A new Maru/Blue Public Opinion Survey released today finds that Canadians have the highest level of concern of catching the COVID-19 virus since polling began on March 17, 2020. Seven in ten (70%) of Canadians voice concern as the variant virus becomes rampant in certain parts of the country, up from 64 percent in September and 52% in March 2020. The heightened concern is also driving expectations of getting the vaccine: a majority (55%) say they would get the vaccine immediately if they could (up 19 points from 36% since September 29, 2020).

As COVID-19 infections, related deaths, and clogged ICU’s escalate across the country, provinces and regions have begun to either implement or extend a variety of restrictive measures on their citizens. The following are the results of a Maru/Blue Public Opinion survey that tested support among Canadians for various potential rules that might be extended or newly implemented in order to curb the spread of the virus over the next thirty (30) days.

The latest quarterly approval ratings of Canada’s premiers finds that Manitoba premier Brian Pallister has been Grinched: he may have created a viral moment as “the guy who is stealing Christmas” by “having the guts” to tell Manitobans to do “the right thing” by staying apart this holiday season, but his citizenry has sent him down the coal chute by a whopping 19 points since the last sounding. Hoping Manitobans would respect him years from now for making the pronouncement, he’s now the premier with the lowest approval ratings in the country (35%).

December 21, 2020—A new survey conducted by Maru/Blue Public Opinion for “Project Canada 2020” led by Reginald Bibby, OC, PhD, a leading sociologist from the University of Lethbridge, finds that six in 10 (61%) Canadians either definitely believe (32%) or think (29%) it could be the case that God exists. Alternatively, four in 10 (39%) Canadians either definitely do not (15%) or don’t think (24%) God exists.

Canadians indicate that they are spending considerably less on gifts this holiday season compared to what they spent in 2019—over one third (36%) say they will tighten the wallet compared to just one in 10 (10%) who say they will be spending more. The difference is a surmised comparable spending volume deficit of -26. That being said, the average gift giving spending budget for the 2020 holiday season is $538.81 – and Canadians indicate that they are already 60 percent through their budget.

According to a Maru/Matchbox survey released today in collaboration with the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) in partnership with University of British Columbia researchers, the second wave of the pandemic has intensified feelings of stress and anxiety, causing alarming levels of despair, suicidal thoughts and hopelessness in the Canadian population.

A national sounding of the Canadians by Maru/Blue Public Opinion finds that despite Prime minister Justin Trudeau’s pledge to have a majority of Canadians vaccinated by September 2021, a majority (55%) of Canadians expect to be able to do so by the end of June 2021.

While most Canadians agree that 2020 deserves a lump of coal in its stocking, a survey by Maru/Blue Public Opinion for Tangerine Bank finds they also agree that there is still a lot to celebrate during the upcoming holiday season. The data uncovered from the survey showcases how Canadians perceive debt in light of COVID-19, how and where they're spending their money, how they still plan on spending this holiday season, and what will be foremost on their gift giving list.

Unhealthy Skepticism: Almost half (46%) of Canadians don’t believe real medical evidence is being used to shut down areas of their provincial economy or curtail citizens in their municipality due to COVID-19.

A study conducted by Maru/Blue Public Opinion for Volvo Cars Canada finds that one third (33%) of Canadian homeowners agree that the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way they view their home.

A survey by Maru/Blue Public Opinion conducted for CIBC finds that four in ten (40%) Canadians are concerned about their post work lifestyle goals because of COVID-19 and that one quarter (23%) have not been able to contribute to their retirement savings since the pandemic began.

Trudeau government gets majority support for overall direction and governing, management of finances and taxpayer dollars, but comes with caution on growing deficit. Majority support for measures in all provinces and regions except Alberta, but half (51%) believe Liberals just cater to those who vote for them.