Cautious Skeptics

by Angus Reid | September 28, 2016 11:28 am

September 28, 2016 – This is the largest segment of the Canadian population (25%), and its members are most likely to fall in the 35 to 54 age group (39% do). This group is made up of close to equally men (48%) and women (52%).

This group lands close to the Canadian average in responses to a number of questions. However, they are also characterized for their increased levels of skepticism when looking at society. Fully three-quarters (75%) say that they do not trust most of the stories coming out of the media. Additionally, six-in-ten (58%) say they do not trust the government to act in their best interest. On the specific question of homegrown terrorism, just over half (52%) say that politicians and the media have overblown the actual threat this poses.

Interestingly, when asked about how wealthy people have accumulated their riches, this group is substantially more likely than any group (85% to 57% average) to say that they did so through personal connections or luck rather than hard work.

While most Canadians (59%) lean toward expanding programs aimed to improve the conditions for Canada’s First Nations, this group takes a split view. Here, half (49%) say that these programs and special status should be removed.

Source URL: https://angusreid.org/cautious-skeptics/