Canadians Have a Mixed Relationship With Food- Especially Women

Last month we focused on exploring the topic of housing, including access, affordability and it’s impact on Canadians’ everyday lives. This month, we are focusing on agriculture and food. How do we feel about food? How does it influence our lives? What do we think about the sectors that provide food for Canadians and for the world?

To kick things off this month we asked some questions about Canadians relationship with food. We wanted to understand the relationship Canadians have with food- have they felt pressured to make choices because of social expectations? And as part of our She/Her/Hers work we were curious to see whether these pressures are felt among men vs. women. This survey was fielded online to a sample of n=2,000 gen pop Canadian adults from October 27th to October 31st 2023.

Most Canadians have (and have always had) a positive relationship with food.

65% of Canadians say their relationship with food has always been positive, 22% say positive now but less so in the past, and 9% say negative now but it’s been more positive in the past. 5% have always had a negative relationship with food.

However, relationships with food look very different between men and women. 75% of men say they’ve always had a positive relationship with food. Among women this is only 54%, and among young women (18 to 29) this drops even further to 33%.

Also concerning, young people overall have far more negative relationships with food. Half of young people have experienced a negative relationship with food compared to just a quarter of Canadians 60+. Relationships with food are also influenced by access. Canadians from lower income households are less likely to have a positive relationship with food.

Negative relationships can be driven by external pressures and expectations. One in three Canadians have felt social pressure when it comes to what they eat and how much.

Women are more likely to agree than men and young Canadians (particularly young women) also face a great deal of social pressures compared to older Canadians. 58% of young women say they’ve felt pressure from their peers on what/how much to eat, compared to just 19% of women 60+. Parents of children under 18 (both men and women) also feel more social pressure than average.

As a result, the pressures to eat a nutritious diet aren’t always with health in mind. Half of Canadians eat a nutritious diet because it will help them achieve their desired appearance.

52% of Canadians say a nutritious, balanced diet is important to them because it will help them stay healthy. 11% say it’s important because it will help them have the body/appearance they desire, 37% say it’s a mix of both.

A quarter (23%) of young women (those 18-29), say eating a nutritious, balanced diet is important to them exclusively because it will help them have the body/appearance they desire (12-points higher than the average).

THE UPSHOT

Most Canadians agree that eating a nutritious, balanced diet is important for health, but it is not the only driver that influences our choices and relationship with food. For young people in Canada, especially young women, there are concerningly strong links between relationships with food and body image and social pressures. Given the influence social pressures have on one’s relationship with food, addressing social expectations on food consumption and on appearance is an important place to start in improving our collective relationship with food.

She/Her/Hers is a research practice dedicated to exploring how the lived experiences of Canadians, their behaviours, and attitudes are gendered. The study explores a range of subject areas that inform what it’s like being a Canadian woman today – from home life, to work life, to finances, to consumer behaviour. To learn more about the study please reach out to: oksana@abacusdata.ca

To purchase the She/Her/Hers study please reach out to: yvonne@abacusdata.ca

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 2,200 Canadian adults from October 27 to November 1, 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 +/- 2.1%, 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.

ABOUT ABACUS DATA

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

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.

BlogCanadian PoliticsPollsShe/Her/Hers

Conservative leads grows to 16 as federal government approval drops 4: Abacus Poll

From November 9 to 12, 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 report, we share new data on:

  • The latest vote intention estimates
  • The mood of the country
  • Views on the federal government’s performance and impressions of the main political party leaders

Federal Vote Intention

If an election were held today, 41% of committed voters would vote Conservatives with the Liberals at 25%, the NDP at 19% and the Greens at 3%. The BQ is at 28% in Quebec.

Since our last survey, we see almost no change with the Conservatives up 2, the NDP up 1, and the Liberals down 1. However, this is now the largest Conservative lead we have measured in our tracking since the 2015 election.

Regionally, the Conservatives are well ahead in western Canada, including in BC. The Conservatives lead by 12 in Atlantic Canada and 15 in Ontario. In Quebec, we find the Liberals statistically tied with the BQ with the Conservatives 9-points behind the Liberals.

Demographically, the Conservatives lead across all age groups. They lead by 3 among 18 to 29 year olds, 17 among 30 to 44 year olds, 18 among 45 to 59 year olds and 19 among those aged 60 and over.

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What is happening beyond vote intention?

First, we have seen a deterioriation in the general mood of the public. Today, 23% think the country is headed in the right direction while 61% think it’s off on the wrong track. This is the worst outlook we’ve measured on this point.

Similarly, the federal government’s approval is down 4 points in less than two weeks. Today, 26% say they approve of the job performance of the federal government while 58% disapprove.

