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Residents Ready for Governance Reform in Metro Vancouver

April 16, 2026April 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than three-in-four would conduct a full public inquiry into the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Vancouver, BC [April 16, 2026] – Residents of 21 municipalities would like to see changes in the way the Metro Vancouver Regional District (MVRD)—or Metro Vancouver—currently operates, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative regional sample outlines widespread confusion among residents about both what Metro Vancouver is actually responsible for and its current governance structure.

About two-in-five residents know that Metro Vancouver operates and maintains solid waste facilities (41%), operates and maintains liquid waste facilities (40%) and provides drinking water (39%), while fewer are aware that it oversees the development and maintenance of regional parks (29%) and establishes policies and plans to improve air quality (22%).

When asked how many directors serve in the Metro Vancouver Board, the average response from residents is 10. The Metro Vancouver Board currently consists of 41 Directors representing 21 Municipalities, one Electoral Area and one treaty First Nation.

Upon learning of the size of the Metro Vancouver Board, majorities of residents agree with two separate proposals: electing the directors the Metro Vancouver Board directly, instead of appointing members of Municipal or First Nation councils (65%) and creating a smaller, directly elected “Mayors Council” that can oversee Metro Vancouver, TransLink and E-Comm 9-1-1 (67%).

Support for direct elections to the Metro Vancouver Board is highest among residents of the City of Langley, the Township of Langley, Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows (74%), followed by those in Burnaby, New Westminster and the Tri-Cities (69%), Richmond and Delta (66%), the North Shore (also 66%), Vancouver (65%) and Surrey and White Rock (62%).

“Seven-in-ten Metro Vancouverites aged 35-to-54 (70%) think the region needs a directly elected Metro Vancouver Board,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 18-to-34 (64%) and aged 55 and over (63%) concur.”

Two thirds of residents (66%) believe that, in its current form, Metro Vancouver is overseen by politicians who are only accountable to a particular municipality and not to the region as a whole. Similar proportions of respondents think a directly elected Metro Vancouver Board would be more accountable, efficient and responsive (71%) and would simplify political decision-making (67%).

Just over three-in-four Metro Vancouverites (76%) are in favour of conducting a full public inquiry into the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant—including 79% of those aged 55 and over and 83% of those who live in the North Shore.

Majorities of residents also support holding a regional referendum to establish the operating and capital budgets of the Metro Vancouver Board (72%) and Mayors and Councillors not receiving any stipends or honoraria for their participation in regional boards (64%).

A separate question gauged the public’s appetite for the privatization of Metro Vancouver’s core services. Majorities of respondents support privatizing the operation and maintenance of solid waste facilities (56%), the operation and maintenance of liquid waste facilities (55%), the development and maintenance of regional parks (55%), policies and plans to improve air quality (54%) and the provision of drinking water (53%).

There is a significant age gap on the privatization question, with support for this course of action dropping dramatically among residents aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 5 to April 7, 2026, among 1,203 adults in Metro Vancouver. 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 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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

By 3-to-1 Margin, Niagara Region Residents Reject Amalgamation Push

April 13, 2026April 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

Two thirds of residents think the issue should be put to a special vote in this year’s municipal elections.

St. Catharines, ON [April 13, 2026] – Residents of the 12 cities, towns and townships that form the Niagara Region are unconvinced about an amalgamation proposal, a new Research Co. poll conducted for CUPE Ontario has found.

In the mixed mode survey of a representative regional sample, conducted in early March, more than three-in-five respondents (62%) thought Premier Doug Ford and his provincial government should back off from meddling in Niagara’s local democracy though his hand-picked Regional Chair, Bob Gale and want the people of Niagara to have their say on possible amalgamation based on who they elect as mayors and councillors in October.

Only 19% of respondents think Premier Ford and his provincial government should continue pushing for amalgamation through Gale, who they appointed, and want this decision to be made by the provincial government and the current mayors of Niagara’s 12 municipalities.

The survey was conducted prior to Gale’s resignation as chair of the Regional Municipality of Niagara on March 12, following a controversy regarding his alleged ownership of a signed copy of Adolf Hitler’s Mein Kampf.

Majorities of both men (58%) and women (66%) in the Niagara Region want to place the decision on amalgamation away from the provincial government—a view that is shared by 60% of Niagara Region residents aged 18-to-34, 61% of those aged 35-to-54 and 65% of those aged 55 and over.

Two thirds of respondents (66%) think the possible amalgamation of cities, towns and townships in the Niagara Region should be put to a special vote during the municipal elections already scheduled for this October—a proportion that rises to 76% among respondents aged 55 and over.

Methodology: Results are based on a mixed-mode (online and telephone) survey conducted from March 5 to March 10, 2026, among 934 adults in the Niagara Region. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age and gender in the Niagara Region. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.2 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty..

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

Canadians Split on Conscience Rights on Physician-Assisted Death

April 9, 2026April 8, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just under two-in-five would support a bill to allow health care professionals to object on moral or faith-based grounds.

Vancouver, BC [April 9, 2026] – While Canadians are not particularly supportive of legislation that would permit moral or faith-based objections in all phases of health care delivery, there is a deep divide when pondering their use in Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID), a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of Canadians (+5 since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2022) think health care professionals should have the ability to object to providing services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to physician-assisted death, while 42% (-9) disagree.

On a regional basis, opposition to moral or faith-based objections in physician-assisted death cases is highest in Alberta (47%), followed by Atlantic Canada (45%), Quebec (44%), Ontario (41%), British Columbia (also 41%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%).

Opposition is higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (45%) than among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 18-to-34 (39%).

The survey asked about two other specific situations in which health care professionals might ask to object to providing services.

Just under half of Canadians (48%, -8) say health care professionals should not be able to object to providing services if they have a moral or faith-based objection to abortion—a proportion that rises to 51% among women.

A majority of Canadians (57%, -6) disagree with the possibility of health care practitioners refusing to provide services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, gender diverse, queer and Two-Spirit (LGBTQ2+) people because of a moral or faith-based objection.

