politics

The well-worn label of “everyday Canadian” or “average citizen” echoes from the pronouncements of our elected officials, policy experts and journalists who tell us about who we all are, what we happen to believe, or how we spend our time on this pursuit or that. But upon scrutiny, this concept doesn’t hold up.

The survey results support the conclusion that ongoing concern about the current level of immigration does not in itself imply public opposition to the broader idea of Canada accepting immigrants, or to the changes in the racial and ethnic composition of Canadian society that recent immigration patterns have produced.

There is no shortage of concern that support for democracy among younger generations is weakening. This report addresses this issue by reviewing results to survey questions grouped under five themes: satisfaction and trust; democracy compared to other forms of government; democratic norms; respect for civil liberties; and political disaffection.

While Albertans have become less likely to express feelings of “Western alienation,” there has been a steady polarization of opinions in the province.

Most Canadians support the federal government’s intention to act quickly to expand the country’s infrastructure, but not in the absence of agreements with its provincial or Indigenous partners.

Ever since Donald Trump first set his sights on the presidency, it’s been hard to keep up with his non-stop outlandish statements and actions. But if you think this causes headaches for journalists, pundits and politicians, spare a thought for the pollsters. | By Michael Adams & Andrew Parkin

In the current political context, how do Americans and Canadians feel about the powers afforded to their national leader over other branches of government and the media?

All four Atlantic provinces have experienced significant political changes in the past year. These developments have taken place against the backdrop of additional major political change at the national and international level.

The results of the latest survey, conducted in the summer of 2025, provide a comprehensive update. They show that the extent to which Canadians trust political actors and institutions has, in most cases, held steady over the past 15 years. In some cases, trust has increased.

With a minority government in Ottawa, a federal election is possible at any time – triggered either deliberately or by accident. This encourages political observers to check opinion polls as often as regular people check the weather. | By Andrew Parkin