The Parliament building in Ottawa, Canada, with its clock tower and Canadian flag on top, is seen through trees with autumn leaves under an overcast sky—a scene often featured in Environics Institute Work exploring Canadian identity.

No consensus on electoral reform in sight but Canadians still believe their democracy works

Our world is changing rapidly, due in large part to fundamental and often disruptive transformations brought about by the globalization of economic production, finance and the migration of people, as well as the digital revolution and rapidly evolving social values.

A title reads “Canadian Public Opinion About Governance 2016” above six images: a woman, a government building, an Uber app, a ballot box, a gavel, and someone touching a digital screen, with institute logos below.

Canadian Public Opinion About Governance 2016

The world is changing rapidly, due in large part to fundamental transformations brought about by globalization, the digital revolution and social trends.

The image shows the historic Canadian Parliament building in Ottawa, featuring a central clock tower and Gothic Revival architecture under a cloudy sky, quietly prompting the question: Are Canadians finally at peace with their Constitution?.

Take pride that Parliament reflects the face of Canada

"Because it's 2015," was Justin Trudeau's memorable response to a reporter's question about why he had made it a priority to have gender parity in his cabinet. The composition of the 42nd Parliament suggests that Canadians agree with their new Prime Minister that as one of the world's most diverse countries approaches its 150th birthday, the identities of its political representatives should match the identities of its population.

A group of people in casual clothing march in the rain. One man in glasses and a plaid shirt raises his fist, reflecting a sense of unity and purpose—reminding us that democracies are stronger than you may think.

Listening In: What recent populist victories tell us about Canada

Societies have conversations with themselves. Sometimes these conversations are so noisy that everyone is forced to pay attention. In Canada, our noisiest conversations since World War II have been Quebec sovereignty and the War Measures Act.

A Canadian flag with a red maple leaf waves on a pole by the ocean, with waves crashing on the shore and a cloudy, overcast sky in the background—prompting some to wonder: is one region favoured by Ottawa?.

Many Canadians aren’t voting. Have they stopped caring about democracy?

It wasn’t long ago that Canadians voted in large numbers. Just a few decades ago it was normal to see turnout rates for federal elections in the mid-70s.

A graphic titled Canadian Public Opinion on Governance and the Public Service features photos highlighting key aspects of governance, including people at meetings, a government building, a classroom, a ballot box, firefighters, safety vests, and recycling bins.

Canadian Public Opinion on Governance and the Public Service

What does the public expect from governments, and how well do they believe their country, province and local municipality are governed?

A stylized map of the Americas on a blue background is centered below the title AmericasBarometer 2014. Logos of three partner organizations are displayed at the bottom of the image.

AmericasBarometer 2014

The AmericasBarometer is a multi-country public opinion survey on democracy, governance and civic engagement, conducted every two years by a consortium of of research partners across the western hemisphere. The 2014 survey included 26 countries, encompassing 99% of the population of the Americas.

Conference slide for the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation featuring event details, logos, and a sepia-toned image of a man’s face and hand. Highlights Democracy in the 21st Century: 2013 Trudeau Foundation Annual Survey.

Democracy in the 21st Century: 2013 Trudeau Foundation Annual Survey

What is current Canadian public opinion as it relates to people and their environment, human rights and dignity, responsible citizenship, and Canada's role in the world?

People stand and sit along a stone railing, overlooking a city skyline at dusk. The illuminated buildings and vibrant crowd reflect the rich Quebec identity, culture, and language shaped by Canadian sovereignty.

In Canada, the new solitudes are east vs. west

Growing up in the 1960s, we learned about Canada’s ‘two solitudes’ defining our national identity – and our national division – the French in Quebec and the English in the rest of Canada.

A stylized map of the Americas is centered on a light background. Above it reads AmericasBarometer 2012, with a subtitle about public opinion on democracy. Logos of three institutes are displayed at the bottom.

AmericasBarometer 2012

The public speaks on democracy and governance in Canada and across the Americas.

Environics Institute for Survey Research

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info@environicsinstitute.org

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