An example of how opinion polls can provide a broader and more accurate view of how people feel than a social media feed.
A stroll through a social media feed often includes a significant amount of negativity regarding life in Canada, along with the perception that a sense of discontent and demoralization is widespread. However, since social media tends to reward outrage and negativity, it can provide a skewed view of what is really happening.
A new poll from Research Co, commissioned ahead of Canada Day, provides some important nuance. According to the survey, a strong majority of Canadians expressed pride in the Canadian flag (80%), hockey (75%), the Canadian Armed Forces (74%), multiculturalism (65%), Indigenous culture (64%), the state of democracy in Canada (62%), and bilingualism (61%).
Pride in the flag is up 1% since last year, while pride in hockey, the Canadian Armed Forces, multiculturalism, Indigenous culture, and the state of democracy rose three points, eight points, two points, three points, and four points, respectively.
Of note, a majority of Canadians of all backgrounds express pride in multiculturalism, with the poll finding 81% of Canadians of East Asian descent, 68% of Canadians of South Asian Descent, 62% of Canadians of European descent, and 57% of Indigenous Canadians expressing a positive view.
Scores for the economy (46%) and the monarchy (41%) were lower, though higher than last year by six points and two points, respectively.
Like many nations, Canada has its challenges. But despite those challenges, most Canadians of all backgrounds express pride in our country and value how we are able to bring so many different people together in a free and democratic nation. That is a strong foundation to build on.
Spencer Fernando
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