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Ruling Party Stays Ahead of Opposition NDP in Saskatchewan

October 11, 2024October 10, 2024By Mario Canseco

The approval rating for both Carla Beck and Scott Moe surpasses 50%, but Moe is ahead on the “Best Premier” question.

Vancouver, BC [October 11, 2024] – The governing Saskatchewan Party is ahead of the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) in the early stages of the provincial electoral campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 51% of decided voters would support the Saskatchewan Party’s candidate in their constituency, while 43% would vote for the New Democrats. The Green Party is third with 3%, while 2% of decided voters would back other parties or independents.

“The Saskatchewan Party has a 15-point advantage over the NDP among male decided voters (55% to 40%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The two parties are virtually tied among female decided voters (Sask. Party 48%, NDP 47%).”

On a regional basis, the race is very close in Saskatoon (NDP 47%, Sask. Party 46%). The governing party is ahead in Regina (51% to 45%) and in the rest of the province (61% to 35%).

Support for the Saskatchewan Party is highest among decided voters aged 55 and over (56%) and falls slightly among those aged 35-to-54 (52%) and those aged 18-to-34 (48%). Conversely. the New Democrats fare better with the youngest adults (46%) but drop among those aged 35-to-54 (43%) and those aged 55 and over (39%).

More than half of likely voters in the province approve of the performance of both Official Opposition and NDP leader Carla Beck (58%) and Premier and Saskatchewan Party leader Scott Moe (54%).

Fewer than two-in-five likely voters approve of five other leaders: Rose Marie Buscholl of the Progressive Conservative Party (35%), Naomi Hunter of the Greens (34%), Teunis Peters of the Saskatchewan Progress Party (33%), Jon Hromek of the Saskatchewan United Party (29%) and Phillip Zajac of the Buffalo Party (25%).

Beck posts an impressive momentum score of +14 (with 30% of likely voters in Saskatchewan saying their opinion of her has improved since the start of the campaign). Moe’s score on this question is even (24% of respondents say their views on him have improved, and 24% say they have worsened).

Moe holds the upper hand on Beck when decided voters are asked who would make the “Best Premier” of Saskatchewan (42% to 29%), with Hunter at 9%

Similar proportions of likely voters in Saskatchewan select two issues as the most important ones facing the province: health care (27%) and housing, poverty and homelessness (26%). Fewer respondents are primarily concerned about the economy and jobs (18%), crime and public safety (10%), education (5%), the environment (3%) and accountability (2%).

Moe leads Beck when respondents are asked about the person best suited to manage four issues: energy (40% to 30%), the economy and jobs (39% to 29%), crime and public safety (36% to 30%) and government accountability (36% to 30%).

Beck is ahead of Moe health care (38% to 32%) and education (37% to 29%). The two leaders are virtually tied on two other issues: housing, poverty and homelessness (Moe 36%, Beck 34%) and the environment (Beck 32%, Moe 30%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 7 to October 9, 2024, among a representative sample of 500 likely voters in Saskatchewan, including 413 decided voters in the 2024 provincial election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Saskatchewan. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.4 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 4.8 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

British Columbians Worried About Shortage of Doctors and Nurses

October 9, 2024October 9, 2024By Mario Canseco

Almost half of residents endorse the use of SOGI-Inclusive Education, while 77% agree with the K-12 mobile phone ban.

Vancouver, BC [October 9, 2024] – The concerns of British Columbians when pondering the health care system have not varied greatly over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, more than two-in-five British Columbians (42%, +2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in November 2023) say the biggest problem facing the health care system right now is a shortage of doctors and nurses, followed by long waiting times (23%, +1) and inadequate resources and facilities (11%, +1).

Fewer British Columbians cite other concerns, such as bureaucracy and poor management (9%, -3), lack of a wider range of services for patients (4%, =), little focus on preventive care (also 4%, -2), vague legal rights of patients (2%, +1) and insufficient standards of hygiene (also 2%, +1).

