Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact Bruce Anderson or David Coletto.
On Monday, we completed a comprehensive survey on how Canadians are feeling and reacting to the COVID-19 outbreak. Over the next few days, we will be releasing findings from that study. In this bulletin, we explore the anxiety caused by the epidemic.
Here are the key findings:
75% are following news or information about the outbreak either closely, and 69% are worried. Fully 40% say they are worried a lot or extremely worried (about 12 million Canadian adults). Men, especially younger men, are less concerned than women.
At this point, partisanship is not a major driver of overall concern about COVID-19 in Canada. Almost equal numbers of Liberal, Conservative, and New Democratic partisans reporting being extremely worried or worried a lot about COVID-19 although Conservatives are slightly more likely to report being not that concerned about the epidemic.
Most Canadians (55%) now believe they or someone they know will contract the coronavirus, a 27-point increase from a survey we conducted two weeks ago.
Most (65%) feel that when it comes to COVID-19, the worst is still to come.
Most (55%) feel that it will take 2 to 3 months or more before they will be able to live their lives more or less as they did before although many are unsure at this point.
There are widespread impacts on mental health. 75% report feeling anxious, 37% feel lonely, and 32% say they are having a hard time falling asleep because of COVID-19. One in three (36%) report not wanting to watch the news or read about the virus because it makes them more anxious. Women, younger Canadians, and those in single-person households are more likely to report mental health strains of this sort.
In addition to financial concerns, half of Canadians are worried that there will not be enough medical equipment or enough hospital beds to handle the crisis.
To date, 47% of Canadians reporting watching an online video about coronavirus and 37% have visited a public health website about the virus. Millions of Canadians have visited a pharmacy to speak with a pharmacist (9%), called or live chatted with a health professional (7%) or gone to a clinic to see a health professional about COVID-19 (5%). 4% report going to a hospital already to see a health professional. Millions more are considering doing so in the future.
Most Canadians (77%) feel they are at least mostly prepared if they are required to self-isolate for 14 days. In the event of a full, mandatory lock-down, like in Italy, most continue to say they are mostly prepared (71%), but 29% say they are only a little prepared (21%) or not at all prepared (8%). For context, that 8% represents about 2.4 million Canadians.
THE UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: ”No one in Canada has experience with a situation like this – where financial collapses surround us, and the prospect of a health system collapse looms large. Isolation means people are consuming large amounts of information about the crisis, which is helping them prepare, but also driving high levels of anxiety and making it clear that economic health, physical health but also mental health will be challenges for the country in the days ahead.
According to David Coletto: ”It’s clear that the COVID-19 outbreak is unprecedented on so many levels. The level of attention Canadians are paying to the issue, the deep seated and broad concern people have, and the uncertainty around how long it will disrupt their lives.
Our data also points to a growing mental health impacts. Millions report not being able to sleep well, feeling lonely and anxious, while some have even considered turning off the news because of how it makes them feel. The impact is broad and deep.
Most troubling is the varied reaction among different groups of Canadians. Men, especially young men, are less concerned. They are less likely to be distancing themselves from others, and less likely to think the epidemic will last for longer..
As a rapidly evolving issue, perceptions and views will undoubtedly change, but the big picture of our state of mind is profoundly concerning. Canadians are feeling anxious, worried, and uncertain about how this will turn out. Most still feel the worst is ahead of us, and many are unprepared to self-isolate or be locked down.”
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 2,309 Canadians aged 18 and over from March 20 to 24, 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 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.
Over the next few months, our team will be exploring public attitudes, opinions, and reported behaviour on a range of topics related to the COVID-19 outbreak.
This week we will release some results from a large national survey we are currently fielding which should be completed by the end of today (Monday March 23).
In the meantime, if you have any questions about our research or how we can help support your work during this difficult time, please reach out to me or Yvonne.
We are committed to conducting high-quality research to help guide decisions during this challenging time for all of us.
At the end of last year, we conducted a national survey of 5,000 Canadian adults for Co-operatives and Mutuals Canada that explored public attitudes about the economic system, broader public concerns, and what role co-operatives could play in alleviating those concerns. The survey also sought to profile cooperative members in Canada.
The survey finds that there is a wide audience for the cooperative business model and a big opportunity for the Co-operative and Mutual Sector to expand and connect with Canadians who seek more control and influence over decision making and want organizations they interact with to invest back in the communities they live in.
