In the last few months of 2019 and the first few of 2020, a number of familiar fissures within the Canadian federation appeared to widen. It was against this backdrop that the Confederation of Tomorrow 2020 Survey of Canadians was conducted. The survey builds directly on the Confederation of Tomorrow 2019 Survey, conducted roughly 12 months earlier, by exploring the attitudes of Canadians toward the practice of federalism and their federal community.

Regional Perspectives on the Economy and Climate Change is the first in a series of reports that presents the results of this research. It focuses on the evolution of attitudes related to federalism, regionalism and nationalism, and more specifically on the related issues of energy and climate change policies in Canada. It also reviews levels of satisfaction with the economy and the country’s overall direction.

Survey Details

The 2020 study consists of a national public opinion survey of 5,152 Canadians (aged 18 and over) conducted online (in the provinces) and by telephone (in the territories) between January 13 and February 20, 2020.

Confederation of Tomorrow logo

The Confederation of Tomorrow surveys give voice to Canadians about the major issues shaping the future of the federation and their political communities. They are conducted annually by an association of the country’s leading public policy and socio-economic research organizations: the Environics Institute for Survey Research, the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation, the Canada West Foundation, the Centre D’Analyse Politique – Constitution et Fédéralisme, the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government and the First Nations Financial Management Board.

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Addressing climate change in the Canadian federation

Prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change had emerged as one of Canadians’ top concerns. The situation a year later is completely different: naturally, the pandemic now eclipses all other issues as the one Canadians see as most important.

A white lighthouse with a red top stands on rugged cliffs by the ocean under a blue sky, waves crashing below. Nearby, a few people walk—proof that coronavirus will not dent the trust Canadians have in each other.

Regional Perspectives on Politics and Priorities

The latest Environics Institute Focus Canada survey, conducted during the last two weeks of the recent federal election campaign, highlights some of the regional differences in outlook in Canada that are now reflected in the distribution of seats in the House of Commons.

A graphic with solar panels under a bright sun on the left, illustrating addressing climate change in the Canadian federation, beside a red maple leaf logo and the words “Confederation of Tomorrow 2024 Series.”.

Addressing climate change in the Canadian federation

Canadians are evenly divided on the relative priority that should be given to protecting the environment versus protecting jobs. The emphasis placed on environmental protection has declined since 2023 across the population.

Environics Institute for Survey Research

701-33 Bloor Street East
Toronto, ON M4W 3H1

info@environicsinstitute.org

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