The majority of Canadians see climate change as a significant threat to Canada’s economic future, according to a new Nanos Research survey conducted for CTV News and The Globe and Mail.
A majority also agrees that Canada’s reputation on the global stage has been hurt by our previous record on climate change.
Nanos surveyed 1,000 Canadians between Nov. 21 and Nov. 24, asking several questions about climate change and how it’s affecting the economy.
The survey found that:
- 73 per cent of Canadians either agree or somewhat agree that climate change represents a significant threat to our economic future. That sentiment was strongest in British Columbia, where 82 per cent of respondents agreed with the statement.
- Just under 70 per cent agreed or somewhat agreed that Canada’s reputation on the global stage has been hurt by our previous approach to climate change. Eighteen per cent said they disagreed with that statement, while the rest were neutral.
- 72 per cent believe that the science of climate change is irrefutable, with half saying they agree and 22 per cent saying they somewhat agree.
- The majority of respondents, or 66 per cent, said they support Canada going forward with new climate change targets, even if they result in significant job losses in the oil patch. About 30 per cent are opposed to the idea.
Support for ramped up climate change targets was lowest in the Prairies, where only 45 per cent agreed or somewhat agreed that targets are needed regardless of job losses in the oil industry.
When it comes to doing their part, 63 per cent of Canadians said they are willing to pay more for certain product in order to help the country meet its environmental commitments. Just under 25 per cent disagreed with the idea.
Survey methodology: Based on a RDD dual-frame (land-and cell-line) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,000 Canadians between Nov. 21, and 24, 2015 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for a survey of 1,000 Canadians is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
