What Threats Do Canadians Perceive and What Is Canada’s Influence Around the World? Now vs. 2018

As more and more things are going back to normal in Canada, we decided to get Canadians to look beyond Canada’s borders to think about the threats and priorities they have for Canada on the global stage.  We also asked them to gauge Canada’s influence in the world. We updated questions we asked back in 2018.

Here’s what we found:

PERCEIVED THREATS TO CANADA

More Canadians believe that global climate change is a major threat to the well-being of Canadians than any other potential issue.  Six in ten think it is a major threat which is up 8-points since 2018. Of course, back in 2018, Trump’s approach to foreign affairs was considered the biggest threat to Canada.

There are several notable shifts. China’s emergence as a world power is perceived as much more of a major threat (54%) compared to 2018 (29%) – a 25-point increase. The perception that the growing authoritarianism in Russia in contrast has decreased, although this survey was done prior to the build-up of Russian troops on the Ukrainian border.

Future pandemics is the third most important threat followed by cyber attacks from other countries. Notably, one in three Canadians think the growing divisions in the United States is a major threat.

Perceptions about the threat of Islamic extremist groups and North Korea’s nuclear program are down by 8 and 9-points respectively since 2018.

FOREIGN POLICY PRIORITIES

Consistent with the major threat that Canadians think global climate change poses, it is the most likely to be viewed as the top foreign policy priority (43%) – up 9-points since 2018.

Ending extreme poverty and protecting Canadians from terrorist attacks are the next most important priorities, although protecting Canada from terrorist attacks has fallen 5-points as a top priority. Interestingly, promoting and defending human rights and strengthening the UN are the lowest priorities as they were in 2018.

Notable changes from 2018 include the rise in priority for global climate change, ending extreme poverty, and improving women’s rights, equality and economic empowerment. Expanding trade opportunities and protecting Canadians from terrorism are less of a priority compared with 2018.

Liberal and NDP voters are far more likely to prioritize climate change, improving women’s equality and ending extreme poverty compared to Conservative voters. Conservative voters prioritize trade and protecting Canada from terrorism.

HOW WE THINK THE WORLD SEE US

Canadians think the rest of the world sees our country as diplomatic (90%), tolerant (89%) and ethical (86%). A large majority also think our country is seen as an example to replicate (77%), rather than something to avoid. All of these are only slightly lower than we found in 2018 when we first asked these questions.

Canadians are more divided on how we view ourselves on the other dimensions. Only 41% think we are a leader rather than a follower and 56% think we are influential rather than ignored. Compared with 2018 more people now believe Canada is a follower. The biggest change is with respect to perceptions of strength; 63% believe the world views us as strong up 7-points from 2018.

CANADA’S INFLUENCE IN THE WORLD

Canadians are quite divided about the role that Canada plays in the world. Compared with ten years ago, 38% think Canada plays a less important role compared with 29% who think the role is more important.  In the past three years, Canadians have become more likely to think our influence has declined (from 33% to 38%).

THE UPSHOT

The world feels like a different place than it was in 2018 when Donald Trump’s approach to foreign affairs was considered the biggest threat to Canada. After more than a year and half of a pandemic that has rocked the world, we end 2021 with a quite different view of some of the threats to Canada and priorities for Canada’s foreign policy.

The one constant is the place of climate change. We are now nearing a consensus on global climate change. More Canadians see it as a major threat and more want it to be a government priority.

It would be a mistake to think Canadians only care about climate change. In 2021 they put a higher importance than in 2018 on a range of issues such as ending extreme poverty and improving the rights and equality of women, that touch on making it a Just world for all to live in.

The key new threat is China that will likely continue to be a focus for both Canadians and policy makers as the dynamics of global affairs hinges around the authoritarian vs. democratic axes.

At the same time, Canadians continue to have a very positive view of how the rest of the world views us. This is particularly true when it comes to values such as being diplomatic, tolerant and ethical. Most of also think we are a country that is something to replicate. This positive feeling about how others perceive us is, however, combined with less optimistic view of our role in global affairs. Six in ten think we are perceived as a follower rather than a leader.

Canada has not, according to Canadians, reasserted our influence in the world. In fact, Canadians have become a little more pessimistic about the importance of the role we play in the world. It is not clear whether this is a function of a more challenging global environment or specific events such as the pandemic or the conflict with China.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from October 15 to 20, 2021. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

Canadian PoliticsMediaPolls

Line-ups or Aversion? Vaccine Hesitancy Among Parents

Just two weeks ago, vaccine bookings for children aged 5 to 11 opened in Ontario and other regions across the country. We’ve seen many families express relief and excitement towards this news, as their younger family members become eligible to receive the jab. So far, we’ve seen that vaccines are a crucial part to getting out of this pandemic, so a continuous rise in vaccine acceptance among parents is important.

Now that the vaccine is available for these children, what does vaccine hesitancy look like amongst their parents? Has acceptance risen since we last measured it back in October? And what are parents planning to do now that their children are eligible for the shot?

In short, we still have some work ahead.

As a quick note, the earlier data is from early October, before the approval or availability of vaccines for those five to 11 years of age.