A total of 84% of Canadians want a change in government with 52% wanting change and feeling there is a good alternative. 32% want change but are not completely comfortable with the alternatives. Just 16% believe that Justin Trudeau and the Liberals deserve to be re-elected.

Impressions of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau have also become more negative. Today, 58% have a negative impression of the Liberal leader – the highest we have ever recorded. 25% have a positive impression of him for a net favourable of -33.

Impressions of Jagmeet Singh have also become more negative in the past two weeks. Today 36% have a negative view compared with 32% who have a positive one for a net favourable of -4.

Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is the only leader with net favourables – 37% positive and 33% negative for a score of +4.

When asked who they believe will win the next election, 43% think the Conservatives will win, 18% think the Liberals will, 9% pick the NDP while 30% are unsure.

The Upshot

According to Abacus Data Chair & CEO David Coletto: “As Canadians react to the war between Hamas and Israel, experience rising tensions on the issue here at home, and react with the federal government’s efforts to reduce the impact of inflation and higher interest rates, their mood has soured even further.

Those thinking the country is headed in the right direction is at its lowest level since we’ve been tracking it, including during the worst moments of the COVID-19 pandemic. The federal government’s approval rating and how people feel about the Prime Minister have also shifted negatively in the past two weeks.

All this adds up to continued strength for the Conservatives and weakness for the Liberals in vote intention. The Conservatives lead by 16 – the largest lead we have measured. They lead the Liberals by 15 in Ontario, 13 in Atlantic Canada, and 20 in British Columbia.

These kind of numbers would produce a majority Conservative government based on the new Abacus Data seat projections I released earlier this week.”

Subscribe to my Substack for more in-depth and exclusive polling analysis and insights.

Methodology

The survey was conducted with 2,000 Canadian adults from November 9 to 12, 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 +/- 2.3%, 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 Politics

Public Reaction to the Carbon Tax Policy Shift: Few gains for Liberals but widespread desire for extension to other home heating fuels

From November 9 to 12, 2023, Abacus Data conducted a national survey of 2,00 adults exploring several topics related to Canadian politics and current events as part of our regular national omnibus surveys.

In this report, we share new data on:

  • Awareness and reaction to the federal government announcement on the carbon tax carve out
  • Preference for extending the exemption for all home heating fuel
  • The impact of the carbon tax carve out on the propensity to vote Liberal

6 in 10 Canadians are aware of carbon tax carve out for home heating oil

As of Sunday November 12, about 6 in 10 Canadians are aware the federal government announced it was going to exempt home heating oil from the carbon tax or price, double the rebate people receive for the carbon tax for those living in rural and small towns, and increase the incentive for households to switch to heat pumps.

Awareness was highest in Atlantic Canada (73%) and lower in Quebec (34%).

Over 6 in 10 aware of the carbon tax carve out think it’s a good idea

Overall, 65% of those aware of the carbon tax carve and associated policy changes think it is a good idea. 35% think it is a bad idea.

82% of Atlantic Canadians and 65% of those in Ontario, the Prairies, and BC think it’s a good idea. A slight majority in Quebec (54%) feel the same way.

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Exempt other home heating fuels?

In the survey, Canadians are told provincial premiers, the federal Conservative Party and the federal NDP have called on the federal government to exempt all forms of home heating from the carbon tax and the Prime Minister has said there will be no other exemptions made.

When asked their preference, 72% think other home heating fuels should be exempt to help people deal with the rising cost of living while 28% think no other fuels should be exempt because the exemption is meant to help people transition from heating oil which is much more polluting than other forms of home heating.

Among those aware of the announcement, the split is 76%/24%. 72% in Atlantic Canada and 76% in Ontario, the Prairies, and BC think the exemption should be extending to other futures. 59% in Quebec feel the same way.

A clear majority of current Liberal, NDP, Conservative and BQ supporters feel the same way.

Have the Liberals benefitted from the policy shift on the carbon price?

Overall, more Canadians say they are less likely to vote Liberal as a result of the policy shift than those who say they are more likely to vote Liberal (30% vs. 13%). 56% say the policy shift will have no impact on their vote.

In Atlantic Canada, 21% are more likely to vote Liberal vs. 22% who are less likely. In Ontario, the Prairies, and BC, 35% say they are less likely to vote Liberal while 11% are more likely.

But among key groups the Liberals need to engage and win over if they hope to be competitive again, the net impact of the policy shift is positive.

  • Among those open to voting Liberal today, 24% say they are more likely to vote Liberal while 12% are less likely to.
  • Among past Liberal voters, 26% say they are more likely to vote Liberal while 14% are less likely to vote Liberal.
  • Among current Conservative and NDP supporters, 7% say they are more likely to vote Liberal as a result of the policy shift.

