On Saturday, my spouse and I are welcoming a new addition to our family: a puppy!
Since I was a little kid, I’ve always wanted a dog but my parents weren’t really dog people and I’m quite allergic to cats so the only pets we ever were had were fish.
Like many other Canadians, the pandemic caused us to finally take the dive into dog ownership and we are beyond thrilled about the love and companionship that our new puppy, Chestnut, will bring to our family.
As we approach what is hopefully the final months of the COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to explore the extent to which Canadians welcomed new pets into their home over the past 15 months. I also wanted to know what pets bring to people’s lives. And because our team is fascinated by all things political, I wanted to explore whether there are political differences between those who own different kinds of pets.
Here are the highlights of what our survey of 1,500 Canadian adults (completed from June 4 to 9, 2021) found:
Over half of Canadians have at least one pet.
56% of Canadians say they have at least one pet in their household with dogs and cats being the most popular.
Pet ownership is higher in Quebec, Atlantic Canada, and Ontario and less likely in the Prairies and in BC.
About equal numbers own a cat or a dog.
32% of Canadians report owning a dog while 31% own a cat. Far fewer have fish (6%), rodents (3%) or birds (3%) as pets.
Interestingly, there are almost no demographic differences in the type of pet people own. Those under 44 are as likely to own a cat or dog as those 45 and over. Women are slightly more likely to own a pet than men (59% vs. 54%) and more likely to own a cat (36% vs. 28% among men).
Pandemic Pets: 3% of Canadians got a pet over the pandemic that didn’t have one before.
About 900,000 Canadian adults got a pet since the start of the pandemic who didn’t have one before it – 3% of the population.
Almost all pet owners believe their pets bring joy into their lives and improve their quality of life.
It’s almost unanimous – pet owners believe pets bring joy into their lives and have improved their quality of life. Almost all consider their pet or pets to be members of their family.
Does the type of pet you have impact your vote?
The short answer is no. Those who own pets would vote in a federal election in a similar way to those who don’t own pets. And we don’t see much difference between dog, cat, rodent, or bird owners either.
THE UPSHOT
Most Canadians own a pet and almost all believe pets bring joy and companionship into their lives. Their pets are considered members of their families.
The pandemic also sparks a small pet boom with almost 900,000 Canadians welcoming a pet into their homes who didn’t have one before.
Based on the reaction from friends and others when I shared news of our new furry family member, these results make sense. I can’t wait until we welcome Chestnut into our family this weekend.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from June 4 to 9, 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 +/- 2.6%, 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 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 2019 Canadian Election.
Like many of our pre-pandemic routines, our health and fitness habits have been altered during the last 14 months. With gyms and fitness classes open in some jurisdictions and closed in others, many Canadians have been left to improvise our workouts at least some point during the pandemic.
We were curious just how many of us have attempted an online workout in our living rooms, stocked up on too many pairs of leggings, or purchased a weight set that is now just sitting in the corner of our bedroom.
Did Canadians continue to workout during the pandemic? Did anyone pick-up a new fitness routine? And what do think our fitness habits will look like post-pandemic? Will our newly purchased dumbbells collect dust as we head back to the gym, or will we continue to ride our Pelotons?
Before we dig into our habits, how do Canadians feel about the pandemic’s impact on their health?
As of right now, the majority of us say our mental and physical health is no different than before the pandemic. This wasn’t always the case (earlier this year we were much more pessimistic). However, among those who have seen a change, it’s most likely for the worse. 36% say their mental health is worse compared to pre-pandemic. 30% say the same about their physical health.
All in, over half (54%) of Canadians participated in some kind of ‘pandemic-modified’ fitness over the past year or so. This includes things like streaming an online workout, doing an at-home self-guided workout or participating in an outdoor workout class.
Streaming classes have been popular during these past few months. One in five (21%) have streamed a workout class like a spin class or bootcamp. And one in four say they’ve streamed some free content, like a yoga class from YouTube.
Most popular is a self-guided at home workout, like lifting weights or going for a run. 46% Canadians say they’ve done this at least once in the last few months.
For Canadians who were already exercising pre-pandemic (working out at home, at the gym, or a class/group at least weekly), 76% say they’ve done some kind of ‘pandemic-modified’ fitness. And focusing in on just those who used to work out a gym or studio, even these gym aficionados have been tempted to move their fitness routines into their homes. 66% have tried some kind of ‘pandemic-modified’ workout.
The pandemic has also inspired some to start working out in general. Even Canadians who weren’t much for fitness before the pandemic have been trying out some of these new trends. For those of us who only worked out occasionally, 22% have tried streaming a class, or doing a self-guided at home workout.
For many of us these new types of workouts have become a bit of a routine. 35% of Canadians say they have adopted a new health or fitness routine during the pandemic like a new diet or trying a new type of exercise. This jumps to 49% for Canadians who already had some kind of pre-pandemic habit as well.
