The Value and State of Fresh Water and Appropriate Responses to Freshwater Issues Survey
Final Report
Prepared for Environment and Climate Change Canada
Supplier Name: Environics Research
Contract Number: K1A00-220055/001/CY
Contract Value: $39,922.09 (including HST)
Award Date: 2021-05-11
Delivery Date: 2021-07-27
Registration Number: POR 005-21
Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français.
The Value and
State of Fresh Water and Appropriate Responses to Freshwater Issues Survey
Final report
Prepared for Environment and Climate Change Canada by Environics Research
July 2021
This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Public Services and Procurement Canada.
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Public Services and Procurement Canada, 2020.
ISBN 978-0-660-41188-0
Aussi offert en français sous le titre
« Sondage sur la valeur et l’état de l’eau douce et les réponses appropriées aux problčmes liés ŕ l’eau douce »
Table of Contents
E. Political neutrality statement and contact information
1. General Perceptions and Value of Fresh Water
2. Communicating with Canadians about Fresh Water
3. Knowledge and Connection to Fresh Water
III. Appendix B: Questionnaire
The 2019 Mandate Letter to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change called on the Minister to:
With the support of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, create a new Canada Water Agency (CWA) to work together with the provinces, territories, Indigenous communities, local authorities, scientists and others to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean and well managed.
Develop further protections and take active steps to clean up the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake Simcoe and other large lakes.
A supplementary mandate letter, issued on January 15, 2021, reaffirmed the CWA commitment. It directed the Minister of ECCC to “With the support of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Minister of Natural Resources and the Special Representative for the Prairies, continue work to create a new Canada Water Agency….”.
To deliver on these dual commitments, ECCC has sought external input through national and regional policy forums, online tools, and other forms of engagement. Most participants have had a solid knowledge base and a strong personal or professional interest in fresh water. Thus, they represent a relatively small segment of the Canadian public.
The purpose of this public opinion research study is to complement ECCC’s previous engagement on the freshwater commitments by assessing the general population’s views on:
· The value and state of fresh water
· The appropriate responses to freshwater issues.
The findings of this study provide ECCC with an up-to-date understanding of public sentiment. ECCC intends to use the information to:
· Inform the implementation of the mandate letter commitments (and potentially other Government of Canada policies and programs)
· Inform external outreach and communications strategies for the CWA and large lakes initiative.
Environics Research conducted an online survey with 2,001 Canadians (aged 16 and older), from June 11 to June 19, 2021. The sample was stratified to ensure robust sample sizes across regions. Data was weighted approximately by region, age and gender to reflect the Canadian population according to the 2016 Census.
Survey respondents were recruited from registered members of an opt-in online panel. Since a sample drawn from an online panel is not a random probability sample, no formal estimates of sampling error can be calculated.
More information about the methodology for research is included in Appendix A of the full report.
The contract value was $39,922.09 (HST included).
The survey results reveal that most Canadians consider fresh water to be among the most important natural resources in the country because of its value to the health of Canadians and to the environment.
Canadians believe the current quality of fresh water nationwide is in good shape, but are uncertain there is enough to meet long-term needs. They also hold mixed views about whether fresh water is being adequately protected, and anticipate that issues like water pollution and loss of wetlands will worsen over the next decade.
Most Canadians do not feel knowledgeable about fresh water, which is evident in their relatively elementary understanding of the threats facing fresh water in Canada – they tend to focus on “pollution” writ large and on industry, with limited mention of household (over)use. Similarly, many place responsibility on governments to regulate industry and prevent water pollution. The results suggest the need for greater awareness of individual Canadians’ role in and responsibility for fresh water protection in Canada.
Value of fresh water
· There is a broad consensus that fresh water is one of Canada’s most important natural resources; nearly half (46%) rate it as the most important natural resource in Canada (well ahead of forests and oil & gas, each at 17%), and seven in ten (72%) rank it among their top three choices. The importance of fresh water is linked most closely to the health of Canadians (87%), wildlife, and ecosystems (85%); as well as to food production (85%), quality of life (83%) and Canada’s beauty (80%), all of which rank ahead of its perceived value to economic prosperity, industry, recreation, culture and Indigenous reconciliation.
State of and threats to fresh water
· There is broad but modest concern about the quality of fresh water in Canada, with three in four (75%) saying they are at least somewhat concerned, but only three in ten who are very concerned. This reflects general optimism that water quality in Canada is currently excellent or good (86%, vs. 11% who say it is only fair or poor). Despite general positivity about the current state of fresh water quality in Canada, there are mixed views about its trajectory over the past ten years. Roughly three in ten believe fresh water quality has declined in the past decade, while roughly equal proportions think it has stayed the same (32%) or improved (28%).
· Canadians express uncertainty that the supply of fresh water is adequate for our long-term needs. Only one in five (22%) are very confident, 55% are only somewhat confident, and 18% are not confident.
· When asked to name the biggest threat to Canada’s fresh water, half (50%) of the population points to pollution, followed by industry (21%) and climate change (10%). By comparison, relatively few mention household waste of water (6%) as a problem. Looking ahead ten years, a majority believes that the major issues affecting fresh water, like pollution and loss of wetlands, are bound to worsen over time.
Appropriate response to issues
· After considering the state of and potential threats to fresh water, there are mixed views about whether fresh water in Canada is adequately protected. Over half of Canadians (55%) rate current efforts as excellent or good, compared to almost four in ten (38%) who rate them only fair or poor (8% are unsure).
· Suggestions for how to better protect fresh water in Canada focus on the role of governments in monitoring and regulating, as well as creating disincentives, such as fines for polluters and fees for overuse.
· When presented with the possibility, four of five (80%) agree that protection of Canada’s fresh water could be improved if there was more collaboration between different levels of government and different jurisdictions.