First, for parents of 12- to 17-year-olds, vaccine acceptance remains at a stable 80%. This includes those who say their kids in this age group have had at least one shot, or will get it as soon as it’s available to them. The proportion of those who’ve had one shot has risen, but given the small sample sizes this is still within the margin of error.

Vaccine uptake among parents is a key driver for vaccine uptake in children. Among those who are in the ‘acceptance’ category, 95% are fully or partially vaccinated. Among those who are ‘refusers’, only 40% are fully or partially vaccinated.

But vaccine uptake among parents isn’t the only indicator or step needed to encourage parents to vaccinate their children. 65% of those considered ‘hesitant/undecided’ on vaccinating their children have one or more COVID shots themselves. This shows that the decision to vaccinate your children isn’t always viewed the same as a decision to vaccinate yourself- something public health needs to take into consideration.

Parents of children five to 11 are showing even more hesitancy. There has been some movement from October, with 62% saying their child has had at least one shot or will get one as soon as it’s available to them (back in October the number of those who said they’d take as soon as it’s available was just 51%). But acceptance is nearly 20-pts lower than parents of older children.

The vaccination status of parents also matters for children in this age group (94% of parents in the ‘acceptance group have had one or both shots), but it’s less important.

Among those in the ‘hesitant/undecided’ category, 83% have had one or more shots themselves. Whether it be because of lack of information, the recency of approval, or just a different decision-making process, hesitancy among parents of young children looks a lot different than hesitancy among parents of adults and even older children.

THE UPSHOT

So, in the first few weeks of vaccine eligibility for young children we are still seeing some levels of hesitancy. There’s been some improvement for parents of children aged 5-11, but there’s still a long way to go. While vaccinating parents is part of the solution, it isn’t the whole picture.

Applying lessons learned from vaccinating adults will be crucial- what works for one community, might not work for another, and that’s okay. Just as we did for adults, meeting parents where they are at on vaccines will be just as important as understanding context. Messaging that works for the eager parents might not work the same for those who are hesitant – the reasons for vaccinating their children might be different. And the level of information and assurance these parents need will be different too.

We will be sure to continue tracking these levels of acceptance in the coming months.

METHODOLOGY

This survey was conducted with 3,532 Canadian adults from November 25th to December 3rd 2021. The sample of parents of children 12-17 was n=434. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 4.7%, 19 times out of 20. The sample of parents of children under 12 was n=461. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 4.5%, 19 times out of 20.

The survey was conducted using a random sample of panelists invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The data was weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region.

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

COVID-19MediaPolls

Today’s Menu: Whatever’s Convenient

Eighteen months ago when the pandemic hit, many of our normal routines were upended and our food habits were no different. As restaurants closed during lockdowns, we looked for ways to spend as little time in the grocery store aisles as possible.

That got us thinking about alternatives to the old ways of buying foods like meal delivery services, grocery pick-up and meal kit services. As we transitioned from dining room menus to food and meal delivery apps, did we pick up any new habits? And what could this mean for these services in the future?

Back in October we asked a few questions to try and find out.

First, there’s no doubt the pandemic had an impact on our use of these services. Since the start of the pandemic the number of Canadians using meal delivery services, grocery delivery services or meal kit services has doubled. Grocery online order and pickup saw the biggest push because of the pandemic, but was closely followed by meal delivery services and grocery delivery from the store itself.

The situation created by the pandemic helped many of these services grow their customer base, in some cases more than doubling it. For every service tested, aside from meal delivery services, half or more of their customer base only started using their services during the pandemic.  Among the 30% that say they’ve used grocery online order and pickup from the store, two-thirds only started during the pandemic.  Meal delivery services also saw a rise in popularity, as just under half of the 35% of Canadians who use the service started doing so during the pandemic.

However, Canadians aren’t abandoning the grocery store just yet. Two-thirds of us still visit the grocery store in-person at least once a week, but other grocery and meal delivery services aren’t necessarily used infrequently. 15% of Canadians use meal delivery services like Skip the Dishes, and UberEats at least once a week, while 13% use grocery online order and pickup direct from the store at least weekly.

So, are these services replacing traditional grocery shopping behaviour? Not necessarily. Or at least, not yet.

When it comes to those who use meal kit services, they are actually a lot more likely than the average Canadian to be visiting a grocery store in-person, regardless of when they started using meal kit services (before or during the pandemic). For these folks, it seems like shopping in-person, and selecting their own products is something that’s important, and meal kits are supplementing their regular shopping behavior.

Those who started using grocery delivery and pickup services during the pandemic still shop in-person just as much as the average Canadian. Right now, or at least it seems, there isn’t a service that can fully replace the in-store grocery shopping experience.

So, if it hasn’t replaced in-store shopping yet, are there any benefits to using these services? We asked those using these services to rate them on 3 factors: their ability to help you make healthy eating choices, convenience (saves energy and time), and saving money on food.

Grocery delivery and pickup does well regarding convenience, with those who use grocery delivery or pick-up direct from the store rating the service a 4 out of 5 stars for convenience. All three services receive a score just over 3 out of 5 on both saving money on food and helping them make healthy eating choices.

However, meal kits do the best on healthy eating choices, with a 4 out of 5 star rating. Meal delivery services do best on convenience, getting just over 4 out of 5 stars. Also worth noting, meal delivery services get the lowest score on saving money on food.

So, will we continue to use these services flourish, even once the pandemic is over? For now, it seems like the usage of these services is on an upward trajectory.

Regardless of whether they’ve used the service or not, 29% of Canadians say they have plans to use grocery delivery services more frequently, 27% have plans to use pre-prepared meal services (restaurant delivery or third-party) more frequently, and 23% plan on using meal kits more often.

Most of this growth will come from those already using the services, especially those who used the services prior to the pandemic. That said, it looks like all three (grocery delivery, meal delivery and meal kits) have a good chance of turning customers who tried their services during the pandemic, into regular users. Half of those who tried grocery delivery or pre-prepared meal services for the first time during the pandemic are interested in using it more. And the future is even brighter for meal kit services- with 71% of their ‘pandemic customers’ planning to use the services more in the future.

UPSHOT

So, while grocery and meal delivery services have yet to upend the in-store shopping experience, it seems like they won’t be going away anytime soon, even once the pandemic is over.

The pandemic has helped many online and digital product offerings, that promote convenience, grow their customer base- and food and meal delivery services are no different. But unlike Zoom for work meetings, or Peloton for spin class, it seems like these services weren’t necessarily a direct replacement for things like restaurants or in-person shopping. Instead, they seemed to have opened up a new kind of offering for food services, one that prioritizes convenience.

This will likely remain the biggest draw to the services, even as dine-in and in-person grocery options become more and more normal. But if use of these services continues to grow (as is projected by Canadians themselves), there’s the possibility that these services will continue to disrupt the food industry even further.

For more insights on the food industry and COVID-19, please reach out to Oksana, Director of Strategy & Insights at: oksana@abacusdata.ca

METHODOLOGY

This survey was conducted with 2,200 Canadian adults from October 15th to 20th 2021. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.0%, 19 times out of 20.

The survey was conducted using a random sample of panelists invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The data was weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. This poll was conducted and paid for by Abacus Data.

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

COVID-19MediaPolls

A Throne Speech Meets a Distracted Public. Liberals and Conservatives neck and neck.

We completed a national survey of 2,025 Canadian adults from November 25 to 30, 2021. Here’s a snapshot of our findings.

SPEECH FROM THE THRONE

One in three people didn’t know there was a Speech from the Throne, and another half only heard about it.  Fewer than one in five people said they were familiar with what was contained in the Speech.

Among those who were at least aware there was a Throne Speech, 61% felt it was a good direction for Canadian public policy for the coming years.  Those more familiar and those who only heard there was a Speech were similarly positively predisposed.

86% of 2021 Liberal voters thought the Throne Speech outlined a good direction for the country as did 66% of NDP and 52% of Green Party voters. Half of BQ voters (51%) thought it laid out a good direction for the country while 1 in 3 Conservative voters felt the same thing.

When asked whether the opposition parties should vote for or against the Speech from the Throne, even if it triggers an election:

  • 48% want Conservative MPs to vote in favour and 52% want them to vote against the Throne Speech.  63% of CPC voters want them to vote against as do 37% of Liberal voters and 48% of NDP voters.
  • 57% want NDP MPs to vote in favour and 43% want them to vote against it with 74% of LPC, 69% of NDP and 40% of CPC voters wanting them to vote for it.
  • 48% want BQ MPs to vote in favour and 52% want them to vote against with 60% of BQ voters 66% of LPC voters, 54% of NDP voters, and 29% of CPC voters wanting them to vote in favour. 60% of Quebecers want BQ MPs to vote in favour of the Throne Speech.

PUBLIC MOOD & GOVERNMENT APPROVAL

Equal numbers feel things in Canada are headed in the right direction (42%) than those who feel it is off on the wrong track (43%). This is unchanged from October despite the increased worry about Covid-19 which we reported yesterday. Canadians continue to be far more bearish on how things are going around the world or in the US.

Slightly more approve (44%) than disapprove (41%) of the federal government, slightly improved from our measurement in October. The Trudeau government’s net approval (approve – disapprove) regionally is -2 in BC, -29 in Alberta, -12 in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, +12 in Ontario, +10 in Quebec, and +15 in Atlantic Canada.

LEADER IMPRESSIONS

Justin Trudeau enjoys a positive impression among 40% and negative impressions among 41%, for a net score of -1.  This is unchanged from October.

Today 23% have a positive impression of the Conservative leader Erin O’Toole while his negatives are at 45% for a net score of -22. His numbers are also unchanged from October.

Jagmeet Singh enjoys a positive impression among 42% and finds negative impressions among 23% for a net score of +19, also similar to our results in October.

In Quebec, BQ Leader Mr. Blanchet is 40% positive and 30% negative for a net score of +10. Mr. Trudeau is +8 and Mr. O’Toole is -22 in Quebec.

VOTING INTENTION

If an election were held now, the Liberals would win 32% of the vote (in line with the 2021 election share), the Conservatives would win 30% (4-points lower) and the NDP 20% (2-points higher). The BQ is at 8% nationally while the People’s Party is at 6% and the Greens at 3%.

  • BC: a three-way race with the Liberals at 32%, the NDP at 30%, and Conservatives at 30%.
  • Alberta: 56% would vote Conservative compared with 18% for the NDP, 14% for the Liberal Party, and 10% for the People’s Party.
  • Manitoba and Saskatchewan: the Conservatives lead with 38% followed by the NDP at 27% and the Liberals at 21%.
  • Ontario: the Liberals have a 6-point lead over the Conservatives (37% to 31%) with the NDP in third at 22%. The People’s Party is polling at 7% in Ontario.
  • Quebec: we see the BQ slightly ahead of the Liberals (37% to 33%) with the Conservatives at 15% and the NDP at 8%.
  • Atlantic: the Liberal lead by 11 over the Conservatives – 38% to 27% with the NDP at 22%.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “The gulf between those who follow politics and everyone else has been widening over time, and more and more people seem to be on the indifferent and inattentive side of the divide.  Given the pandemic, it’s also true that people are very focused on the immediate and the risks of Covid being prolonged.  Politics matters little, and public policy matters first and foremost on the issues that are deeply and urgently preoccupying.

These findings suggest the Liberals neither gained nor lost any political ground based on their Throne Speech. The only other material political finding may be that the People’s Party is a bigger political force than the Green Party.  Environmentally concerned voters seem inclined to look to other parties to meet their expectations and goals.  And the challenge confronting the conservative movement in Canada is no less visible – if anything even more so. “

According to David Coletto: “The Speech from the Throne neither lifted nor hurt the federal government’s approval rating or the Liberal vote share. This month’s political snapshot looks very much like it did at the end of October. The Liberals and Conservatives remain close in vote intentions, although the Conservatives are still 4-points off their 2021 result, and the government’s approval rating remains relatively positive.

I suspect politics is the furthest thing from people’s minds right now as BC and Atlantic Canada deal with flooding and the entire county waits to see whether Omicron is going buffer hopes of this pandemic ending.”

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,025 Canadian adults from November 25 to 30, 2021. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

Canadian PoliticsCOVID-19MediaPolls

Fear of Omicron triggers anxiety across Canada

We completed a national survey of 2,025 Canadian adults from November 25 to 30, 2021, and asked some questions about COVID and public concerns that we have been tracking since the start of the pandemic.  Here’s what we found:

MILLIONS ARE MORE WORRIED ABOUT COVID-19 OVER THE PAST FEW DAYS

Four in ten adults say they are becoming more worried about the pandemic over the past few days, almost doubling (20-point increase) the response to the same question a month ago.

  • Rising worry is much more apparent among middle-aged and older Canadians.
  • Rising worry is happening among the vaccinated and the vaccination hesitant – while those who refuse to be vaccinated seem unmoved by the news about Omicron
  • Change in COVID worry is highest in Quebec (51%), Atlantic Canada (46%), BC (45%), and Ontario (43%) and lowest in Alberta (36%).

CANADIANS ARE UNSURE IF THE WORST IS BEHIND US, DOUBT IS RISING

Equal numbers of Canadians (28%) think the worst is still to come as think the worst is behind us (26%), as half (47%) are uncertain. This is more pessimism about the future of the pandemic since May 2021.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “The response to Omicron news which broke beginning last Thursday has been swift, underscoring just how attentive people remain to the pandemic which has held the world in its grip for almost two years.  While worry is spiking, most people are waiting for more information to decide how serious this threat is.  If it does turn out that this new variant will require harsh measures, it’s a fair bet that this will intensify divisions between those willing to be vaccinated and those who refuse to take that step, regardless of the prospect of another wave.”

According to David Coletto: “Our polling throughout the pandemic has shown there is a strong correlation between perceptions about the pandemic and virus and behaviours. Those who become more worried tend to be less defensive in their behaviour – less likely to venture out to public spaces, go to restaurants, or to travel. Concerns about the Omicron variant have spiked public anxiety again and continue the high degree of uncertainty about whether the worst of the pandemic is behind us.

And while we find some regional and demographic variation, there’s little difference across the political spectrum. The rise of this new variant has made Liberals, Conservatives, and New Democrats more anxious and worried about what comes next.

The only potential upside is that those who are unvaccinated but open to it could be convinced to get vaccinated due to the risk posed by the variant.“

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,025 Canadian adults from November 25 to 30, 2021. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

COVID-19MediaPolls

Is Flexibility the Key to a Successful Return to Office?

As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions to an endemic over the next few weeks, employers are increasingly asking how to get their teams back into the workplace, especially office-based teams who have been able to work remotely for the past 19 months.

Back in April 2020, a survey we conducted at the time found that 70% of Canadians thought it would take just 5 months or less for COVID-19 to pass. As the pandemic persisted, we also found that 83% of Canadians believe that the pandemic requires us to rethink how we work and run the economy. Now, as the world finally begins to reopen without public health restrictions, we wanted to look at the experience of working from home and how it has shaped the expectations of workers moving forward.

Over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, 45% of those who are currently employed said they spent some time working remotely from their home or another location. Interestingly, employees above the age of 45 (34%) are 20-points less likely to have worked from home than those 44 or below (54%).