The results will be of value to anyone working in the Co-operative and Mutual Sector, policymakers and elected officials, and interested citizens concerned about the direction of the economic system and the rise of polarization and populism in Canada and around the world.
POWER TO THE PEOPLE
The feeling of vulnerability, powerlessness, or not being sufficiently in control over one’s life forms the basis for much of the anxiety in society today.
More than half of Canadians (58%) don’t feel in control over their lives and younger Canadians are more likely to feel this way.
This feeling is strongly related to other attitudes. Those with a sense of powerlessness are more likely to feel the country is headed in the wrong direction, are less satisfied with their lives, and are more likely to feel that the economic system is rigged against them.
This sense can lead to resentment, anti-establishment, anti-system, and anti-immigration sentiment. It can divide people and increase support for populist and authoritarian leaders who offer control, order, and stability, but often propose policies that do little to change the economic or social outcomes for those feeling most anxious.
At the same time, Canadians are deeply concerned about housing affordability, climate change, income and wealth inequality, and the influence of powerful interests on government policy. There’s also growing concern about immigration policy, racism, and for those living in rural communities, the decline of small town in Canada.
AN ECONOMIC SYSTEM THAT DOESN’T FEEL LIKE IT’S WORKING WELL
In an environment where people seek control – control over their workplace and career, their future, and the communities where they live – most look at the economic system and say it’s rigged against people like them (60% agree with this sentiment). At the same time, few say that other people can be trusted and that when businesses make a lot of money, everyone benefits.
What drives these feelings?
Motivations are varied, but large numbers of Canadians feel that those with power and money have too much political influence, that a small number of people benefit from the wealth generated by the economy today, and even though companies make good profits, they share them only with a few shareholders unlike co-operatives who share them with all member-owners. There is a sense that the many are not benefiting from growth nor have a say in decisions their employers, governments, and affiliated organizations are making.
Despite the fact that unemployment is at historic lows in Canada, the overall poverty rate is down, and corporate profits have improved over the past few years, Statistics Canada finds median after-tax income for households and individuals has not changed over the same period.
When we ask people to rate the performance of corporations in Canada on a range of metrics, the four that receive the most negative assessment are whether they are:
1. Doing the right thing for their employees; 2. Sincerely limiting their impact on the environment; 3. Giving their customers a say in how the business is run; and, 4. Giving their employees a say in how the business is run.
While most think corporations do a good job looking out for their shareholders, they are perceived to be doing a poor job doing the right thing for employees or giving their employees or customers a say in how they run the business.
Despite this sense of powerlessness and uncertainty, almost all Canadians, regardless of political orientation, generation, or geographic location agree that the world would be a better place if more people collaborated with each other. Co-operation and collaboration are what people seek.
ARE COOPERATIVES A SOLUTION TO UNCERTAINTY?
As people seek more control over their lives, their jobs, and their communities, co-operatives appear as a legitimate alternative to an economic system and business model that so many people find inadequate and for some, destructive.
In the survey, we showed respondents six pillars of the co-operative model to gauge reaction to them. Overall, all six appeal to people but principles focused on inclusiveness, community impact, financial ownership, and membership control are particularly appealing.
Our research also finds that a clear majority of Canadians (57%) have a deep connection to the same values of the co-operative and mutual sector. Among this group, almost all like to support local whenever they can, they want a say in how the place they work runs, agree that those who support or work in a business should benefit from its success, and agree that when people cooperate to address what they need, it produces better outcomes.
We call these Canadians co-operators. They are the primary target for co-operatives to grow and expand.
Overall, 1 in 3 Canadian adults are currently a member of a co-operative, and, of those who are not currently a member, 61% of them say they are interested in joining a co-operative.
Among those who share co-operative values, the opportunity for co-operative growth is even more clear and substantial:
37% of Canadian adults or approximately 10.7 million people are not co-operative members but should be, based on their values and intent to join a co-operative. This is the co-operative opportunity.
More significantly, nearly half of Canadians say the country would be better off if more co-operatives were in operation while only 5% felt things would be worse off.
CO-OPERATIVES ARE A SOLUTION TO POLITICAL DIVISION
At the same time that co-operatives can empower people and communities, they may also heal political division by uniting Canadians from different political orientations.
In our study, we identified four unique ideological groups in Canada based on responses to a set of questions. Members of these groups share a common worldview which informs their views about politics, society, and public policy.
