From ‘eh’ to ‘meh’?
VANCOUVER – Are you proud to be a Canadian?
The years since the onset of COVID-19 have been a well-documented period of division and discord in this country, with Canadians expressing concerns about the lack of a “middle” option politically, an unwillingness from governments to work together for the people, weakening compassion and growing space between Canadians.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute find two broad trends underscoring these changes and signalling a challenge for national unity.
In 2016, 62 per cent of Canadians said they had a deep emotional attachment to Canada.
In 1991 that mark was three points higher (65%). Now in 2024 it is 13 points lower at 49%.
Even more dramatic is a drop in a sense of pride among Canadians. In 1985, 78% said they were “very proud” to be Canadian.
This dropped to 52% in 2016 and now by another 18 points to 34%.
The proportion who say they are either proud or very proud of their nationality has dropped precipitously from 79% to 58% over the past eight years.
To learn more about the poll and other findings visit angusreid.org.