Health Care

Just under half of British Columbians (49%, -6) say there are some good things in health care in the province, but some changes are required. Smaller proportions of residents hold differing views: that health care in British Columbia has so much wrong with it that we need to completely rebuild it (31%, +1) or that health care in British Columbia works well, and only minor changes are needed to make it work better (16%, +6).

About two-in-five British Columbians say they would be willing to pay out of their own pocket (41%, -5) or travel to another country to have quicker access to medical services that currently have long waiting times (39%, +1).

“Almost half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (49%) would consider paying for medical services,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (39%) and aged 55 and over (38%).”

Child Care

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) think the provincial government should continue to invest in building a flexible child care system that costs families no more than $10 a day—a proportion that rises to 82% in Southern BC and to 80% in Vancouver Island.

Just under four-in-five British Columbians (78%)—and 90% of those aged 55 and over—agree that employers benefit from investments in child care because more parents can go to work.

Education

Some school districts in British Columbia have relied on “SOGI-Inclusive Education”, which raises awareness of and welcomes students of all sexual orientations, gender identities and family structures.

Just under half of British Columbians (49%) agree with the use of “SOGI-Inclusive Education” in the province, while 34% disagree and 16% are not sure.

Support for “SOGI-Inclusive Education” is highest among British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (61%) and residents of Metro Vancouver (52%).

More than three-in-four British Columbians (77%) agree with banning the use of mobile phones during instructional time in K-12 classrooms.

The policy is endorsed by majorities of British Columbians who voted for the BC Liberals (86%), the BC NDP (83%) or the BC Greens (78%) in the 2020 provincial election.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 5 to September 7, 2024, among a representative sample of 801 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.

Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin Lean Blue in 2024 Race

October 8, 2024October 8, 2024By Mario Canseco

Heavy support from female decided voters pushes Kamala Harris ahead of Donald Trump in the three battleground states.

Vancouver, BC [October 8, 2024] – A month before voters in the United States cast their ballots in the presidential election, Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris is slightly ahead of Republican Party contender Donald Trump in three battleground states, according to new polls conducted by Research Co.

The surveys of American likely voters also give the upper hand to the Democratic Party candidates in the elections to the U.S. Senate that will take place in Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

Michigan

In 2016, Trump ended a streak of six consecutive presidential elections where the Great Lakes State was won by Democrats, defeating Hillary Clinton by 10,704 votes in 2016 (47.5% to 47.3%)

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.6% to 47.8%) to secure Michigan’s 16 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Michigan has 15 Electoral Votes.

This month, Harris holds a three-point lead over Trump among decided voters (51% to 48%), with a particularly high level of support from women (57%) and likely voters aged 55 and over (55%).

In the race to replace retiring U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow, Democratic Party candidate Elissa Slotkin is ahead of Republican Party contender Mike Rogers (52% to 47%).

Pennsylvania

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Keystone State since George H. W. Bush in 1988, defeating Clinton by 44,292 votes (48.2% to 47.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (50.0% to 48.8%) to capture Pennsylvania’s 20 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, on account of reapportionment, Pennsylvania has 19 Electoral Votes.

This month, Harris is virtually tied with Trump among decided voters (50% to 49%). Trump does better with decided voters aged 35-to-54 (55%), while Harris is ahead among those aged 18-to-34 (55%) and those aged 55 and over (54%).

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Bob Casey Jr.—first elected in 2006 with 58.7% of the vote, and earning new terms in 2012 with 53.7% and in 2018 with 55.7% of the vote—leads Republican Party challenger David McCormick (51% to 48%).

Wisconsin

In 2016, Trump became the first Republican nominee to win the Badger State since Ronald Reagan in 1984, defeating Clinton by 22,748 votes 47.2% to 46.5%).

In 2020, Joe Biden defeated Trump (49.4% to 48.8%) to win Wisconsin’s 10 Electoral Votes. In this year’s presidential election, Wisconsin will continue to have 10 Electoral Votes.

This month, Harris is two points ahead of Trump among decided voters (50% to 48%). Practically two thirds of decided female voters (64%) are supporting the Democratic presidential nominee.

