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Canadians’ National Pride at an All-Time High Amid American Threats
A recent survey indicates a notable increase in Canadian national pride, likely spurred by U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and other threats to Canadian sovereignty. Conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies, the poll reveals that pride in Canadian identity has risen significantly, from 80% in November 2024 to 86% currently.
The poll, which involved responses from over 1,500 Canadians between March 1 and March 2, shows that the highest levels of pride are among individuals aged 55 and older, at 92%. Among those aged 35 to 54, 86% reported feeling pride in their nationality, while the figure drops to 75% for those between 18 and 34 years old.
Participation in the poll was online, so a margin of error cannot be calculated. However, it highlights a significant trend of increased pride across various regions of Canada.
The surge in national pride is especially pronounced in provinces like Quebec, Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia. In Quebec, pride climbed from 81% to 86% since November. Ontario saw a jump from 80% to 87%, while in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, pride increased from 77% to 86%. British Columbia witnessed the most considerable shift, with pride rising from 70% to 90%.
However, not all regions reported growth; Atlantic Canada and Alberta experienced slight declines. In Atlantic Canada, pride decreased from 91% to 89%, while in Alberta, it dropped from 84% to 74%. Additionally, the poll highlighted demographic variations, revealing that francophone Canadians aged 18 to 34 expressed higher pride (80%) compared to their anglophone counterparts (74%). Conversely, in older age groups, anglophones demonstrated higher pride levels compared to francophones.
Unity Through Shared Challenges
Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Metropolis Institute and the Association for Canadian Studies, remarked on the implications of these findings. He noted that the current climate, especially the threats posed by the Trump administration, has prompted Canadians to reevaluate their national identity and unity. “The threats have really made Canadians think about the value of their country,” he stated, emphasizing that shared adversities can foster a strong sense of belonging.
Former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien added that the political climate under Trump has indeed united Canadians in ways not seen before. “It’s creating a powerful sense of unity,” he said, which reflects a growing collective consciousness of what it means to be Canadian.
In another poll conducted simultaneously, the data revealed that 53% of Canadians believe they have more in common with Americans than with other nationalities. However, 78% of participants stated that there are shared values that differentiate Canadians from Americans. Characteristics such as being welcoming, friendly, and respectful of civil rights were among the key distinctions noted by respondents.
Jedwab concluded that perceptions of American behaviors—often characterized as aggressive—serve to reinforce a positive self-image among Canadians. The Canadian Research Insights Council, which oversees the integrity of polling practices, has noted that online surveys lack a margin of error due to non-random sampling methods.
Source
globalnews.ca