As Canadians are preparing for Canada Day, national pride isn’t what it used to be.
An Ipsos survey, conducted online with over a thousand participants, indicates that a significant 70% of Canadians perceive their country as “broken,” a sentiment that resonates most strongly with the Canadian youth and Conservative voters.
This stark outlook comes at a time when national pride appears to be waning; only a mere 16% of Canadians report feeling more proud of their nationality than they did five years ago.
The poll, which presents a snapshot of national sentiment just ahead of Canada Day, suggests that the festivities may be subdued this year.
Approximately 30% of Canadians are less inclined to partake in Canada Day events or to display the national flag, a symbol of unity and pride.
This reluctance to celebrate is mirrored in the way Canadians converse about their country with outsiders, with an equal 27% more or less likely to speak positively about Canada, though the scale is tipping towards a rise in negative sentiment.
Indigenous issues show a mixed bag of engagement.
While a third of Canadians express a heightened interest in learning about Indigenous history compared to five years ago, this interest has seen a decline over the past year.
The poll also highlights a downward trend in the expression of national pride. The concept of a “broken” Canada, as endorsed by Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, finds agreement among 70% of the surveyed population.
Notably, there was a higher concurrence from younger individuals aged 18 to 34 and those who identify as Conservative voters.
On the flip side, 30% disagree with the idea that the country was broken, with older Canadians, Quebec residents, and Liberal voters showing more resistance.