Communicating about fresh water
· When asked to rank arguments in favour of protecting Canada’s fresh water, leaving clean fresh water for future generations was ranked most compelling, with 64 percent selected this among their top three choices. Other strong arguments include safeguarding the health of Canadians (57% top three) and ensuring that wildlife and ecosystems have the fresh water they need (57% top three).
· Canadians do not feel particularly well informed about the state of fresh water in Canada: only two in ten (19%) say they are extremely or very informed. Overall, Canadians most often rely on television (40%) or the internet (35%) for information about fresh water. However, generational differences are evident, with younger Canadians more likely to turn to social media or the internet, and older Canadians more likely to find information through TV or government communications.
Differences by population segment
· The study results uncover differences in perceptions between generations of Canadians. Those 55 or older are more likely to say fresh water quality has declined in the past ten years (24%), and to predict that freshwater issues will further worsen over time (with the exception of water pollution, which all age groups equally anticipate will become more serious). Older Canadians 55 and up are also more likely than those under 35 to have concerns about freshwater protection in Canada.
· Among Canadians who live near fresh water, and those working in jobs that rely on fresh water; there is higher confidence that the current state of fresh water in Canada is good. However, there are also higher levels of concern about it worsening in the future.
I hereby certify as a senior officer of Environics that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, and Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.
Sarah Roberton
Vice President, Corporate and Public Affairs
Environics Research
(613) 793-2229
Supplier name: Environics Research
PWGSC contract number: K1A00-220055/001/CY
Original contract date: 2021-05-11
This report begins with an executive summary outlining key findings and conclusions, followed by detailed analysis of the quantitative results. A detailed set of “banner tables” is provided under separate cover; this presents results for all survey questions by segments such as region, age and gender.
The results are expressed as percentages unless otherwise noted. Results may not add up to 100% due to rounding or multiple responses. Net results cited in the text may not exactly match individual results shown in the charts due to rounding. Findings in this report are based on the online panel sample of 2,001 Canadians. Unless otherwise noted, all demographic comparisons (age, gender, region, income, education, etc.) are based on this sample.
Nearly half of Canadians rate fresh water as Canada's most important natural resource. Seven in ten Canadians identify fresh water among the top three most important natural resources, and a similar proportion overall mention forests.
Most Canadians consider fresh water to be an important natural resource in Canada. More than seven in ten Canadians (72%) rank fresh water within the first, second or third spot compared to other natural resources, with nearly half (46%) ranking it as their first choice. While a similar proportion overall (68%) name forests in their top three choices, Canadians are nearly three times as likely to rank fresh water as their first choice (46% vs. 17% for forests).
Ranking of most important natural resource in Canada
|
Natural Resource |
Ranked 1st |
Ranked 2nd |
Ranked 3rd |
Ranked 1-3rd |
|
Fresh water |
46% |
14% |
12% |
72% |
|
Forests |
17% |
31% |
20% |
68% |
|
Oil & gas |
17% |
13% |
14% |
45% |
|
Agricultural land |
10% |
21% |
21% |
52% |
|
Minerals and metals |
4% |
9% |
14% |
27% |
|
Fisheries |
4% |
10% |
15% |
29% |
|
Coal |
1% |
3% |
3% |
7% |
Q5. In your view, which of the following are Canada’s three most important natural resources?
Groups more likely to rank fresh water as Canada’s most important natural resource include:
· Canadians aged 55 or older (51%).
· Residents of Ontario (50%).
Importance of Fresh Water to Canadian Life
Freshwater is rated as most important to the health of humans and the environment, to food production, and to quality of life and the country’s natural beauty. Comparatively fewer respondents – although still a majority – link fresh water to economic prosperity and industry, recreation and culture and Indigenous reconciliation.
A majority of Canadians rate fresh water as extremely or very important to almost all of the aspects addressed in the survey, but the results suggest some prioritization. The aspects most closely linked to fresh water are people’s health (87%), the environment (85% wildlife and ecosystems), agriculture and food production (85%), quality of life (83%) and Canada’s natural beauty (80%).
A second tier, for which fresh water is rated less important, includes economic prosperity, recreation, identity and culture, Canadian industry, and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. Note that Canadians do not distinguish between the importance of fresh water to their province’s economy or culture versus the economy or culture of Canada as a whole. Moreover, Canadians rate fresh water as more important to recreation (65%) and culture (63%) as a whole than to their own personal leisure (49%) or culture (53%).
Importance of values to Canada’s fresh water
|
Measure of importance |
NET: Important |
Extremely important |
Very important |
Somewhat important |
Not very important |
Not at all important |
Not sure |
|
The health of people living in Canada |
87% |
55% |
31% |
10% |
1% |
1% |
1% |
|
Wildlife and ecosystems |
85% |
51% |
33% |
13% |
1% |
0% |
1% |
|
Canadian agriculture and food production |
85% |
45% |
40% |
11% |
2% |
0% |
1% |
|
The overall quality of life in Canada |
83% |
47% |
37% |
14% |
2% |
0% |
1% |
|
The natural beauty of Canada |
80% |
42% |
38% |
16% |
2% |
0% |
1% |
|
Canada’s economic wealth and prosperity |
72% |
33% |
40% |
21% |
4% |
1% |
2% |
|
Province’s economic wealth and prosperity |
71% |
33% |
38% |
23% |
4% |
1% |
2% |
|
Recreation/enjoyment of the outdoors |
65% |
27% |
38% |
29% |
4% |
1% |
1% |
|
Canada’s identity and culture |
63% |
26% |
37% |
26% |
7% |
2% |
2% |
|
Province’s identity and culture |
63% |
27% |
36% |
27% |
7% |
2% |
2% |
|
Canadian industry |
60% |
23% |
37% |
30% |
5% |
2% |
3% |
|
Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples |
58% |
31% |
27% |
23% |
9% |
5% |
5% |
|
Your personal culture and identity |
53% |
21% |
32% |
28% |
13% |
4% |
2% |
|
Your personal leisure |
49% |
19% |
30% |
35% |
12% |
2% |
2% |
Q7. How would you rate the importance of Canada’s fresh water to each of the following:
In general, Canadians aged 35+ and women rate the importance of fresh water to people’s health, the environment, agriculture and food production, quality of life, and Canada’s natural beauty more highly.