The largest group at 33% of the population is what we term the populists. They are by far the most skeptical of elite decision-making, they are pessimistic about the future, and most resistant to change. They believe the economic system is highly rigged against them and they see immigration as a threat.
The second largest group (28% of the population) is the Progressives. They are the most open-minded and forward-looking but worry about the future. They believe climate change is a crisis, that inequality is pervasive in society and the economy, and that government is a force for good. They also deeply value collaboration and co-operation.
Similar in size to the Progressives, Classic Liberals (27%) see the good that government can do and are generally progressive on social issues but different in their view on inequality and their outlook on the future. They see change as a positive, something to be embraced and feel the future is bright. They are also more open to private-sector solutions.
Finally, at 12%, Classic Conservatives, are market-driven and see less of a role for the state in many aspects of life. They are therefore suspicious of government and worry about the coercive power of the state. They are skeptical about change, worried about the future, but less concerned about economic inequality. Most don’t consider climate change to be a serious threat.
Here is what our research tell us about how co-operatives can engage and unite them:
1. Populists and progressives are the most likely to feel a sense of powerlessness. They also overwhelmingly agree that the economic system is rigged against them. The co-operative business model has a solution to those who seek more control and influence in decisions both micro and macro.
2. Populists and classic conservatives are more concerned about the decline of small-town communities. Co-operatives have a long history of serving smaller communities, while many other types of businesses don’t. Co-operatives bring jobs, financial resources, and energy to small and rural communities.
3. Progressives, classic liberals and populists are concerned about climate change and feel that corporations today are not sincere in their efforts to tackle the climate emergency. Co-operatives are committed to sustainable business practices and making decisions that are in the best interest of the communities they serve.
4. Progressives and populists are deeply concerned about the rise of precarious and insecure work and economic inequality. They feel the rich and powerful have too much influence over political decisions. The co-operative business model has a solution to those who seek better and inclusive working conditions, good wages, and economic justice.
The research clearly suggests co-operatives can unify disparate political groups – those who are normally on opposite sides of issues – by addressing the concerns that they have and offering the co-operative model as an alternative.
But to achieve this unity, more Canadians need to be aware and understand the co-operative business model and see it as a viable alternative to other models.
CO-OPERATIVES REMAIN LARGELY UNKNOWN TO MANY CANADIANS
The co-operative model is not well understood by most Canadians. Only 10% say they are very familiar with the co-operative business model with another 37% saying they are pretty familiar. Our exploratory focus groups conducted before the survey identified this as well.
The lack of familiarity expresses itself in a general lack of understanding of some core facts about co-operatives and how they compare to other types of businesses. While most know that when a co-op makes a profit, the money is shared with members or invested back into growing the business, many don’t know that the co-operative model encourages a business to think about the long-term. Many think co-operatives are just small businesses, or that co-operatives are less efficient than other businesses.
Most striking, 3 in 4 Canadians are unaware that the largest financial institution in Quebec, The Desjardins Group, is a co-operative, including half of Quebec residents.
But despite the weak understanding of co-operatives, a plurality of Canadians thinks that if more co-operatives were operating in Canada, the country would be a better place. Only 5% think it would be worse off.
3 IN 10 CANADIANS ARE ALREADY BENEFITING FROM THE CO-OPERATIVE MODEL.
Approximately 9 million adult Canadians (or 30% of the adult population) report being a member of a co-operative. Another 15% may be a member but are unsure (representing another 4.4 million people).
17% of Canadians report being members of a credit union or caisse populaire, including 35% in Quebec. 14% report being members of a retail co-operative like MEC, a grocery store, or gas station. 3% report living in a housing co-operative. 1% report being a member of another type of co-operative.
To these members, co-operatives every day provide products and services they rely on, provide meaningful employment, and/or serve their communities when other businesses sometimes won’t.
Co-operative members are:
More concentrated in Quebec and the Prairies. Slightly more likely to live in a rural community than other Canadians. Multi-generational. Equally men and women. Cross-partisan – members are Liberals, Conservatives, New Democrats, Bloquistes, and Greens.
In many ways, co-operative members are a cross-section of Canada and look, think, and behave very much like other Canadians who are not co-operative members.
But within the co-operative membership, our survey identified a subgroup of members (70%) who say they joined because they share the same values as co-operatives.
