LOCATION	GROUP	LANGUAGE	DATE	TIME (EST)	GROUP COMPOSITION	NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Rural Ontario	1	English	May 3	6:00-8:00 pm	General Population	7
Windsor – Ontario	2	English	May 4	6:00-8:00 pm	Disabled Persons	7
Mid-size Centres Prairies	3	English	May 5	8:00-10:00 pm	General Population	7
Quebec Eastern Townships	4	French	May 10	6:00-8:00 pm	Low-Income Workers	6
Calgary	5	English	May 11	8:00-10:00 pm	Heavy Social Media Users, aged 18-24	7
Atlantic Canada	6	English	May 12	5:00-7:00 pm	General Population	8
Mid-size Centres Quebec	7	French	May 17	6:00-8:00 pm	Environmentally Concerned	7
Greater Vancouver Area (excl. City of Vancouver)	8	English	May 18	9:00-11:00 pm	Chinese Diaspora	7
Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba	9	English	May 24	7:00-9:00 pm	Métis Nation	7
North/South Shore, (excl. Montreal) – Quebec	10	French	May 25	6:00-8:00 pm	General Population	6
City of Vancouver	11	English	May 26	9:00-11:00 pm	Renters	7
Northwest Territories	12	English	May 31	8:00-10:00 pm	General Population	5
Total number of participants	81

Key Findings

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the outset of each group participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia was top of mind for many, with participants recalling a wide range of items related to the crisis. These included ongoing financial and military assistance from the Government of Canada to Ukraine, a visit by several federal officials (including the Prime Minister) to Ukraine on May 8^th, 2022, and the fast-tracking and prioritization of temporary residency applications for Ukrainians via the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET).

In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, participants also recalled a wide range of unrelated initiatives and announcements. These included increased efforts by the Government of Canada to compel individuals to repay ineligibly received pandemic supports such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), reaction by the federal government to Quebec’s recently adopted Bill 96, increased investments towards addressing housing affordability in Canada as part of the 2022 federal Budget, the introduction of a national dental care program, reported delays related to passport applications and renewals at Service Canada locations, and announcements by the federal government of increased investments towards a large-scale transition to zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

‘Rolling Thunder’ Protest (Rural Ontario)

Participants in the group from rural Ontario briefly discussed the ‘Rolling Thunder’ protest which had taken place in Ottawa from April 29^th to May 1^st, 2022. While some recalled having heard about this demonstration, few were able to recall any specific details apart from it being primarily comprised of individuals on motorcycles. Discussing the purported aims of the protest, several were of the impression that it represented a continuation of the ‘convoy’ protests from February 2022, which claimed to be in response to ‘overreach’ on the part of the Government of Canada, particularly regarding the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Focusing on the response to this protest, participants generally said the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) had been well prepared, successfully avoiding any violent unrest or significant disturbances to the residents of Ottawa. Very few felt these protests would have a long-term impact.

Appointment of Chief Accessibility Officer (Windsor Persons Living with Disabilities)

Few participants in the group comprised of people living with disabilities were aware of the recent appointment of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), announced on April 4^th, 2022. After being provided with additional details regarding this appointment, all participants reacted positively to the announcement, with a number believing the creation of this position to be long overdue. Several hoped that the appointment of a CAO would lead to an all-encompassing review of the supports currently available to those living with disabilities. Focusing on employment, it was hoped the new CAO could have an impact through the promotion of skills training and other development programs for persons living with disabilities, providing them with greater opportunities to contribute economically to their communities and enjoy more fulfilling careers. In addition, some also hoped the presence of a CAO would foster greater accountability regarding existing legislation, such as the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which was felt to be enforced too loosely at present. Several also reacted positively upon hearing that the CAO herself lived with a disability, believing this experience to be crucial towards one’s ability to effectively fulfill this role.

Access to Abortion Services (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

Three groups discussed the issue of abortion rights and continued access to abortion services in Canada. Asked if they had recently heard anything about this subject, almost all in the group from Calgary and most in Atlantic Canada indicated that they had, while few in the Eastern Townships region were aware of any recent developments. Among those who were aware, it was recalled that a draft opinion had recently leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), which, if made official, would overturn the foundational Roe v. Wade decision that presently upholds abortion rights at a national level in the United States. Almost all participants viewed this leaked draft opinion as a negative development, with several feeling strongly that this action would serve to drastically reduce the rights of women in the United States to assert control over their own bodies and reproductive health.