In the U.S. Senate race, incumbent Democrat Tammy Baldwin—first elected in 2012 with 51.4% of the vote and re-elected in 2018 with 55.4%—is ahead of Republican Party contender Eric Hovde (52% to 47%).

“Independent voters in will be crucial in securing a victory for either of the main presidential candidates in Michigan and Wisconsin,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than one-in-five Independents in both Wisconsin (24%) and Michigan (22%) have not made up their minds yet.”

Methodology: Results are based on online surveys conducted from October 5 to October 7, 2024, among representative samples of 450 likely voters in three American states: Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The data has been statistically weighted according to U.S. census figures for age and gender in each state. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 4.6 percentage points for each state.

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

Harris Leads Trump in 2024 United States Nationwide Vote

October 7, 2024November 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

The former president is the top choice for male voters, while women are more supportive of the current vice president.

Vancouver, BC [October 7, 2024] – Democratic Party nominee Kamala Harris holds the upper hand over Republican Party nominee Donald Trump in the American presidential election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters in the United States, 52% of decided voters would support the current vice president or have already voted for her, while 47% would back the former president.

“Harris holds a 15-point lead over Trump among female decided voters (57% to 42%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Trump is ahead of Harris among male voters (52% to 47%).”

On a regional basis, Harris holds sizeable leads over Trump in the West (58% to 40%) and the Northeast (55% to 43%). Trump is first in the South (51% to 48%) while the two candidates are virtually tied in the Midwest (Harris 50%, Trump 49%).

Only 5% of decided voters say they could change their mind and support a different candidate in the presidential election. The proportion of undecided likely voters with four weeks to go in the campaign is 4%.

More than half of white decided voters (54%) would cast a ballot for Trump or have already done so. Harris leads among decided voters who are African American (71%) or Hispanic / Latino (61%).

Harris is the top choice for American decided voters who get their news from MSNBC / CNBC (81%), CNN (67%) or a local network (53%), while Trump is ahead among those who watch Fox News (68%).

Harris holds a five-point lead over Trump among decided voters who have a cat in their household (52% to 47%). The race is closer among decided voters who have a dog at home (Harris 50%, Trump 49%).

Decided voters in the United States cite the presidential candidate’s ideas and policies (43%) as the main reason behind their choice, followed by the candidate’s political party (24%), desire for stability (14%), desire for change (also 14%) and disgust with other candidates (8%).

These findings are very similar among decided voters who are backing either Harris or Trump, with one exception. While 10% of Harris voters say their main motivator is “disgust with other candidates”, the proportion is lower (5%) among Trump voters.

American likely voters were asked which of the two main presidential candidates is best suited to deal with 13 different issues.

Harris holds the upper hand over Trump on five issues: health care (52% to 36%), education (52% to 36%), the environment (52% to 35%), race relations (50% to 35%) and government accountability (47% to 41%). Trump leads Harris on two issues: immigration (50% to 39%) and national defence (48% to 41%).

The two nominees are virtually tied on six other issues: the economy (Harris 47%, Trump 45%), job creation (Harris 47%, Trump 44%), crime (Trump 45%, Harris 44%), foreign Policy (Trump 45%, Harris 43%), energy and oil (Trump 45%, Harris 43%) and managing the deficit (Trump 44%, Harris 41%).

The approval rating for U.S. President Joe Biden stands at 44% nationwide. Democrats are significantly more likely to express satisfaction with Biden’s performance at this moment (82%) than Independents (34%) or Republicans (13%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from October 4 to October 6, 2024, among 1,001 likely voters in the United States and 926 decided voters in the 2024 presidential election. 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 for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

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

No Clear Frontrunner in British Columbia’s Provincial Election

October 4, 2024October 4, 2024By Mario Canseco

David Eby holds an eight-point advantage over John Rustad when voters ponder who would make the “Best Premier”.

Vancouver, BC [October 4, 2024] – No political party has managed to amass a significant advantage at the midway point of the provincial election campaign in British Columbia, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 45% of decided voters (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early September) say they would vote for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency, while 44% (+2) would cast a ballot for the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 9% (-1), while 2% of decided voters (-1) would vote for other parties or independent candidates.