However, younger Canadians (between 16-34 years old) and those with lower household incomes are most likely to rate fresh water as extremely or very important to reconciliation with Indigenous people and personal culture and identity.
Three in four Canadians are at least somewhat concerned about the quality of fresh water in Canada, but only a minority are very concerned, suggesting Canadians do not see an immediate threat to the state of our fresh water.
A three-quarters majority (75%) of Canadians are personally concerned about the quality of fresh water in Canada, with three in ten (30%) feeling very concerned and close to half (45%) somewhat concerned.
Concern about quality of Canada’s fresh water
|
Level of Concern |
NET: Concerned |
Very concerned |
Somewhat concerned |
Not very concerned |
Not at all concerned |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population, n = 2,001) |
75% |
30% |
45% |
19% |
4% |
2% |
Q6. How concerned are you personally about the quality of fresh water in Canada?
Strong concern (i.e. very concerned) about the quality of fresh water in Canada is higher among:
· Residents of Ontario (34%).
· Women (33% vs. 27% men).
· Canadians who have an annual income of $40k or less (37%).
Canadians are largely positive about the quality of fresh water in Canada, with nearly nine in ten rating national freshwater and eight in ten rated their provincial freshwater as excellent or good.
Quality of fresh water
|
Quality of fresh water in Canada/Your province/territory |
NET: Excellent/good |
Excellent |
Good |
Only fair |
Poor |
Not sure |
|
Canada as a whole |
86% |
32% |
55% |
10% |
1% |
2% |
|
Your province/territory |
80% |
26% |
54% |
14% |
2% |
4% |
Q8. Overall, how would you rate the quality of fresh water in Canada?
Q10. How would you rate the quality of fresh water in [PIPE IN PROVINCE / TERRITORY]?
Regional and demographic variation in perceptions of water quality are similar at both the national and provincial level. In general (but not in all cases), positive perceptions of water quality are higher among residents of Alberta, British Columbia, and Quebec; men; those with a university degree; and Canadians with a household income above $100K.
Change in Quality of Canada’s Fresh Water Over Time
There are mixed views about the state of fresh water compared to ten years ago. Roughly equal proportions of Canadians say the quality of water has improved, stayed the same, or declined.
Perceptions are divided about whether the quality of fresh water in Canada has improved (28%), stayed the same (32%) or declined (31%) over the past 10 years. The survey responses suggest a fair degree of uncertainty, as more Canadians say quality has only slightly changed in either direction (i.e. improved a little or declined a little), as opposed to asserting a stronger position (i.e. improved a lot or declined a lot).
Change in quality of fresh water versus 10 years ago
|
Quality of fresh water over time |
NET: Improved |
Improved a lot |
Improved a little |
Stayed the same |
Declined a little |
Declined a lot |
NET: |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population, |
28% |
8% |
20% |
32% |
26% |
5% |
31% |
9% |
Q9. Compared with 10 years ago, would you say the quality of fresh water in Canada has…?
The perception that fresh water quality in Canada has improved (a little or a lot) skews to:
· Canadians aged 16 to 34 (39%) and men (30%).
· Residents of Quebec (30%).
The perception that quality of fresh water in Canada has declined skews to:
· Canadians aged 55 or older (39%).
· Residents of Manitoba / Saskatchewan (39%).
Canadians are generally optimistic that Canada has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs, but only one in five are very confident. Canadians hold comparable views about water supply in their own province.
Relatively few Canadians (22%) are fully confident that Canada has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs. Canadians are most likely to feel only somewhat confident (55%) in the adequacy of our fresh water supply, while almost one in five (18%) are not confident. Their level of confidence in fresh water supply in their own province or territory is almost identical.
Confidence in fresh water supply
|
Level of confidence |
NET: Confident |
Very confident |
Somewhat confident |
Not very confident |
Not at all confident |
Not sure |
|
Canada as a whole |
77% |
22% |
55% |
15% |
3% |
6% |
|
Your province/territory |
76% |
23% |
53% |
15% |
3% |
6% |
Q11. How confident are you that Canada as a whole has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs?
Q12. How confident are you that province/territory has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs?
At the national level, men are the only demographic sub-group that is
more likely to be very confident in Canada’s long-term water supply
nationally (28% very confident). Men are equally confident about their
provincial water supply (28% very confident). Those living in British Columbia,
Alberta, and Quebec are more likely to say they are very confident in
their province’s long-term water supplies compared to those in other provinces.
Biggest Threats to Canada’s Fresh Water
When asked about the top threats to Canada’s fresh water, Canadians identify pollution as the top threat, followed by industry and climate change.
When asked about the top threat to Canada’s fresh water (unprompted, without providing response categories), Canadians are most likely to say pollution (50%). Industry-related threats (including wasteful use by companies and agriculture) are mentioned second-most often (21%). Global warming or climate change were mentioned by close to one in ten (10%). Relatively few mention wasteful use by individuals/households(6%).
Threats to Canada’s fresh water
|
Perceived threats to Canada’s fresh water |
Canadians (general population, n=2,001) |
|
Pollution (Net) |
50% |
|
Industry (Net) |
21% |
|
Global warming / climate change |
10% |
|
Wasteful use by individual consumers |
6% |
|
Mass exports of water to the United States |
4% |
|
Wasteful use (general) |
3% |
|
Government (Net) |
3% |
|
Inadequate water infrastructure |
2% |
|
Other |
10% |
|
Nothing/no threat |
2% |
|
Not sure |
7% |
Q13. What do you think is the top threat to Canada’s fresh water?
Pollution is mentioned more or less often by some sub-groups:
· Residents of Ontario mention pollution more often than other regions (55%), while Albertans are less likely to mention pollution as a threat (35%).