To supplement our pandemic fitness habits, many Canadians have made a purchase related to their new exercise routine. 21% of us have purchased at home workout equipment (though how many of us actually used the equipment is unknown…), 8% purchased a membership for virtual classes, only slightly higher for those who used to frequent gyms/studios (12%). And 11% of us purchased more workout clothing (think, leggings that you wear for your at home yoga, or Zoom calls, no judgement..).
All in all, about a quarter (23%) of us say our fitness spending increased during the pandemic. The same number (23%) say they’ve been spending less. And for half, our fitness budget has remained unchanged.
But what about post-pandemic? Will we all still be using our at home weight sets, or will we be signing up for a new gym membership as soon as we can?
As of right now, post pandemic habits remain to be seen. What is for sure, is that the disruption caused by the pandemic is likely here to stay.
To begin, 40% of us say we will be going back to our old fitness habits. For these Canadians, the routines they adopted during the pandemic are just temporary. This jumps to 55% of those who worked out in a studio/gym pre-pandemic.
But there is also room to keep some of the habits we developed during the pandemic. 57% plan on keeping at least some of their at-home exercise habits once the pandemic is over. This includes both those who are eager to get back to their old habits (like those who want to get back to the gym, but keep their new at-home yoga routine), or even those who, before the pandemic, didn’t have any real fitness routine.
And there’s also room to develop a new routine too. During the pandemic, with time to spare and tons of free online classes, many of us tried something new. Perhaps logging into a local yoga studio’s online classes or streaming a free live workout from your local gym. It seems like these offerings may spur some new post-pandemic customers. 24% of Canadians plan on signing up for a new fitness class/gym membership they didn’t have during the pandemic.
THE UPSHOT
According to Oksana Kishchuk: A lot has changed in the fitness industry throughout the pandemic. When our pre-pandemic habits were paused, many Canadians improvised at home, trying out a virtual class or attempting some version of a bodyweight workout we found on YouTube.
For the Canadians that purchased a kettlebell or two of Amazon this year and may or may not have used them, you likely aren’t alone. For companies that make/sell at home workout equipment- it’s likely the pandemic caused a surge in sales- but it also seems like it has created a new group of Canadians who have bought into the idea of at home workouts and will be keeping it up. And for gyms and studios, while your services may have been closed, your members are eagerly awaiting their return- and it’s likely some new members will tag along too!.
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METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,900 Canadian adults from April 16 to 21, 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 +/- 2.23%, 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 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 2019 Canadian Election.
In the latest round of survey work by Clean Energy Canada and Abacus Data, almost three out of four people in Canada (72%) think that those countries which set more ambitious targets will end up stronger economically than those countries which don’t pursue such targets.
While believing ambitous targets are good for longer term economic competitiveness, many Canadians do not follow the debate about specific targets closely. Fully 85% said they had no real idea what Canada’s current emissions reduction target is. Among the 15% who offered an answer, just over half picked a number between 30% and 59%. The mean and median responses were both 40%. Canada’s recently announced new target is between 40% and 45% by 2030, compared to our 2005 levels.
Only 8% say they follow specific targets pretty closely. Another 52% say they have a general sense but don’t pay attention to targets per se. Finally, 41% say they find it pretty confusing and hard to keep track of the various targets under discussion.
Most people want to know that there are goals and policies to back them up, but also recognize that knowing exactly how and which elements of innovation will affect change can be difficult.
Based on what they know or guess are Canada’s emissions reduction targets, one in four (24%) people believe our targets are too ambitious, one in five say not ambitious enough (20%) and a slight majority (56%) say they are about right.
A second question provided the information that Canada’s targets were a 40%-45% reduction in emissions by 2030, compared to 2005 levels. Provided with this fact, reactions varied only slightly, with an increase to 33% in the perception that our target is “too ambitious”, and a decrease to 15% in the view that our target is not ambitious enough. The majority held to the view that our target was about right (52%).
There are some notable differences in opinion on whether Canada’s ambition is set at the right level. People over 60 (43%), Albertans (43%) and Conservative voters (54%) are all more likely to say the target is too ambitious. Relatively few, and even only 35% of Green Party supporters, believe the target is not ambitious enough.
UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: “For several years, Canadians have been coming to the conclusion that emissions reduction was essential and urgent, and more recently they have become broadly of the view that this effort will yield economic opportunity – while lagging would reduce our competitiveness. At the same time, for most people this is a debate at a high level, few get drawn into a deeper conversation about specific targets and timetables.
Canadians believe that target setting with policy tools to help shape and catalyze change is a good approach for the country and recognize that innovation will play a major role in achieving targets.
Finding a level of ambition that makes most people feel comfortable is a challenge, given the nature of the country, but at this point in time most people seem to feel our national target is set at a level that is appropriate.”
According to Merran Smith, Clean Energy Canada’s executive director: “Two-thirds of Canadians either support the new, bolder climate target or say it could go even higher. At the same time, awareness of these long-term goals remains low despite all the press coverage. It goes to show you that numbers are seldom remembered. Canadians need to see the energy transition happening in front of them. They need to see their local buses and garbage trucks running on electricity. Their need to see their friends getting jobs in the clean energy sector. The action we take today—and not just our promises for tomorrow—is what will really stick with people.”
