What is Causing the Sharp Decline of Canadian National Pride in Recent Polls?

December 19, 2024 TruthUSA

Commentary

Recent polling suggests a decline in pride in country among Canadians. Understanding the reasons behind this trend sheds light on how the public’s values have evolved over the past few decades.

Polling data published by the Angus Reid Institute on Dec. 13 shows a drop in the percentage of Canadians expressing a deep emotional attachment to Canada: from 65% in 1991 to 62% in 2016, and down to 49% this year.

Despite the decrease in national pride, there hasn’t been a significant increase in support for breaking up Canada or joining the United States. The percentages of respondents favoring these options have remained relatively low over the years.

However, there has been a rise in a more “transactional” concept of patriotism where pride in the country is linked to the standard of living. This sentiment has seen an increase from 1991 to 2024.

While Quebecers and Canadians in general have seen a decline in unconditional pride in the country, with every province outside Quebec showing a double-digit drop in the percentage of those expressing “deep emotional attachment” to Canada from 2016 to 2024, there are more significant differences across generational and gender lines.

Among older age groups, both men and women show high levels of unconditional pride in Canada. However, a shift towards transactional pride is evident in the 35-54 cohort, with a gender divide on the issue. In the youngest age group (18-34), a majority now endorse transactional pride over unconditional pride, with a noticeable gender gap.

Recent immigrants also exhibit lower levels of unconditional pride, with a change in sentiment based on the duration of their stay in Canada.

This shift towards transactional patriotism poses challenges for rallying the country in times of need and may impact civic engagement and public participation. Strengthening civics education in schools could be a step towards fostering national pride and a shared sense of identity among Canadians.

Addressing the decline in national pride may require further study, as unity is essential for a strong and prosperous nation.

Views expressed in this article are opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of The Epoch Times.

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