The race has tightened across all regions, with the governing BC NDP leading the BC Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (49% to 44%) and Vancouver Island (42% to 37%). The opposition party is ahead of the governing party in the Fraser Valley (48% to 43%), Southern BC (47% to 42%) and Northern BC (47% to 36%).

As was the case last month, the BC NDP remains the most popular choice for women (50%) and decided voters aged 55 and over (52%). The BC Conservatives are ahead among men (49%) and voters aged 18-to-34 (47%).

“By a 2-to-1 margin, voters who supported the BC Liberals under Andrew Wilkinson in the 2020 provincial election are choosing the BC Conservatives (61%) over the BC NDP (32%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The retention rate for the BC New Democrats is 72%, while the BC Greens are holding on to 47% of their voters from the last provincial ballot.”

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%, -1) say housing, homelessness and poverty is the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (19%, -2), the economy and jobs (18%, +4), crime and public safety (8%, +2) and the environment (4%, =).

There was little fluctuation in the approval ratings of the three party leaders. More than half of likely voters (52%, +1) are satisfied with the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby. The numbers are lower for BC Conservative leader John Rustad (45%, -3) and BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (42%, +1).

All three party leaders post negative momentum scores: -3 for Rustad (with 30% of likely voters saying their views on the BC Conservative leader have worsened since the start of the campaign) and -2 for both Furstenau and Eby.

Two-in-five likely voters (40%, +4) think Eby would make the Best Premier of British Columbia, with Rustad in second place with 32% (+5) and Furstenau at 12% (=). On this question, Eby reaches 43% in Metro Vancouver, while Rustad’s best showing is in Southern BC (37%).

On issue management, Rustad is ahead of Eby on being the best person to handle crime and public safety (38% to 32%), while Furstenau remains ahead on the environment (35%, with Eby at 27% and Rustad at 20%).

Eby maintains the upper hand over Rustad on health care (42% to 27%), the economy (40% to 33%), education (39% to 26%), housing, homelessness and poverty (38% to 31%), transportation projects (38% to 30%), accountability (37% to 31%), child care (36% to 24%) and seniors care (36% to 25%).

The two main leaders are practically even on three issues, where Eby edges Rustad by just three points: creating jobs (36% to 33%), energy (33% to 30%) and dealing with municipal governments (35% to 32%). Eby and Rustad are tied with 35% each on being the best person to manage the province’s finances.

The top four traits likely voters identify on Eby are being a good speaker and communicator (57%, -1 since September), having a vision for the future (51%, =), generally agreeing with people on issues (49%, +7) and understanding the problems of residents (48%, +1).

For Rustad, the top four traits are having a vision for the future (47%, -2), being a good speaker and communicator (46%, -1, being a strong and decisive leader (45%, +3) and understanding the problems of residents (44%, +1).

Furstenau’s top traits are being a good speaker and communicator (39%, +1), being honest and trustworthy (38%, -1), having a vision for the future (also 38%, =) and understanding the problems of residents (35%, -3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from September 30 to October 2, 2024, among a representative sample of 801 likely voters 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.

Making Ends Meet Harder for Three-in-Four British Columbians

October 2, 2024October 1, 2024By Mario Canseco

Only 14% think their municipal government should reject the provincial government’s demand to build more housing units.

Vancouver, BC [October 2, 2024] – British Columbians head to this year’s provincial election voicing significant support for the current government’s housing plans, and severe dissatisfaction with economic matters, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, 75% of British Columbians say it is “considerably harder” or “moderately harder” now to make ends meet than two years ago—a proportion that rises to 77% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 78% among renters.

More than half of British Columbians say four tasks are now harder than they were two years ago: finding a job (54%), paying for post-secondary education (59%), saving money for retirement (75%) and buying a house (79%).

