Media Users Report a Worsening Experience

January 10, 2024January 9, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than a third encountered “fake news” and more than one-in-four found racist comments or content in their feed.

Vancouver, BC [January 10, 2024] – Recent changes to social media platforms have not resulted in Canadian users having a better time online, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-ten Canadian users of X (formerly known as Twitter) (30%) say their overall experience on the platform has worsened over the past year.

Almost one-in-four Canadian users of Facebook (23%) say they are having a worse time on the platform. The proportion of dissatisfied Canadian social media users is lower for Snapchat (19%), TikTok (18%) and Instagram (15%).

In an open-ended question, Canadian social media users reported four main reasons for their worsening experience: extremism (14%), “fake news” (also 14%), toxicity (12%) and advertising (also 12%).

Other reasons cited by dissatisfied Canadian social media users include racism (6%), bad updates (5%), Elon Musk (also 5%), news from Canada being inaccessible (also 5%), algorithms (4%) and scams (also 4%).

More than a third of Canadian social media users (37%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2021) say they found links to stories on current affairs that were obviously false (sometimes referred to as “fake news”) over the past year.

Significant proportions of Canadian social media users encountered content or comments on their social media feed that they considered racist (27%, =), homophobic (22%, +3) or offensive to people with disabilities (19%, -1). Still, fewer than one-in-four Canadian social media users (23%, =) reported another user for offensive content or comments.

About a third of Canadian social media users (32%, +5) posted something that they deleted after thinking it over twice. Smaller proportions claim to have lost a friend (or to have stopped talking to a friend) over a social media conversation (14%) or recall making a comment on social media that was used against them in a different conversation (8%) over the past year.

Seven-in-ten Canadian social media users (70%, -1) say it is difficult to discern which social media accounts are real and which ones are fake—a proportion that rises to 83% among those aged 55 and over.

Almost two thirds of Canadian social media users (65%, -4) believe “anonymous” social media accounts should be banned and want people to only comment and post if they use their real name and likeness.

More than three-in-five Canadian social media users (62%, -3) think “creeping” on social media should be dealt with and want social media platforms to always allow users to see who has viewed their profiles, photos and posts.

Three-in-five Canadian social media users (60%, =) believe politicians who have a social media account should not be able to block users from engaging with them.

More than half of Canadian social media users who voted for the Liberal Party in the last federal election (56%) think politicians should not resort to blocking social media users. The proportions are higher among Canadian social media users who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (65%) or the Conservative Party (71%) in 2021.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 26 to December 28, 2023, among 838 adults in Canada who are users of social media platforms, such as Facebook, X (formerly known as Twitter), Instagram and Snapchat and TikTok. 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 +/- 3.4 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Canadians Willing to Explore Trade Beyond the United States

December 20, 2023December 19, 2023By Mario Canseco

Most residents want to capitalize on Asia’s need for Canadian energy resources, but reject state-owned corporate takeovers.

Vancouver, BC [December 20, 2023] – While Canadians overwhelmingly regard the United States as the country’s most important trade partner, two thirds of residents believe the time is right to expand into other markets, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Canadians to rank the importance of having good trade relations with 10 different countries and entities.

The United States was mentioned in the “top three” by 95% of Canadians, followed by the European Union (EU) (54%), the United Kingdom (51%) and China (47%).

Fewer Canadians included six other countries in their “top three”: Mexico (25%), Japan (19%), India (10%), Russia (6%), South Korea (4%) and Brazil (also 4%).

About two thirds of Canadians (67%) believe the Canadian federal government should aim to diversify its trade to be less dependent on the United States.

Majorities of Canadians who in the 2021 federal election voted for the Conservative Party (68%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 68%) and the Liberal Party (78%) agree with this policy goal.

More than half of Canadians believe strengthening economic and political relations with Asia should be Canada’s top foreign policy priority (52%) and think Canada stands to benefit from more Asian investment in the country (51%).

“Most residents of British Columbia (59%), Alberta (56%) and Ontario (52%) foresee benefits from Asian investment in Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (47%), Quebec (46%) and Atlantic Canada (44%).”

For three-in-five Canadians (60%), Canada needs to act now to take advantage of Asian countries’ need for energy resources.

Only three-in-ten Canadians (30%) consider Canada to be part of the Asia Pacific region—including 34% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 42% of British Columbians.

A separate question asked Canadians about their feelings if a company, bank or investment fund controlled by a foreign government were trying to purchase a controlling stake in a major Canadian company.

Canadians are more welcoming to corporate takeovers originating in three countries: the United States (61%), France (53%) and Japan (50%).

The favourability rating is significantly lower for similar actions involving the governments of Brazil (33%), India (29%), the United Arab Emirates (25%), Qatar (24%), Saudi Arabia (23%) and China (22%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from November 23 to November 25, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Almost Half of Canadians Keep Tight Holiday Season Budget

December 13, 2023December 12, 2023By Mario Canseco

Egg nog remains a favourite beverage in every Canadian region, with the exception of Quebec.

