When asked when they think a vaccine will be made available to them personally in the new year, only 23% expect that will happen in the first quarter, another 27% guess the second quarter, 17% the third quarter, and 20% believe it will happen in October or later.

When asked if the timing they expected a vaccine to be available for them personally was excellent, good, acceptable in the circumstances or unacceptably slow, only 17% said it was too slow, and 83% said their imagined timing was acceptable or better than that.

Across party lines, 74% of Conservative voters said the timing they imagined was acceptable or better, only 27% said it was unacceptably slow. Supporters of other parties were more positive still.

As the chart below indicates levels of dissatisfaction are under a third for every month that a respondent guessed, with the exception of December (which was only picked by 3%).

We also asked if Canadians would be angry if people in other countries were able to get vaccinated before Canadians. A quarter said they would (24%) but the large majority (76%) said they would be “satisfied as long as Canadians are able to get access to doses within a couple of months of when they are available elsewhere.” This was the view of three-quarters of men and women, of all age groups, in every region. The only subgroups where an angry reaction was a bit more evident were Conservative voters (28% angry) and Bloc voters (39% angry).

Overall, 59% are satisfied with the “way the federal government has been handling its responsibilities for dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes a majority in every region of the country except for Alberta, where opinion is split (46% approve/54% disapprove).

Asked how they feel about their provincial government, the average is 58% nationally, with the highest numbers in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, followed by Ontario and BC at 60% satisfied. The lowest satisfaction is registered in Alberta, where 37% are satisfied and 63% dissatisfied with the way the Kenney government is handling the pandemic.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “Canadians are undoubtedly frustrated and worried by COVID-19 but they have been consistently showing patience and a bias for caution when it comes to what it will take to exit this pandemic. It’s unusual, to say the least when Albertans are more unhappy with the Kenney government on an issue than they are with the Trudeau government – but that’s the case as things now stand in regard to the pandemic.

Attitudes towards the availability of a vaccine continue in this vein, with most people appearing to feel that the federal government is doing its best to make reasonable choices in the circumstances and largely tuning out what may sound like politically motivated accusations of incompetence.

For most people, the availability of a vaccine is good news and their expectations of distribution and availability appear to line up with the outlook provided by the government so far. That could change of course, but so far Canadians are not particularly troubled by what they see as the outlook for vaccine access.”

MORE FROM ABACUS DATA

Earlier today, we also released new data showing that less than half of Canadians say they will not gather with family outside their household over the holidays.

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,419 Canadian adults from November 26 to December 1, 2020. A random sample of panellists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.1%, 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.

Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact David Coletto.

PLEASE NOTE: The results in this release were updated on December 3.

In our latest national survey completed on December 3, we asked respondents what they planned to do for the holidays when it comes to gathering with family.

51% said they will not gather with family outside of their household during the holidays. But almost half say they still may or definitely will.

33% say they may still get together with family from different households, but will be extra cautious and safe. 8% say they will get together with family for the holidays like they usually do, regardless of what health authorities say.

Results were fairly consistent across the country with Albertans being most likely to say they will avoid gathering with family outside their household and Atlantic Canadians being the least likely.

UPSHOT

Despite warnings and recommendations from health authorities and political leaders that Canadians refrain from gathering with family and friends from outside their household, many Canadians still say they intend to do so.

There is still time for these plans to change obviously, but the initial intentions are to go against this advice and find a safe way to gather with family over the holidays.

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,221 Canadian adults (18+) living outside Quebec from November 27 to December 3, 2020. A random sample of panellists 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 +/- 2.8%, 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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

Yesterday was the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. It is a day to amplify the call to action of eliminating and preventing violence against women.

The issue of violence against women is a problem world-wide and also at home. According to data from a Statistics Canada survey, every 6 days a woman is killed by her intimate partner.

Given the serious consequences of this issue, supports are paramount for these women. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, on any given night over 6,000 women and children slept in shelters across Canada. And on any given night- 300 were turned away.

But like many social services, access to supports for domestic violence was shaken during the pandemic. As another set of lockdowns roll around these difficulties seem here to stay- at least for the time being.

On our last omnibus survey, we wanted to gauge impressions about the difficulties in accessing these services, and the actions Canadians want to see as a result.

Here is what we found:

Canadians are concerned about the ability of women facing domestic abuse to leave their abusive situation and access supports and services they need.