The Upshot

According to Abacus Data Chair & CEO David Coletto: “Our poll results suggest a mixed bag for the Liberal government. Firstly, the awareness level of this policy is significant, with 6 in 10 Canadians knowing about the exemption of home heating oil from the carbon tax. This figure indicates a reasonable degree of public engagement with government policies, particularly in Atlantic Canada, where awareness is even higher. However, the varying levels of awareness across regions, notably lower in Quebec, suggest a geographical disparity in how information is disseminated or received.

The public’s reaction to the carbon tax carve-out is predominantly positive, with 65% of those aware of the policy considering it a good idea. This broad support extends across several provinces and across political lines, indicating that the policy resonates well with a diverse demographic.

However, this positive reception does not necessarily translate into major political gains for the Liberals. Despite the approval of the policy, there is a significant desire (72%) among Canadians for the exemption to be extended to all home heating fuels. This gap between public expectation and government action may limit the political capital the Liberals can gain from this policy.

The poll indicates that the carbon tax carve-out may attract some former Liberal and current Conservative and NDP supporters to the party but not in sufficient numbers to fundamentally change Liberal support. And given the widespread desire for the policy to be extended to home heating fuels, there’s still a lot of political risk to come in how the government manages this issues going forward.”

Subscribe to my Substack for more in-depth and exclusive polling analysis and insights.

Methodology

The survey was conducted with 2,000 Canadian adults from November 9 to 12, 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 +/- 2.3%, 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 PoliticsEnvironment & Climate Change

Poll: Rolling back climate action a possible deal-breaker for many potential Conservative voters

Far more Canadians say they would more likely cast their ballots for a Conservative Party that keeps in place Canada’s climate measures than one that rolls them back, according to a new poll conducted by Abacus Data for Clean Energy Canada.

A commitment to at least maintaining Canada’s current climate and clean energy ambitions is more popular than the opposite approach with respondents from every single province, age group, and gender. It is also more popular with supporters from every political party—including, by a small margin, Conservative voters.

In total, 42% of Canadians say they would be more likely to vote for a pro-climate Conservative Party compared to 13% who would be less likely. In contrast, an anti-climate Conservative Party would deter more voters than it would attract—including 16% of current Conservative voters.

Environment & Climate Change

Who would win in an election today? – CityNews Toronto

It has been clear for some time that the Trudeau Liberals have been struggling in the polls, but a new survey and analysis finds if an election were held today, the Grits would be headed to a stunning defeat.

Abacus Data crunched the numbers over several polls to make a seat projection. That projection shows the Liberals would lose more than half their seats and Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives would be heading to a solid majority if Canadians cast their ballots right now.

Uncategorized

83% support making assault against paramedics a more serious offense in the criminal code

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. This is the second release from that survey. The sample size was 3,150 adult Canadians and the survey was conducted from April 24 to 28, 2023.

Background

Cariboo-Prince George Conservative MP Todd Doherty introduced Bill C-321, a private member’s bill that seeks tougher penalties for people who attack first responders. If passed, the bill would modify the Criminal Code of Canada, introducing an amendment that considers assaults targeting health-care workers and first responders as an aggravating factor in sentencing. Consequently, this provision has the potential to extend the duration of incarceration for offenders.

In our national survey, we asked Canadians their views on the issue and whether they support amending the Criminal Code. Here’s what we found:

Eight in ten Canadians believe violence towards paramedics is a problem in Canada

Overall, 84% of Canadian adults believe that violence towards paramedics is a problem in Canada, including 31% who believe it is a major problem. This view is consistent across the country, across demographics, and is shared by Liberal, Conservative, and NDP voters.

Moreover, by a 2 to 1 margin, Canadians are more likely to believe assault towards paramedics is getting worse than getting better. In total, 36% believe violence against paramedics is getting worse, 15% think it is getting better, and 49% think it is not changing much.

83% support changing the Criminal Code of Canada to include violence and assault against paramedics a more serious offence.

There is widespread support for changing Canada’s Criminal Code to make violence against paramedics a more serious office. 44% strongly support this move while 39% support it. Only 7% are opposed.

Support for amending the Criminal Code to make violence against paramedics a more serious office is consistent across the country, across demographic groups and is supported by close to 90% of Liberal, Conservative, and NDP supporters.

THE UPSHOT

Survey results we released back in June of this year finds widespread respect and trust in paramedics. Canadians believe they are ready to do more to deliver healthcare services.

At the same time, there is also a widespread belief that violence against paramedics is a problem and there’s widespread, cross-partisan support for Parliament to amend the Criminal Code to make assaulting a paramedic a more serious offence. There is almost no resistance to the idea.

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 missions 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.

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