· Women (56%) and younger Canadians between 16-34 (54%) are more likely to mention pollution.
Groups more likely to identify industry as the biggest threat:
· Canadians aged 55+ (23%).
· Residents of British Columbia (25%).
· Canadians with a post-graduate degree (26%).
Groups more likely to cite global warming/climate change as the biggest threat:
· Residents of Alberta (14%).
Seriousness of Issues Facing Canada’s Fresh Water
Looking ahead to the next ten years, majorities believe that each of the seven listed freshwater issues, particularly water pollution, will become more serious over time.
Canadians were asked about the future outlook for seven different freshwater issues; majorities (ranging from 53 to 71%) believe that each will become much or somewhat more serious over the next ten years. Most of the remainder foresee no change in the seriousness of these issues; very few (6% or fewer) believe these issues will actually become less serious.
Water pollution is ranked as most likely to worsen (71%) over the next ten years; this dovetails with results from the previous question, where pollution topped the list of perceived threats to fresh water. Notably, flooding is perceived as least likely to worsen (53%), despite the fact that climate change has been linked to increased flooding.
Seriousness of issues facing Canada’s fresh water
|
Taken action |
NET: ‘More Serious’ |
Much more serious |
Somewhat more serious |
Same as today |
Somewhat less serious |
Much less serious |
Not sure |
|
Water pollution |
71% |
31% |
40% |
19% |
4% |
1% |
5% |
|
Loss of wetlands |
66% |
26% |
40% |
22% |
3% |
1% |
8% |
|
Issues related to water infrastructure |
64% |
22% |
42% |
25% |
4% |
1% |
6% |
|
Increased consumption of fresh water |
62% |
21% |
41% |
27% |
3% |
1% |
7% |
|
Changes in groundwater levels |
61% |
19% |
42% |
27% |
3% |
1% |
8% |
|
Droughts |
60% |
19% |
40% |
28% |
4% |
2% |
7% |
|
Flooding |
53% |
15% |
38% |
34% |
4% |
1% |
7% |
Q14. Over the next 10 years, do you think that the following will become more or less serious in Canada?
Belief that various freshwater issues will worsen over time is generally higher among those 55+, Ontario residents and women.
Residents of Quebec, and those living in Manitoba / Saskatchewan, are more likely to believe that droughts will become more serious over the next decade. Residents of Quebec and Atlantic Canada are more likely to expect flooding to worsen. These results likely reflect recent floods and/or droughts in these regions.
Protection of Canada’s Fresh Water
While more than half of Canadians say the protection of Canada’s fresh water is good or excellent, close to four in ten describe it as “only fair” or “poor”.
Canadians have mixed views about how well fresh water is currently protected in Canada. While a majority of Canadians (55%) hold positive perceptions of freshwater protection in Canada, very few rate it as excellent (9%). Almost four in ten rate freshwater protection as only fair (31%) or poor (7%).
Protection of Canada’s fresh water
|
Perception of Protection |
NET:
Excellent/ |
Excellent |
Good |
Only fair |
Poor |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population, n = 2,001) |
55% |
9% |
46% |
31% |
7% |
8% |
Q15. In
Canada, fresh water protection involves various
players and levels of government. Overall, how would you rate the protection of
fresh water in Canada?
The following groups are more likely to rate current freshwater protections as
only fair or poor:
How to Protect Canada’s Fresh Water
To better protect Canada’s fresh water, four in ten Canadians suggest further government oversight in the form of monitoring and regulations. The second-most suggested action is imposing water use limits or penalties for excessive water use, followed by reducing pollution.
When asked what more should be done to protect Canada’s fresh water (open-ended question, without providing response options), Canadians tend to favour top-down solutions. Four in ten Canadians (38%) mention government regulation, including monitoring, protection, and regulation of industry. Two in ten Canadians (19%) suggest punitive measures, like water use limits, fees and increased penalties for rule-breakers, while a similar proportion (17%) suggest reducing pollution, including plastics and sewage.
How to protect Canada’s Fresh Water
|
Ways to protect Canada’s fresh water |
Canadians (general population, n=2,001) |
|
Government regulation (Net) |
38% |
|
Limits and penalties (Net) |
19% |
|
Reduce pollution / plastic / sewage in water |
17% |
|
Awareness/education |
5% |
|
Better water infrastructure/filtration system/more cleaning/recycling |
5% |
|
Stop selling our fresh water to bottling companies/foreign countries |
4% |
|
Protect our wetlands/ecosystem |
3% |
|
Stop building near fresh water |
2% |
|
Other |
4% |
|
Nothing /no suggestions |
22% |
Q16. In your view, what more should be done to protect Canada’s fresh water?
Government action was the most common suggestion across sub-groups, with similar proportions of Canadians mentioning it regardless of demographic.
Limits and penalties are suggested more often by Canadians aged 55+ (22%), and less often by residents of Saskatchewan / Manitoba (11%).
Reducing pollution in water is mentioned more often by Canadians aged 55+ (19%) and women (19% vs 15% men). It is suggested less often by those in British Columbia (10%) and Alberta (12%).
Most Canadians agree that a lack of collaboration between governments is a barrier to the protection of Canada’s fresh water.
A strong majority of Canadians (80%) agree that water management, which is a shared responsibility of governments in Canada, is impacted by a lack of collaboration, ultimately hindering the protection of Canada’s fresh water. Six percent disagree, while fourteen percent are unsure.
Responsibility for water management
|
Agree on lack of collaboration |
Net: Agree |
Strongly agree |
Somewhat agree |
Somewhat disagree |
Strongly disagree |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population n = 2,001) |
80% |
29% |
51% |
5% |
1% |
14% |
Q22. In Canada, responsibility for water management is shared between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments (and in some instances, by the territories and Indigenous governments under self-government agreements). Furthermore, some of Canada’s waterways cross provincial, territorial, and international borders. To what extent do you agree that a lack of collaboration between governments hinders the protection of Canada’s fresh water?
