Social Policy Preferences in Canada

Abstract

This chapter provides a comprehensive account of trends in public opinion toward social policy in Canada over time. Leveraging a unique dataset encompassing every social policy question asked in Gallup Canada polls and the Canadian Election Study from 1971 to 2021, the following descriptive analyses uncover several key insights. First, with the exception of Quebec, this chapter finds either overtime stability or a slow leftward shift in Canadian attitudes, depending on the province. Second, many differences between groups—including between the provinces and between men and women—have remained largely consistent over time, though young men, in particular, have become relatively more conservative than middle-aged and older women, who have become relatively more progressive. The chapter finds the most evidence of divergence among voters for the New Democrats and Liberals, on the one hand, and the Conservatives, on the other. Finally, the results indicate the short-term responsiveness of Canadians’ preferences to economic conditions, with support for the welfare state decreasing during economic downturns.