Asked whether this concerned them, a large number of participants indicated that it did. Several adamantly expressed the view that no level of government should be able to dictate the actions of women concerning their own bodies and that this decision could lead to many American women being placed under considerable medical risk going forward. Some were also of the view that if abortion rights could be restricted in the United States, there was no guarantee against a similar development occurring in Canada at some point in the future. With this in mind, it was felt by many that safe access to abortion services needed to be protected by the federal government at all costs. Though not explicitly opposed to abortion, a small number were of a somewhat different view, believing that access to abortion should not be expanded any further in Canada.

Discussing what should be done in response to this development, most felt it was important for the federal government to continue to reassure Canadians regarding its strong commitment to protecting existing abortion rights and access to abortion services in Canada. In addition, many expected the federal government to continue to champion abortion rights on the international stage, acting as a leader on this front among its peers. Apart from this, however, it was generally felt there was little more the Government of Canada could do to influence what was ultimately a domestic issue within the United States.

PEI Potatoes (Atlantic Canada)

Participants in Atlantic Canada briefly discussed recent developments related to the trade of potatoes in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Asked if they had heard anything as of late regarding this matter, while some recalled the United States temporarily halting the import of PEI potatoes in late 2021, no participants were aware of any recent developments. To clarify, participants were informed that in November 2021, the United States instructed its border officials to deny entry of shipments of PEI potatoes, following detection of potato wart in some crops. In March 2022, the United States subsequently announced that imports of PEI potatoes could resume with some conditions. Most participants viewed this as an issue of major importance to PEI, with several believing the potato industry to be a key economic driver for the province. While all felt positively about the resumption of trade, several were concerned this temporary prohibition had served to decrease the market share of PEI potatoes within the sector as well as damaging the brand’s international reputation.

Bay du Nord Development Project (Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Two groups discussed the Bay du Nord Development Project proposed to be constructed off the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. A small number in Atlantic Canada and very few in the group from Quebec were aware of this project. Of the few who had heard of it, only limited details could be recalled, including the project’s connection to the oil and gas sector as well as concerns regarding its potential environmental impact.

Provided further information and informed that the federal government had recently decided to approve this project, participants were largely mixed in their reactions. Among those in support of the project, it was thought it would create a significant number of jobs and support the region’s economy. In addition, some expected this project would have the added benefit of increasing Canada’s domestic oil and gas production capacity, fostering greater national self-sufficiency in this regard. A number of participants mentioned what they viewed as exceedingly high fuel prices at present and were optimistic this project could alleviate these pressures to some extent. For those opposed to the project, it was believed the Government of Canada’s approval of this project was somewhat contradictory to its goals to transition to a ‘greener’ economy centered on renewable energy production. A number of participants were of the view that there was already a sufficient amount of oil and gas production occurring in Canada and that any projects that invested in non-renewable energy rather than renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind represented a step in the wrong direction.

Discussing the future of oil and gas projects in Canada, most felt the Bay du Nord project would have a positive impact on the prospects of future developments, so long as it produced the expected economic benefits while causing little damage to the surrounding environment and marine ecosystems.

Drug Decriminalization (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters)

Both groups from British Columbia (B.C.) discussed the recent request from the Government of British Columbia for the federal government to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain ‘hard’ drugs in the province. While no participants were aware of any recent developments regarding this issue, some believed there had been a rapid increase in addiction and drug overdoses in the province. This was felt to be a major problem at present, and one that had been exacerbated over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Though some participants felt decriminalization might represent a positive development, a larger number were more opposed to the idea. Many were concerned about drug users taking advantage of this initiative, using these dangerous drugs more frequently if concerns over legal consequences were removed. Several also worried about the potential health risks, believing that in the case of substances such as fentanyl, no amount could be considered ‘safe’. A significant number felt that rather than decriminalizing these substances, the provincial and federal governments should work to identify and treat what they viewed as the primary drivers of addiction, including poverty, mental illness, and past trauma. Among the small number who felt this plan represented a positive step, it was expressed that similar programs in other jurisdictions (such as Portugal) had been successful in reducing the stigma faced by drug users and encouraging them to seek treatment for their addictions. Some, however, qualified their support, putting forth the view that while decriminalization would likely be a positive development, it would need to be accompanied by a substantial investment into other areas such as mental health resources, addictions treatment, and addressing essential needs such as affordable housing and food insecurity. It was widely felt that decriminalization alone would have minimal impact in solving what was seen as a growing drug problem throughout the province.