Across Canada, 46% of respondents (-6) would oppose a bill that sought to allow health care professionals the ability to have a moral or faith-based objection to providing services. Fewer than two-in-five Canadians (38%, -1) would support a bill with these characteristics, while 16% (+2) are undecided.

Half of Canadians aged 55 and over (50%, -6) would oppose an effort from their provincial legislature to allow moral or faith-based objections in health care delivery. The proportion drops to 46% (-2) among Canadians aged 18-to-34 and to 41% (-9) among Canadians aged 35-to-54.

In 2019, Alberta considered the implementation of Bill 207 which was later abandoned. The proposed legislation sought to enable the province’s health care practitioners to abstain from providing services to an individual if they considered that their conscientious beliefs would be infringed upon.

Support for this type of legislation is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (45%), followed by Ontario (43%), British Columbia (41%), Alberta (38%), Quebec (30%) and Atlantic Canada (29%).

“More than half of Conservative Party voters in the 2025 federal election (53%) would permit moral or faith-based objections in health care delivery,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion drops to 36% among Liberal Party voters and to 34% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters.”

There are also some significant differences among specific ethnicities. More than half of Canadians of East Asian descent (52%) support this type of bill. Fewer respondents whose heritage is Indigenous (44%) European (35%) or South Asian (32%) concur.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 22 to March 24, 2026, 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.

Climate Change Divide Grows Between Americans and Canadians

April 2, 2026April 2, 2026By Mario Canseco

Still, majorities in the two countries want governments, companies and individuals to do more to deal with impacts.

Vancouver, BC [April 2, 2026] – The views of Americans and Canadians on human-made climate change continue to drift apart, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, fewer than half of Americans (48%) say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2024.

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, +3) say climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities.

The difference in perceptions of human-made climate change in Canada and the United States has never been as large as it is in 2026 (15 points). The results in Canada were higher than in the United States on this question in 2024 (10 points), 2022 (nine points) and 2020 (seven points).

While 13% of respondents in the United States believe climate change is a theory that has not been proven, only 9% of respondents in Canada concur.

Americans are also more likely to think that climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes (28%) than Canadians (21%).

“Sizeable majorities of Democrats in the United States (67%) and Liberal Party voters in Canada (81%) think climate change is real and human-made,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions drop drastically among American Republicans (34%) and Canadian Conservatives (44%).”

Canadians are more likely to think of climate change as a “major crisis” (63%, +3) than Americans (52%, -3). While fewer than one-in-ten Canadians (9%, +1) think of climate change as “not a crisis at all”, the proportion rises to 16% (+3) among Americans.

Only 2% of Americans who voted for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in 2024 think climate change is “not a crisis at all”, compared to 31% of Americans who voted for Republican candidate Donald Trump.

In Canada, only 4% of Liberal voters in the 2025 federal election believe climate change is “not a crisis at all”, compared to 19% of Canadians who cast ballots for Conservative candidates.

Americans and Canadians agree—albeit at differing levels—that three entities should be doing more to deal with issues related to climate change that are happening or impacting people directly now: governments (63% in the United States and 69% in Canada), companies and corporations (62% in the United States and 70% in Canada), and individuals and consumers (55% in the United States and 61% in Canada).

The results are similar when Canadians and Americans ponder issues related to climate change that may happen or impact people directly in the future. Majorities want governments (65% in the United States and 70% in Canada), companies and corporations (65% in the United States and 69% in Canada), and individuals and consumers (57% in the United States and 61% in Canada) to be more active.

Respondents in the two countries were asked if they would be willing to pay higher taxes to adequately address seven issues, including climate change.

More than three-in-five Americans would pay higher taxes to deal with schools (67%, +1), homelessness (63%, +1), floods (61%, +4), and forest fires (also 61%, +5). Fewer feel the same way about climate change (58%, +3), housing improvements (56%, +2) and transit improvements (49%, -2).

More than three-in-five Canadians would pay higher taxes to adequately address climate change (62%, +7) and forest fires (61%, +7). Support is lower for five other issues: housing improvements (57%, +4), schools (56%, =), homelessness (also 56%, +3), floods (also 56%, +4) and transit improvements (49%, +2).

More than two-in-five Americans (42%) and just over half of Canadians (51%) say conversations about climate change with their child (or children) motivated them to recycle more.

Fewer residents took action on other issues after a conversation with their children, including taking shorter showers (25% in the United States and 29% in Canada), driving less than usual (22% in the United States and 30% in Canada), reducing their consumption of meat (17% in the United States and 21% in Canada), changing their vote in a local election (13% in the United States and 15% in Canada) or changing their vote in a federal election (15% in each country).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 22 to March 24, 2026, among 1,001 adults in Canada and 1,002 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.

Canadians Still Think Use of Emergencies Act Was Justified

March 26, 2026April 8, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just over a third believe no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented.

Vancouver, BC [March 26, 2026] – Four years after the invocation of the Emergencies Act, a majority of Canadians continue to agree with the decision taken by the federal government, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In January and February 2022, a series of protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic took place in Ottawa and other parts of Canada.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than seven-in-ten Canadians (71%, +2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025) say they “very closely” or “moderately closely” followed news stories related to the protests and blockades.

Practically three-in-five Canadians (59%, +3) think the federal government’s decision to invoke the Emergencies Act to deal with the protests and blockades was justified.

Sizeable majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2025 federal election (78% and 66% respectively) side with the federal government’s decision. Conservative Party voters are divided: 44% think the actions were justified, while 46% consider them unjustified.

When asked to look back at their feelings during the protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic, just over two in five Canadians (41%, -2) claim to have supported them while almost half (47%, +1) say they opposed them.

The anti-mandate protests found the support of just 33% of Canadians aged 55 and over. The proportions are larger among Canadians aged 35 to 54 (45%) and Canadians aged 18-to-34 (50%).

More than a third of Canadians (36%, +2) believe no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented, while more than half (54%, -5) disagree with this idea.

“A significant gender gap remains when Canadians assess COVID-19 mandates and restrictions six years after the pandemic was declared,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 32% of women would have preferred to have avoided these measures, the proportion rises to 41% among men.”

