Two-thirds of Canadians say they love country and what it stands for; the rest, swayed by standard of living

Two-thirds of Canadians say they love country and what it stands for; the rest, swayed by standard of living

Canadians get set to celebrate this nation’s 147th birthday, two-thirds of people living here say they love this country and all it stands for, while one-quarter tie their feelings for Canada to its standard of living.

Those are some of the results of an Angus Reid Global (ARG) online survey asking Canadian adults how they feel about their country, and its institutions.

Overall, two-thirds (67%) of respondents say “they love their country and what it stands for”, while 23 per cent say they’re “attached to Canada, but only as long as it provides a good standard of living.”

Those living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba profess the greatest love and approval towards their country (79%), nearly two-to-one over Quebecers (43%). Eight per cent of Canadians say they’d like to see the country split in two (24% in Quebec), while three per cent say Canada should join the US.

What Canada is doing well:

Asked to rank Canada in nine different areas, respondents rated this country’s democratic freedoms, quality of life and safety of cities highest. 68 per cent said our freedoms were world class or above average, while 65 and 60 per cent said the same about quality of life and the safety of our cities, respectively.

Metrics where respondents ranked Canada lowest centered on quality of government (35% said world class or above average) and economic opportunities for young people (37%).

Institutions:

Respondents were also asked how they view Canadian institutions. The Canadian Armed Forces were most favourably ranked: 87 per cent of respondents offering a favourable impression. Canadian businesses received a favourable impression from 83 per cent of respondents. The Canada Revenue Agency and Canada Post earned favourable impressions from two-thirds of respondents (66% and 64% respectively). 51 per cent of respondents view their provincial and federal governments unfavourably.

Regional differences:

  • The Armed Forces are viewed the most favourably across the Prairies (94% in Alberta and 92% in Manitoba and Saskatchewan)
  • Fewer Atlantic Canadians have a favourable view of Canada Post (50%).
  • Those living in Saskatchewan and Manitoba were least likely to have a favourable view of the federal government (38%)

Click here for detailed provincial results, charts, tables and methodology

Posted June 30, 2014

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Country AttitudesNational

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