News Sources and Social Media (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Three groups engaged in a discussion regarding the sources they typically consult to receive their news. A wide range of sources were mentioned, with several indicating a continued reliance on traditional media such as television (specifically CBC, CTV, and Global News), radio, and local newspapers. Many also recalled utilizing online sources such as Google News, Yahoo!, and YouTube, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok.

Discussing where they would typically go to receive news regarding the Government of Canada, several pointed to sources such as CBC, CTV, Global News, and Maclean’s. For news items of specific interest to them, a number of participants also indicated that they would likely visit official Government of Canada websites as a method of verifying what they had previously heard from other sources. Several thought that the Government of Canada needed to do more to engage users on social media platforms, particularly TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, where some felt the federal government’s presence was quite minimal. Asked whether some platforms were generally more reliable than others, most were of the view that reliability was determined more by the sources one chose to follow rather than the specific platforms themselves.

Further discussing the subject of social media, heavy social media users from Calgary were asked to describe what they viewed as the main positive and negative impacts of social media. Several identified the ability to keep in touch and communicate with others regardless of geographic distance as a key benefit, as well as the ability to be exposed to a multitude of different perspectives. Some also mentioned the impact of being able to receive information and updates instantaneously via these platforms. Discussing the negative aspects, many in the group felt social media often presented an unrealistic portrayal of reality, with users typically only posting updates which painted them in the best light possible. It was thought this often led to others comparing themselves to these ideals rather than more realistic standards, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy, depression, and anxiety.

Asked about the prevalence of ‘fake news’, all participants in the group were aware of this growing issue, with most believing it to be a major problem. A few were of the opinion that this was primarily an issue effecting older generations, believing that younger Canadians may be more adept at identifying legitimate sources from those spreading misinformation. Discussing what should be done regarding misinformation and/or disinformation online, most believed it to primarily be the responsibility of the individual to determine whether the information they consume is legitimate, and to verify any details they may be uncertain about. While a few mentioned efforts by platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to identify posts as misinformation, several viewed this as a flawed process, believing it to primarily be based on algorithms rather than objective analysis of the content. Asked whether social media platforms had a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the news on their platforms, while a small number felt they did, most believed these platforms should primarily focus on remaining neutral and only remove content that was hateful and/or explicit. Very few participants felt the federal government had a role to play in combatting misinformation.

Royal Tour (Northwest Territories)

Participants in the Northwest Territories (NT) briefly discussed the tour of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to the region, which took place on May 19^th, 2022. While only a few participants indicated having been aware of this tour, several felt this had been an exciting event for many in communities such as Yellowknife and Dettah, particularly those who had the opportunity to participate in the festivities. While most reacted positively to this tour, several expressed disappointment that there had not been an official apology directed towards survivors of Canada’s historic residential school system. This was felt by a number of participants to be a critical component of the reconciliation process and one that was not currently being satisfied.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], Northwest Territories)

Six groups engaged in discussions focusing on issues specific to their respective age groups, backgrounds, local regions, or specific concerns, such as climate change and the environment. Participants shared their perspectives regarding what they believed to be the key factors driving these issues, as well as the degree to which the Government of Canada had been successful in addressing them.

Youth Issues (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users)

Participants in this group (comprised of individuals aged 18 to 34 years old) discussed a number of issues of specific concern to younger Canadians. To begin this conversation, participants were asked to identify which issues facing young people the federal government should be prioritizing. A range of responses were provided. These included mental health and addiction, housing affordability and the rising cost of living, increasing post-secondary costs, and growing divisiveness among Canadians. Very few participants were aware of any recent actions or initiatives by the Government of Canada related to any of these issues. Discussing whether the federal government was currently on the right or wrong track related to these issues, most were hesitant to say one way or the other, believing they did not know enough about any recent federal actions on these fronts.

Asked to evaluate the degree of success to which the Government of Canada was currently engaging with younger Canadians, most felt there to be considerable room for improvement on this front. Several said that more should be done to leverage social media as a method of reaching out to young people, viewing the federal government as falling behind in this regard. With this in mind, several suggested TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat as particularly useful tools to engage with young people.

Atlantic Canada (Atlantic Canada)

The group based in Atlantic Canada discussed a number of pressing issues currently affecting their region. Asked which areas were in greatest need of attention from the federal government, a number of responses were provided. These included healthcare worker shortages, a perceived lack of support for small businesses, housing affordability, and the forestry and lumber sector.

