The Canadian identity is in constant evolution, in response to changing political forces and cultural influences. One of the more important potential sources of change in recent years is the growing ethno-cultural diversity of the population, driven by immigration and, in particular, by the growing number of immigrants arriving from Asian and Africa. Ongoing discussions of the history and current situation of Indigenous Peoples in Canada might also be affecting how people conceive of the national identity. Other events may affect the resonance of certain symbols, such as the prominent display of the Canadian flag by the protestors who occupied parts of downtown Ottawa earlier in 2022.
The evolution of the Canadian identity, and of pride in being Canadian, has been tracked by the Focus Canada survey since the mid-1980s. The latest survey, conducted in September 2022, finds that nine in ten Canadians express at least some pride in being a Canadian, including three in five who say they are very proud. But this survey also confirms that the strength of this pride is somewhat lower than in previous decades. Strong pride has declined among all age groups, but more noticeably among those under the age of 45, compared to those age 45 and older.
In terms of the Canadian identity, three items stand out as the most likely to be seen as very important: the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms, Canada’s health care system and Canada’s systems of public education. Three other items are almost as likely to be seen as very important: Indigenous Peoples in Canada, the Canadian flag and multiculturalism.
Survey Details
The survey was conducted in partnership with Century Initiative. This survey is based on telephone interviews conducted (via landline and cellphones) with 2,000 Canadians between September 6 and 30, 2022. 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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Previous Focus Canada surveys have documented a decline in the proportion of Canadians who are proud of being a Canadian. But in the wake of the developments since the return of U.S. President Donald Trump to the White House, has there been a resurgence of national pride in Canada?
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