“Sizeable majorities of British Columbians who reside in Metro Vancouver (59%) and Southern BC (58%) say finding a job is more complicated now than in 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “More than four-in-five British Columbians aged 55 and over (82%) say it is harder now to save money for retirement.”

Most British Columbians remain supportive of the housing policies implemented during the tenure of John Horgan as Premier of British Columbia: increasing the foreign buyers tax from 15% to 20% (72%, -2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February 2024), expanding the foreign buyers tax to areas located outside of Metro Vancouver (69%, -2), introducing a “speculation tax” in specific urban areas targeting foreign and domestic homeowners who pay little or no income tax in BC, and those who own second properties that aren’t long-term rentals (66%, -3), introducing a tax of 0.2% on the value of homes between $3 million and $4 million, and a tax rate of 0.4% on the portion of a home’s value that exceeds $4 million (62%, =) and increasing the property transfer tax from 3% to 5% for homes valued at more than $3 million (61%, -1).

The housing policies that came into place after David Eby became Premier of British Columbia are also endorsed my majorities of the province’s residents: building more modular supportive homes in areas where people are experiencing homelessness (75%, =), capping rent increases in 2024 at 3.5% (70%), raising the fines for short-term rental hosts who break local municipal by-laws to $3,000 per day per infraction (64%, -5), implementing a three-business-day protection period for financing and home inspections (63%, -6), ending most strata age restrictions (59%, -1), removing strata rental restrictions (56%, +4) and banning homeowners from operating a short-term rental business unless it is located on their principal residence and/or on a different unit on their property (53%, -5).

Just under three-in-four British Columbians (74%) think their municipal government should accept the provincial government’s demand to build more housing units, while 14% disagree and 12% are undecided.

Residents of the Fraser Valley are slightly more likely to support the provincial government’s call to build more housing units (78%) than their counterparts who reside in Vancouver Island (76%), Metro Vancouver (73%), Southern BC (72%) and Northern BC (also 72%).

British Columbians are evenly divided on what the actions of the provincial government will bring, with 43% (+2) thinking they will be “effective” in making housing more affordable, and 43% (-4) believing they will be “ineffective”.

More than half of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (55%) expect the provincial government to succeed in making housing more affordable. Fewer residents aged 35-to-54 (45%) and aged 55 and over (31%) share this point of view.

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

British Columbians Keen on Climate Change, Not on Carbon Tax

September 27, 2024September 26, 2024By Mario Canseco

More than half of the province’s residents (54%) think global warming is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions.

Vancouver, BC [September 27, 2024] – While most British Columbians believe climate change is real and human-made, support for keeping the provincial carbon tax in the event of a Conservative Party victory in Canada’s next federal election has dropped over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample, just over half of British Columbians (52%) think the provincial government should scrap the provincial carbon tax if the federal Conservatives follow through with their pledge to abolish the federal carbon tax upon forming the government, up nine points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2023.

Just over a third of British Columbians (35%, -5) would keep the provincial carbon tax even if the federal version is abandoned, while 13% (-3) are not sure.

“Most British Columbians who voted for the BC Green Party in 2020 (54%) would retain the provincial carbon tax,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer residents who cast ballots for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%) or the BC Liberals (30%) four years ago feel the same way.”

Just under two-in-five British Columbians (39%, +11) think the introduction of the carbon tax has led people to be more mindful of their carbon consumption and change their behaviour—a proportion that reaches 55% among those aged 18-to-34.

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%, +1) say the carbon tax that was introduced in July 2008 has negatively affected the finances of their household.

Residents of the Fraser Valley (75%) and Northern BC (67%) are more likely to report a detrimental impact from the carbon tax than their counterparts in Metro Vancouver (62%), Vancouver Island (60%) and Northern BC (58%).

More than half of British Columbians (54%) think climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by emissions from vehicles and industrial facilities. Fewer of the province’s residents believe climate change is a fact and is mostly caused by natural changes (25%) or a theory that has not yet been proven (13%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians (44%) believe we all need to do “much more” to deal with climate change, while just over three-in-ten (31%) feel the community needs to do “a bit more” to address it.