These members express views that are more consistent and co-operative in nature. They are far more likely to intensely agree that they care how: companies they support operate; that when people co-operate to address what they need, it produces better outcomes; and most importantly, that companies should care about the community they operate in.
Co-operative members are also more likely to say most people can be trusted and slightly less likely to feel the economic system is rigged against them.
CONVERTING THE CO-OPERATIVE POTENTIAL
As mentioned previously, approximately 8.7 million adult Canadians (or 30% of the adult population) report being a member of a co-operative. Another 10.7 million share co-operative values but are not members. That means there’s a potential audience of 19.4 million or 2 in 3 Canadian adults or who could participate in the Co-operative and Mutual Sector.
THE UPSHOT
There is an unease about the future in Canada. Many feel the economic and political system is not working for them. That unease is tied to concerns about inequality, the concentration of economic and political power in a few hands, and the impacts of climate change on their lives. To many, they seek control in their lives and feel isolated from the power structures – whether at their place of work or with the institutions (public or private) they interact with. In short, they feel helpless and isolated.
The alternative is a more democratic and empowered life. One in which more people have a say in how their workplace operates, in how the organizations they rely on and interact with on a daily-basis are run, and in how government decisions are made.
Co-operatives are well placed to offer Canadians of diverse backgrounds and political orientations a solution to this uncertainty by empowering members, employees, and suppliers to benefit from success and influence decisions.
Already one in three Canadians are co-operative members. They are young and older, male and female, Liberal, Conservative, New Democrat, Greens and the Bloc. Co-operative members reflect the diversity of Canada. They live in all parts of Canada, in our largest cities, and most remote communities.
But while many are already engaged in a co-operative, the opportunity for growth is even greater. Millions share the same values of the co-operative model. Millions are interested in learning more and joining a co-op. And half the country thinks Canada would be better off with more co-operatives.
In the age of uncertainty, co-operatives appear to be a solution; a solution to those seeking more control over their lives and a solution to division, polarization, and disagreement. Co-operation and collaboration, local community investment, and a democratic spirit of engagement are what they seek – are co-operatives the solution?
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 5,000 Canadians aged 18 and over from October 15 to 21, 2019. 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 double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 1.4%, 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.
The general population sample yields a sample of 1,463 co-operative members.
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.
Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact Bruce Anderson or David Coletto.
Data gathered over the last several days describes some of the ways Canadians have been responding to the Coronavirus.
Yesterday we documented a series of avoidance behaviours, today some additional behavioural changes.
Here are some highlights:
While two of out three say they have or will wash hands more thoroughly, a quarter of Canadians are resisting this advice. Half say they are or will cough into their elbow, while a third doubt they will adopt this behaviour.
A quarter is using websites to find out more about the virus, 10% have already called a doctor for advice, and almost as many 8% have visited a clinic of the ER for advice. Twice that many say they will probably visit a clinic or ER for guidance. 15% of Canadians say they have been stocking up on supplies and another 24% say they probably will do so.
9% say they have been working from home rather than a regular workplace. Among those for whom the place of work is relevant, more than a third say they are or probably will find themselves working from home.
6% say they have been wearing a mask and 3 times as many say they probably will.
Analyzing results based on location or demographics reveals a few things:
Even though older people are more at risk due to the nature of this virus, in most cases they are no more likely than younger people to be taking steps to limit their risk. We do see a higher incidence of behaviour change among women compared to men, and there is markedly higher behaviour change among residents of Canada’s three largest cities (Vancouver, Montreal, and Toronto).
THE UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: ”While many people have already begun taking routine steps to help protect themselves or others from the spread of Covid-19, there remain many people who do not see a need to change. More constant and persuasive advocacy is probably needed. These numbers also show that doctors, clinics and ER’s can expect continued rising pressures which will stress systems significantly. Telework is already ramping up and will likely expand. Stores that have experienced a run on goods should probably anticipate more of the same, as long the arc of stories about the virus continues in the same direction.”
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from March 3 to 6, 2020. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are 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.
Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact Bruce Anderson or David Coletto.
Given the impact that the Coronavirus appears to be having around the world, we have started tracking how Canadians are reacting and thinking about their own behaviours.
Here’s what we have found thus far:
Many are avoiding places where large numbers of people congregate. About half of those who attend sports events, conventions, museums and concerts say they have or will probably limit their attendance.