When it comes to protecting Canada’s fresh water, the following groups are most likely to say they strongly agree that there is a lack of collaboration among those responsible:
· Canadians aged 55 or older (33%).
· Residents of Ontario (31%).
Canadians rate “leaving clean fresh water for future generations”, “safeguarding health”, and the “protection of wildlife and ecosystems” as the strongest arguments for protecting fresh water in Canada.
Survey respondents were given a list of potential reasons for protecting fresh water in Canada and asked to choose the three strongest. Leaving clean fresh water for future generations ranks as the most important argument for freshwater protection (64% placed it in their top three). Arguments about protecting fresh water to safeguard the health of Canadians (57%) and protect wildlife and ecosystems (56%) round out the top three.
The next strongest argument for protecting fresh water is ensuring Canada remains water rich (35%). The remaining arguments are each ranked highly by no more than one in five Canadians.
In an open-ended follow-up question, few Canadians offer arguments for protecting fresh water beyond the ones suggested.
Arguments for protecting fresh water in Canada
|
Arguments for protecting fresh water in Canada |
Ranked 1st |
Ranked 2nd |
Ranked 3rd |
Net: Ranked 1st-3rd |
|
To leave clean fresh water for future generations |
24% |
21% |
18% |
64% |
|
To safeguard the health of Canadians |
26% |
17% |
15% |
57% |
|
To ensure that wildlife and ecosystems have the freshwater they need |
16% |
21% |
19% |
56% |
|
To ensure that Canada remains water rich |
10% |
11% |
13% |
35% |
|
To maintain Canada’s natural beauty |
5% |
7% |
8% |
20% |
|
To uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples |
4% |
6% |
5% |
15% |
|
To support water-dependent industries and jobs |
3% |
4% |
5% |
12% |
|
To protect water-related recreational and leisure activities |
3% |
3% |
5% |
10% |
|
Because its integral to our national identity and culture |
3% |
2% |
4% |
9% |
|
To serve as a role model for other nations |
2% |
2% |
3% |
8% |
|
To improve Canada’s international reputation |
2% |
2% |
2% |
7% |
|
To meet Canada’s obligations to the US on boundary/transboundary waterways |
2% |
2% |
2% |
6% |
Q20. In your view, what are the top three strongest arguments for protecting fresh water in Canada?
The top three arguments are common across all regions and demographic sub-groups. Younger Canadians (16 to 24) are more likely to select other arguments, but not enough to displace any of the top three in the overall ranking.
Canadians do not feel particularly well informed about the state of fresh water in Canada.
Canadians rate themselves quite modestly when it comes to their knowledge of fresh water in Canada. Nearly four in ten feel somewhat informed (39%), a similar proportion (37%) feel not very or not at all informed; and only two in ten (19%) say they are very or extremely informed.
Self-rated knowledge of fresh water in Canada
|
Knowledge |
Net: Informed |
Extremely informed |
Very informed |
Somewhat informed |
Not very informed |
Not at all informed |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population, n = 2,001) |
19% |
5% |
15% |
39% |
30% |
7% |
4% |
Q17. How informed do you feel about the state of fresh water in Canada?
Feeling extremely or very informed about the state of fresh water in Canada is highest among:
· Canadians aged 16-34 (33%), men (24%) and those with post-graduate degrees (26%).
Feeling not very or not at all informed about the state of fresh water is highest among:
· Canadians aged 35 and older (40%) and women (44%).
· Residents of Quebec (43%) and Atlantic provinces (44%).
There is room for improvement in Canadians’ awareness of where their household water comes from, with just over half saying they know the original source.
A slim majority of Canadians (57%) claim to know the original source of their household water, leaving four in ten who either do not know (26%) or are unsure (16%).
Source of household water
|
Knowledge of source |
Yes |
No |
Not sure |
|
Canadians (general population, n = 2,001) |
57% |
26% |
16% |
Q18. Do you know the original source of your household water, for example a lake, a river, a well, etc.?
Awareness of their household water source is highest among:
· Canadians aged 55 or older (71%) and men (63%).
· Residents of Atlantic provinces (77%) and Manitoba / Saskatchewan (66%)
Canadians are most likely to rely on television or websites for information about fresh water, followed by government sources.
Of the list provided, television is the most important source of information on fresh water (selected by 40% of respondents).Canadians are almost as likely (35%) to rely on websites/internet for that information, followed by government communications (32%).
Fresh water information sources
|
Sources |
Canadians (general population, n=2,001) |
|
TV |
40% |
|
Websites/Internet |
35% |
|
Government communications |
32% |
|
Environmental/wildlife/nature groups |
28% |
|
Newspapers |
25% |
|
Social media |
18% |
|
Direct experience |
17% |
|
Friends/family/neighbours |
14% |
|
Education system |
13% |
|
Radio |
13% |
|
Magazines |
6% |
|
Other |
1% |
|
Not sure |
15% |
Q19. What source(s) do you rely on for information about Canadian fresh water?
Preferred information sources vary somewhat by age, with Canadians aged 55+ more likely to rely on television (53%) and government communications (38%). Younger Canadians aged 16-34 are more likely than other age groups to find information about fresh water through websites or the internet (42%) and social media (33%). Residents of the Atlantic provinces are more likely than others to get information from their friends, family, or neighbours (22%).
While Canadians connected to fresh water (by living near it or working directly with it) perceive the current state of Canada’s fresh water to be quite good, these Canadians are also more likely to worry that it will worsen in the future.The chart below shows key results broken out two ways:
1) Those who live near fresh water, compared to those who do not.