65% of Canadians are concerned about womens’ ability to leave situations of domestic violence during the pandemic. And 61% are concerned about the access these women have to services and supports.

Level of concern does vary by demographics. For example, women are ten points more likely than men to be concerned about these issues. Those is rural Canada (where services are likely already sparse) are also more concerned than those in urban areas. And among women, those under 30 and over 60 are most concerned about the ability for women to leave situations of domestic violence.

Canadians think that the COVID-19 recovery from the federal government should recognize the decline in services during the pandemic and work to eliminate a gap in services, as much as possible.

Aside from asking Canadians whether or not this was an issue, we also asked what kind of solutions they want to see going forward.  A near majority of Canadians want the government to take into account the deficit of support services for women experiencing violence during the pandemic. 90% say Canada’s federal COVID-19 recovery plan needs to account for this.

Politically, this aspect of a COVID-19 recovery plan has wide-spread support. 95% of Liberal voters say Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan needs to take this into account. 83% of Conservative voters and 92% of NDP voters say the same.

There is also wide-spread support for Canada’s recovery to be gender-inclusive and include a gender-based analysis.

Concerns about the pandemic’s impact on violence against women is just one piece of a wider recognition of the disproportionate impacts of the pandemic on women (disproportionate labour force impacts, caregiving responsibilities, and risks of exposure just to name a few). Overall, 72% of Canadian’s say Canada’s COVID-19 recovery plan should be gender-inclusive and include a gender-based analysis.

Once again, support is strongest among Liberal voters (at 80%), but is also supported by the majority of Conservative (67%) and NDP (79%) voters.

SO WHAT?

While we’ve all felt the impacts of the pandemic in one way or another, the majority of Canadians are highly concerned for others living in more precarious situations. This includes women in situations of domestic violence who are likely facing even greater struggles. The isolation we feel from staying at home can be challenging for us all, but is particularly difficult for those who’s home is not safe.

Support services and shelters were vital pre-pandemic, and it is likely that home isolation and service interruptions during the pandemic will only make them more crucial for these women. Canadians recognize these challenges, and want the government to acknowledge them too.

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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 Canadians between the dates of November 13^th and 17^th, 2020. 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 +/- 2.51, 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.  

In our latest national survey, we asked how Canadians felt about two different tax ideas that have been discussed as part of an approach to helping pay for the costs of the pandemic. Here’s what we found.

On the idea of a 1% tax on wealth paid by people who have more than $20 million in assets, about 8 in 10 (79%) Canadians favour the idea, including 35% who strongly favour it. The idea gets at least 75% support in every region, across all age groups, all levels of educational attainment, and is broadly (73%) supported by households in the top income bracket.

Most Conservative voters (64%) support the idea, as do even more Liberals (86%) and New Democrats (87%).

The second idea tested was “a special tax that would apply to companies whose profits have gone up because of the circumstances of the pandemic.” For these companies, the corporate tax would be double on the profits they earned in excess of their pre-pandemic profit level.”

This idea also found broad majority support (68%), albeit at a lower threshold than the personal wealth tax. Support was fairly consistent across regions, age, education and income lines. A majority of Conservative voters (58%) and larger majorities of Liberal (73%) and NDP voters back this idea (77%).

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “The extraordinary circumstances of the pandemic and the related costs to government mean that many people are open to time and circumstance-specific taxes, as part of an effort to bring spending back closer to revenue levels. Combined with a pre-existing concern about the gap between the wealthy and others, there is political room to manoeuver for politicians who are looking for options that raise money and seem fair in the circumstances.”

According to David Coletto: “This is not the first poll we’ve done that shows broad support for a wealth tax. There was a cross-partisan, national consensus on this before the pandemic. The economic crisis and the resulting fiscal challenges have likely strengthened support for this additional revenue source.

What’s most striking is the general agreement across the political spectrum about a tax increase. Raising taxes on the rich and highly profitable corporations is one of the few ideas that both progressives and right populists agree on. Both groups are key parts of the Liberal and Conservative parties’ coalitions.”

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,660 Canadian adults from November 6 to 12, 2020. A random sample of panellists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

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

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

Canadians generally believe that the authorities who make the COVID-19 rules for where they live and work are finding the right balance in terms of mitigating health, economic and mental health risks, except in the Prarie provinces.