Fewer than one-in-five British Columbians (17%) think we do not need to do anything to deal with climate change—a group that includes 23% of men, 19% of British Columbians aged 35-to-54 and 23% of BC Liberal voters in the 2020 provincial election.

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

Canadians Would Welcome New Oversight in Nomination Races

September 11, 2024September 10, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mulroney Gains, Justin Trudeau Sinks as Canadians Rate PMs

September 4, 2024September 3, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Photo Credit: Bob McNeely

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

Half of Canadians Endorse UK-Style Mandatory National Service

August 28, 2024August 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Politically, Most Canadians See Themselves at or Near Centre

August 23, 2024August 23, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conservatives Solidly Ahead in Canada’s Federal Political Scene

August 20, 2024August 19, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Grow Weary When Assessing Their Financial Situation

August 14, 2024August 14, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Appetite for Abortion Debate Hits Lowest Point in Canada

August 9, 2024August 6, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Canadians Ponder the Appropriateness of “No-Show Fees”

August 7, 2024August 6, 2024By Mario Canseco

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mail Vote, Crucial in 2020, Shunned by British Columbians in 2024

August 2, 2024July 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

Most of the province’s residents say they will cast their ballots on Election Day in October, up significantly from four years ago.

Vancouver, BC [August 2, 2024] – Few British Columbians are thinking of relying on mail-in ballots to vote in this year’s provincial election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample asked British Columbians how they voted in the 2020 democratic process—which took place during the COVID-19 pandemic—and how they intend to vote in 2024.

More than half of British Columbians (52%) say they plan to cast their ballot in person on Election Day (October 19). Fewer than one third of the province’s residents (28%) voted this way in 2020.

Just over one-in-five British Columbians (21%) intend to vote in person during Advance Voting, down from 32% who chose this method four years ago.

Fewer than one-in-ten British Columbians (8%) will request a mail-in ballot in 2024, down from 28% who voted this way in the last provincial election.

Once the provincial campaign begins, more than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) say they will “definitely” or “probably” watch, listen or read news about the campaign in the media.

More than three-in-five British Columbians also intend to read the platforms and policy positions of political parties on their websites (68%) and review the background of candidates who are running in their constituency (65%).

Fewer British Columbias plan to attend (or watch) a debate featuring the main party leaders (52%), attend (or watch) a debate featuring candidates from their constituency (48%) or meet candidates who knock on their door (29%).

“More than a third of British Columbians aged 18-to-34 (35%) will meet candidates who knock on their door during the campaign,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (29%) and aged 55 and over (25%).”

When asked which feelings they have about this year’s provincial election, more than three-in-ten British Columbians (31%) mention “indifference” while one-in-four (25%) say the ballot elicits “enthusiasm”.

Other words used by British Columbians to describe this year’s provincial democratic process are “trust” (18%), “fear” (15%), “pride” (11%), “anger” (also 11%), “joy” (10%), “sadness” (8%), “disgust” (7%) and “shame” (5%).

Voters in British Columbia who are currently supporting the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) mention four specific emotions: “enthusiasm” (32%), “indifference” (29%), “trust” (26%) and “fear” (13%).

Those who plan to vote for the Conservative Party of BC rely on the same emotions, but at different levels: “enthusiasm” (33%), “indifference” (25%), “fear” (22%) and “trust” (17%).

Supporters of the BC Green Party put “indifference” at the top of their list (37%), followed by “enthusiasm” (20%), “fear” (19%) and “anger” (19%).

The top four emotions for British Columbians who plan to vote for BC United are “enthusiasm” (28%), “indifference” (27%), “trust” (19%) and “joy” (18%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 23 to July 25, 2024, among 801 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.

BC Conservatives Rise, Governing BC NDP First in British Columbia

July 30, 2024July 27, 2024By Mario Canseco

Southern BC emerges as a key battleground in this year’s provincial election, with the two main parties virtually tied.

Vancouver, BC [July 30, 2024] – Public support for the Conservative Party of BC increased markedly in the past month, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 41% of decided voters (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) would support the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in their constituency if the election were held today, while 38% (+5) would cast a ballot for the BC Conservatives.