Airlines face major headwinds. 16% say they are limiting or avoiding air travel, and another 21% say they probably will. This amounts to about 10 million Canadian adults. Among business travellers 26% say they have already reduced their travel, and as many more say they probably will. The potential impact on the vacation market is of a similar size.
For cruise ships, the data are particularly challenging. Among those for whom cruise travel is part of their behaviour normally, almost 2 out of 3 customers (62%) are or will avoid cruises.
Among those who use trains and buses, more than 4 out of 10 customers indicate their usage has or will change.
In terms of the foodservice and hospitality sector, among those who use restaurants, 15% say they have reduced their use of restaurants and another 23% say they probably will.
Shopping malls have likely already experienced softer traffic with 13% of shopping mall users saying they are reducing visits. Another 25% say they probably will.
THE UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: ”Non-stop comprehensive coverage of the coronavirus, likely coupled with unprecedented sharing of information over social media, has led millions to make adjustments in their daily lives. Depending on what they continue to hear about the spread of the virus and whether the risk is rising or receding, the impact could roughly double in size fairly quickly. Travel providers are likely to feel the most profound impacts, as people look to limit non-essential voyages. While airline seat demand is clearly under pressure, the cruise ship sector has a potentially even more severe, long term positioning challenge. The convention, sports, retail and hospitality sectors are likely already feeling pain and can anticipate more if the news of the virus continues to make people more anxious.”
Over the coming days, we will share more detail on how behaviour is changing, including breakdowns by different age groups and a look at how big-city dwellers compare to those who live in smaller towns and rural areas, where population density is different. Our intent is also to track these behavioural indicators over time in the weeks ahead.”
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from March 3 to 6, 2020. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are 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.
Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact Bruce Anderson or David Coletto.
APPROVAL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Today 33% approve of the Trudeau government performance, 20% are on the fence, and 47% disapprove. Approval is down 4 points since last month and about equal where it was a year ago.
BLOCKADES
6% have been following the blockades by Indigenous protestors very closely, another 40% pretty closely. That means 44% have paid little or no attention.
5% say the federal government has been handling the situation well, another 46% say, “as well as can be expected in the circumstances. 49% say the federal government has been doing a poor job, pretty close to the 47% who disapprove of the federal government performance generally.
Most of those who approve of the government’s overall performance also think it is handling the blockades as well as can be expected; however one in five is dissatisfied, as are one in three of those who neither approve nor disapprove of overall government performance.
In Alberta, 62% feel the federal government is handling the issue poorly, about 13-points higher than the national average. Generally, older and Conservative voters are the most unhappy with the way Ottawa has acted.
By a 60% to 40% margin, Canadians think the best approach in this situation is to “continue to try to find a longer-term solution through negotiation, rather than “use force to end the blockades.”
Albertans, older people and Conservatives are most likely to want to see force used to end the blockades.
More Canadians believe the federal government waited too long to call for an end to the blockades (58%) than those who believe the government “put in reasonable time and effort into a negotiated solution before calling for an end to the blockades” (42%).
While these numbers show that Canadians prefer a negotiated solution to one that is forced, it is also clear that people feel more sympathy for all those businesses and travellers that have been disrupted (70%) than they do for the protestors (30%).
The sharpest divide is by age with those aged 18 to 29 being most likely to say they feel more sympathy for the indigenous protestors, while older Canadians are more likely to feel sympathy for those impacted by the blockades. NDP voters are split almost evenly while Liberal, Conservative, and BQ supporters are more likely to sympathize with those disrupted by the blockades.
Finally, the Prime Minister’s decision to call a conference involving first Ministers and Indigenous leaders is seen as a good idea by 46%, acceptable by 39%, while only 13% consider it a bad idea.
THE UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: ”Canadians are mostly unhappy with the use of these blockades although they recognize that there are legitimate, unresolved issues that require an effort to defuse rather than ratchet up. While there is some frustration that the government might have acted more quickly, the general view is that a long term agreement is a more desirable outcome than using force to end a protest, only to have these issues persist in the future.”
According to David Coletto: “Canadians are not as engaged on this issue as they are with the coronavirus, but compared to others we have explored in the past, there is a fair bit of attention being paid to the blockades. While Canadians are split on the federal government’s handling of the issue, disapproval is in line with overall feelings about the federal government’s performance. That being said, 31% of 2019 Liberal voters feel the government is handling the issue poorly, higher than we typically see from the government’s supporters on other issues.”
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,475 Canadians aged 18 and over from February 28 to March 3, 2020. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are 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.
Abacus Data Bulletins are short analyses of public opinion data we collect. For more information or media interviews, contact Bruce Anderson or David Coletto.
APPROVAL OF FEDERAL GOVERNMENT
Today 33% approve of the Trudeau government performance, 20% are on the fence, and 47% disapprove. Approval is down 4 points since last month and about equal where it was a year ago.
CORONAVIRUS
34% have been following the coronavirus news very closely, another 48% pretty closely. That means 20% have paid little or no attention.
5% believe it is very likely that they or someone they know will contract the virus, and another 23% think it likely. 72% think it unlikely or very unlikely. Among those following the issue very closely, expectations are quite similar.
14% say the federal government has been handling the situation well, another 64% say, “as well as can be expected in the circumstances. 21% say the federal government has been doing a poor job, well below the 47% who disapprove of the federal government performance generally. Among those following the issue very closely, views on the government’s performance are similar to those believing it is handling it well or poorly slightly higher than those overall.
There also isn’t much variation across regions or demographic groups. While Conservative voters are more likely to feel the government has handled coronavirus poorly, most feel it has done as well as can be expected on the issue.
Canadians are split on whether the virus will be contained before a great many people are killed (58%) versus “It will be a global pandemic that kills a great many people.” (42%). Those following the issue very closely are more pessimistic about the potential scale of the outbreak.
Older Canadians and BC residents are more likely than average to think that many people will die as a result of the outbreak.
THE UPSHOT
According to Bruce Anderson: ””The coronavirus has obviously captured the attention of people and left a lot of people wondering what the future holds. Millions of Canadians think they or someone close to them will contract the virus, and there is as much pessimism as optimism at this point about whether the virus will cause mass deaths. So far, Canadians broadly seem to feel the government has been doing as well as might be expected, given the complexity and the challenge of managing something of this nature.”
According to David Coletto: ”Those paying closer attention to the coronavirus are not more likely to feel they will contract the virus, but they are more likely to think that it will become a global pandemic that will kill many people. The issue is fast-moving, and many people are following the story closely. I expect perceptions will shift as news continues to break. So far, most Canadians appear satisfied with the approach the federal government has taken on the issue.”
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,475 Canadians aged 18 and over from February 28 to March 3, 2020. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are 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.
On behalf of the Canadian Life and Health Insurance Association, Abacus recently completed a nationwide survey of 1500 adult Canadians. The focus was to understand how Canadian adults feel about the policy choices that lie ahead for Ottawa on this file.
83% HAVE SOME FORM OF DRUG INSURANCE
Half of those surveyed say they have coverage of drug and other health benefit costs through a group insurance plan and another 10% purchase such benefits themselves. Four in ten are covered under a provincial plan (such as that in operation in Quebec and British Columbia).
GROUP BENEFIT USERS BROADLY HAPPY WITH COVERAGE & COST
Those who have group insurance benefits are broadly satisfied (85%) with the cost of their drugs, and 84% are satisfied with the range of drugs that are included in their coverage.
Three out of four people who have group coverage are required to pay a co-pay amount when filling out a prescription. Among these people, 88% say the co-pay amount is affordable or “affordable enough”.
About one in three voters said national pharmacare was among the more important factors when they were deciding how to vote in last October’s election. Another 39% said it was “relevant, but less important than other considerations.
HELP WITH CATASTROPHIC SITUATIONS & COVER THOSE WITH NO BENEFITS ARE TOP PRIORITIES FOR CANADIANS WHEN IT COMES TO PHARMACARE
We tested design characteristics for a national pharmacare program and found that the top two considerations were making sure that “no one faces financial ruin because of a rare condition and needing a rare drug” and “making sure those with no coverage can afford the most common drugs”. Limiting impacts on the federal deficit and taxes was also deemed important by most people as was paying less to pharmaceutical manufacturers.
NEARLY UNANIMOUS SUPPORT FOR FEDERAL APPROACH THAT FOCUSES ON HELPING THOSE WITH NO COVERAGE TODAY; DIVIDED OPINION ABOUT A SINGLE-PAYER SYSTEM IF IT REDUCED RANGE OF DRUGS COVERAGE FOR SOME.