There are some noteworthy differences between Canadians who live near fresh water and those who do not. Canadians who live near fresh water are more likely to rate it as one of Canada’s most important natural resources (75% top three, vs. 69% among those who do not live near fresh water). They are also more likely to say that Canada’s water quality has improved in the past ten years (31%, compared to 25%) but that water issues (listed in Q14) will become more serious in the next decade. Perhaps for this reason, they have a higher degree of concern about freshwater quality than their counterparts (35% very concerned, compared to 25%).
2) Those who work in a job that relies on fresh water, compared to those who do not.
Interestingly, those who work in jobs that rely on fresh water are less likely (61%) to rate fresh water as a top three resource compared to those whose work does not depend on water (73%). The former tend to rate fossil fuels (i.e. coal, oil and gas) as more important, suggesting that they may work in the energy sector. The majority of this group (58%) also believes that freshwater quality has improved in the past 10 years. However, they are more likely to predict that issues affecting Canada’s fresh water will worsen over the coming 10 years. Again, this translates to a higher level of concern for freshwater quality in Canada (48% compared to 28% among those who do not work with water). Finally, this cohort is more likely to give Canada’s water protection a good or excellent rating (76%, compared to 53%); perhaps due to job-based awareness of specific laws and regulations.
Connection to fresh water
|
|
Canadians (gen. pop., n=2,001) |
Live near fresh water (n = 955) |
Do not live near fresh water (n = 1,046) |
Work with fresh water (n = 164) |
Do not work with fresh water (n = 1,837) |
|
Q5. Importance of fresh water |
72% |
75% |
69% |
61% |
73% |
|
Q6. Concern about quality of fresh water in
Canada |
30% |
35% |
25% |
48% |
28% |
|
Q8. Rating of quality of fresh water in
Canada |
32% |
34% |
29% |
45% |
31% |
|
Q9. Comparison to quality of fresh water ten
years ago |
28% |
31% |
25% |
58% |
25% |
|
Q11. Confidence that Canada has enough fresh
water |
77% |
79% |
74% |
84% |
76% |
|
Q15. Level of protection rating |
55% |
54% |
55% |
76% |
53% |
Environics Research conducted an online survey with 2,001 Canadians aged 16 and over. Survey respondents were selected from registered members of an opt-in online panel. Since a sample drawn from an online panel is not a random probability sample, no formal estimates of sampling error can be calculated.
Sample design, weighting and respondent profile
Environics Research conducted this 10-minute online survey from June 11, 2021 to June 19, 2021. The sampling method was designed to attain interviews with at least 2,000 Canadians ages 16 and over.
Note that while the survey was open to respondents from all regions of Canada, the sample did not obtain any respondents from the territories.
Quotas for the general population were set by age, gender, and region. The final general population data were then weighted to ensure the sample is representative of the Canadian population, according to the most recent Census.
The survey obtained the following distribution for the general population:
|
Variable |
% of population |
Target |
% of sample |
Actual |
Actual |
|
Jurisdiction |
|||||
|
Atlantic |
6.8 |
200 |
9.5 |
193 |
138 |
|
Quebec |
23.5 |
425 |
20.8 |
417 |
470 |
|
Ontario |
38.4 |
725 |
36.2 |
725 |
768 |
|
Manitoba / Saskatchewan |
6.5 |
150 |
7.6 |
154 |
130 |
|
Alberta |
11.2 |
250 |
12.8 |
257 |
224 |
|
British Columbia |
13.5 |
250 |
12.7 |
255 |
270 |
|
CANADA |
100 |
2,000 |
100 |
2,001 |
2,001 |
|
Age |
|||||
|
16-29 |
21 |
425 |
21 |
406 |
420 |
|
30-44 |
24 |
485 |
24 |
465 |
480 |
|
45-59 |
26 |
525 |
26 |
544 |
520 |
|
60+ |
28 |
565 |
29 |
586 |
580 |
|
Gender1 |
|||||
|
Male |
49 |
980 |
49 |
961 |
980 |
|
Female |
51 |
1,020 |
51 |
1029 |
1,011 |
*Results are weighted by region, gender and age to
2016 Census data.
1Respondents who identified with a gender category other than male or female were weighted by age and region only.
Environment and Climate Change Canada provided Environics with desired topic areas and questions that addressed the research objectives. Environics then designed a questionnaire that incorporated these questions, advising on best practices in question design, particularly for online surveys. Upon approval of the English questionnaire, Environics arranged for the questionnaire to be translated into French by professional translators.
Environics’ data analysts programmed the questionnaires, then performed thorough testing to ensure accuracy in set-up and data collection. This validation ensured that the data entry process conformed to the surveys’ basic logic. The data collection system handles sampling invitations, quotas and questionnaire completion (skip patterns, branching, and valid ranges).
Prior to finalizing the survey for fieldwork, a pre-test (soft launch) was conducted in English and French. The pre-test assessed the questionnaires in terms of question wording and sequencing, respondent sensitivity to specific questions and to the survey overall, and survey length. Standard Government of Canada pre-testing questions were also asked. As no changes were required following the pre-test, the 67 responses (44 English, 23 French) have been included in the final data set.
The final survey questionnaire is included in Appendix B.
The survey was conducted by Environics using a secure, fully featured web-based survey environment. The average interview length was 9.3 minutes.
All respondents were offered the opportunity to complete the surveys in their official language of choice. All research work was conducted in accordance with the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research – Online Surveys and recognized industry standards, as well as applicable federal legislation (Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act, or PIPEDA).
Following data collection, the data from this survey were statistically weighted to ensure the sample is generally representative of the Canadian population according to the most recently available Census information.
The completion results are presented in the following table.
Contact disposition
|
Disposition |
N |
|
Total invitations (c) |
13,709 |
|
Total completes (d) |
2,010 |
|
Qualified break-offs (e) |
149 |
|
Disqualified (f) |
270 |
|
Not responded (g) |
10,698 |
|
Quota filled (h) |
582 |
|
Contact rate = (d+e+f+h)/c |
21.96% |
|
Participation rate = (d+f+h)/c |
20.88% |
Non-response bias analysis
The table below presents a profile of the final general population sample (unweighted), compared to the actual population of Canada (2016 Census information). The final sample underrepresents those with less education, which is a typical pattern for public opinion surveys in Canada (e.g., those with more education are more likely to respond to surveys).