The survey continues to show a divided country on two additional aspects of the protests and blockades.

Canadians are almost evenly split on whether the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were justified (Agree 43%, Disagree 45%).

The notion that the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were fighting for freedom resonates positively with 45% of Canadians and negatively with 41%.

The numbers are not as close on whether the federal government should be overthrown. Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -1) agree with this contention, while more than half (51%, =) disagree with it.

At least seven-in-ten Canadians are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades (74%, -3) and foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (70%, =).

Fewer Canadians—but still majorities— are also worried about the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (62%, -2) and Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions (59%, -2).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 15 to March 17, 2026, 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 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.

Six Years Later, Canadians Feel COVID-19 Was Properly Handled

March 23, 2026March 22, 2026By Mario Canseco

Majorities support holding public inquiries similar to the one currently taking place in the United Kingdom.

Vancouver, BC [March 23, 2026] – The performance of the federal government during the COVID-19 pandemic remains satisfactory for a majority of Canadians, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians think the way the federal government in Ottawa dealt with the COVID-19 pandemic can be described as “a success”, up four points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025.

“Satisfaction with the way the federal government managed the COVID-19 pandemic is lowest among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (45%)”, says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are higher among Canadians aged 55 and over (59%) and aged 18-to-34 (58%).”

Most Canadians also think their provincial government (56%, +2) and their municipal government (55%, +3) were successful in managing COVID-19. The rating is lower for the official opposition in Ottawa (38%, -1) and provincial official opposition parties (41%, +2).

At least half of Canadians think the media was successful in dealing with the pandemic: 56% for television news (+3), 55% for radio news (+4) and 50% for newspapers (+1). The rating is similar for non-governmental organizations (51%, +5) and lower for unions (44%, +5) and trade associations (41%, +4).

As was the case in 2025, Canadians can be divided into three distinct camps when asked about the pandemic.

One-in-ten Canadians (10%, =) brand COVID-19 as a hoax and say we never should have altered our lives, while three-in-ten (30%, =) say the response to the pandemic was probably too heavy-handed. More than half (53%, =) think we were right to have strict public health measures in place to stop the spread of the virus.

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

About three-in-five Canadians support holding public inquiries into the way the COVID-19 pandemic was managed by the federal government (62%, -2), their provincial government (61%, -4) and their municipal government (58%, -4).

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party or the New Democratic Party (NDP) in last year’s federal election are more likely to support holding a public inquiry into the federal government’s response to COVID-19 (71% and 69% respectively) than those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates (55%).

Majorities of residents in the four most populous provinces would welcome an inquiry into the way provincial governments managed the pandemic: 67% in Alberta, 64% in British Columbia, 61% in Ontario and 58% in Quebec.

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

Public Appetite for a Republic Dwindles Across Canada

March 19, 2026March 20, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians continue to expect the country to remain a monarchy twenty years from now.

Vancouver, BC [March 19, 2026] – Canadians are divided when assessing the constitution of the country, a new Research Co, poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 33% of Canadians (-7 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in March 2025) say they would prefer for Canada to have an elected head of state, while 29% (-2) would like Canada to remain a monarchy.

Almost one-in-four Canadians (23%, +5) say they do not care either way and 15% (+4) are undecided.

“In March 2024, a 23-point gap separated the group of Canadians that called for a republic from those who argued in favour of keeping the monarchy,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This year, the difference between the two camps is just four points.”

Public support for the continuation of the monarchy in Canada is highest among Baby Boomers (36%), dropping to 31% among Generation X, to 26% among Generation Y, and to 24% among Millennials.

On a regional basis, support for the continuation of the monarchy is highest in Atlantic Canada (38%), followed by British Columbia (37%), Ontario (30%), Alberta (28%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (27%) and Quebec (22%).

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election are more likely to favour keeping the monarchy (37%) than those who cast ballots for candidates representing the Conservative Party (29%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (27%).

As was the case last year, a majority of Canadians (52%, -1) expect Canada to “definitely” or “probably” remain a monarchy in 20 years, while just over one-in-four (26%, -6) believe the country will “definitely” or “probably” have an elected head of state.

More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +4) hold favourable views on King Charles III. The rating is higher for Princess Kate (57%, +1), Prince William (55%, +1) and Prince Harry (47%, =), and lower for Duchess Meghan (38%, -2) and Queen Consort Camilla (29%, -1).

The reigning monarch’s favourability rating is highest among Baby Boomers (59%) but falls below the 50% mark among Generation X (40%), Millennials (40%) and Generation Y (35%).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%, +15) say they have no problem with King Charles III being featured on coins and bills that are being used in Canada.

Two thirds of Canadians (67%, +17) would like to see a commitment from King Charles III to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire Royal Family, and practically three-in-five (59%, +15) think the monarch should advance the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Almost half of Canadians (49%, +9) say they would have liked to see Prince William become King of the United Kingdom and the other 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada.

The notion of Prince William taking over as King in 2022 is particularly popular in Alberta (58%), followed by British Columbia (54%), Ontario (51%), Manitoba and Saskatchewan (49%), Atlantic Canada (47%) and Quebec (40%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 7 to March 9, 2026, 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 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.

Existing Electoral System OK for Almost Two Thirds of Canadians

March 12, 2026March 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half would welcome a move to proportional representation for elections to the House of Commons.

Vancouver, BC [March 12, 2026] – The perceptions of Canadians on the way federal politicians are elected have not gone through a significant shift in the past two years, 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, 65% of Canadians say they are satisfied with the “first-past-the-post” system (+3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2024), while 20% (-7) are dissatisfied and 16% (+5) are not sure.

Satisfaction with “first-past-the-post” is highest among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (67%, =) and also encompasses majorities of those aged 55 and over (64%, +3) and aged 35-to-54 (61%, +4).

More than two thirds of British Columbians (67%) and Atlantic Canadians (also 67%) are satisfied with the electoral system currently used in Canadian federal elections, along with 65% of respondents who reside in Ontario, Quebec and Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The proportion is lower, albeit still a majority, in Alberta (54%).