Vancouver, BC [December 13, 2023] – Most Canadians do not plan to splurge excessively as the year draws to a close, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, almost half of Canadians (47%) say they will not personally spend more than $500 on gifts, food and decorations during this holiday season.

“Just over two-in-five Canadians (42%) say their expected expenditures during the holiday season will be higher than $500,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion climbs to 49% in British Columbia and to 58% in Atlantic Canada.”

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%) say they will be spending about the same amount on gifts, food and decorations as they did in 2022. Just under one-in-four (23%) plan to spend less than last year, while 13% expect to spend more.

Across the country, 56% of Canadians expect this year’s holiday season to be “more fun than stressful”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in December 2022.

More than a quarter of Canadians (27%) believe this year’s holiday season will be “more stressful than fun”—including 32% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 29% of Ontarians.

More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, -3) select “Merry Christmas” as their preferred greeting for the season, while 21% (=) choose “Happy Holidays” and 18% (+3) are not sure or do not care either way.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians aged 18-to-34 (28%) prefer “Happy Holidays” as a greeting. The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (22%) aged 55 and over (13%).

As was the case in 2022, three traditional dishes of the season remain popular across the country. More than four-in-five Canadians (83%, -1) like turkey, while majorities also enjoy cranberry sauce (65%, +1) and Brussels sprouts (60%, =).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (58%, +3) like fruit cake, while the rating is lower for mince pies (50%, +2) and plum pudding (47%, -5). Egg nog (56%, +1) is a more popular holiday beverage than mulled wine (37%, +1).

In Quebec, only 41% of residents like egg nog. Preferences are significantly higher in Ontario (56%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 56%), Atlantic Canada (61%), British Columbia (65%) and Alberta (67%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from December 1 to December 3, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

No Change on the Importance of Religion Across Canada

December 8, 2023December 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

More than a third of Canadians (37%) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

Vancouver, BC [December 8, 2023] – Religion is not regarded as a major component of life by three-in-four Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, one-in-four Canadians (25%) say religion is personally “very important” to them, unchanged since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2022.

The proportion of Canadians who consider religion as “very important” is highest in Ontario (29%) and Atlantic Canada (28%). The proportions are lower in Alberta (25%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 25%), Quebec (20%) and British Columbia (also 20%).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians (73%, -8) say family is personally “very important” to them. The rating is lower for friends (49%, -11), country (45%, -2), career (32%, -4) and affluence (13%, -1).

More than a quarter of Canadians aged 55 and over (27%, +5) say religion is “very important” to them personally. The numbers are similar for those aged 18-to-34 (26%, -1) and lower among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (21%, -4).

As was the case in 2022, about half of Canadians (49%, +1) describe their religion as Christian. Just over a third (34%, -3) say they are agnostic, atheist or profess no religion.

“British Columbia is home to the largest proportion of Canadians (41%) who do not participate in any religion,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are also particularly high in Alberta (40%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (38%) and Quebec (36%)”.

Across the country, more than one-in-five Canadians (22%, +7) say they attend religious gatherings at least once a week. One third (33%, -7) only do so for special events, such as weddings, funerals or baptisms, and three-in-ten (30%, -2) never visit a church, temple or synagogue.

Almost three-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in 2021 (28%) attend religious services once a week or more often. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (22%) and the New Democratic Party (NDP) (19%) in the last federal election.

More than half of Canadians (55%, +2) describe themselves as “very spiritual” or “moderately spiritual”—a proportion that rises to 58% among women and to 59% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

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

Conservatives Close 2023 With 14-Point Lead in Canadian Politics

November 30, 2023November 30, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Hutima

Poutine is Undisputed Leader in Canadian Cuisine Preferences

November 17, 2023November 17, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from November 10 to November 12, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Photo Credit: Jen Arrr

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

Canadians See Long Road Ahead to Achieve Gender Equality

November 10, 2023November 9, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 22, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

Perceptions on Premiers Sour in Most Canadian Provinces

November 3, 2023November 7, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 20 to October 22, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region. The margin of error – which measures sample variability – is +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Trudeau and Harper Governments Split Views in British Columbia

November 1, 2023October 31, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from October 12 to October 14, 2023, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Under Legal Cannabis, Canadians Endorse Drug Tests and Pardons

October 27, 2023October 27, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 11 to October 13, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Perceptions on Immigration Harden Considerably in Canada

October 20, 2023October 20, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Photo Credit: Alexandre Moreau

Liberal-NDP Merger Would Not Hurt Conservatives in Canada

October 13, 2023October 13, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted on October 6 to October 8, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Divided on what Artificial Intelligence Will Bring

October 11, 2023October 24, 2023By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology:Results are based on an online study conducted on September 27 and September 28, 2023, among 1,000 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

For more information on this poll, please contact:

Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.

778.929.0490

[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca