Last week, we released a new poll commissioned by Oceans North that found broad support for Canada to invest in zero-emission ports, marine vessels, and trade routes, with more than 3 in 4 Canadians reporting high concern about climate change. The sample size was 1,750 adult Canadians and the survey was conducted from May 25 to 29, 2023.
Today we are releasing the final part of the survey, which finds Canadians are far more likely to think maritime shipping should move entirely to a zero-emission fuel like hydrogen rather than use liquified natural gas to power ships.
In the survey, we told respondents:
“Right now, there is a debate about whether the shipping industry should use liquefied natural gas (LNG) to power ships, which could partially reduce but not eliminate emissions, or whether the sector should transition entirely to zero-emission fuels.”
And asked, “which of the following approaches do you think is best?”
Overall, 61% of Canadians preferred a move entirely to zero-emission fuel like hydrogen while 39% preferred using LNG to power ships.
Regionally, support for zero-emission fuels was higher in Quebec (69%), Ontario (63%), and Atlantic Canada (61%). Alberta was the only province where more people preferred LNG over a zero-emission fuel.
Those under 30 were much more likely to prefer a zero-emission fuel than LNG (71% to 29%) while older Canadians were slightly more divided, although a majority still preferred a zero-emission fuel.
There is a strong relationship between concern for climate change and preferred approach to marine shipping fuel. Those who are more intensely concerned about climate change are more likely to prefer a zero-emission fuel over LNG.
Politically, clear majorities of Liberal and NDP supporters prefer a zero-emission fuel while a majority of Conservative supporters prefer LNG.
THE UPSHOT
As concern about climate change intensifies, and I suspect it will as extreme weather, wildfires, and drought increase in both frequency and intensity, support for a quicker energy transition will increase.
How we fuel maritime shipping is a case in point. In this survey, more Canadians want the sector to transition entirely to a zero-emission fuel rather than using liquified natural gas. There is a strong relationship between one’s concern about climate change and their response this question.
METHODOLOGY
The survey, commissioned by Oceans North, was conducted online with 1,750 Canadians aged 18 and over from May 25 to 29, 2023.
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.
OCEANS NORTH
Oceans North is a charitable organization that supports marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities. As part of a holistic strategy to protect the ocean, Oceans North is working to decarbonize maritime emissions that are contributing to climate change and adversely impacting communities and the environment. For more information, contact Alex Tesar at atesar@oceansnorth.ca or visit https://www.oceansnorth.org/en/what-we-do/the-zero-emission-maritime-energy-transition/.
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.
As the International Maritime Organizations’ 15th meeting of the Intersessional Working Group on Reduction of GHG emissions from Ships approaches, a new poll conducted by Abacus Data for Oceans North reveals broad support among Canadians to invest in zero-emission ports, marine vessels, and trade routes as more than 3 in 4 report high concern about climate change. The sample size was 1,750 adult Canadians and the survey was conducted from May 25 to 29, 2023.
Here are the key findings:
More than half of Canadians are unaware that the marine shipping sector produces 3% of global emissions, roughly the same as major economies like Germany or Japan and more than all the emissions produced by aviation.
83% of Canadians believe it is important for Canada to invest in zero-emission ports, marine vessels, and trade routes. This view is fairly consistent across the country but Quebecers are especially focused on this issue, with 72% saying investing in zero-emission ports is extremely or very important.
There is a strong relationship between concern about climate change and views on decarbonizing the maritime shipping sector. As one’s concern intensifies, so too does their view on how important it is for Canada to invest in zero-emission ports.
Why should Canada invest in decarbonizing its marine shipping sector? Canadians prioritize different reasons but the top two are because we have a moral obligation to do everything we can to reduce emissions and stop climate change from getting worse and because it will improve air quality.
Why the broad support for decarbonizing Canada’s maritime shipping sector? Because 3 in 4 Canadians are concerned about climate change, with 53% saying they are very or extremely concerned. Concern is fairly consistent across the country but its higher in Quebec, Ontario, and BC than in the Prairies.
There’s a political divide on climate concern. Liberal and NDP voters are more likely to be concerned than Conservative voters. Nevertheless, 1 in 3 Conservatives say they are very or extremely concerned about climate change.
THE UPSHOT
As large parts of Canada experience wildfires that have displaced thousands of people from their homes and draped major urban cities under a cloud of smoke, Canadians express deep concern about climate change.
It’s no surprise then that there’s overwhelming support for decarbonizing Canada’s maritime sector. Most are unaware that maritime shipping accounts for 3% of global emissions, as much as global aviation—but despite this, there’s broad cross partisan, cross regional support for action.
The public also recognizes that the benefits of doing this extend beyond solving the existential crisis of climate change. It will also improve air quality around major ports while also positioning Canada as a global leader in sustainable marine shipping and help transition the domestic and global maritime sector to a zero-emission future.
This survey also clearly highlights that as concern about climate change intensifies, so too will demand for quick and meaningful policy action to transition all parts of the economy to a zero-emission, sustainable footing.
METHODOLOGY
The survey, commissioned by Oceans North, was conducted online with 1,750 Canadians aged 18 and over from May 25 to 29, 2023.
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.
OCEANS NORTH
Oceans North is a charitable organization that supports marine conservation and climate action in partnership with Indigenous and coastal communities. As part of a holistic strategy to protect the ocean, Oceans North is working to decarbonize maritime emissions that are contributing to climate change and adversely impacting communities and the environment. For more information, contact Alex Tesar at atesar@oceansnorth.ca or visit https://www.oceansnorth.org/en/what-we-do/the-zero-emission-maritime-energy-transition/.
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.
In a study commissioned by Spirits Canada, Abacus dove into how Canadians view alcohol, whether they trust Health Canada’s official guidelines for low-risk drinking, and what impact discrepancies in alcohol advice have on Canadians’ trust in health guidelines. 2,000 Canadians were interviewed between May 17th and 21st, 2023.
Most Canadians Are Moderate Drinkers; Understand Drinking Should Be Enjoy Sparingly
When asked what they think about beverage alcohol, most Canadian adults believe it is something to be enjoyed sparingly (35%), or in moderation (53%). Very few are teetotalers (8%) or believe alcohol is something to be enjoyed in excess (4%). With regard to health, Canadians take a more conservative view than Health Canada’s official low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines, with 72% assuming between 0-6 standard drinks a week is what healthy adults can consume safely.
How well do these attitudes and assumptions align with their reported lived experiences? Even accounting for possible under-reporting, the vast majority of the 2 in 3 Canadians who drink alcohol at least once per month say they drink within Canada’s official guideline of 10-15 drinks per week (78% consume 1-6 drinks per week), with only a minority drinking at the upper range of the Health Canada recommendations of 10-15 drinks a week.
Trust in Government, Institutions is High on Health-Related Matters
Trust in knowledge generating institutions, experts, and even government is quite high among the public when it comes to health. Most Canadians at least somewhat trust in Health Canada, NGOs, academics, and medical professionals when it comes to advising them on health-related matters.
When presented with Canada’s official low-risk alcohol drinking guidelines, which suggest maxing consumption at 2 (female) or 3 (male) standard drinks per day, 10 or 15 standard drinks per week, and 3 or 4 standard drinks on special occasions, most find what the government recommends credible (68%).
Advice Discrepancies Cause Confusion, Mistrust, Loss of Trust
However, when asked to compare Canada’s official low-risk drinking guidelines with recommendations that reach very different conclusions, Canadians’ trust devolves.
After reviewing recommendations that advise against consuming more than two drinks per week (issued in August 2022 by the Canadian Centre for Substance Abuse and Addiction), as well as a University of Victoria study (published April 2023 in JAMA Open) that concluded increased risk only above two drinks per day, 6 in 10 Canadians become some or some combination of:
Unsure about the quality of scientific evidence on alcohol & health;
Mistrustful of government, the CCSA, or public health guidelines generally; or,
Confused on what to do going forward.
Having read through all three recommendations, 6 in 10 Canadians explicitly agree that this contradictory information makes them less trustful of government and the scientific process.
The majority of the Canadian public believes that government’s focus should be on reducing the harm of excess alcohol consumption. Most think that trying to limit the amount of alcohol consumed by light to moderate drinkers will do nothing to convince heavy drinkers or reduce the harms of excess alcohol consumption.
The Upshot
Canadians are responsible drinkers. The 2 in 3 Canadians who do drink alcohol take a moderate approach. Very few have extreme views like believing alcohol should be cut out completely or enjoyed in excess. Their assumptions about what is healthy are well below what even Health Canada recommends in its low-risk guidance. In an era of declining trust in experts and institutions, having competing information in the marketplace of ideas can have negative consequences for regulators trying to put out the best advice possible.
Canadians get the risks of consuming alcohol above official guidelines, understand and perhaps even overestimate thresholds for what is unsafe, and their behaviors are in line with their assumptions, even if their personal consumption estimates were inflated by 2x. Most want governments to work on preventing cases of extreme abuse, rather than trying to get moderate or occasional drinkers to consume less beverage alcohol.
Methodology
The survey, commissioned by Spirits Canada, was conducted online with 2,000 Canadians aged 18 and over from April 24 to 28, 2023.
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 +/- 1.8%, 19 times out of 20.
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Alberta’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.
From June 6 to 11, 2023, Abacus Data conducted a national survey of 2,000 adults exploring several topics related to Canadian politics and current events as part of our regular national omnibus surveys. In this survey, we oversample Ontario to a total of 1,000.
In this survey, we asked a new question to gauge both the desire for change and the perception that there’s an alternative those wanting change are comfortable with.
I’m going to start there.
Overall, 81% of Canadians believe it is time for a change in government. 20% believe Justin Trudeau and the Liberals deserve to be re-elected. But among the 81% who want change, 31% say there isn’t a good alternative to the Liberals they are comfortable with.
Those who want change but say they are not comfortable with any of the alternatives to the Liberals are:
Slightly more likely to be women than men (55% to 45%)
45% voted Liberal in 2021. 21% voted NDP and 13% voted Conservative.
50% self-identify as being centrist, 36% are on the left side of the spectrum and 14% are on the right.
28% have a positive impression of Justin Trudeau while 41% have a negative one. 29% have a neutral impression of the Liberal leader
27% are currently undecided when asked how they would vote today, significantly higher than the other two groups (those who want change and think there’s an alternative and those who think the Liberals deserve to be re-elected)
More interesting is how these three groups say they would vote if an election was today.
Among those who want change and think there’s a good alternative, 56% would vote Conservative, 25% NDP and 6% would vote Liberal.
Among those who think the Liberals deserve to be re-elected, 77% would vote Liberal, 11% NDP, and 6% BQ. Only 2% would vote Conservative.
Among the 31% who want change but don’t think there’s a good alternative they are comfortable with, 33% would vote Liberal, 22% NDP, 19% Conservative, and 14% BQ.
This group – those who want change but aren’t completely comfortable with the alternatives – will decide the next election. And right now, enough of them are staying with the Liberals giving them a shot at re-election. If any of the opposition parties can make themselves more appealing, that becomes a dangerous place for the Liberals.
Despite the desire for change, 46% of adults say they would consider voting Liberal, an accessible voter pool that hasn’t changed much over the past two and half years. This means while there is a desire for change, many haven’t completely closed the door to voting Liberal.
Current Vote Intention
If an election was held today, the Conservatives would get 35% (up 2 since mid-May), the Liberals at 28% (down 2), the NDP at 21% (up 3) with the BQ at 7% nationally. Numerically, this is the lowest we’ve had the Liberals over the past year.
Regionally, the Conservatives are ahead in the Prairies, are statistically tied with the NDP in BC, statistically tied with the Liberals in Ontario, and are at 30% in Atlantic Canada. The Liberals are statistically tied with the BQ in Quebec and ahead in Atlantic Canada.
By age, the NDP is numerically ahead among those under 30 but its support shrinks among older age groups. The Liberals get about 25 to 30% across all age groups while the Conservatives lead among those 45 and over.
Party Leader Impressions
Impressions of Justin Trudeau are largely unchanged from last month. 30% have a positive impression while 49% have a negative impression for an overall score of -19. Trudeau’s scores across the country are -22 in BC, -42 in Alberta, – 49 in SK and MB, -16 in Ontario, -6 in Quebec, and -4 in Atlantic Canada.
Both positive and negative impressions of Pierre Poilievre have increased over the past month. Today 32% have a positive impression while 40% have a negative impression for an overall score of -8. Over the past 6 weeks, Mr. Poilievre’s negatives have risen by 5 points from 35% in early May to 40% today. Poilievre’s scores across the country are -4 in BC, +15 in Alberta, +5 in SK and MB, -5 in Ontario, -31 in Quebec, and -10 in Atlantic Canada.
Jagmeet Singh remains the most popular leader in the country with 38% having a positive impression (up 4 in 6 weeks) and 32% having a negative view for a score of +6. Singh’s scores across the country are +16 in BC, -13 in Alberta, -7 in SK and MB, +7 in Ontario, +5 in Quebec, and +28 in Atlantic Canada.
UPSHOT
According to David Coletto: “The opinion environment for the Liberal government is quite challenging. 80% of Canadians say they want change and only 20% think the government deserves to be re-elected.
Despite this, the Liberals are still competitive because about 1 in 3 Canadians who want change, don’t feel there’s an acceptable or comfortable alternative to the Liberals. Most of them are voting for an opposition party, if an election was held today, but not all of them. A third is sticking with the Liberals, despite wanting change.
This dynamic indicates a complex and nuanced political environment in Canada, reflecting a broad dissatisfaction with the current Liberal government, yet also a degree of apprehension about alternatives.
While it might seem like a grim outlook with 80% of the populace desiring change, the Liberals can find some solace in the fact that a notable fraction of those yearning for change still doesn’t see a viable alternative. This can be seen as a testament to the government’s relative stability or the perception of the Liberals as the lesser of multiple evils. However, this shouldn’t invite complacency, but rather it should serve as a wake-up call to address public discontent. The Liberals need to reexamine and realign their policies with public sentiment to re-establish trust and strengthen their electability.
For opposition parties, these results are both an opportunity and a challenge. The desire for change signifies widespread discontent, creating a political vacuum that they can fill. However, the inability of a substantial fraction of voters to identify a comfortable alternative underscores a failure on the opposition’s part to present a compelling, viable vision for leadership. To capitalize on this scenario, opposition parties need to effectively communicate their policies, presenting clear, tangible alternatives to the current government’s approach. The closer we get to an election, the more the acceptability of the opposition parties will be under scrutiny.
From a broader perspective, this situation illustrates a common dilemma in many democracies: the desire for change coupled with the fear of the unknown. While change is often seen as a positive, progressive force, it can also introduce uncertainty. When voters are unsure of the alternatives, they may opt for the status quo, even if they’re dissatisfied with it. This dynamic can stagnate political landscapes and force a more polarizing, negative type of politics.”
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 2,000 Canadian adults from June 6 to 11, 2023. 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.
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.
The PCs lead the Ontario Liberals by 9 province-wide. Since March, the PC vote share among committed respondents is down 5 while the NDP share is up 3.
The PCs are well ahead among those aged 45 and over while the NDP and Liberals do better among those under 45.
74% feel it’s time for a change and 26% believe Doug Ford and the PCs deserve to be re-elected. But among those who want change, 29% say there isn’t a good alternative to Ford and the PCs.
Ford’s net impression is -16, Stiles is 0 while John Fraser is -8.
We also tested impressions of the candidates running or may run for the Ontario Liberal leadership. Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie is the best known of the candidates and has a net favourable rating of +12.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,000 Ontario adults from June 6 to 11, 2023. 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 +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Ontario’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
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.
On behalf of the Paramedic Association of Canada, Abacus Data conducted an extensive online nationwide survey of Canadians’ views of healthcare and the role of paramedics. The sample size was 3,150 adult Canadians and the survey was conducted from April 24 to 28, 2023.
The full report can also be accessed in French HERE.
Many More Canadians Think Emergency Room Wait Times, Access to a Family Doctor, and Paramedic Response Times are a Major Problem in Canada.
Since 2021, concerns about several aspects of Canada’s healthcare system have increased. Today, half or more Canadians believe that emergency room wait times and capacity (66%), surgery wait times (63%), hospital overcrowding (59%), access to a family doctor (56%), and access to mental health services (50%) are a major problem in Canada. Those who believe emergency room wait times are a major problem increased by 13 points since 2021 while those who think access to a family doctor is a major problem is up by 16 points.
When it comes to response times of paramedics, 36% believe it is a major problem, a 15-point increase since 2021 and a 23-point increase since 2012. Back in 2012, only 13% of Canadians considered paramedic response times are a major problem.
Regionally, views about paramedic response times are fairly consistent although those in BC (46%) and Alberta (39%) are more likely to consider it a major problem than those in other provinces.
The survey also found that older Canadians are more likely to think the health care issues identified were serious problems in Canada. In particular, 66% of those aged 60 and over believed that surgery wait times were a major problem, 25 points higher than those aged 18 to 29.
Paramedics are Deeply Respected and Most Believe they are Central to the Healthcare System.
89% of Canadians say they have a lot of respect or considerable respect for paramedics. This view is held across the country and demographic groups.
When asked to classify whether several professions played a central role, an important role, or a supporting role in the healthcare system, 57% think paramedics play a central role while another 32% say an important role. This is unchanged from last year.