Almost two thirds of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party (65%, +7) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 65%, +3) in the 2025 federal election are satisfied with “first-past-the-post”—along with 74% (-2) of Liberal Party voters.

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

A majority of Canadians (55%, -1) are in favour of electing 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.

While almost two thirds of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (65%, +3) agree with adopting Party-List Proportional Representation for federal elections, the proportion drops to 55% (-2) among those aged 35-to-54 and to 45% (-4) among those aged 55 and over.

Atlantic Canada is home to the lowest proportion of respondents who are in favour of relying on Party-List Proportional Representation for federal elections (43%). The numbers are higher in British Columbia (54%, -6), Alberta (55%, +4), Quebec (56%, +2), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 56%, +5) and Ontario (57%, =).

Fewer than half of Canadians (48%, +2) would support adopting 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.

Once again, Canadians aged 18-to-34 are more open to electoral reform, with 56% endorsing a move to Single Transferable Vote. Fewer Canadians aged 35-to-54 (51%) and aged 55 and over (38%) share this view.

More than two-in-five Canadians (46%, +5) would choose to elect the members of the House 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.

Support for this system is lowest among Conservative voters (48%) and rises among those who cast ballots for candidates belonging to the Liberals (50%) or the NDP (53%) in 2025.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 11 to February 13, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,001 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.

Low Name Recognition for Leadership Hopefuls in British Columbia

March 5, 2026March 4, 2026By Mario Canseco

Darrell Jones, Caroline Elliott, Kerry-Lynne Findlay, Iain Black and Peter Milobar are slightly ahead on vote consideration.

Vancouver, BC [March 5, 2026] – There is no clear frontrunner when British Columbians—and past BC Conservative voters—assess the 11 candidates who expressed interest in taking over as leader of the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 23% of British Columbians say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the BC Conservatives with former leader John Rustad at the helm.

Only four leadership candidates can count on the consideration of at least one-in-five British Columbians: Darrell Jones (25%), Caroline Elliott (22%), Kerry-Lynne Findlay (21%), Iain Black (20%) and Peter Milobar (also 20%).

The proportions are lower on this question for Sheldon Clare (19%), Yuri Fulmer (also 19%), Bruce Banman (also 19%), Warren Hamm (also 19%), Steve Kooner (17%) and Harman Bhangu (17%). The poll was conducted in February, when Clare and Kooner were still in the running.

Among British Columbians who voted for the BC Conservatives in the 2024 provincial election, Jones and Rustad are tied at 41%, followed by Elliott at 39%, Black at 35%, Findlay at 34% and Milobar at 33%. The numbers are slightly lower for Clare and Fulmer (32% each), Banman (31%), Hamm and Kooner (30% each) and Bhangu (29%).

Just over one-in-five British Columbians (21%) say they have a favourable opinion of Rustad, while 38% hold unfavourable views.

Jones has the highest favourability rating among the 11 original leadership candidates at 20%. The rating for the remaining candidates fluctuates between 11% and 14%.

“Most British Columbians do not know enough about the BC Conservative leadership contenders to have an opinion on them,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Darrell Jones has the highest awareness at 44%, while Warren Hamm and Harman Bhangu have the lowest at 33% each.”

Respondents to this survey were asked if nine issues would be better managed under the current BC New Democratic Party (NDP) government under David Eby or under a BC Conservative government led by Rustad.

A Rustad-led provincial administration is regarded as better positioned to manage the budget deficit (31% to 26%) and crime and public safety (31% to 28%).

The Eby-led BC NDP government is slightly ahead on the economy and jobs (31% to 28%) but holds larger leads on six other areas: housing, homelessness and poverty (31% to 24%), energy (33% to 26%), accountability (33% to 26%), education (36% to 23%), health care (37% to 25%) and the environment (37% to 23%).

On the economy and jobs, men are more likely to express a preference for the Rustad Conservatives (34% to 30%), while women pick the Eby New Democrats (33% to 23%).

The numbers are close on this question among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (Rustad 28%, Eby 26%) and among those aged 35-to-54 (Rustad 32%, Eby 31%). The current government is clearly ahead among those aged 55 and over (36% to 25%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 22 to February 24, 2026, among 801 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Perceptions on National Economy Mostly Stagnant in Canada

February 26, 2026February 25, 2026By Mario Canseco

Canadians are more likely to trust Mark Carney on economic matters than Pierre Poilievre.

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2026] – The views of Canadians on the country’s financial standing did not go through severe fluctuations over the past five months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 60% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “poor” or “very poor”, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2025.

More than a third of Canadians (35%, =) continue to say the country’s financial standing is “very good” or “good” today.

Just under a third of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (32%, -8) and Atlantic Canada (32%, -17) say Canada’s economic conditions are “very good” or “good”. The proportions are higher in Ontario (33%, -3), British Columbia (34%, +5), Alberta (36%, +8) and Quebec (38%, -5).

Just over two-in-five Canadians (41%, +2) expect no changes to Canada’s financial standing over the next six months. More than a third (35%, -4) predict a decline, while 15% (=) foresee an improvement.

As was the case in September 2025, similar proportions of Canadians describe their own personal finances as “very good” or “good” (49%, -1) or “poor” or “very poor” (46%, -1).

“There is a significant gender gap when Canadians ponder their personal finances,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While 58% of Canadian men feel their current situation is positive, only 41% of women concur.”

Just under two-in-five Canadians (38%, -2) express confidence in Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem to do the right thing to help the economy.

More than half of Canadians (53%, -5) trust Prime Minister Mark Carney on economic matters—a proportion that rises to 59% among Canadians aged 55 and over, 59% in Quebec and 57% in British Columbia.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -4) trust federal opposition leader Pierre Poilievre to do the right thing to help the economy. Poilievre’s numbers are higher in Alberta (44%) and among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (also 44%).

Three-in-four Canadians (75%, -1) believe the price of a week’s worth of groceries will go up in the next six months. Majorities feel the same way when assessing the costs of a new car (65%, -3) and gasoline (57%, -10).