And the experience for most has been positive. Overall, close to three quarters of those who worked remotely said their productivity was either higher or about the same as if they were working at the office. Only 26% who feel less productive overall. In total, 74% believe they were more or as productive at home as in the office. Interestingly, younger workers tend to feel less productive working from home (65%) when compared to those over the age of 30 (78%). This also holds true for moms of younger children (63%) when compared to dads of young children (74%)

When asked to rate their experience working from home, most surveyed described the experience in a positive way.  65% felt that communication between themselves and their managers/employers and how informed they were about what is happening with their employer was good or excellent. Being able to separate their work from their personal life (61%) and their relationships with colleagues (59%) were less positively received, but a majority still felt they were good or excellent.

However, these elements are only some of many aspects to consider when transition back into the office. As companies begin to re-open their doors, many are seeing their employer’s post pandemic approach for the very first time.

When asked to rate how flexible their employer’s overall approach to the post-pandemic workplace will be, we found that 50% rated their employer’s overall approach to the post-pandemic workplace at or above a 7 out of 10.  And there is a direct correlation between satisfaction with their employer’s approach and perceptions about their employer’s flexibility. Those who were very satisfied were much more likely to rate their employer as flexible than those dissatisfied.

In early October, when this survey was conducted, 65% of remote workers said it was safe to return to their workplace, but only 47% (-18) of those who have worked remotely for a majority of the time during the pandemic feel this way suggesting it may be more difficult to entice those who have spent more time working from home back into the office. Remember, it’s tough to break habits.

Among those who felt it would be unsafe to return, when asked why, 30% indicated that their employer has not shared a plan to protect high-risk employees, 23% are concerned that their worksite is not conducive to COVID safety protocols, and 24% indicated that their employer has not made vaccinations mandatory among employees. When looking at only those who are not satisfied with their employer’s plans, these numbers jump to 37% (+7), 33% (+10), and 31% (+7) respectively.

The survey also found a high degree of potential employee churn for employers deemed to be inflexible. 33% of those working remotely would likely look for a job with more flexibility, while 6% are already doing so (39% in total). This idea is most prevalent among those who have spent the majority of their time during the pandemic working from home, with 47% indicating that they will likely look for a job with more flexibility or are already doing so. These findings also tied closely with the average employer flexibility score, as the higher the average score, the more likely an employee is to stay and work where the employer deems necessary.

UPSHOT

As employers – big and small – continue to plan how to entice their team members back to the office, this research shows that a flexibility mindset will be essential. More than nine million employed Canadians spent at least some time working remotely over the past 19 months. For many, the experience was convenient, enjoyable, and productive.

Employers who insist one a speedy, inflexible return to the office will face pushback from a workforce who have been able to live their preferences. Our research pre-pandemic found that a growing proportion of workers wanted more flexibility from their employers. And it is not just millennials or Gen Zers – all generations want more choice where and when they work.

The pandemic has fundamentally shifted employee mindsets as flexibility has transition from a preference to an expectation. Given the tight labour markets and empowered workers, this data should reinforce the importance of decisions that are being made and in the future about the return to work.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 479 Canadian adults from October 8 to 12, 2021. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 4.478%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

COVID-19MediaPollsWorkplace

What do Canadians know about Canadian politics and institutions?

In a recent national survey, we asked Canadians five questions to get a sense of how well people know some facts about our political system.   Here’s what we found.

3 out of 10 think someone other than the Prime Minister chooses the members of the federal Cabinet. 13% think the Governor General chooses, 13% think the Liberal caucus does, 3% say these picks are up to Her Majesty the Queen.

1 in 3 people (32%) believe the NDP has formed government in Ottawa at some point in the past, and 11% think this has happened more than once.

1 in 4 people (26%) thinks the Governor General decides the direction of the government “which the Prime Minister must then follow” while 74% correctly answer that the PM sets the direction.

Only 33% believe that the federal Cabinet is made up of 50% women. Among women under 45, only 19% think that women hold half the Cabinet positions, among women above that age, the proportion who answered correctly was 36%.


17% believe the federal government is responsible for education, while 83% correctly answer that the provinces hold this power.

Eight in ten (81%) got at least one of these questions wrong, but almost no one (2%) got them all wrong. One in five (19%) got all 5 questions right. Of the top quartile (those who got all the questions right, most (59%) were men, and the average age was 55, they are 11 points more likely than average to be university educated, 13 points more likely to be retired.  40% would consider voting Conservative, 49% would consider voting NDP, and 57% would consider voting Liberal.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “Every day those of us who consume a great deal of information about politics and public policy can usefully remind ourselves that many Canadians do not follow politics particularly closely.  For those in government, business or civil society who work to inform and advocate, it’s crucial to start with a realistic understanding of how much background information the average citizen has – or doesn’t have.  This is especially relevant when discussing highly complex policy issues such as climate change but it also is true where people in politics might expect that some 6 years after introducing the idea of a gender-balanced Cabinet, a great number of people including the large majority of women, are unaware that this has happened.”

According to David Coletto: “These results don’t surprise me. For a long time, we’ve known that a large proportion of the public doesn’t know much about how our federal political institutions work or their recent history. But these results are a reminder that many Canadians, including many who regularly vote, are not engaged deeply in what happens in Ottawa. The gap between what people believe and what is the truth can be a powerful driver for other attitudes and behaviours. Understanding that gap is critical to effective policy making advocacy, and government and public relations.”