The BC Green Party remains in third place with 10% (-5), followed by BC United—currently the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly—with 9% (-2). Other parties and independent candidates have the support of 2% of decided voters (=).

The BC NDP is ahead of the BC Conservatives in Metro Vancouver (44% to 35%) and Vancouver Island (43% to 32%), while the BC Conservatives lead the BC NDP in Northern BC (57% to 31%) and the Fraser Valley (47% to 28%).

“The race has tightened considerably in Southern BC, where the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives are virtually tied (40% to 38%)” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “In June, the BC New Democrats were 11 points ahead of the BC Conservatives in this region of British Columbia (44% to 33%).”

The BC NDP remains popular among women (47%) and decided voters aged 35-to-54 (42%) and aged 55 and over (49%). The BC Conservatives are first among men (41%) and decided voters aged 18-to-34 (45%).

Fewer than half of British Columbians (48%, -5) approve of the way Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby has handled his duties. The rating is lower for BC Conservative leader John Rustad (39%, -1), BC Greens leader Sonia Furstenau (35%, -4), and BC United leader Kevin Falcon (29%, -3).

There is a significant gender gap in the rating of one of the two main party leaders. Half of women in British Columbia (50%) approve of Eby, but just 32% feel the same way about Rustad. Among men, the two leaders post practically the same numbers (Eby 46%, Rustad 47%).

More than two-in-five British Columbians say they would consider voting for the BC New Democrats (51%, -3) or the BC Conservatives (45%, -1) if they ran a candidate in their riding. The proportions are lower for the BC Greens (36%, -2) and BC United (32%, -2).

Housing, homelessness and poverty is still the most important issue facing the province for British Columbians (42%, +2), followed by health care (21%, +1), the economy and jobs (14%, -3), the environment (6%, +1) and crime and public safety (5%, -3).

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

Animosity Towards Trophy Hunting Keeps Rising in Canada

July 26, 2024July 25, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just over a third of Canadians are in favour of keeping animals in zoos or aquariums.

Vancouver, BC [July 26, 2024] – More than four-in-five Canadians are against the practice of hunting animals for sport, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 84% of Canadians are opposed to trophy hunting (+3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2023), while 11% (-3) are in favour of the practice.

“Fewer than one-in-ten residents of British Columbia (7%) and Alberta (8%) are in favour of hunting animals for sport,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers are slightly higher in Quebec (11%), Ontario (13%), Atlantic Canada (15%) and Manitoba and Saskatchewan (17%).”

Three-in-five Canadians (60%, -3) are in favour of hunting animals for meat, and just under seven-in-ten (69%, -6) are in favour of eating animals.

Canadians of Indigenous descent are more likely to say they are supportive of hunting animals for meat (78%) than those whose heritage is European (66%), East Asian (58%) and South Asian (29%).

At least two thirds of Canadians are opposed to two other practices: killing animals for their fur (78%, +1) and using animals in rodeos (67%, =).

Support for killing animals for their fur is highest in Atlantic Canada (26%). While 23% of men have no problem with this practice, only 11% of women feel the same way.

Using animals in rodeos is more accepted in Alberta (37%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (also 37%). The practice is also viewed more favourably by Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (40%) than among those who voted for the Liberal Party (23%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (21%) in 2021.

Keeping animals in zoos or aquariums remains a contentious issue. Just over a third of Canadians (36%, +1) are in favour of this practice, while fewer than three-in-five (57%, +1) are opposed.

Support for zoos and aquariums is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (42%), but drops among those aged 35-to-54 (37%) and those aged 18-to-34 (29%).

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

Japan is the Country Viewed Most Positively by Canadians

July 24, 2024April 30, 2025By Mario Canseco

Favourable perceptions of both the United States and Mexico have dropped by 10 points since the start of 2024.

Vancouver, BC [July 24, 2024] – More than seven-in-ten Canadians have a favourable view of Japan—the highest among 15 different nations—a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 71% of Canadians have a positive opinion of Japan, down two points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in January 2024.