Fewer Canadians believe they will have to pay more for a new television set (50%, -5) or real estate (48%, -4) in the next six months.

There is stability on the question about financial setbacks, with almost half of Canadians saying they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (48%, -2) and the value of their investments (also 48%, -1).

Fewer Canadians have been concerned about being able to pay their mortgage or rent (42%, +3), unemployment affecting their household (40%, +1) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (33%, +1).

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

British Columbians Endorse Specific Actions to Curb Extortion

February 19, 2026February 18, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents are following news related to this issue “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

Vancouver, BC [February 19, 2026] – Residents of British Columbia are paying attention to the recent surge of extortion attempts and extortion-related shootings, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than half of British Columbians (56%) have followed news related to this issue “very closely” or “moderately closely” over the past month.

British Columbians of South Asian descent are more likely to be focused on news related to extortion (67%) than residents whose heritage is Indigenous (59%), European (56%) or East Asian (55%).

At least two thirds of British Columbians are in favour of three separate measures to curb extortion in the province.

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%) agree with expediting the removal of non-citizens charged or convicted of extortion, firearms offences, or participation in extortion-related criminal activity.

Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who voted for the Conservative Party of BC (87%) or the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (85%) in the 2024 provincial election endorse the plan to expedite the removal of charged non-citizens, along with 73% of those who voted for the BC Green Party.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) support amending the Criminal Code so that adolescents who are recruited to carry out extortion-related activities (such as intimidation and threats) can be tried as adults.

“An extortion-related amendment to the Criminal Code is welcomed by 83% of British Columbians aged 55 and over,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 35-to-54 (69%) and aged 18-to-34 (61%) are also supportive.”

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) back the appointment of a Commissioner for Extortion Violence Against Canadians—a proportion that rises to 70% among respondents of South Asian descent.

British Columbians are deeply divided when assessing two other proposals.

The notion of providing the City of Surrey with its own dedicated police helicopter is regarded positively by 41% of British Columbians and negatively by 38%.

More than two-in-five British Columbians (45%) disagree with changing gun laws, so that people whose homes or businesses are targeted can defend themselves. A slightly smaller proportion (41%) agree with this idea.

Support for changing gun laws due to extortion attempts and extortion-related shootings is highest in Northen BC (51%), followed by Vancouver Island (48%), the Fraser Valley (47%), Southern BC (40%) and Metro Vancouver (also 40%).

British Columbians who voted for the BC NDP in 2024 are less likely to support changing existing gun laws (40%) than those who cast ballots for candidates representing the BC Conservatives or the BC Greens (each at 45%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 7 to February 9, 2026, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Canadians Now Expect the Worst from American Tariffs

February 16, 2026February 15, 2026By Mario Canseco

More than half of Canadians are still endeavouring to avoid purchasing goods from the United States.

Vancouver, BC [February 16, 2026] – The perceptions of Canadians on the reach of the tariffs implemented by the United States has shifted dramatically over the past nine months, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, more than two-in-five Canadians (46%, +19) think the tariffs on Canadian products will be expanded by the U.S. government—a 19-point increase since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in May 2025.

Conversely, the proportion of Canadians who believe the tariffs will be rescinded by the U.S. government fell to 20% (-20).

Two thirds of Canadians (66%, -3) are following news related to the tariffs dispute “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

More than half of Canadians (55%, -5) have avoided purchasing goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative was available.

Just over a third of Canadians (34%, -1) have cancelled a planned trip to the United States, while fewer have steered clear of American restaurant franchises in Canada (30%, -6) or shunned American entertainment options (25%, -5).

Just over three-in-four Canadians (76%) think the American tariffs are still a threat to Canada, and more than half (53%) consider the United States a military threat to Canada at this point.

“Majorities of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (56%) and aged 35-to-54 (54%) think the United States currently represents a military threat,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion is lower among Canadians aged 55 and over (47%).”

Fewer than half of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in last year’s federal election (46%) believe the U.S. is a military threat. The proportion rises to 60% among Liberal Party voters and to 68% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters.

Most Canadians (57%, -7) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs, while three-in-ten (30%, -9) feel the same way about Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

More than half of Canadians (54%, +8) disagree with the notion that a Conservative federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States.

Just under half of Canadians (54%, -6) approve of the way their premier has managed the tariffs dispute, while 31% (-7) express a similar opinion of their provincial official opposition leader.

Among the four most populous provinces, Albertans provide the lowest approval rating for their premier on the issue of tariffs (36%, -11). The proportions are higher in Quebec (42%, -7), Ontario (45%, -13) and British Columbia (59%, +3).

The lowest rated provincial opposition leader on tariffs resides in British Columbia (24%, -10). The rating is superior among residents of Quebec (29%, -10), Ontario (33%, -6) and Alberta (45%, +8).

More than seven-in-ten Canadians continue to endorse the notion of Canada enhancing trade with the United Kingdom (77%, -1), Japan (also 77%, +2), the European Union (EU) (also 77%, =), Australia and New Zealand (also 77%, -2) and Mexico (73%, -3).

More than half of Canadians (56%, -1) think Canada should seriously consider requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

The idea of initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state is backed by one-in-five Canadians (20%, =).

Only 8% of Canadians aged 55 and over are in favour of seriously considering Canada becoming an American state. The proportion is higher among those aged 35-to-54 (22%) and those aged 55 and over (30%).

Just under half of Canadians (48%, +2) support initiating a formal process for Canada to join the European Union (EU).

More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (52%) would welcome Canada seriously considering an application to become an EU member, along with 45% of those aged 35-to-54 and 41% of those aged 55 and over.

Majorities of Canadians agree with four measures that have been tested since early 2025: Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers suspending all steel, aluminum, and wood exports to the United States until U.S. President Donald Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs (62%, -3), Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers shutting off all energy exports to the United States (59%, -4), Canada officially demanding an apology from Trump for his statements related to Canada becoming an American state (57%, -3) and Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs recalling the Canadian ambassador to the United States in response to Trump’s statements (51%, =).