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,200 Canadian adults from October 15 to 20, 2021. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 1.9%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

Canadian PoliticsMediaPolls

Building Bridges, Strengthening Communities

In mid-June, Abacus Data conducted a national public opinion survey commissioned by the Rideau Hall Foundation. The survey was conducted with 1,750 young people in Canada, aged 16 to 24. The intentions of the survey were to understand how young people define community and participate in their community through actions like volunteering.

There is little research about how young people define community and how their definitions impact engagement with their community, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. What we found shows that investing in a young individual’s own sense of belonging does a great deal to build a broader sense of community. Giving young people a space to belong cultivates their desire to engage, give back, and encourage others around them to do the same.

The relationship between a sense of community and community service is strong- those who feel supported, support. But with a relationship this strong, the inverse is also true. Those who don’t feel supported are not inclined to give back. And failing to provide young people an opportunity to cultivate community risks growing divisiveness in our society.

COMMUNITY IS MORE LIKE A FEELING THAN A PLACE, THAT CAN EVOLVE OVER TIME

When asked to describe ‘community’ in their own words, young people in Canada tend to describe the feeling they get from a community, rather than a specific attribute like location, membership etc. Sentiments like ‘friendly’ ‘helpful’, and ‘togetherness’ are commonly used when asked to provide their definition.

THE PANDEMIC HAS IMPACTED OUR COMMUNITIES, INCLUDING HOW WE ACCESS AND DEFINE THEM 

The pandemic has had an impact on the communities of young people in Canada, for the better and for the worse. 27% said they’ve found it easier to connect with their community, with the pandemic being a spark to solidify and strengthen relationships of those around them. But these respondents are the exception: 55% of young people in Canada say it’s been more difficult to connect with their community since the start of the pandemic.

Interestingly, there has been a change in how a majority of young people define their community since the beginning of the pandemic. Young people are just as likely to place those they meet online (26%) in their inner community (those they feel the strongest connection to) as their neighbours living in the same physical neighbourhood (27%). And shared values, morals and interests are far more important than being in the same physical space.

A SENSE OF COMMUNITY HAS A TANGIBLE IMPACT BEYOND OUR OWN SENSE OF BELONGING

Whatever the definition, having a strong sense of community is important. Not only does it help youth feel like they belong, but it increases their chances of being an active participant in community, whatever that looks like.

While it may seem like a bit of a given, having a sense of community isn’t just about taking what a community offers, it’s also about giving back. And a young person’s desire to give back isn’t just talk; it turns into real action too.

Among those who feel like they belong in at least one community, 52% volunteer (either formally or informally). Among those who don’t feel like they belong in any community, this number drops 16 points to 36%.

The relationship between sense of community and community service is strong. One of the biggest predictors of having a sense of community is not income, age, or gender, but whether or not an individual volunteers. And one of the biggest predictors of whether or not a young person volunteers is their sense of community. Having a group of young people with a strong connection means having a group of young people who want to actively participate and make their community a better place.

Young people often depend on their community to offer a web of supports and places to be a part of something bigger than themselves. But the pandemic has made the possibility of establishing these connections challenging, with half our young people saying they’ve become disconnected from their communities. This threatens young peoples’ opportunity to find their place, and in turn, reduces their chances to strengthen the communities they belong to.

COMMUNITY IS CONTAGIOUS, BUT SOMETIMES EXCLUSIVE

For those that are part of a community, it’s contagious. When young people feel a strong sense of community, they are much more likely to want others to feel the same, and work to serve their community through volunteerism.

The second biggest predictor of sense of community for youth is whether or not their parents are involved in the community, and the third is their parent’s financial situation. Being from a family that values community service and has the money to spend their time doing so is a big predictor of whether young people will feel connected to a community.

Exclusivity of communities doesn’t come from age, gender or one’s own income, but rather socio-economic status. Having parents or role models who could model behaviour on volunteering, provides an introduction into a volunteer network, and provides financial assistance to join a club, sport or organization. These are far bigger predictors of a young person’s sense of community than their age, gender, or ethnicity.

We know the relationship between sense of belonging and serving one’s community is powerful. And we need to capitalize on this relationship and use it to our advantage to build stronger communities.

THE UPSHOT

Protecting and building a sense of community is important. It’s important for young people to feel like they have a place to belong for their own wellbeing, but also because young people feel encouraged to be active participants in their community and give back when they feel supported themselves, even into adulthood.

We found a similar relationship among adults feeling connected to public institutions and civic engagement — those who feel a connection with public institutions, and feel they are relevant, are much more likely to be active participants civically, and vote in elections. Likewise, young people who feel connected to their community are more likely to actively participate and volunteer.

Just as important as strengthening a sense of community among young people already in a network is the importance of providing opportunities for others to join in. If community truly is contagious, we should be working on being relevant and accessible, becoming more inclusive, and building opportunities to bring more young people into the fold. And now is the time to do it. The pandemic has impacted, shifted, and shaped how we define community. We’ve been closed off and isolated from those around us, but at the same time we’ve also allowed our own definition of community to change and be a little less reliant on location. Young people, and their communities, thrive when connections can be made. But for half of young people in Canada, these connections have been strained.

Building community can combat the growing divisiveness we’ve seen on social media and online communities, that has only been exacerbated since the start of the pandemic. And without an effort to foster community, we risk a growing number of youth feeling disconnected and not able to live up to their fullest potential.