Non-response bias analysis
|
Sample type |
Sample* |
Canada |
|
Gender (16+) |
||
|
Male |
48% |
49% |
|
Female |
51% |
51% |
|
Age |
||
|
16-29 |
20% |
21% |
|
30-44 |
23% |
24% |
|
45-59 |
27% |
26% |
|
60+ |
29% |
28% |
|
Education level α |
||
|
High school diploma or less |
28% |
35% |
|
Trades/college/post sec no degree |
35% |
36% |
|
University degree |
36% |
29% |
*
Data are unweighted and percentages are calculated
based on those giving a response to each demographic question
α Actual Census categories differ from those used
in this survey and have been recalculated to correspond.
Statistics Canada figures for education are for Canadians aged 25 to 64 years.
+ Percentages
are calculated based on those providing a response
Environics Research Group
June 11, 2021
Environment and Climate Change Canada
Freshwater Issues Survey
Questionnaire – Draft
Canada Gen Pop, n = 2000, 10 minutes, online panel
LANDING PAGE
Welcome! Please select your preferred language for completing the survey / Bienvenue!
Veuillez sélectionner la langue de votre choix pour remplir le sondage.
01–English / Anglais
02–Français / French
· Welcome to the survey. Environics Research, an independent research company, is conducting this survey about current issues of interest to Canadians, on behalf of the Government of Canada. The survey will take about 10 minutes of your time.
Your participation is entirely voluntary and all of your answers will be kept completely anonymous. If you wish to verify the legitimacy of this research or to ask technical questions about this survey, please contact Environics at stephanie.coulter@environics.ca.
This study has been registered with the Canadian Research Insights Council’s Research Verification Service so that you may validate its authenticity. If you would like to enquire about the details of this research, you can visit CRIC’s website www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/rvs/home/?lang=en and enter reference project code XXXXXXXX.
Thank you in advance for your participation.
< PROGRAMMING NOTE: All questions are mandatory unless specified.>
Screening
1. In what year were you born?
DROP DOWN LIST – SEE QUOTAS
IF UNDER 16 THANK AND TERMINATE
2. [IF 1=PREFER NOT TO SAY (9999)] In which of the following age categories do you belong?
Select one only – SEE QUOTAS
98 Under 16 [TERMINATE]
01 16 to 24
02 25 to 34
03 35 to 44
04 45 to 54
05 55 to 64
06 65 or older
99 Prefer not to answer [TERMINATE]
3. In which province or territory do you live?
Select one only
DROP DOWN LIST – SEE QUOTAS
01-British Columbia
02-Alberta
03-Saskatchewan
04-Manitoba
05-Ontario
06-Quebec
07-New Brunswick
08-Nova Scotia
09-Prince Edward Island
10-Newfoundland and Labrador
11-Yukon
12-Northwest Territories
13-Nunavut
4. How do you identify your gender? (This may be different from the information noted on your birth certificate or other official documents)
Select one only – SEE QUOTAS
01-Female gender
02-Male gender
03-Gender diverse
99-Prefer not to answer
General Perceptions and Value of Fresh Water
5. In your view, which of the following are Canada’s three most important natural resources?
RANDOMIZE, SELECT AND RANK TOP THREE
Fresh water
Oil & gas
Agricultural Land
Forests
Minerals and metals
Fisheries
Coal
Other (Please specify)______________ ANCHOR
For the purposes of this survey, please note that fresh water includes both surface water (lakes, rivers, streams etc.) and ground water (beneath the earth’s surface). It excludes saltwater bodies, such as the oceans and Hudson Bay.
6. How concerned are you personally about the quality of fresh water in Canada?
01 Very concerned
02 Somewhat concerned
03 Not very concerned
04 Not at all concerned
99 Not sure
7. How would you rate the importance of Canada’s fresh water to each of the following:
RANDOMIZE EXCEPT WHERE NOTED – CAROUSEL
a) Canada’s economic wealth and prosperity
b) [PIPE IN PROVINCE / TERRITORY]’s economic wealth and prosperity [ALWAYS SHOW B AFTER A]
c) Canadian industry, for example manufacturing, mining, forestry, etc.
d) Canadian agriculture and food production
e) Canada’s identity and culture
f) [PIPE IN PROVINCE / TERRITORY]’s identity and culture [ALWAYS SHOW F AFTER E]
g) Your personal culture and identity [ALWAYS SHOW G AFTER F]