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

Canadians Maintain Favourable Ratings for Italy, Japan and UK

February 12, 2026February 12, 2026By Mario Canseco

Positive opinions are up for both China (39%, +9) and the United States (30%, +4).

Vancouver, BC [February 12, 2026] – More than seven-in-ten Canadians hold favourable views on five nations, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 77% of Canadians have a positive opinion of Italy, up five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2025.

The favourable rating is also high for Japan (76%, +5), the United Kingdom (also 75%, +3), France (72%, +5) and Germany (71%, +5).

Two other countries garner positive mentions from more than half of Canadians: South Korea (63%, +6) and Mexico (58%, -1).

The biggest gainer since April 2025 is China. Practically two-in-five Canadians (39%) have as favourable opinion of this country, up nine points in 10 months. The rating is slightly lower for India (35%, +2) and Venezuela (32%, -2).

“More than half of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (54%) express a positive opinion of China,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (36%) and aged 55 and over (27%).”

On a regional basis, at least two-in-five residents of Ontario (43%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (41%) and Atlantic Canada (40%) hold favourable views on China. The rating is lower in Quebec (38%), Alberta (34%) and British Columbia (31%).

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) have a positive opinion of the United States, up four points since the all-time low recorded in April 2025.

Just under one-in-four Canadians aged 55 and over (23%) hold favourable views on the United States. The rating rises to 29% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 38% among those aged 18-to-34.

About a third of residents of Ontario (34%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 34%) and Alberta (33%) provide a positive assessment of the United States. Fewer residents of British Columbia (25%), Quebec (24%) and Atlantic Canada (22%) concur.

Fewer than three-in-ten Canadians express favourable views on four other countries: Saudi Arabia (29%, -2), Russia (23%, +4), Iran (19%, +2) and North Korea (16%, -1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 4 to February 6, 2026, among a representative sample of 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 +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Double-Digit Advantage for Governing Liberals in Canada

February 9, 2026February 7, 2026By Mario Canseco

Mark Carney holds a significant lead over Pierre Poilievre when voters ponder who would make the best prime minister.

Vancouver, BC [February 9, 2026] – The governing Liberal Party remains ahead of all other contenders in Canada’s federal political scene, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 45% of decided voters would cast a ballot for the Liberal candidate in their constituency, up two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in September 2025.

The Conservative Party is second with 32% (-6), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 10% (+2), the Bloc Québécois with 7% (+1), the Green Party with 3% (+1), the People’s Party with 2% (+1) and other parties and independent candidates with 1% (=).

The Liberals hold sizeable leads over the Conservatives in Atlantic Canada (54% to 37%), British Columbia (46% to 33%) and Ontario (46% to 38%).

In Quebec, the Liberals are first with 43%, followed by the Bloc with 29% and the Conservatives with 17%. The Conservatives hold a ten-point advantage over the Liberals in Alberta (44% to 34%).

This month, the Liberals are clearly ahead of the Conservatives among both male decided voters (44% to 34%) and female decided voters (46% to 31%). The governing party holds double-digit leads among Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (51% to 31%) and Millennials (43% to 30%). The race is closer, but still with the Liberals in first place, among Generation Z (38% to 33%) and Generation X (41% to 37%).

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%, -3) say the economy and jobs is the most important issue facing the country right now, followed by housing, homelessness and poverty 18%, -4), Canada-U.S. Relations (16%, -1), health care (16%, +5) and immigration (11%, +1).

Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney holds the highest approval rating among all federal leaders at 55% (-1). The numbers are lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (39%, -8), Green leader Elizabeth May (32%, -1), interim NDP leader Don Davies (28%, =), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (23%, -3) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (20%, -2).

On the “Preferred Prime Minister” question, Carney is 19 points ahead of Poilievre (44% to 25%).

“More than half of Canada’s Baby Boomers (52%) prefer to have Mark Carney as prime minister,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The Liberal leader is also substantially ahead on this question in Atlantic Canada (49%), British Columbia (46%) and Quebec (also 46%).”

When Canadians are asked which of the two main party leaders would be the best to handle 11 different issues, Carney and Poilievre are tied on only one: crime and public safety (35% to 35%).

Carney is ahead of Poilievre on being the best person to handle foreign affairs (48% to 26%), accountability and leadership (46% to 26%), Canada-U.S. Relations (46% to 27%), the economy and jobs (45% to 30%), national unity (45% to 26%), energy and pipelines (43% to 29%), health care (42% to 27%), immigration (40% to 31%), the environment (40% to 23%) and housing, homelessness and poverty (39% to 27%).

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

Canadians Assess Appropriateness of Flags at Legislatures

February 5, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Animosity is high for foreign banners, but residents support flying flags used by Indigenous peoples and sports teams.

Vancouver, BC [February 5, 2026] – Half of Canadians disagree with municipalities and state legislatures raising the flags of foreign countries, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 50% of Canadians think it is inappropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to raise flags of foreign countries—except the United Kingdom—while 27% consider the practice appropriate.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%) believe it is appropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to fly the flag of the United Kingdom, while 36% deem this gesture inappropriate.

Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in the 2025 federal election are more likely to endorse flying the Union Jack (56%) than those who cast ballots for the Conservative Party (45%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (39%).

Majorities of Canadians think it is appropriate for municipalities and provincial legislatures to raise flags used by Indigenous peoples in Canada (or that reference Indigenous causes) (61%) and flags that represent a local sports team (58%).

Just over than two thirds of Generation Z (67%) see no problem with flying Indigenous-themed flags, along with majorities of Millennials (62%), Generation X (59%) and Baby Boomers (58%).

The situation is similar for sports teams, with Baby Boomers slightly more likely to endorse raising these flags (61%) than Millennials (58%), Generation X (57%) and Generation Z (54%).

Canadians are divided when asked about municipalities and provincial legislatures raising flags that represent social causes (such as the rainbow flag or pride flag). While 43% consider this appropriate, 39% believe the gesture is inappropriate.

Almost half of Millennials (49%) think it is appropriate to fly flags that represent social causes. The proportions are lower among Baby Boomers (43%), Generation Z (also 43%) and Generation X (42%).

