Close X
Monday, November 11, 2024
ADVT 
National

Canadians becoming more divided: survey

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 04 Apr, 2022 09:53 AM
  • Canadians becoming more divided: survey

REGINA - A new survey suggests Canadians are becoming more divided, with some saying issues have led them to reduce contact with friends or family.

The national phone survey by the Canadian Hub for Applied and Social Research at the University of Saskatchewan was done between March 7 and March 24. It asked 1,011 people about the issues that divide them the most.

About three out of every four respondents said they believe society has become more polarized.

The majority said the COVID-19 pandemic (72 per cent) and the 2021 federal election (73 per cent) were the two most divisive issues over the past year.

About 40 per cent of those surveyed said they have reduced contact with friends or family over an argument about the pandemic or politics.

"There's been so much amplified rhetoric in the last two years since the beginning of the pandemic, and a lot of the rhetoric has really served to divide folks — whether that division is actually real or it's just perceived," research director Jason Disano told The Canadian Press in a phone interview from Saskatoon.

Disano said the respondents' answers seems to be influenced by their political lean.

For example, in the Prairie provinces, respondents answered in ways that align with conservative policies, Disano said.

The survey suggested people on the Prairies were more likely than in any other region to believe that the issues of fighting climate change and banning assault weapons were dividing Canadians. In Central Canada, however, respondents didn't think a ban on weapons was a divisive topic.

"We see a lot of identity politics that's taking hold in Canada, that has been taking hold in the U.S., particularly in the last five to six years," Disano said. "And we're seeing sort of that carryover to Canada. And it's a problem."

Respondents in Quebec were more likely than those in other regions to believe society has become less polarized. Disano attributed that result to more moderate or liberal views.

Quebec residents who participated in the survey also said they were less likely than people in Western Canada, including British Columbia, to have reduced contact with a friend or family member because of differing views.

"We do see these regional differences, which to a large extent are informed by the political leanings of the residents of those various regions," Disano said.

"Unfortunately, what we're seeing is politicians that are using that division for political benefit when those leaders should be seeking to unite us and not divide us."

When it comes to uniting Canadians, the respondents said provisions of international aid (55 per cent) and increasing ethnic diversity (53 per cent) were issues that brought them together.

The survey was reliable to within plus or minus three per cent, with a 95 per cent confidence level.

MORE National ARTICLES

Considerable avalanche risk on B.C. South Coast

Considerable avalanche risk on B.C. South Coast
The agency warning covers alpine, treeline and below-treeline sections on south coast mountains for Tuesday and Thursday. It says recent storm slabs could likely be triggered by human activity in the area.

Considerable avalanche risk on B.C. South Coast

Auditor makes recommendations for BC Housing

Auditor makes recommendations for BC Housing
In an audit of BC Housing's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, auditor general Michael Pickup says the Crown corporation did not have a process to ensure hotel and motel operators fulfilled their agreements for the space.

Auditor makes recommendations for BC Housing

Future of work shows promise but also inequality

Future of work shows promise but also inequality
The BC Federation of Labour, which represents more than half a million workers in B.C., recommends governments ensure there are no barriers to unionization in the changing labour market.    

Future of work shows promise but also inequality

NATO should ready for battle: survey respondents

NATO should ready for battle: survey respondents
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has signalled its solidarity with Ukraine in the form of supplies, weapons and sanctions since the early days of Russia's latest incursion into its territory, but has not deployed troops for combat.

NATO should ready for battle: survey respondents

Vancouver must restore $5.7M to police budget

Vancouver must restore $5.7M to police budget
Vancouver police Chief Adam Palmer says a provincial report from the director of police services has ordered the city to restore $5.7 million to the department’s 2021 budget.

Vancouver must restore $5.7M to police budget

Transit Police investigate after bus operator bear sprayed in Vancouver

Transit Police investigate after bus operator bear sprayed in Vancouver
The driver was immediately overcome by the effects of the spray as his ability to breathe became impaired. He was treated on scene by the Vancouver Fire Department and while he did not suffer any serious physical injuries, the incident continues to have an impact on his mental well being.    

Transit Police investigate after bus operator bear sprayed in Vancouver