COVID-19 and Trust: A Postmedia – Leger Poll

May 26, 2021

From May 14-16, 2021, on behalf of Postmedia, Leger conducted an online survey among Canadians to explore how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted their trust in various people and institutions.

SOME OF THE KEY FINDINGS OF OUR SURVEY ON COVID-19 AND TRUST INCLUDE…

  • Canadians have stronger levels of trust in science and health measures (need for lockdowns, vaccine safety, and infection rates) and lower levels of trust in actions specifically tied to government action (protecting Canada’s borders or enforcement of public health orders).
  • There has been a significant erosion of trust in government and public health bodies as a result of the pandemic.
  • Half of Canadians do not agree the federal government’s efforts to secure the country’s borders against the spread of the virus have been effective. They support expanded and tougher measures.

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

  • 1,516 residents of Canada aged 18 or older were surveyed online using Leger’s online panel, LEO, from May 14-16, 2021.
  • Using data from the 2016 Census, the results were weighted according to age, gender, and region in order to ensure a representative sample of the population.
  • As a non-probability internet survey, a margin of error is technically not to be reported. If the data were collected through a random sample, the margin of error for a sample of n~1,500 would be ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20.

DOWNLOAD OUR FULL REPORT BELOW FOR MORE INFORMATION.

Related Posts

Canada in 2025: A Year Marked by Uncertainty, Strain and Resilience

As 2025 comes to an end, Leger wanted to reflect on the key events that shaped the year. According to its most recent national survey, Canadians are reflecting on 2025 as a period defined more by uncertainty and turbulence than optimism. At the same time, the results...

Holiday Season: A Meaningful but Stressful Time for Many Canadians

As the holiday season approaches, a new Leger survey reveals that Canadians are entering this time of year with mixed emotions. While many see it as a period of celebration and enjoyment, others associate it with stress, worry, or fatigue. According to the findings,...

How Vaccine Confidence in Canada Is Shifting

From vaccine mandates during COVID-19 to misinformation from public figures, vaccines remain a constant topic in Canada’s public discourse. The issue gained renewed urgency when Canada lost its measles elimination status in 2025. To understand how opinions have...

Get the latest in your inbox

Stay up to date on cutting-edge research, news and more.