“Only 33% of Conservative voters in Canada endorse municipalities and provincial legislatures raising flags that represent social causes,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion rises to 54% among New Democratic voters and to 62% among Liberal voters.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 11 to January 13, 2026, among a representative sample of 1,001 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.

Vancouverites Split on ABC, Like Progressive Voices in Council

February 2, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Practically three-in-five residents think the city needs a Mayor and Council similar to New York’s Zohran Mamdani.

Vancouver, BC [February 2, 2026] – After more than three years of a municipal government headed by Ken Sim and the A Better City (ABC) party, Vancouverites offer mixed reviews on what they have experienced so far, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative municipal sample, 27% of Vancouverites think Sim and ABC may not have gotten everything right, but would keep their leadership to make Vancouver better.

A slightly larger proportion of residents (32%) say Sim and ABC have not kept their key promises and call for a change in leadership at City Hall, but not a major change in policy.

More than one-in-four Vancouverites (27%) think Sim and ABC have shown that their policies do not work for Vancouver and want different ideas to make Vancouver better.

Only 15% of voters who supported Sim in the 2022 mayoral election believe ABC’s policies have not worked for Vancouver and call for a change—along with 44% of those who voted for Kennedy Stewart and 38% of those who voted for the minor candidates who received less than 10% of the vote in 2022.

Vancouver voters elected Sean Orr of the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) and Lucy Maloney of OneCity Vancouver as city councillors in a by-election that took place in April 2025.

More than two-in-five Vancouverites (44%) think we “definitely” or “probably” need more Vancouver City Council members with the kind of progressive and left-wing views that Orr and Maloney represent, while 25% disagree and 30% are not sure.

Last year, voters in New York City elected Zohran Mamdani as Mayor. Mamdani has called for major changes to benefit working class New Yorkers.

Almost three-in-five Vancouverites (59%) believe their city needs a Mayor and Council like Mamdani, willing to make major changes that will make life more affordable, even if they make Vancouver’s elite uncomfortable.

Conversely, about one-in-four Vancouverites (23%) think a socialist mayor like Mamdami is too risky for Vancouver, will undermine investment in the city, and see a return to the soft-on-crime approaches of previous councils.

“Two thirds of Vancouverites aged 18-to-34 (67%) think the city would benefit from a mayor and council like the one currently in place in New York,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Majorities of residents aged 35-to-45 (53%) and aged 55 and over (60%) share this view.”

Across Vancouver, 47% of residents agree with the city eliminating the Board of Parks and Recreation, and placing public parks and the public recreation system under the jurisdiction of City Council, down five points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2022.

Seven-in-ten Vancouverites (70%) think the residents of the City of Vancouver should decide in a referendum if the Board of Parks and Recreation should be eliminated.

Vancouverites were also asked to place eight municipal political parties and associations in the political spectrum.

At least two-in-five Vancouverites see four parties as centre right, centre or centre left: ABC (48%), OneCity Vancouver (44%), the Vancouver Liberals (40%) and TEAM for a Livable Vancouver (also 40%). Fewer residents feel the same way about the Coalition of Progressive Electors (COPE) (39%), Vote Vancouver (also 39%), the Green Party (38%) and the Conservative Electors Association (30%).

Just over a third of Vancouverites (34%) brand the Conservative Electors Association as right or extreme right, followed by ABC with 17%, TEAM with 13% and the Vancouver Liberals also with 13%.

Three-in-ten residents (30%) believe the Greens are left or extreme left, followed by COPE and OneCity with 20% each and the Vancouver Liberals with 15%.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 26 to January 28, 2026, among a representative sample of 401 adults in the City of Vancouver. 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 +/- 4.9 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

Positive Opinions on Immigration Tumble Across Canada

January 29, 2026January 31, 2026By Mario Canseco

Majorities of Albertans and Ontarians think immigration is having mostly negative effect in the country.

Vancouver, BC [January 29, 2026] – Only a third of Canadians currently hold favourable views on immigration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 34% of Canadians think immigration is having a mostly positive effect in Canada, down nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in July 2025.

Almost half of Canadians (48%, +9) say immigration is having a mostly negative effect in the country.

“In February 2022, only 26% of Canadians described immigration in a negative light,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportion has jumped to 48% in the first month of 2026.”

More than half of Canadians who reside in Ontario (53%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%) and Alberta (51%) think immigration is having a mostly negative effect in Canada. The numbers are lower in British Columbia (43%), Atlantic Canada (also 43%) and Quebec (39%).

Positive perceptions on immigration reach 37% among Baby Boomers in Canada. Fewer members of Generation Z (35%), Millennials (also 35%) and Generation X (29%) share this view.

As was the case last year, more than two-in-five Canadians (42%, +1) believe it is time for the number of legal immigrants who are allowed to relocate in Canada to decrease, while more than a third (35%, +1) would keep the current levels and 13% (-3) support an increase.

A drop in legal immigration is backed by 28% (-2) of Canadians aged 18-to-34, but rises to 44% (+4) among those aged 35-to-54, and to 53% (+2) among those aged 55 and over.

Canadians remain torn when asked to choose between two distinct concepts to manage immigration.

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, -1) prefer the melting pot, where immigrants assimilate and blend into Canadian society. A slightly smaller proportion (41%, +1) select the mosaic, where cultural differences within Canadian society are considered valuable and worth preserving.

Millennials across Canada prefer the mosaic over the melting pot (44% to 39%), while Generation X is practically tied when assessing the two concepts (Melting Pot 44%, Mosaic 43%). Both Baby Boomers and Generation Z pick the melting pot over the mosaic (49% to 39% and 42% to 35%, respectively).

More than three-in-five Canadians (63%, -5) say the hard work and talent of immigrants makes Canada better.

More than seven-in-ten Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (79%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (72%) in last year’s federal election agree with the statement, compared to only 55% among those who cast ballots for Conservative Party candidates.

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

Americans Not Keen on Changing Presidential Term Limits

January 26, 2026January 25, 2026By Mario Canseco

In a head-to-head match-up featuring two-term presidents, Barack Obama is significantly ahead of Donald Trump.

