This week, we conducted a survey of Canadians to explore their views on the conflicts in the Middle East.
- Canadians’ understanding of the conflict has modestly improved since June 2024. Just over half (51%) say they have a good understanding of the conflict between Israel, Hamas, and Palestinians (+2 points), and 15%, a very good understanding (+4 points).
- Views on Canada’s stance toward both sides of the conflict have stabilized, but with slight shifts. Regarding Israel, 30% now say Canada is too supportive (+4 points) and 29% say support is about right (+4 points). Only 13% think Canada is not supportive enough towards Israel. Opinions toward the Palestinians have also balanced, although there has been a sizeable increase in the percent of Canadians who say the government is too supportive: 35% say support is about right (+10 points), 25% say too supportive (+9 points), and 14% say not supportive enough (−7 points).
- Half of Canadians (50%) support Ottawa’s recognition of a Palestinian state, compared to 23% who oppose it. Support is strongest among NDP (71%), Liberal (70%) and Bloc Québécois (64%) voters, while opposition is concentrated among Conservatives (49%). However, skepticism remains about the peace impact of Canada’s stance: only 15% believe recognition of a Palestinian state makes peace more likely, while 20% say it makes peace less likely and 42% believe it will make no difference.
- There is a sense in the public that acts of discrimination is growing more frequent. Equal proportions (45%) feel that antisemitic and Islamophobic behavior are becoming more frequent in Canada. Both phenomena are perceived more strongly among older Canadians. Despite tensions, most still view Canada as safe for both Jewish (60%) and Muslim (62%) Canadians.
- On campus and in cities, the primary goal of pro-Palestinian demonstrations is viewed as showing support for Palestinians (23%) or stopping the war in Gaza (19%). Smaller shares think protests aim to criticize Israel (13%) or intimidate Jewish Canadians (11%), while one-quarter (26%) remain unsure.
Methodology
This online survey was conducted among 1,562 Canadian residents aged 18 or older, from October 3 to 5, 2025. Respondents were randomly recruited through 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 this size would have a margin of error of ±2.48%, 19 times out of 20.
