The current conflict between Hamas and Israel has resulted in protests in Canada, some of which have turned violent. In addition, there has been a significant increase in reports of hate crimes.
From November 17 to 19, 2023, we surveyed Canadians about their perceptions of the impact this conflict thousands of miles away is having on their own communities, and their views on what diversity in Canada means when it comes to newcomers and themselves.
Some of the key highlights of our survey on diversity in Canada include…
- The majority (78%) of Canadians are concerned about how a conflict thousands of miles away is having an impact on communities here in Canada. More than one-third (36%) are very concerned.
- Half (51%) feel the government and other institutions should do more to encourage newcomers to Canada to embrace the Canadian values of liberalism and tolerance of people of other faiths, races, and orientations.
Most Canadians see the strength that diversity brings to the country, but feel there are pitfalls as well.
- 56% believe that some elements of diversity can provide strength, but some elements of diversity can cause problems/conflict in Canada.
- Three-quarters (75%) believe that an individual who has non-permanent status while in Canada and publicly expresses hatred toward a minority group or expresses support for any organization listed by the Canadian government as a terrorist group should not be allowed to stay in Canada.
- While 69% think that Canadian universities should be places where dissenting opinions can be aired and discussed in a civil and constructive manner, 48% actually believe they are places where this happens.
Methodology
This web survey was conducted from November 17 to 19, 2023, with 1,531 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, randomly recruited from LEO’s online panel. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey. For comparison, a probability sample of 1,531 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.50 %, 19 times out of 20.