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 2019 Canadian Election.
Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from May 7 to May 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 +/- 2.6%, 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 is proud to be supporting the research and polling for the Faster Together Task Group
The number of Canadians willing to be vaccinated is on the rise, and the number of people hesitant or refusing to take a Covid-19 vaccine is at a new low.
Abacus has been providing data on vaccine opinions to a volunteer Task Group of organizations and individuals under the banner “Faster Together”, reminding people that choosing to be vaccinated can bring us all back together again, more quickly. Bruce Anderson, Chairman of Abacus and Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, co-chair the Task Group.
The latest data (collected through 2000 interviews nationwide) show that the number of people who’ve already had a shot or who will take one as soon as it is available to them now stands at 79%, up from 63% only a month ago.
A total of just 21% show some measure of hesitancy, most of whom indicate they can be persuaded to be vaccinated. Just 7% say they will never take a COVID19 shot.
The major factors influencing hesitancy are concern that the long-term impacts of the vaccines may not be known and worries about the risk of blood clots. The proportion of the hesitant who are indicating blood clot concerns is down slightly over recent weeks.
Today, 89% say they would be comfortable taking the Pfizer vaccine, 86% for Moderna, 48% for Johnson and Johnson and 36% for Astra Zeneca.
Hesitancy levels are not equal across different parts of the population. Those exhibiting more hesitancy than average include Albertans, men under 45, those with less formal education. Based on today’s numbers a low-end scenario would see 79% of Canadians vaccinated, and a high-end scenario would see 93% taking the shot.
Peer influence is contributing to the rising acceptance of vaccines. Three out of four (76%) people say that if friends or family asked for advice, they would encourage them to take the shot as soon as possible, while only 6% say they would tell them to refuse.
No doubt contributing to this positive peer-to-peer communication is the fact that for 95% of those who have already had a shot, side effects were not very challenging. The majority (71%) say they had hardly any or no side effects, while another 24% said they were unpleasant but passed quickly.
According to Bruce Anderson: “Vaccine hesitancy is down, community immunity enthusiasm is up. Canadians are hearing from others about only light side effects, and about the benefits of getting to community immunity quickly and as a result, are going out and getting their Covid19 vaccines when offered to them. Barring any unforeseen problems, and with the flow of Pfizer and Moderna vaccines in the weeks ahead, we may see that 14% who remain a bit hesitant, come down further.”
ABOUT FASTER TOGETHER
Overcoming vaccine hesitancy to speed the end of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada.
This is a voluntary effort of a wide variety of people and organizations working together to promote COVID-19 vaccine acceptance and help speed a recovery from this pandemic. Creative services have been donated by spark*advocacy and research support provided by Abacus Data. Bruce Anderson (spark*advocacy and Abacus) along with Hassan Yussuff, President of the Canadian Labour Congress have been convening a group effort. The current list of participants can be found on our website and is expanding regularly: www.fastertogether.ca
For more information – including how to join this all-volunteer Task Group – please contact Bruce Anderson banderson@abacusdata.ca (613-882-0929 )or Hassan Yussuff hyussuff@clcctc.ca (613-851-7881).
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 2,000 Canadian adults from May 25-30, 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 +/- 2.1%, 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.
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 2019 Canadian Election.
We just completed a national survey of 2,000 Canadian adults (from May 26 to May 28, 2021).
Here’s what the survey found:
NATIONAL MOOD
In the last five weeks, we’ve noticed a strong 12-point upswing in the number of people who say the country is heading in the right direction, from an ebb of 33% on April 21st to today’s level of 45%. Perceptions of how things are going in the rest of the world and in the US are also moving up during this period, which suggests a strong linkage with the improving outlook about the COVID-19 pandemic.
Here in Canada, we’ve seen a striking 25-point climb in the number of people willing to believe that the “worst of the pandemic is behind us. This perception – held by 41% – is by far the highest measure of optimism we have seen since the pandemic began.
The rise in optimism likely has a lot to do with the fact that many people are getting vaccinated. Those who’ve had at least one shot are 7 points more likely to say the country is going in the right direction, and 5 points more positive in their overall assessment of the federal government.
Federal performance on “getting vaccines delivered to Canada in a timely fashion” now finds more people (40%) giving the government excellent or good marks than offering poor or terrible ratings (30%). The remaining 30% give the Trudeau government an “acceptable” rating. This is a 15-point improvement in a 6 week period.
CURRENT VOTING INTENTION
If an election were held now, the Liberals would win 34% of the vote, the Conservatives 31%, the NDP 17%, the Green Party 7% and the BQ at 28% in Quebec.
In BC, the Liberals and Conservatives have pulled somewhat ahead of the NDP, and the Conservatives continue to hold wide leads in the Prairies. The Liberals have an 8-point lead in Ontario, a 15-point lead over the BQ in Quebec, and a 21-point lead in Atlantic Canada.