Overall, 74% of Canadians believed that doctors play a central role followed by registered nurses (64%) and paramedics (57%).
The views about paramedics are consistent across the country although older Canadians and those who have been treated by a paramedic were more likely to consider paramedics central to the healthcare system.
Paramedics are as trusted as doctors or nurses to make on-the-spot medical decisions.
When asked to what extent they trust doctors, nurses, and paramedics to make on-the-spot medical decisions about their personal health, eight in ten (82%) Canadians said they had high trust in paramedics compared with 81% for nurses and 85% for doctors.
Trust in paramedics was consistent right across the country and across demographics. 87% of those who have personally been treated or transported to a hospital by a paramedic say they have high trust in their ability to make on-the-spot medical decisions.
83% of Canadians support the idea of Community Paramedicine.
Respondents were shown the following description of community paramedicine and asked whether they support or oppose the idea of community paramedicine:
Traditionally, paramedics are trained to respond to emergency 911 calls, treat patients who are ill and/or injured, and transport patients to emergency departments. However, not all patients require transportation to an emergency department. Many simply need a basic health assessment, minor treatment, and referral to an appropriate community, or other health care service.
Community Paramedicine is about engaging paramedics in non-traditional roles to assist in delivering health care to urgent and non-urgent, but not life threatening situations. By expanding the role of paramedics, and working collaboratively with other health care professionals and community agencies, paramedics can manage patients who do not require immediate treatment and transportation to an emergency department.
Under a Community Paramedicine model, paramedics will continue to respond to medical emergencies and provide non-urgent medical care within the community and at patients’ homes.
Overall, 83% of Canadians we surveyed either strongly support (44%) or somewhat support (39%) the idea of community paramedicine as presented in the survey. Only 2% are opposed to it and the remaining 15% said they neither support nor oppose it.
Support for the idea is consistent across the country and is particularly popular among women – 47% of whom strongly support the idea of community paramedicine.
There is also cross partisan support for the idea – Liberal, Conservative, and NDP supporters overwhelmingly support it.
Why is there such high support for community paramedics?
Almost all Canadians are comfortable with the idea of paramedics playing a greater role in the delivery of healthcare services in their community. 93% say they are either completely or mostly comfortable with the idea including massive majorities across age, gender, and regional subgroups.
At a time when Canadians are deeply concerned about the capacity of the healthcare system and whether they can get access to care when they need it, Canadians believe paramedics can be utilized more.
In fact, when we ask whether people consider paramedics to be either emergency responders, healthcare professionals, or both, 70% consider them to be either healthcare providers alone or both healthcare providers and emergency responders equally. The perception of the profession has changed as the nature of healthcare and Canada’s healthcare system has changed.
In fact, when we present respondents with a scenario in which a paramedic responds to a medical emergency and give Canadians a choice between that paramedic always taking them to a hospital, no matter what the medical problem is or allowing the paramedic to decide whether there is a more effective option for treatment, 2 in 3 give the paramedic discretion to make the right choice. Only 22% want the paramedic to take them to the hospital.
The Upshot
Health care remains a top concern for many Canadians, especially as it relates to capacity and access issues in emergency rooms, hospitals, and access to a family doctor. More recently, concerns about the emergency response times of paramedics have also grown sharply. Given these concerns, Canadians recognize and value the role that paramedics can play in improving access and outcomes for Canadian patients.
Paramedics in Canada are well regarded, trusted, and seen as central to the health care system. There is almost no resistance to the concept of community paramedicine and large numbers of Canadians enthusiastically support it, especially women who value the peace of mind knowing that their loved ones will be cared for if a medical emergency or situation arises.
Given the reputation of the process and the role Canadians see paramedics playing, it should be no surprise that the public thinks they should be part of the national discussion about the future of healthcare and play a greater role in delivering healthcare services.
Methodology
The survey, commissioned by the Paramedic Association of Canada, was conducted online with 3,150 Canadians aged 18 and over from April 24 to 28, 2023.
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 +/- 1.8%, 19 times out of 20.
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Alberta’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Paramedic Association of Canada
The Paramedic Association of Canada is a voluntary professional organization of paramedicine practitioners in Canada. Its mission is to provide quality care for the public through leadership in the advancement of the profession of paramedicine. For more information, contact Pierre Poirier at pierre.poirier@paramedic.ca, or visit their website at http://www.paramedic.ca/
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.