Rather than allowing the pandemic to divide us, we need to work together to strengthen what bonded us together in the past, and invite others, who we may not have considered to be part of our community to come into the fold.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted online with 1,750 Canadian residents aged 16 to 24, from June 17 to 27, 2021. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.34%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

MediaPolls

Renting: Smooth Sailing or Jumping Ship?

In our most recent survey, we looked at how Canadian renters are doing. Are they renting happily ever after or are they looking for greener pastures by purchasing a home as soon as possible? What is the current market outlook for renters right now? How is the rental market doing in terms of affordability and availability? Here is what we found:

Who are “renters”? A third (35%) of Canadians fall under the category of “renters”. Renters are most likely to be Millennials, have lower incomes, and live in urban areas. 44% of renters live alone (55% men vs. 35% women live alone), 30% live with a partner (girlfriend, boyfriend, spouse, etc.), 20% live with family, and 6% live with a roommate.

How do renters feel about affordability? After the last couple of years of the skyrocketing housing market, it’s understandable that there is a growing conversation about the affordability of all kinds of housing. The housing crisis impacts more than just buyers. 75% of renters feel that renting has become less affordable in the area they live in – 91% of those who are living beyond their means feel this way. This is especially true for those living in metropolitan areas like Montreal (85%) and Toronto (82%). Just under half (47%) feel that the rent they pay is more expensive than it needs to be. In addition, just over half (53%) of renters admit that their quality of life is suffering because of the high cost of rent.

As a result, a third of renters (32%) have moved out of a city or community that they enjoy living in to better afford rent – especially those who are living beyond their means (58%).

Affordability can play a role in renters feeling stuck or choosing to stay in unfavourable living situations. We asked Canadian renters who live with a roommate, a partner or family, if they are in their current living situation because of affordability issues. We found that 77% of those who live with a roommate do so because they cannot afford to live on their own, and about half (45%) still live with family for the same reason. A large majority of renters that live with a partner don’t consider affordability as a reason they live together, but a third (35%) do. Though overall this is not a large portion of renters, it’s sizeable when considering this group would choose to not live with their partner if living alone were more affordable.

Two-thirds (63%) of renters that do live alone admit that they sometimes think about living with someone else to help make life more affordable (71% men vs. 52% women).

This is the crux of rental affordability: Those who live with someone sometimes wish they could afford to live alone for a number of reasons, and those that live alone are considering the prospect of splitting the cost with someone else.

What about supply? Not only are renters’ budgets being challenged by high prices, availability of rental units or homes is also limited. 6 in 10 (60%) renters feel that there aren’t enough rentals available in the area they want to live in. This particularly rings true for those living in British Columbia, those 45-59, and those living beyond their means.

The limited supply of rental units and homes is further challenged by renters’ uncertainty over the future of their current tenancy. In terms of unexpected events and landlords upsetting renters’ current situations, we learned that 3 in 10 are concerned that their landlord may do anything ranging from selling the property and terminating their tenancy (31%) or evicting renters to conduct renovation (27%) or on the basis of needing their rental unit for personal use for them or a family member (26%).

How are renters feeling about the future? With rental prices at an all-time high, and supply not meeting demand, renters are left with an impossible decision to make: Do I continue to rent and contribute to someone else’s mortgage, or should I bite the bullet and buy? Nearly half (45%) really want to own a home someday (49% women vs. 40% men), but the other half is split between those who don’t think owning a home is that important and those who would be happy renting the rest of their life.

Among renters who really want to own a home someday, 3 in 4 (76%) are concerned that if they stay in the rental market much longer, housing prices will continue to rise, and owning a home will become even more out of reach.

Are there supports for renters? Until the housing market fizzles and prices stabilize, renters are stuck with high prices and limited alternatives. One option we tested was interest in a rent-to-own program that was included as part of the Liberal platform in the 2021 Election. We found that 64% of renters would be interested in taking advantage of this. Among those that really want to own a home someday, interest in a program of this kind jumps up 20-points. We can speculate that renters see this kind of program as a legitimate stepping stone to help them reach their goal of owning a home. It would be worth further exploring this program among renters to see what kind of terms would be useful or not useful.

THE UPSHOT According to Megan Ross

Whether you’re in the rental market long-term or looking to purchase a home soon, affordability over the last couple of years hit an all-time low. The rental market, in its current state, looks pretty bleak – high prices and limited availability of units/homes in areas that renters want to live in. This has impacted renters’ outlook on the future and living situations.

Being able to afford to live alone – if you want to – is a luxury these days. No one wants to be in an unfavourable living situation. Rental prices are difficult to afford even for those with partners or roommates or family to supplement the cost. Those who strive for independence in the form of having their own place to call home often need support to achieve this.

What can we expect in the coming months or years? A sizeable portion of renters are still looking to own a home someday and express interest in government programs to help them do so. Many will need support to make the transition to homeownership, which, in turn, opens up space for new renters to enter the rental market.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,200 Canadian adults from October 8 to 12, 2021. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 1.9%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

MediaPolls

What do Canadians think about climate change and climate action?

