Breaking with tradition: poll finds that support for Canada’s constitutional relationship with the B

TORONTO, JULY 21, 2017 – In the sixth wave of the Campaign Research Poll, a national online public opinion omnibus survey conducted among a sample of 1,540 Canadian voters, close to one half favoured ending the British Monarch’s role as Canada’s Head of State (48%), while just one third favoured retaining the British Monarchy (34%). One fifth didn’t have an opinion on the matter (18%). Severing constitutional ties with the British Monarchy is especially supported by males (53%), rather than females (43%), Quebec residents (67%), Francophones (71%) and New Democrats (53%). Retaining the Monarchy is especially favoured by the oldest (55+ - 39%), BC (45%) and GTA (43%) residents as well as Conservative (43%) and Green Party voters (40%).

MAJORITY WANT SOME TIES TO MONARCHY TO REMAIN

Six in ten Canadians do not want to sever all ties with the Monarchy (60%). The balance, however, do (40%). Those who want keep some ties are likely to be the youngest (67%), females (66%), rather than males (54%), Ontario (69%) residents and those who live outside the GTA (70%), English speakers (66%) as well as Conservatives and Green Party voters (67% and 69%, respectively). Those who want to cut all ties are likely to be males (46%), rather than females (34%), Quebec residents (64%), Francophones (68%), federal New Democrats (45%) and the wealthy ($60K to $80K and $100K to $250K - 44% each).

MAJORITY HAVE NO CHANGE IN FEELINGS ABOUT THE MONARCHY

Close to 6 in 10 Canadians say their feelings towards the Monarchy have not changed (58%), while about one fifth felt their perception of the Monarchy is more negative (18%) than before. One fifth also felt their opinion about the British Monarchy was more positive from opinions previously held (17%). Boomers (55 to 64 - 22%), Quebecers (29%), Francophones (32%) and the wealthiest (23%) were most likely to have negatively changed their perceptions about the Monarchy.

TWO THIRDS AWARE QUEEN IS CANADA’S HEAD OF STATE

Interestingly, fewer than 6 in 10 Canadians claimed they knew their Head of State (59%), and, of this proportion of participants, the majority were generally correct, citing either Queen Elizabeth (42%) or the Governor General on behalf of the Queen (16%). Conversely, 41% of Canadians couldn't identify Canada’s Head of State, and among those that claim they did, 35% incorrectly cited Justin Trudeau. Two thirds claimed they were aware the Queen is Canada’s Head of State (64%). This figure is comprised of the oldest (71%), females (67%), rather than males (61%), Alberta (72%) and BC residents (71%), those who live in the GTA (74%), English speakers (68%), but not Francophones (47%), federal Conservatives (71%), as well as the wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 73%).

“While the majority of Canadians believe it is appropriate to maintain some ties to the British Monarchy, it’s clear half of Canadians do not agree that the British Queen or King should continue to be our Head of State and would like the Canadian government to reconsider its constitutional relationship with the Monarchy” said Eli Yufest, CEO of Campaign Research. Eli may be reached at eyufest@campaignresearch.ca or at (647) 931 4025, ext 109.

METHODOLOGY

This online poll was conducted between July 7 and July 10, among a panel of 1,540 Canadian voters. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5%, 19 out of 20 times.