“More than four-in-five British Columbians hold a favourable view of Japan,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are also particularly high in Ontario (75%) and Alberta (74%).”

More than three-in-five Canadians hold a positive opinion of four other members of the G7: the United Kingdom (70%, -6), Italy (68%, -4), Germany (67%, -2) and France (65%, -4).

The favourable rating for France is higher in Atlantic Canada (72%), followed by Ontario (68%), British Columbia (67%) and Quebec (64%).

More than half of Canadians have positive views of South Korea (57%, -4) and the United States (54%, -10). Favourable perceptions on the U.S. are still significantly higher than the all-time low of 32% observed in July 2020.

Two thirds of Canadians who voted for the Conservative Party in the last federal election (68%) have a positive opinion of the United States. The proportions are lower among those who cast ballots for the Liberal Party (57%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%) in 2021.

Fewer than half of Canadians (44%, -10) express a favourable view of Mexico, with positive perceptions falling markedly among Canadians aged 55 and over (41%) and Quebecers (also 41%).

Fewer than a third of Canadians hold favourable views of India (30%, -7), Venezuela (26%, -6), Saudi Arabia (25%, -2) and China (22%, -6).

At least three-in-ten residents of Atlantic Canada (35%), Ontario (31%), Quebec (30%) and British Columbia (also 30%) hold a positive opinion of India. The rating is lower in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (25%) and Alberta (22%).

The favourable rating for China is highest in Ontario (26%), and drops in Quebec (24%), British Columbia (19%), Atlantic Canada (also 19%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (18%) and Alberta (15%).

Fewer than one-in-five Canadians express a positive view of Russia (17%, +2), Iran (12%, -4) and North Korea (11%, -3).

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from July 17 to July 19, 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.

Dissent Over Changing Province’s Name Rises in British Columbia

July 17, 2024July 16, 2024By Mario Canseco

Just over half of the province’s residents disagree with modifying the provincial flag to remove the Union Jack.

Vancouver, BC [July 17, 2024] – The proportion of British Columbians who are against changing the province’s name has risen over the past year and a half, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 60% of British Columbians disagree with changing the name of the province to acknowledge its Indigenous heritage, up seven points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in October 2022.

Fewer than three-in-ten British Columbians (29%, -3) think a name change is warranted, while 10% (-5) are not sure.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are significantly more likely to endorse changing the province’s name (52%, +2) than their counterparts aged 35-to-54 (32%, -1) and aged 55 and over (11%, -6).

The possibility of a name change is more popular in Northern BC (38%, +6), followed by Metro Vancouver (32%, +1), Vancouver Island (31%, -6), the Fraser Valley (21%, -9) and Southern BC (20%, -6).

“Most British Columbians of Indigenous descent (61%) would welcome changing the province’s name,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among residents whose heritage is South Asian (38%), European (29%) or East Asian (also 29%).”

Almost two thirds British Columbians (65%, +3) say nothing bothers them about the name “British Columbia” for the province. Fewer than one-in-five are upset about the “British” part (18%, -1), the absence of an acknowledgement to Indigenous peoples (17%, -3) and the “Columbia” part (6%, -2).

Fewer than a third of British Columbians (31%, =) agree with changing the flag of the province to remove the Union Jack, while just over half (51%, +5) disagree and 19% (-4) are not sure.

Appetite for removing the Union Jack from British Columbia’s flag is highest among residents whose origins are Indigenous (51%) and South Asian (48%) but drops among those whose heritage is East Asian (35%) and European (26%).

In 2010, the Queen Charlotte Islands were renamed as Haida Gwaii. As was the case in 2022, most British Columbians (57%, -1) believe this was the correct decision, while 23% (+3) disagree and 20% (-3) are not sure.

Agreement with this particular name change is highest among British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) in the last provincial election (72%), followed by those who cast ballots for the BC Green Party (60%) and the BC Liberals (47%) in 2020.

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from June 24 to June 26, 2024, among 801 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.