Canadians becoming more divided over COVID-19 and politics, survey suggests

Article content material

REGINA — A brand new survey suggests Canadians have gotten extra divided, with some saying points have led them to scale back contact with buddies or household.

Article content material

The nationwide telephone survey by the Canadian Hub for Utilized and Social Analysis on the College of Saskatchewan was executed between March 7 and March 24. It requested 1,011 folks concerning the points that divide them probably the most.

About three out of each 4 respondents stated they imagine society has change into extra polarized.

The bulk stated the COVID-19 pandemic (72%) and the 2021 federal election (73%) have been the 2 most divisive points over the previous yr.

About 40% of these surveyed stated they’ve lowered contact with buddies or household over an argument concerning the pandemic or politics.

“There’s been a lot amplified rhetoric within the final two years for the reason that starting of the pandemic, and plenty of the rhetoric has actually served to divide people — whether or not that division is definitely actual or it’s simply perceived,” analysis director Jason Disano instructed The Canadian Press in a telephone interview from Saskatoon.

Article content material

Disano stated the respondents’ solutions appears to be influenced by their political lean.

For instance, within the Prairie provinces, respondents answered in ways in which align with conservative insurance policies, Disano stated.

The survey recommended folks on the Prairies have been extra possible than in another area to imagine that the problems of preventing local weather change and banning assault weapons have been dividing Canadians. In Central Canada, nonetheless, respondents didn’t assume a ban on weapons was a divisive subject.

“We see plenty of identification politics that’s taking maintain in Canada, that has been taking maintain within the U.S., significantly within the final 5 to 6 years,” Disano stated. “And we’re seeing form of that carryover to Canada. And it’s an issue.”

Article content material

Respondents in Quebec have been extra possible than these in different areas to imagine society has change into much less polarized. Disano attributed that outcome to extra reasonable or liberal views.

Quebec residents who participated within the survey additionally stated they have been much less possible than folks in Western Canada, together with British Columbia, to have lowered contact with a buddy or member of the family due to differing views.

“We do see these regional variations, which to a big extent are knowledgeable by the political leanings of the residents of these numerous areas,” Disano stated.

“Sadly, what we’re seeing is politicians which can be utilizing that division for political profit when these leaders must be in search of to unite us and never divide us.”

In the case of uniting Canadians, the respondents stated provisions of worldwide help (55%) and rising ethnic variety (53%) have been points that introduced them collectively.

The survey was dependable to inside plus or minus 3%, with a 95% confidence degree.