Across the non-Prairies provinces, the Liberals won by 9-points over the Conservatives in the last election, in 2019. The Liberals currently see a 13-point advantage in the non-Prairie provinces.
In the Prairies, the Conservatives beat the Liberals by 48 points in 2019 and are 38 points ahead of the Liberals today. The NDP is doing a little better than the Liberals but trails the Conservatives by 33-points. The Green Party has doubled its level of support from 3% in 2019 to 6% today.
Among those who have had at least one dose of COVID19 vaccine, the Liberals lead by 8 points, with 37% support compared to 29% for the Conservatives. Among those who say they will never take a vaccine, the Conservatives have a 40-point lead over the Liberals (52%-12%).
LEADER IMPRESSIONS
Justin Trudeau enjoys a positive impression among 36% and finds negative impressions among 40%, for a net score of -2. Erin O’Toole enjoys a positive impression among 19% and finds negative impressions among 34%, for a net score of -15. Jagmeet Singh enjoys a positive impression among 32% and finds negative impressions among 26% for a net +6.
Asked which of the national party leaders they would like to see become Prime Minister after the next election, Mr. Trudeau is the choice of 33%, roughly doubling the number who pick Mr. O’Toole (18%) and Mr. Singh (16%).
On this question, Mr. Trudeau leads Mr. O’Toole by 12 in BC, by 15 in Ontario, by 30 in Quebec and by 19 in Atlantic Canada. Mr. O’Toole leads Mr. Trudeau by 14 in the Prairie provinces, where his party enjoys a 38-point lead over the Liberals.
Mr. Trudeau leads on this question across most demographic groups, with a notable exception among women under 30, where he trails Mr. Singh. Mr. Singh is also notably competitive with Mr. Trudeau among women 30-44.
UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: “The pandemic continues to dominate Canadian politics and the mood is shifting noticeably for the first time towards a greater degree of optimism. There is no doubt that climbing vaccination rates are a big part of this shift. Our research on vaccines shows that as many as 93% of Canadians either want or can be persuaded to get a vaccination meaning that the country could achieve community immunity at a pretty good pace in the weeks and months ahead. Voters are not really thinking about an election and their political choices right now – so not too much should be read into the horse race numbers.
Having said that, the Liberals will want to note the vulnerability among younger women and the risk of losing some progressive votes to the NDP. For the Conservatives Mr. O’Toole may have stabilized his popularity ratings, but quite a bit of ground was lost in his initial months on the job. His net score of -1 in the Prairie provinces is unusually soft for a Conservative leader, and with a -19 in Ontario and -20 in Quebec, voters are signalling that they are hoping to see something different from the Conservative leader.”
According to David Coletto: “The mood of the country has shifted noticeably in a positive direction over the past few weeks. More think the country is headed in the right direction than at any point since June 2020 and optimism about the pandemic is at the highest levels since it started.
This renewed optimism hasn’t yet translated into political upside for the incumbent Liberals, but there remain well-positioned as the summer months begin. They have strong leads in Ontario and Quebec. Impressions of the government’s overall performance remain markedly more positive than before the last election in 2019, and the desire for change is 10-points lower now than it was the last time Canadians were asked to vote in a national election.”
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 2,000 Canadian adults from May 26 to 28, 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 +/- 2.1%, 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.
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 2019 Canadian Election.
The results of a major new survey on Black entrepreneurship in Canada were released today that reveals systemic barriers to growth and success facing Black Canadian entrepreneurs.
The survey was commissioned by the African Canadian Senate Group and Senator Colin Deacon, in collaboration with twelve prominent, Black-led business organizations across Canada and powered by the insights firm Abacus Data.
The responses from more than 300 Black entrepreneurs from across Canada revealed that systemic racism, access to capital and the lack of a business network represent the main barriers to the growth and sustainability of Black-led and/or owned businesses.
Two distinct groups of Black entrepreneurs, Empowered and Unempowered, were identified in the survey. Regardless of group, however, 76% of all Black entrepreneurs surveyed said that their race makes it harder to succeed.
This poll is timely, as the country recovers from the COVID-19 pandemic. It is crucial to unlock the entrepreneurial potential that exists within all segments of the population across Canada. For this to happen, it is necessary to identify the barriers to success and tailor the solutions to the needs of Black entrepreneurs to effectively and sustainably support this ecosystem and create an inclusive business environment.
Key Findings:
● Systemic racism impacts most Black entrepreneurs: 76% of Black entrepreneurs surveyed said their race makes it harder to succeed as an entrepreneur.
● Access to capital is the greatest barrier for Black entrepreneurs: Access to funding, financing, capital or sales was the top stated challenge by a significant margin. 75% say that if they needed to find $10,000 to support your business, it would be difficult for them to do so.
● Low trust in banks is widespread: Only 19% of respondents said they trust banks to do what is right for them and their community. Unempowered Black entrepreneurs were less likely to trust banks than empowered Black entrepreneurs.
● Networks and support are critical to supporting Black entrepreneurs: A majority of Black entrepreneurs said they do not know how to access supports or advice when challenges arise in their business. This is one of the biggest gaps between what the report describes as empowered and unempowered Black entrepreneurs.