A total of 95% said they would support “a plan for government and insurance companies to work together to ensure everyone has affordable access to the most common drugs and those with group plans keep their benefits intact”. Support levels for this approach are very high across generations, regions and party lines.
When asked how they would feel about a “plan that shifts everyone to a government-run plan which covers the most common prescription drugs, but those with a plan today might end up with fewer drugs covered”, support for this option clocked in at 48% and opposition was 52%. Older people were considerably more likely to dislike this approach.
MOST THINK LIBERALS WOULD BE HONOURING CAMPAIGN PLEDGE WITH A TARGETED PROGRAM.
About two in three (67%) say the federal Liberals would be honouring their campaign pledge if they delivered a program focused on covering those with no coverage; only 39% would feel the same way if the result was a program that covered everyone the same way and ended up reducing the range of drugs covered for those who are currently in group plans.
Given a choice between these two scenarios, 80% would prefer to see their MP vote for an approach that is targeted to help those with no coverage today rather than a single-payer system run by the government. This includes 80% of Conservative, 83% of Liberal and 87% of NDP voters.
CONCLUSIONS
Again this year, and after exposure to the issue in the last federal election campaign, Canadians remain enthusiastic about the goal of helping protect people from financial hardship when it comes to needed prescriptions. At the same time, the level of satisfaction experienced by the large majority today leads them to the conclusion that government efforts are best focused on those who lack coverage today or who could be experiencing catastrophic coverage costs. There is significant hesitation about a single-payer program, especially if it would lead to a situation where some who have broad coverage today might see that coverage reduced in some way.
For the Trudeau government, the expectations of voters are more likely to be met with a targeted program, than with an initiative that might feel as though it was disrupting something they feel is working well for them today.
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted with 1,500 residents of Canada aged 18 and older from January 22nd to 26th 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.
Earlier this month, we conducted a national public opinion survey commissioned by Shaw Communications on public perceptions and impressions about the wireless market in Canada.
Here’s what we found:
3 IN 4 CANADIANS BELIEVE THAT THEY CAN FIND LOWER COST OPTIONS FOR THEIR WIRELESS SERVICE THAN THE CONTRACT THEY ARE CURRENTLY ON.
This may seem counter-intuitive given other data that suggests consumers feel they pay too much for their wireless plans, but this is evidence that most consumers recognize that there are more affordable plans available in the marketplace. Canadians recognize that being a consumer in the market today would give them lower prices and more choice than the last time they were looking for a wireless plan.
If they were to look for a new plan, most feel they could find a lower cost option for their wireless service than their current plan.
This view is held consistently across the country, among all age groups, and by voters of all the major federal political parties.
ALMOST ALL CANADIANS AGREE THAT IT’S IMPORTANT TO HAVE ACCESS TO STRONG REGIONAL WIRELESS SERVICES BECAUSE THEY INCREASE COMPETITION AND DELIVER BETTER CUSTOMER SERVICE.
Having access to strong regional wireless networks is important to Canadians across the country. Almost all agree that it is important for strong regional wireless networks to be available. There’s almost no variation in opinion on this point and is as likely to be seen as important by Albertans as it is by Quebecers.
2 IN 3 CANADIANS AGREE THAT COMPETITION FROM REGIONAL WIRELESS COMPANIES HAS REDUCED PRICES CHARGED BY THE NATIONAL CARRIERS.
One reason that Canadians value having strong regional wireless network options is because most see a direct connection between reduced prices charged by the national carriers and increased regional competition by regional companies. More striking, those that strongly agree with this idea outnumber those who strongly disagree by a 2 to 1 margin.
Once again, these views are held fairly consistently across the country. Quebec consumers are the most likely to strongly agree similar to those in British Columbia and Alberta, while those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are the least likely to agree.
Politically, Liberal, Conservative, and NDP supporters, and especially BQ supporters, agree with the premise that regional competition has helped drive wireless prices down.
ALMOST HALF OF CANADIANS CREDIT REGIONAL COMPETITION FOR THE 35% REDUCTION IN WIRELESS PRICES REPORTED BY THE CRTC SINCE FROM 2016 TO 2018. THIS IS MORE THAN SAY PUBLIC OR GOVERNMENT PRESSURE WAS THE PRIMARY CAUSE.