Vancouver, BC [January 26, 2026] – The idea of enacting a constitutional amendment that would change the current term limits of American presidents is not popular across the United States, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 34% of Americans support allowing a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States three times (instead of two), while 59% are opposed.

“Just over seven-in-ten Americans aged 55 and over (71%) disagree with a constitutional amendment to allow a president to serve for three terms,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Animosity is lower, but still in majority territory, among those aged 35-to-54 (51%) and those aged 18-to-34 (52%).”

A constitutional amendment that would enable a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States indefinitely is backed by 19% of Americans and rejected by 72%.

Just over a third of Americans (34%) support allowing a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States only once (instead of twice), while a majority (56%) are against this course of action.

This month, just over two-in-five Americans (42%) approve of Donald Trump’s performance as president, while 53% disapprove and 5% are undecided.

Trump gets his best numbers among men (59%), Americans aged 35-to-54 (45%), residents of the South (47%) and Fox News watchers (64%). The president’s approval rating stands at 86% among Republicans, 30% among Independents and 12% among Democrats.

In the generic congressional ballot, candidates representing the Democratic Party are in first place nationwide with 42%, followed by Republicans with 36%.

The survey also asked Americans who they would vote for in the event of a constitutional amendment that would allow a person to be elected to the office of President of the United States more than twice, with Trump representing the Republican Party and former president Barack Obama as the Democratic nominee.

Obama holds an 11-point lead over Trump across the country (44% to 33%). The level of support for the former president is particularly high among women (47%) and Americans aged 18-to-34 (52%).

Trump fares best among White Americans (41%) and Fox News watchers (55%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from January 13 to January 15, 2026, among 1,002 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. 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.

Support for Lower Speed Limits Increases in British Columbia

January 22, 2026January 22, 2026By Mario Canseco

Just over two thirds of respondents would welcome a reduction on all residential streets in their municipality.

Vancouver, BC [January 22, 2026] – British Columbians are open to a major change in the way vehicles are allowed to circulate on specific areas of their municipality, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 68% of British Columbians would personally like to see the speed limit reduced to 30 km/h on all residential streets, while keeping the speed limit on arterial and collector roads at 50 km/h, up five points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in November 2024.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (71%, +9) are definitely in favour of reducing the speed limit to 30 km/h on all residential streets. Support for the policy is also high in Northern BC (70%, +9), Metro Vancouver (69%, +4), Vancouver Island (64%, +5) and Southern BC (58%, =).

In 2019, Vancouver City Council unanimously passed a motion to establish a pilot project to reduce the speed limit to 30 km/h on select residential streets in the city. In June 2025, Vancouver City Council unanimously approved reducing speed limits on local streets to 30 km/h.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (71%, +4) believe Vancouver’s course of action on residential speed limits is a “very good” or “good” idea.

“Three-in-five British Columbians aged 35-to-54 (60%) think it is a good idea to reduce speed limits on local streets,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Agreement is higher among those aged 55 and over (66%) and those aged 18-to-34 (77%).”

Compared to 2023, there is little change in the perceptions of British Columbians on speeding drivers. Two-in-five (40%, =) report seeing a car circulating above the speed limit of 50 km/h on the street where they live “at least once a day”, while about a third (32%, +2) say this happens “a few times a week”.

British Columbians are also supportive of automated speed enforcement, which works by using cameras or sensors to pick up a vehicle speeding. A ticket is then issued to the owner of the vehicle. Driver’s license points are not issued as the driver of the vehicle cannot be identified.

Speed-on-green intersection cameras, or red light cameras that also capture vehicles that are speeding through intersections, are currently being used in 140 intersections across the province. More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (73%, +1) approve of this type of automated speed enforcement.

Majorities of British Columbians also approve of the use of three other types of automated speed enforcement: fixed speed cameras, which stay in one location and measure speed as a vehicle passes (76%, +5), mobile speed cameras, which can be moved from place to place (68%, +4), and point-to-point enforcement, which uses cameras at two or more distant points on a road to issue tickets to vehicles whose average speed over the distance was excessive (63%, -8).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from January 11 to January 13, 2026, among 800 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to 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.

Few Americans Share Trump’s Expansionist Aspirations

January 19, 2026January 16, 2026By Mario Canseco

Only one-in-fourteen Americans think Canada, Greenland or Panama should become American states.

Vancouver, BC [January 19, 2026] – Majorities of Americans would prefer for four nations to remain independent and do not entertain any major changes to their sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample asked Americans their preference when thinking about four countries and two territories.

Two thirds of Americans (66%) want Canada to remain an independent nation, while 10% would prefer for it to become a U.S. territory and 7% would declare it an American state.

The results are very similar when Americans ponder Mexico, with just over two thirds (67%) maintaining the status quo of Mexico as an independent nation and fewer opting for the country to become a U.S. territory (10%) or an American state (5%).

Just over half of African Americans (53%) think Mexico should remain an independent country. The proportions are higher among respondents who are White (71%) or Hispanic/Latino (74%).

More than half of Americans (57%) would like to see Cuba remain as an independent nation, while 18% want the island to become a U.S. territory and 4% would prefer to see it as an American state.

When Americans ponder the future of Panama, more than half (54%) think the Central American nation should be independent, while fewer consider making it a U.S. territory (17%) or an American state (7%).

More than half of Americans (56%) believe Greenland—an autonomous territory of Denmark—should retain this status in the future. Fewer than one-in-five (16%) wish to make Greenland a U.S. territory, while just one-in-fourteen (7%) would welcome it as an American state.

“More than one-in-four Americans who voted for Donald Trump in 2024 (27%) are in favour of turning Greenland into a U.S. territory,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Only one-in-ten Americans who cast a ballot for Kamala Harris (10%) share this view.”

Perceptions are more nuanced when Americans are asked about Puerto Rico. More than two-in-five respondents (43%) would prefer for the Caribbean island to maintain its current status as a U.S. territory, while 24% would like to see it as an independent nation and 17% would choose to make it an American state.

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