● Black-led business organizations are important: In total, 45% of Black entrepreneurs we surveyed said that Black-led organizations have been either essential or very important to their business, with another 25% describing them as somewhat important.
The survey of Black business owners and entrepreneurs was conducted from March 23rd to April 15th, 2021. A total of 342 Black business owners from across Canada completed our survey.
Respondents were recruited through several methods. First, invitations were sent out by Black-led business organizations, who partnered with our team throughout the survey design and reporting phases, to Black entrepreneurs in their networks. Second, links to the survey were shared on social media, where Black entrepreneurs and business owners were asked to complete the survey. Finally, at the end of the survey, we encouraged respondents to share the survey with others in their own networks.
While it is difficult to determine whether our sample is representative of the Black business community, the variation in demographic, regional, and experiential characteristics allows us to understand the difference between those Black entrepreneurs who are empowered and those who are unempowered. Throughout this report, we compare both the attitudes and experiences of what we define as empowerment, as having a sense of empowerment versus unempowered Black entrepreneurs in Canada
En français
Les résultats d’un important sondage portant sur l’entrepreneuriat noir ont été dévoilés aujourd’hui et révèlent l’existence de barrières systémiques à la croissance et à la réussite des entrepreneurs noirs canadiens.
Le sondage a été réalisé par la firme Abacus Data à la demande du Groupe Canado-Africain du Sénat et du sénateur Colin Deacon, en collaboration avec douze importantes organisations dirigées par des membres de la communauté noire.
Les réponses des 342 entrepreneurs noirs sondés d’un océan à l’autre révèlent que le racisme systémique, l’accès à du capital et l’absence d’un réseau d’affaires représentent les principales barrières à la croissance et à la pérennité des entreprises dirigées par des Noirs.
Le sondage identifiait deux groupes distincts d’entrepreneurs noirs, soit les entrepreneurs autonomisés et les non autonomisés. Cependant, et nonobstant le groupe auquel ils appartiennent, 76 % des entrepreneurs noirs sondés affirment que leur appartenance à un groupe racisé constitue un frein à la réussite en affaires au Canada.
Ce sondage arrive à un moment opportun, alors que le pays se rétablit de la pandémie de Covid-19. Il est impératif que nous tirions parti du potentiel entrepreneurial qui existe dans tous les secteurs de la population canadienne. Pour ce faire, il est nécessaire d’identifier les obstacles auxquels font face les entrepreneurs noirs et adapter nos solutions à leurs besoins afin de véritablement et durablement soutenir cet écosystème et créer un environnement d’affaires inclusif.
Les faits saillants :
• Le racisme systémique a un impact majeur sur les entrepreneurs noirs : 76 % des entrepreneurs sondés affirment que leur couleur de peau est une difficulté à leur réussite.
• L’accès au capital est la plus barrière pour les entrepreneurs noirs : l’accès au financement, au capital et aux ventes a été déclaré comme étant le principal défi, et de loin. 75 % des répondants affirment qu’il serait difficile pour eux d’obtenir un financement de 10 000 $ pour soutenir leur entreprise.
• La confiance envers les banques et les autres institutions financières est érodée : seuls 19 % des répondants affirment qu’ils ont confiance en leur banque pour faire ce qu’il y a de mieux pour eux ou leur communauté. Les entrepreneurs se déclarant non autonomes se méfient plus des banques que ceux se déclarant autonomes.
• L’accès à des réseaux d’affaires et à de l’accompagnement sont des éléments critiques pour le développement et la croissance des entreprises : une majorité d’entrepreneurs noirs affirment qu’ils ne sauraient pas où trouver du soutien et des conseils si leur entreprise connaît des difficultés. Ces données représentent la plus grande disparité entre les entrepreneurs se déclarant non autonomes et ceux se déclarant autonomes.
• Les organisations dirigées par les noirs sont importantes : au total, 45 % des entrepreneurs noirs sondés affirment que les organisations dirigées par des noirs ont été soit essentielles ou très importantes pour leur entreprise et 25 % les ont décrites comme étant relativement importantes.
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 2019 Canadian Election.
Don’t miss David’s interview with Canada’s Chief Statistician and head of Statistics Canada on inFocus with David Coletto
We just completed a national survey of 1,500 Canadian adults (from May 7 to 12, 2021). Here’s what the survey found:
CURRENT VOTING INTENTION
If an election were held now, the Liberals would win 34% of the vote, the Conservatives 32%, the NDP 17%, the Green Party 7% and the BQ at 25% in Quebec.
Over the past month, Liberal support is down 5 while Conservative support is up 4. For the Liberals, the shift reflects declines in support in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies. For the Conservatives, there is a notable increase in support in Alberta, but otherwise, shifts are marginal.
In BC, the Liberals, Conservatives, and NDP are in a three-way tie while the Conservatives continue to dominate in the Prairies. The Liberals continue to hold sizeable leads in Ontario (13-points), Quebec (8-points), and Atlantic Canada (20-points).