When we tell respondents that the CRTC’s own report finds that wireless prices have reduced by 35% from 2016 to 2018, and then ask what they feel is most responsible for this, 45% credit increased competition from new mobile or wireless providers like Freedom Mobile, Videotron, and Eastlink. One in three believes public pressure to lower prices has reduced rates, while 20% think government pressure on wireless providers has been the primary factor in the mobile price drop over the three years.
MORE REGIONAL COMPETITION = LOWER PRICES: 2 IN 3 THINK IF THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ENCOURAGES AND SUPPORTS MORE REGIONAL COMPETITION, PRICES WILL DROP FURTHER.
At the same time that most Canadians see a link between increased regional competition and price decreases over the past few years, there’s also a widespread belief that if the government continues to encourage and support more regional competition in the wireless market, prices will continue to fall.
Two in three think that federal government encouragement and support of regional competitors will help to reduce prices. Only 12% feel that kind of action will not help to reduce prices.
This view, between government support for regional competition and reduced prices, is shared by Canadians across the country. 73% in BC, 69% in Alberta, 71% in Ontario, 68% in Atlantic Canada, and 58% in Quebec share this view. There is also wide agreement across political lines – 74% of Liberal voters, 72% of NDP voters, 70% of Conservative voters, and 64% of Bloc voters all believe that government support for more regional competition will help prices drop in the wireless market.
CANADIANS OVERWHELMINGLY WANT GOVERNMENT TO ALLOW REGIONAL CARRIERS TO COMPETE AGAINST THE NATIONAL COMPANIES.
When it comes to any decisions that government or regulatory bodies make with regards to wireless networks in Canada, 86% of Canadians think it is important that those decisions allow regional wireless networks (like Freedom Mobile, Videotron, and Eastlink) to better compete with the national carriers (like Bell, Rogers, and TELUS).
Views are consistent across the country but are more intense in Atlantic Canada, Alberta, and British Columbia.
KEEP INVESTING IN WIRELESS NETWORKS: MOST CANADIANS BELIEVE THAT WIRELESS NETWORKS WILL NEED TO BE FASTER, MORE RELIABLE, AND HAVE WIDER COVERAGE IN THE FUTURE THAN THEY DO NOW.
At the same time that Canadian consumers believe regional competition has and will continue to reduce prices for wireless or mobile services, there is also a broad recognition that the quality of the wireless networks over time will need to improve, given how people expect their use of the network to change over time.
65% of Canadian consumers believe that the geographic coverage of the wireless network will need to get better over the next 5 to 10 years. 61% feel the same way about the reliability of the network. And 58% think that the speed that data is transferred through the network will have to improve.
And so while Canadians want both affordable prices through competition, they also want public policy choices that allow for the wireless networks they rely on to be improved because they believe they will need more reliable and faster networks with broader coverage in the future.
UPSHOT
We often hear that Canadians are frustrated with the price they pay for wireless services that they depend on. And past research we have done confirms that. But that frustration isn’t isolated only to wireless; they are also frustrated with the amount they have to pay for most of the things they need in their lives including housing, food, utilities, and financial service fees.
Shopping for a cell phone plan today is very different than even a year ago. Consumers say they see today prices that are lower than the last time there were in the market
Despite this, Canadians consumers are feeling an affordability crunch, and so it’s important for both government and industry to respond and find a way to alleviate this pressure.
What our research finds is that consumers see the benefits of increased regional competition. Most feel they could find a lower price for wireless services than they pay now if they could get out of their current contract. Most believe that strong regional competition is important to improving service quality, customer service, and lowering prices. Most believe that increased regional competition has worked to reduce prices by putting pressure on the national carriers to reduce their own prices in response to regional competition.
More important, 2 in 3 Canadians believe that if the federal government focuses on encouraging regional competition and supporting regional carriers, prices will continue to drop.
The fact that more consumers believe regional competition is the primary factor in the 35% wireless price drop reported by the CRTC between 2016 and 2018 than either public or government pressure confirms these other perspectives. Canadians instinctively understand that when you increase competition, prices will drop.
But at the same time, public policy choices need to reflect the fact that consumers expect their use of wireless networks to increase over time and so investment in those networks will be an important guide in how they respond to those policy choices. Finding a balancing between helping to make wireless more affordable while delivering the network quality consumers expect and need is the objective for federal policymakers today.
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,850 Canadians aged 18 and over from January 30 to February 2, 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 double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.3%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
ADDITIONAL CHARTS
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.
