Conspiracy Theories

2 December 2023

From November 24 to 26, 2023, we surveyed Canadians and Americans to learn more about their beliefs in different conspiracy theories, including if mainstream media manipulates the information it disseminates, if John F. Kennedy’s assassination was a cover-up, if global warming is a hoax, and many more.

Download the report to learn more.

Some of the key highlights of our survey on conspiracy theories include…

79% of Canadians believe in at least one of the conspiracy theories we asked them about. Conservative voters (94%) are more likely to believe in at least one of the theories. Americans are more likely than Canadians to believe in conspiracy theories.

The most widely believed theories among Canadians are:

  • Mainstream media manipulates the information it disseminates (55%)
  • John F. Kennedy’s assassination was a cover-up (36%)
  • The car crash that killed Princess Diana was an assassination and not an accident (34%)
  • Scientists have found a cure for cancer, but the government and pharmaceutical companies withhold it (34%)

The less widely believed theories are the lunar landing being a hoax (11%) and the belief that the earth is flat (5%).

Methodology 

This web survey was conducted from November 24 to 26, 2023, with 1,529 Canadians and 1,001 Americans, 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 1,529 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.51%, 19 times out of 20, and a probability sample of 1,001 respondents would have a margin of error of ±3.1%, 19 times out of 20. 

Related Posts

Alberta Referendum: The Gap Widens as Voting Day Approaches

With Alberta's October 19 referendum just days away, support for remaining in Canada continues to strengthen. Our latest survey, conducted from October 14 to 16, finds that nearly three-quarters of Albertans favour remaining a province of Canada, while support for...

Federal Politics: Liberals Hold 15-Point Lead

Mark Carney's Liberals continue to lead in federal voting intentions, with satisfaction toward the government and approval of the Prime Minister holding steady. But Canadians' assessments of the government's progress vary considerably by issue. According to Leger's...

BC Election 2026: A Close Race With Voters Still in Play

With less than two weeks until British Columbians head to the polls, the provincial election remains a close race between the Conservatives and the NDP. According to Leger's latest BC election poll, the Conservatives hold a narrow two-point lead among decided voters,...

Metro Vancouver Municipal Election 2026: Voters Want Change

Metro Vancouver voters are heading into the 2026 municipal elections with a clear appetite for change, but much less certainty about who should deliver it. Just over half of residents across the Vancouver CMA (51%) say their city is on the wrong track, while 57%...

Get the latest in your inbox

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