Canadian public opinion about the Middle East conflict

The war between Israel and Hamas is approaching its second anniversary, with no clear prospect of resolution or peace. Over much of this period Canada adopted a principled but cautious position on the conflict. But as the devastation in Gaza has intensified over time, the federal government has taken a stronger position, leading to a formal recognition of the Palestinian state in concert with several other western allies. This conflict continues to make its presence felt in Canada, in the form of hate-motivated actions directed at Jews, Muslims and Arabs, protest events and controversy over public commentary in support of one side or the other.

In September, the Environics Institute for Survey Research conducted a new national survey to document how Canadians view this conflict, and how this has changed over time. This survey is part of the Institute’s ongoing Focus Canada research program, which was launched in 1976 to measure Canadian public opinion on important issues over time as a matter of public record.

This latest survey of public opinion reveals that Canadians continue to be more likely than not to adopt a neutral position on this conflict in the Middle East. But as the war has dragged on and the devastation in Gaza and its people has intensified, public sentiment has shifted decidedly toward sympathizing with the Palestinians over the Israelis. As well, an increasing number of Canadians are expressing approval of their government’s position on this conflict as striking the right balance between the two sides. Notably, these latest shifts in public opinion are evident across the country, rather than limited to specific segments of the population.

The survey is based on telephone interviews conducted (via landline and cellphones) with a representative sample of 2,004 Canadians (ages 18 and over), between September 8 and 21, 2025. A sample of this size drawn from the population produces results accurate to within plus or minus 2.2 percentage points in 19 out of 20 samples.

The Focus Canada survey is based on telephone interviews conducted (via landline and cellphones) with a representative sample of 2,004 Canadians (ages 18 and over), between September 8 and 21, 2025. A sample of this size drawn from the population produces results accurate to within plus or minus 2.2 percentage points in 19 out of 20 samples.