The COVID-19 pandemic has had a profoundly disruptive effect on the lives of Canadians, but the public’s general reaction to the situation remains more positive than negative. During the time in which COVID-19 emerged as the most important problem facing the country, satisfaction with the way things are going in Canada increased. Most Canadians are confident in the ability of their governments to follow expert and scientific advice when making difficult policy decisions, and most look to government to provide quality programs and services in areas such as child care and care for the elderly to all who need them. At the same time, support for the concept of a basic income is growing. The public remains more divided, however, on the question of whether their governments are adept at thinking ahead and planning for the challenges that the country might face over the longer term.
Survey Details
This survey was conducted in partnership with the Faculty of Social Sciences’ IMPACT Project at the University of Ottawa and Century Initiative. This survey is based on telephone interviews conducted (via land line and cellphones) with 2,000 Canadians between September 8 and 23, 2020. 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.
Focus Canada
Focus Canada is the longest running and most comprehensive public opinion research program on public policy issues in Canada.
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