LEADER IMPRESSIONS
Justin Trudeau enjoys a positive impression among 39% and finds negative impressions among 43%, for a net score of -4.
Erin O’Toole enjoys a positive impression among 18% and finds negative impressions among 35%, for a net score of -17.
Jagmeet Singh enjoys a positive impression among 33% and finds negative impressions among 25% for a net +8.
Annamie Paul enjoys a positive impression among 13% and finds negative impressions among 19% for a net -6.
Yves Francois Blanchet, enjoys a +5 net rating in Quebec, which compares to a +3 for Justin Trudeau, -15 for Erin O’Toole, and +1 for Jagmeet Singh and -2 Annamie Paul.
FEDERAL GOVERNMENT APPROVAL
Today, 41% approve of the performance of the federal government, 41% disapprove, and 18% are mixed or undecided on the performance of the government. There has been no clear trend on this indicator for several months.
Approval of the government has a strong relationship with voting intentions. Among those who approve, 65% say they would vote Liberal today. Among those who disapprove of the Trudeau government’s performance, only 3% would vote Liberal, and 60% would vote Conservative.
Worth noting is those who are mixed or undecided in their view of the government’s performance: today the Liberals would claim 29% of that vote, compared to 17% for the NDP and 15% for the Conservatives.
In the three provinces with the most seats, approval of the federal government is 45%/43% (approve/disapprove in BC, 45%/39% in Ontario, and 42%/31% in Quebec.
We asked respondents to assess the federal government’s performance on a range of items. Among the more notable findings:
• On 14 items tested 50% or more gave the government acceptable or good ratings. The best-rated item for Ottawa is for helping those who are in trouble because of Covid.
• The four worst items for the government were for handling the economy, ensuring timely vaccines, controlling infections at the borders, and debt and deficit. On vaccine timeliness, today 60% give Ottawa an acceptable or good rating.
• On handling the economy, 57% give an acceptable or good rating. However, on “supporting the economic needs of Canadians, 69% offer a good or acceptable rating.
• The ratings for the government on “acting on climate change” which has been an area of policy announcement lately show 68% giving the government an acceptable or good rating.
• The recent spate of news about conduct in the military and the questions about General Vance was not specifically measured, although it is worth noting that the government continues to get among its’ best ratings for “advocating equal rights for women”. Among women, 76% give the government acceptable or good ratings; among men 75%.
• To better understand the potential impact of the debt/deficit issue it is useful to look at the views of key subgroups. Among voters who self-describe as on the centre of the spectrum, 51% give the government good or acceptable ratings, while 49% are unhappy.
DESIRE FOR CHANGE
Today, 41% of voters say it is definitely time for a change in government. Another 27% say “it would be good to have change but doesn’t matter to me that much”. The intense desire for change is up 4 points in less than a month but still well below what it was at the end of the 2019 campaign.
A total of 68% who would prefer to see a change in government is about equal to what it was at the end of the 2019 campaign. Worth noting as it can relate to motivation and turnout – the number who are adamant about the need for change is 11 points below the 2019 threshold, although it has risen by four points in recent weeks.
Hard change voters are more commonly men, Prairies residents and Conservatives. The size of the two swing voter battleground segments (people who have a leaning but don’t feel that strongly) is 46% in BC, 42% in Ontario, and 44% in Quebec.
Among the 41% who are “hard change” voters (people who say it is definitely time for a change in government) the Conservatives would win just over half (56%) of this segment with the rest splitting 16% NDP, 8% Green, 7% People’s Party, 6% BQ and 4% Liberal.
Among the 27% “soft change” voters, the Conservatives would win about a quarter of this segment (25%), while 29% would vote NDP, 27% Liberal, 10% for the BQ and 7% Green.
Among the “soft no change” voters, 62% would vote Liberal today, followed by 14% NDP, 14% Green, and only 5% going to the Conservatives. The Liberals would win 90% of the “hard no change” voters.
UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: “We see a topline tightening horserace nationally but after examining key regional battlegrounds it’s not clear to me that one can see a trend developing in terms of competitiveness electorally.
The number of voters looking for change is up marginally, but the intensity of that feeling remains mild, and the increase is more evident in places where the incumbents have little support and weak prospects.
The Liberals can see some encouraging signs in these numbers but also some clear warning signals about debt and border issues during the pandemic. Only 18% are sure they want this government re-elected: to win the Liberals will have to convince indifferent or slightly disappointed voters that they are a better choice for the next few years. The numbers are a warning not to run a campaign that banks heavily on voters rewarding the record.
For the Conservatives, there are two evident challenges: Mr. O’Toole’s personal numbers are 2:1 negative to positive nationally and in Ontario, Quebec, and BC. Among Conservative voters, only 52% say they have a positive image of him. Among Albertans, the number is 29%. Among those who disapprove of the government, only 31% have a positive image of the Conservative leader today.