Across the country, 58% say authorities are handling that challenge well, 33% poorly.  However, in Alberta, 49% offer a poor rating compared to 40% who offer a positive reaction.  Numbers in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are similar.

THE HEALTH RISK

When it comes to limiting the health risks of the pandemic, 58% say authorities have been putting the right amount of emphasis on this area. Only 12% believe too much effort is being put into the fight to spread infections, while more than twice that number (30%) would like to see more effort.

Again, the Prairie provinces stand out as the place in the country where the largest number of people think more needs to be done to fight the health risks. In Alberta, for example, only 12% think too much effort is being applied, compared to 45% who say authorities are doing too little.

THE ECONOMIC RISK

In terms of limiting the economic risks of the pandemic, 53% say authorities have been putting the right amount of emphasis on this area. One in five (20%) believe too much effort is being put into efforts to limit the economic damage, while 27% would like to see more effort.

Regionally Alberta is the high watermark in terms of people wanting more effort, with 41% wishing more was being done to limit the economic harm of the pandemic.

THE MENTAL HEALTH RISK

Of the three different types of risk, we measured, mental health was the area where people seem most anxious to see more done by authorities. While 46% say the right amount of effort is being applied, only 12% say too much effort is applied today, and a much larger 43% say too little is being done.

In this instance, the desire to see more done is elevated in every part of the country, except in Quebec.

If we compare the responses to each of these three probes what is clear that efforts to help manage the mental health strains of the pandemic are emerging as an urgent priority for the largest proportion of people, compared to the economic and health risks.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “Very few Canadians are looking for authorities to lighten efforts to combat the virus. Throughout the pandemic, Canadians have shown more patience than frustration with governments and how this unique situation has been handled and for the most part that continues to be the case. At the same time, frustration is clear in the Prairie provinces, where significant numbers of people want more effort applied by authorities.

In addition to this finding of frustration in the Prairies, the other thing which stands out in these numbers is that the combination of health fears, social disruption, economic anxiety are weighing on Canadians as we head into the winter. They recognize the risks to mental health and feel more attention must be applied to that challenge, presumably by governments but also by being attentive to each other and looking for signs of people needing help, and helping where they can.”

According to David Coletto: “Most Canadians feel authorities are handling the rules around the pandemic well. But the national numbers overshadow some sharp regional differences. Those in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba are most likely to give authorities failing grades. In contrast, Atlantic Canadians feel the most positive about their leaders’ performance when finding the right balance in the COVID-19 restrictions and advice.

As concern about the pandemic continues to grow (53% still believe the worst is yet to come), most Canadians remain deeply concerned about the risk and the consequences of the virus spreading without much control. As they brace for further COVID restrictions and a long winter, mental and emotional health is becoming more important and demands for governments to respond will grow.”

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,660 Canadian adults from November 6 to 12, 2020. A random sample of panellists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.

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

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

In September 2020 Abacus Data partnered with 13 youth-serving agencies to undertake a survey of Canadian youth aged 15 to 30. We wanted to better understand the experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic thus far, as told by Canadian Youth.

Here’s just some of what we found.  (To read the full report, click here) (And click here for the French version)

1.The pandemic has caused fundamental shifts to education, employment, and financial situations of Canadian youth, but above all else it has fundamentally altered the structure of their lives and the supports they can access. The COVID-19 pandemic has shifted the very framework of young Canadian’s lives.

Two-thirds of youth who are in school say the pandemic situation has made it more difficult for them to learn. And 67% are struggling to access the supports they need to learn as a result. Half have started rethinking their plans for education.

Well over half of youth (58%) say the pandemic has impacted their financial situation. In particular, youth employment remains a challenge. 61% have faced difficulties with employment including fewer hours, job loss or absence of seasonal work.

60% say they are feeling disconnected from family and friends. Despite being digital natives, 2 in 5 say the shift to digital interactions has made it more difficult to connect with friends while 1 in 4 report it being more challenging to connect with family or caregivers.

2.Aside from a global pandemic there have been growing concerns about other issues in our society, and Canadian youth are paying attention to these too. These have added compounding stresses to the lives of youth.

Looking beyond the direct consequences of the pandemic, youth are increasingly worried about other social issues too. At least half of Canadian youth have become more worried about the financial stability of our society, racial inequalities, impacts of socio-economic status, and climate change in recent months.