As the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference, also known as COP26, kicks off this weekend in Glasgow, I thought it would be worthwhile to take a measure of Canadian public opinion towards climate change. To track opinions, I asked a series of questions we have fielded over the past few years on our most recent national omnibus survey.

Here’s what our survey of 2,200 Canadians (conducted from October 15 to 20, 2021) found:

TWO-THIRDS BELIEVE THERE IS SOLID EVIDENCE THAT THE EARTH IS WARMING

Almost all Canadians believe there is at least some evidence that the earth is warming, including 69% who say there is either conclusive or solid evidence that the average temperature on earth has been getting warmer over the past few decades.

This view is shared widely across demographic groups and across the country. Even in Alberta, a majority believe there is solid evidence that climate change is happening.

And this view has increased since September 2015. Back then, 65% believed there was at least solid evidence representing a 4-point increase in the past six years. More importantly, those believing that there is “conclusive evidence” that the earth is warming have increased 8-points – from 29% to 37%.

At the same time, more Canadians believe that global warming is being caused by human activity. In 2015, 71% felt global warming was being caused by human activity. Today, it’s 75%.

WHY SHOULD WE COMBAT CLIMATE CHANGE?

When asked to rank four possible reasons why we need to do more to combat climate change, responses remain quite mixed.

Some (30%) believe we have a moral responsibility to pass on a planet that is safe and healthy to the next generation. A similar proportion (29%) believe fighting climate change by shifting to more efficient energy use will bring new economic opportunities for Canadians.

Another 1 in 5 think the best reason is that the strongest economies in the future will be those that transition to using more renewable energy and Canada shouldn’t fall behind while a similar number think that extreme weather events have become a financial disaster that we need to avoid.

Since 2018, views have shifted somewhat. Today, more people see the economic benefits of fighting climate change in terms of clean technology and the impact of extreme weather disasters.

TWO-THIRDS WANT TO SEE GOVERNMENTS DO MORE TO REDUCE EMISSIONS

Despite efforts by governments to reduce emissions, most Canadians want to see governments do more. 66% would like to see governments in Canada put more emphasis on reducing emissions, 15% want to see less done and 19% think the current trajectory is sufficient.

These views have remained relatively consistent over the past half-decade, despite more focus and effort by governments at all levels of government. Back in September 2015, 69% wanted to see more emphasis on reducing emissions. Today it’s 66%.

Regionally, a majority want to see governments do more in every region except for Alberta. But even in Alberta, by almost a 2 to 1 margin residents want more emphasis on climate change than less.

There’s also fairly widespread political consensus. Almost 8 in 10 of those who voted Liberal, NDP, or Green in 2021 want to see governments do more whereas Conservative Party supporters are more divided. That being said, even among Conservative voters, 44% want to see more emphasis from governments while 24% want to see less.

WHAT’S THE BEST WAY TO REDUCE EMISSIONS?

When asked to rank approaches governments can take to reduce emissions, Canadians are more likely to prefer rules and regulations that require emissions reductions and subsidies to encourage the adoption of low-carbon technologies. Carbon pricing is less likely to be ranked high but there has been a shift in views.

Back in 2018, only 13% ranked carbon pricing as their most preferred approach. Today, 20% feel it is the best way to reduce emissions, a shift of 7-points in 3 years.

VIEWS ON DEVELOPING CANADA’S OIL & GAS RESOURCES

Canadians are divided on whether Canada should or should not develop its oil and gas resources. 51% think we need to take measures to greatly slow or stop the development and transmission of oil and gas to meet emissions reduction targets while 49% think Canada should continue to develop its oil and gas resources.

But views on this question have shifted since 2018. Back then, 60% felt we should develop those resources while 40% thought we shouldn’t. In 3-years, that’s an 11-point swing in favour of slowing or stopping the development of our oil and gas resources.

Regionally, half or more think oil and gas development needs to be slowed or stopped in BC, Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada. Only 32% feel this way in Alberta.

Politically, 2 in 3 Conservative voters think oil and gas development should continue while a similar proportion feels the opposite among NDP and Green Party voters. Among those who voted Liberal in 2021, about half think development should slow or stop while about half feel it should continue.

UPSHOT

As the world gathers to coordinate efforts to combat climate change, Canadian public opinion has shifted. More people think there’s conclusive evidence that climate change is happening. Three in four understand that human activity is causing climate change and two-thirds want governments to do more.

But there is less consensus on the approach public policy should take. Canadians are divided both regionally and politically on whether we should develop our oil and gas reserves.

More frequent and severe weather events continue to put a spotlight on the impacts of climate change. Consumers are becoming more open and interested in zero-emission vehicles and are looking for ways to reduce their own emissions.

But strong leadership is still required to unite Canadians behind a plan to get to net-zero. The public is there, waiting to be led.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,200 Canadian adults from October 15 to 20, 2021. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 1.9%, 19 times out of 20.

The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.

Abacus Data follows the CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements that can be found here:  https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/standards/

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

We are the only research and strategy firm that helps organizations respond to the disruptive risks and opportunities in a world where demographics and technology are changing more quickly than ever.

We are an innovative, fast-growing public opinion and marketing research consultancy. We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and exceptional value.

We were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in 2019.

Contact us with any questions.

Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.

COVID-19MediaPolls