h) The health of people living in Canada
i) The overall quality of life in Canada
j) The natural beauty of Canada
k) Wildlife and ecosystems
l) Recreation / enjoyment of the outdoors
m) Your personal leisure
n) Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples
01 Extremely important
02 Very important
03 Somewhat important
04 Not very important
05 Not at all important
99 Not sure
8. Overall, how would you rate the quality of fresh water in Canada?
01 Excellent
02 Good
03 Only fair
04 Poor
99 Not sure
9. Compared with 10 years ago, would you say the quality of fresh water in Canada has…?
01 Improved a lot
02 Improved a little
03 Stayed the same
04 Declined a little
05 Declined a lot
99 Not sure
10. How would you rate the quality of fresh water in [PIPE IN PROVINCE / TERRITORY]?
01 Excellent
02 Good
03 Only fair
04 Poor
99 Not sure
11. How confident are you that Canada as a whole has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs?
01 Very confident
02 Somewhat confident
03 Not very confident
04 Not at all confident
99 Not sure
12. How confident are you that [PIPE IN PROVINCE / TERRITORY] has enough fresh water to meet its long-term needs?
01 Very confident
02 Somewhat confident
03 Not very confident
04 Not at all confident
99 Not sure
13. What do you think is the top threat to Canada’s fresh water?
OPEN END RESPONSE ___________________ (100 character limit)
ALLOW TO CONTINUE WITH BLANK ENTRY
CODE LIST, DO NOT SHOW
01 Pollution (general)
02 The release of toxins / pollutants
03 Run-off of pollutants from land to water
04 Atmospheric depositions to water
05 Global warming / climate change
06 Mass exports of water to the United States
07 Pollution from the US entering Canadian or shared waterbodies
07 Wasteful use (general)
08 Wasteful use by industrial companies
09 Wasteful use by individual consumers
10 Wasteful use by agriculture and ag processors
11 Government decision-making
12 Inadequate water infrastructure (water pipes, sewage systems, water treatment plants etc)
13 Lack of knowledge about Canada’s fresh water
14 Harmful algal blooms in water bodies
15 Oil and gas sector
16 Mining sector
17 Inter-jurisdictional issues (e.g. lack of government coordination)
98 Other
99 Not sure
14. Over the next 10 years, do you think that the following will become more or less serious in Canada?
a) Flooding
b) Droughts
c) Water pollution
d) Issues related to water infrastructure (water pipes, sewage systems, water treatment plants etc.)
e) Changes in groundwater levels
f) Increased consumption of fresh water
g) Loss of wetlands
01 Much more serious
02 Somewhat more serious
03 Same as today
04 Somewhat less serious
05 Much less serious
99 Not sure
15. In Canada, fresh water protection involves various players and levels of government. Overall, how would you rate the protection of fresh water in Canada?
01 Excellent
02 Good
03 Only fair
04 Poor
99 Not sure
16. In your view, what more should be done to protect Canada’s fresh water?
OPEN END RESPONSE ___________________ [100 character limit]
ALLOW TO CONTINUE WITH BLANK ENTRY
Communicating With Canadians About Freshwater
17. How informed do you feel about the state of fresh water in Canada?
01 Extremely informed
02 Very informed
03 Somewhat informed
04 Not very informed
05 Not at all informed
99 Not sure
18. Do you know the original source of your household water, for example a lake, a river, a well, etc.?
01 Yes
02 No
99 Not sure
19. What source(s) do you rely on for information about Canadian fresh water?
RANDOMIZE, MULTIPLE RESPONSE
01 - Social media
02 - TV
03 - Radio
04 - Newspapers
05 - Magazines
06 - Websites / Internet
07 - Direct experience (e.g. observed appearance)
08 - From friends/family/neighbours
09 - From environmental/wildlife/nature groups
10 – From the education system
11 – Government communications
98 - Other (SPECIFY _______________________) ANCHOR
99 – Not sure ANCHOR
20. In your view, what are the top three strongest arguments for protecting fresh water in Canada?
RANK TOP THREE
01 – To leave clean freshwater for future generations
02 – To ensure that wildlife and ecosystems have the freshwater they need
03 – To safeguard the health of Canadians
04 – To maintain Canada’s natural beauty
05 – To support water-dependent industries and jobs
06 – To protect water-related recreational and leisure activities
07 – To uphold the rights of Indigenous peoples
08 – To improve Canada’s international reputation
09 – To meet Canada’s obligations to the United States on boundary/transboundary waterways
10 – To ensure that Canada remains water rich
11 – To serve as a role model for other nations
12 – Because it is integral to our national identity and culture
21. Do you have an argument for protecting fresh water that wasn’t included in the list?
OPEN END RESPONSE ___________________ [100 character limit]
ALLOW TO CONTINUE WITH BLANK ENTRY
22. In Canada, responsibility for water management is shared between the federal, provincial, and municipal governments (and in some instances, by the territories and Indigenous governments under self-government agreements). Furthermore, some of Canada’s waterways cross provincial, territorial, and international borders. To what extent do you agree that a lack of collaboration between governments hinders the protection of Canada’s fresh water?
01 Strongly agree
02 Somewhat agree
03 Somewhat disagree
04 Strongly disagree
99 Not sure
Demographics
The following are a few questions about you and your household, for statistical purposes only. Please be assured all of your answers will remain completely confidential.
23. Do you live on or near a freshwater body that you see every day or almost every day?
01 Yes
02 No
99 Not sure
24. Do you work in an industry that is connected to or dependent on fresh water to operate? Examples might include agriculture, water-based tourism, hydroelectric generation, and major industries that use water.
01 Yes
02 No
99 Not sure
25. What is the size of your community?
01–Very small (population below 20,000)
02–Small (population between 20,000 and 49,999)
03–Medium (population between 50,000 and 199,999)
04–Large (population between 200,000 and 499,999)
04–Very large (population of 500,000 or above)
99–Not sure / Prefer not to answer [EXCLUSIVE CHOICE]
26. What is the highest level of formal education you have completed?
Select one only
01–Up to high school
02–Some high school
03–High school diploma or equivalent
04–Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma
05–College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma
06–University certificate or diploma below bachelor’s level
07–Bachelor’s degree
08–Post graduate degree above bachelor’s level
99–Prefer not to answer [EXCLUSIVE CHOICE]
27. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income (i.e. the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes)?
Select one only
01–Under $20,000
02–$20,000 to just under $40,000
03–$40,000 to just under $60,000
04–$60,000 to just under $80,000
05–$80,000 to just under $100,000
06–$100,000 to just under $150,000
07–$150,000 and above
99–Prefer not to answer [EXCLUSIVE CHOICE]
28. Do you self-identify as... ?
SHOW LIST IN ORDER SHOWN: Select one only
01 First Nations
02 Inuk / Inuit
03 Metis
04 A non-Indigenous person
99 Prefer not to answer [EXCLUSIVE CHOICE]
29. What language do you speak most often at home?
01 English
02 French
03 Other
99 Prefer not to answer
This completes the survey. On behalf of Environment and Climate Change Canada, thank you for your valuable input. In the coming months, the results of this survey will be available on the Library and Archives Canada website.