And Canadian youth don’t believe these issues are mutually exclusive from the pandemic. Half of Canadian youth say the pandemic has just exposed -pre-existing inequalities in our society.

This link between social inequalities and the pandemic’s impact are already a reality for many Canadian youth. The pandemic has only exacerbated the inequalities faced by youth from marginalized groups.

Youth who identify as a racial/ethnic minority face greater struggles with their social connections (by 13 pts), are less satisfied with their mental health (by 8 pts), and are more stressed about their futures (by 12 pts). **compared to those who do not identify as a racial/ethnic minority.

Youth who are from lower income households (under 18), are less content with their lives today (by 12 pts), feel more lonely/disconnected from their networks (by 11pts), and are more stressed about their futures (by 16 pts). ** compared to those who are not from lower income households.

3. Youth want a comprehensive recovery policy that focuses on those most in need, providing long-term solutions that not only address the consequences of the pandemic, but the pre-existing inequalities as well. Youth want a plan that deals with the issues faced by their peers but one that doesn’t leave anyone out, particularly those in marginalized communities and those who were facing challenges even before the pandemic began.

Asked to pick the most important strategies for a recovery, youth want the government’s recovery strategy to focus on: helping the healthcare system get back to capacity; more funding for mental health services and; addressing the issue of affordable housing.

They are also keenly interested in a plan that focuses on those most in need, addressing the pre-existing inequalities they see in society, including 86% are interested in a strategy that focuses on low-income Canadians.

This study was made possible by the following organizations:

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

METHODOLOGY

The web survey was conducted with 1,000 Canadian youth aged 15 to 30 from September 9th to 16th 2020. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of blended panels.

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 the target population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

Canadians overwhelmingly believe the election victory of Joe Biden will be good for Americans and for the world.

We asked Canadians to indicate whether they think Mr. Biden’s win will be good or bad across eleven different topics and in 10 of 11 cases, at least 3 out of 4 people saw the Democrat’s win as good news.

Fully 85% saw Biden’s election as good for Canada-US relations, from a high of 88% in Quebec to a low of 73% in Alberta. 91% of voters on the left, 86% of those in the centre and 73% of those on the right feel this way.

80% or more see a President Biden as turning out well in terms of improving America’s image in the world, dealing with COVID-19, stabilizing the world and promoting peace, narrowing the income gap, fighting climate change, and reducing racial tensions.

Almost as many see improvement for American workers, the US stock markets, and 78% think he will help unify America. It was only when it came to the prospects for oil producers that a significant minority saw headwinds – clearly a reflection of some knowledge that Biden intends to work to decarbonize the US economy. In Alberta, 62% said Biden’s victory would be bad for the oil sector.

President-elect Biden is also well regarded in Canada. 52% have a positive impression of him compared with 16% who have a negative view.  Since his election, his positives are up almost 20-points from early in October.

He has a net positive image across the political spectrum +59 with Liberals, +47 with New Democrats, +42 with Greens, +49 with BQ voters, and +8 with Conservative voters.

In contrast, President Trump is viewed positively by only 9% of Canadians and negatively by 80%.

Finally, in our last survey before the presidential election, only 10% thought the US was heading in the right direction. That number has more than doubled to 22% this week. And the right direction indicator for Canada jumped 7-points while optimism about the direction of the world increased 5-points following President-elect Biden’s win.

UPSHOT

According to Bruce Anderson: “The Trump presidency was traumatizing for many in Canada. Friction was created, ostensibly just for its news value, by President Trump. He forced a renegotiation of NAFTA, frequently described Canada as taking advantage of Americans, and pursued policies at home and abroad that were inconsistent with the values and priorities of the large majority of Canadians, across the political spectrum. It’s doubtful that many Canadians have digested his detailed policy roadmap but what is not in any doubt is that a broad cross-section of Canadians believe America made a change for the better with their votes on November 3.”

According to David Coletto: “If Joe Biden was a national Canadian political leader, he’d be the most popular by far with a net favourable rating of +36. Not only do Canadians like him and 75% would have voted for him if they had thebchance, but his election has raised the collective mood of the country.”

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.

Find out more about what we are doing to help clients respond to the COVID-19 pandemic.

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.

Contact us with any questions.

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

METHODOLOGY

The survey was conducted with 1,664 Canadian adults from November 6 to 12, 2020. 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 +/- 2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

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