The second challenge lies in the fact that the Conservative share of the soft vote is relatively small right now. To produce an electoral breakthrough they will need better feelings towards their leader, more people feeling a strong need for change and a bigger share of those who are open to the idea of a change in government.”
According to David Coletto: “The political landscape has become more competitive over the past few weeks. Although the government’s approval rating and the Prime Minister’s image have not changed, a Liberal lead of 11-points four weeks ago is down to 2-points today. It is unclear whether this is a response to the budget, fatigue over the third wave gripping much of the country, or other factors is unclear. But the increase in those definitely wanting a change in government suggests that decisions the Liberal government has made over the past few weeks have angered and animated many of those predisposed to oppose the Liberals which likely explains the tightening horserace.”
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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 2019 Canadian Election.
Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from May 7 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 +/- 2.6%, 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 is proud to be supporting the research and polling for the Faster Together Task Group
The latest tracking polling by Abacus Data shows that the number of people who are willing to be vaccinated is on the rise, and the number of people hesitant or refusing to take a Covid-19 vaccine is at a new low.
Abacus has been providing data on vaccine opinions to a volunteer Task Group of organizations and individuals who are preparing to launch a campaign to help encourage Canadians to get vaccinated, under the banner “Faster Together”. The main thrust of the campaign will be to remind people that when people choose to be vaccinated, this can bring us all back together again, more quickly. Bruce Anderson Chairman of Abacus and Hassan Yussuf, President of the Canadian Labour Congress, co-chair the Task Group.
The latest data (collected through 1500 interviews nationwide from May 7 to 12) show that the number of people who’ve already had a shot or who will take one as soon as it is available to them now stands at 71%, up from 63% only a couple of weeks ago.
Today 46% report having already had at least one shot, and another 25% say they will get one as soon as it is available to them. A total of 29% show some measure of hesitancy, as follows: 16% say they will be vaccinated, but prefer to wait a bit longer, 5% say they would prefer not to be vaccinated but could be persuaded to, and 8% say they will never be vaccinated.
The major factors influencing hesitancy are concern that the long-term impacts of the vaccines may not be known and worries about the risk of blood clots. A rising number of those who are hesitant indicate that they would prefer not to take an Astra Zeneca shot and wait instead for the availability of a different vaccine. Today, 85% say they would be comfortable taking the Pfizer vaccine, 71% for Moderna, 47% for Johnson and Johnson and 40% for Astra Zeneca.
Hesitancy levels are not equal across different parts of the population. Those exhibiting more hesitancy than average include Albertans, men under 45, those with less formal education and those who self-describe as right of centre on the political spectrum.
According to Bruce Anderson: “While demand is stalling in the US, there is growth in demand for vaccinations in Canada. There is a chance of vaccinating between 87% and 92% of the population over the coming months. Hesitation about Astra Zeneca is visible in our numbers, but as more people get a shot and experience minimal side effects, and as people begin to imagine an end to pandemic restrictions, on balance people are increasingly willing and ready to take this step.”
According to Hassan Yussuf: “Getting vaccinated is the quickest way for all of us to get back together safely and return our economy to health.”
FASTER TOGETHER
Over the last several weeks more than 40 organizations representing business and industrial sectors, labour unions, as well as individuals have come together to develop a campaign set to launch in the coming weeks, which is designed to spread messages that encourage vaccination take up.
For more information – including how to join this all-volunteer Task Group – please contact Bruce Anderson banderson@abacusdata.ca (613-882-0929 )or Hassan Yussuff hyussuff@clcctc.ca (613-851-7881).
METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from May 9-12, 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 +/- 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.
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 2019 Canadian Election.
It’s that time of year to celebrate moms! Although we really should be celebrating them all year, right? Just over half of Canadians plan to celebrate Mother’s Day this year, so we decided to put together a guide of do’s and don’ts and sharing Moms’ preferences for celebrating their day. It turns out that the gifts that Mom’s value the most are something homemade, like the crafts kids make in elementary school. Above all, what Moms want the most is to be celebrated by spending time with family.
What distinguishes people who plan to celebrate Mother’s Day? People with kids, especially young kids, are more likely to plan on celebrating this year. Age is also a key factor. Young people are generally more likely to celebrate the day. Interestingly, people who live in Quebec are less likely than the rest of the country to be celebrating this year.
Just over one in ten Canadians who celebrate Mother’s Day do so without exchanging gifts. For most, though a gift for mom is part of the celebration, it is not necessarily an expensive gift. A $20 to $50 gift is the most popular (37%) followed by a $51 to $100 gift (26%). Mothers can expect that they will receive comparable gifts to last year, as 78% say they will be spending about the same as last year on their gift.
The most popular gift to give Mom is flowers, followed by food and drink, jewelry, beauty products and clothing. A few mom’s get houseware or cookware/small appliances.
When it comes to gift giving though, Canadians who give gifts are almost equally divided into three equally sized camps. A third think something homemade makes the best gift. Another third think something from a store is best. Finally, a third eschew things in favour of experiences, which probably include spending time with family.
Although knowing what kind of gift your mother would appreciate may be critical to getting it right, most moms do not have a worst gift experience they can recall – many expressing that any gift at all is appreciated. Forgetting Mother’s Day in general or not getting a gift at all is the top candidate for worst gift. Kitchen/household items are also gifts that risk disappointing mom.
In fact, the best gift experiences highlight that the best thing you can give mom is something personal/handmade or your time. Flowers are also often mentioned as the best gift.
In line with their favourite gifts, moms most want to be celebrated by spending time with or hearing from family. A meal – and not having to help clean the dishes – is next most wanted and few moms want to be celebrated with a gift.
THE UPSHOT
According to Richard Jenkins: Mother’s Day does not need to involve a stressful search for the perfect gift. You already have it. Moms want to celebrate with their family though a little homemade touch goes a long way to melting Mom’s heart.
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METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadians from April 23 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 +/- 2.53%, 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 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 2019 Canadian Election.
During the course of the pandemic, many of us have spent more time looking at ourselves than ever before. The transition to working from home has been enabled by videoconferencing tools like Zoom and nearly all our professional and social conversations are made possible by a series of video squares. While these tools have tremendous value in keeping us connected to our colleagues, friends, and family – they’ve also resulted in many hours spent gazing at our reflection, studying our expressions and overanalyzing our complexions.
“Should I change my hair colour?” “Is it time to get serious with my skincare routine?” We ask ourselves these questions as we wonder if any of those wrinkles are new and chastise ourselves about that one time we over-plucked our eyebrows that haven’t quite seemed to grow back. And we continue to fall down the rabbit hole until we’ve decided – I want to change my look. But, isn’t everything closed?
In our most recent study, we were curious about whether our inability to have beauty treatments and procedures done and the seemingly never-ending time we have spent staring at our own video feed during the pandemic have impacted demand for beauty treatments and procedures once things start to reopen.
For context, before the pandemic, a quarter of Canadians routinely or occasionally went to a salon or medical cosmetic centre to have treatments done like hair, nails, eyebrow waxing or threading, semi-permanent makeup (like nails or brows), laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures like Botox. These are more likely to be women and those aged 18-29.
But what about Canadians, who previously weren’t so interested in beauty spending? Have all these videoconference calls created a larger segment of beauty treatment-seeking Canadians?
During these video calls we spend time side-eyeing the rectangle that holds our face, confronted with watching ourselves in a way that seems almost obsessive, even if we pretend we’re not doing it. We can’t help ourselves – it’s a window into what others experience when interacting with us and psychologists have found it’s a means of coping with the overwhelming stimuli of a video call.
In our study, we found that half of those that use videoconferencing software, like Zoom, say that seeing themselves on video more frequently than before the pandemic makes them want to get beauty treatments and procedures done to improve their appearance. Even 8% of those that never had beauty treatments or procedures done before the pandemic feel this way.
With most salons and medical cosmetic centres closed across Canada on and off during the pandemic, Canadians have taken to replicating these treatments themselves at home, like other DIY projects we’ve adopted to keep ourselves busy.
The most common beauty treatments attempted at home during the pandemic are on the simpler end of the spectrum: hair cuts and colouring, manicures and pedicures, and facials and face masks. Those who routinely or occasionally, and even rarely, got treatments and procedures done before the pandemic are more likely to have attempted these treatments at home.
While colouring your own hair or applying a face mask at home is a nice self-care ritual, there is nothing quite like the experience of having these beauty treatments done by a professional in the relaxing setting of a beauty salon, spa, or medical cosmetic centre.
4 in 10 of routine and occasional treatment-getters say that right now they are motivated to have these treatments done in a salon or treatment centre setting because it helps to improve their mood and makes them feel their best. About 20% feel that it’s time for a change to their look and that they’d like to have treatments done more for relaxation than a specific aesthetic outcome.
Here are some other key findings:
7.1 million Canadians (19%) say since the start of the pandemic they have more disposable income to spend on things like beauty treatments or procedures.
During the pandemic 6.8 million Canadians (18%) have spent time during the pandemic reading up on and researching various beauty treatments and procedures.
6.8 million Canadians (18%) are finding themselves interested in beauty treatments and procedures they wouldn’t have considered before.
7.5 million Canadians (20%) can see themselves getting more beauty procedures done once the pandemic is over compared with their pre-pandemic habits.
These findings are especially true for those that typically have beauty treatments done and usually those under 45.
It seems like those most likely to be heading to a salon post-pandemic are the ones who were already going there.
THE UPSHOT
According to Megan Ross: Overall, Canadians are looking forward to getting back to “normal” and for some, that includes having different beauty treatments and procedures done in a relaxing setting and by a practiced professional.
After months of staring at ourselves during conference calls and noticing things we may not have noticed before in the mirror, professionals in this industry can expect an increase in curiosity both by existing treatment-getters and by those who may have not been customers before, and expect spots to book up fast when they are able to open again.
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METHODOLOGY
The survey was conducted with 1,900 Canadian adults from April 16 to 21, 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 +/- 2.23%, 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 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 2019 Canadian Election.