Asked if they could recall any actions by the federal government regarding any of these issues, few participants were aware of any recent initiatives. Related to affordable housing, a small number recalled hearing about the recent decision by the Government of Canada to prohibit the purchase of residential housing by non-Canadians for two years. A few also had heard about recent efforts by the federal government to recruit and train more doctors and nurses, though were unable to recall any specific details. Discussing whether the Government of Canada was currently on the right track regarding these areas, several said that a greater emphasis needed to be placed on everyday issues such as healthcare worker shortages, housing affordability, and the cost of living, believing these represented essential needs and services that were currently going unmet for a significant number of Atlantic Canadians.

Environmental Issues (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

These two groups discussed the Government of Canada’s recent efforts towards addressing the issue of climate change, as well as identifying ways in which the environment and sustainability could be prioritized to a greater extent going forward. To begin these conversations, participants were asked, in general, which areas they felt the federal government needed to place a greater focus on. A wide range of responses were provided, including housing affordability, the cost of living, healthcare, mental health, increased firearms regulations, and ensuring all Indigenous reserves and communities had access to clean drinking water. Unprompted, a large number of participants also mentioned climate change and the environment, with many believing this represented a top priority currently facing Canadians. Several identified specific issues such as pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, rising global temperatures, and a perceived lack of comprehensive recycling programs as major concerns related to long-term sustainability.

Focusing on the efforts taken by the Government of Canada towards combatting climate change, several reported (though not by name) hearing about the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program, though few could recall any specific details. Speaking more generally, a number of participants were also of the impression that the environment and climate change had been a significant component of the recent 2022 federal Budget. Very few participants felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to addressing climate change. Many stated that, even if greater efforts had been taken in recent years, these actions still would likely fall short of what was necessary to mitigate the damage already caused to the environment. A number of participants felt there needed to be an increased emphasis on meeting pledged climate targets, such as those stipulated in the Paris Agreement, as well as increased financial consequences for any large-scale emitters not currently adhering to federal climate policy.

Chinese Canadians (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora)

Participants in the group from the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA), excluding the City of Vancouver, comprised of members of the Chinese diaspora discussed a number of issues related to their community within Canada. Discussing the top issues currently facing Chinese Canadians, many identified what they felt to be a rising prevalence of anti-Asian racism and hate crimes. Several clarified that they viewed this as an issue affecting all Asians in Canada, and not just those of Chinese descent. Some individuals thought this issue had become increasingly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with certain cohorts of society placing the blame on Asians and Asian countries, for the initial spread of the virus. While no participants had personally experienced this type of discrimination, a number recalled having heard accounts from others who had. Many felt more could be done by the federal government to further educate Canadians regarding the history of Asians in Canada, both in terms of celebrating their contributions as well as providing further education regarding the challenges they have historically faced.

Discussing the performance of the Government of Canada towards better supporting Chinese Canadians, few could recall any recent initiatives or announcements related to this issue. A small number mentioned that the federal government had officially declared May ‘Asian Heritage Month’, creating a time to reflect and recognize the many contributions those of Asian heritage have made and continue to make in Canada. Upon hearing this, several felt this to be beneficial towards the promotion of Asian culture within Canada. Discussing the federal government’s performance towards addressing issues related to Asian Canadians, several felt more needed to be done on this front, especially given what was perceived to be the increased rise in anti-Asian sentiment in recent years.

Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

The group from the Northwest Territories (NT) discussed a number of issues related to their local region. Asked to share what they felt to be the most pressing challenges facing those in the NT at this time, participants identified a wide range of issues. These included housing affordability and the rising cost of living, fisheries and the issue of overfishing, climate change, and challenges related to mental health and addiction.

Asked if they could recall any recent initiatives or actions taken by the Government of Canada regarding these issues, some mentioned housing-related assistance such as assistance for elders living in the Inuvialuit settlement region to repair and/or retrofit their homes, as well as additional funding to address homelessness in communities such as Yellowknife. A few also mentioned efforts by the federal government to assist with food insecurity, pointing to programs such as Nutrition North Canada (though not mentioned by name) as being particularly helpful during the pandemic. Many, however, felt this assistance did not go far enough and that greater support needed to be provided by the federal government to address the issues facing NT.

While some felt the Government of Canada had done a better job in recent years in addressing these issues, participants were generally of the view that this assistance had often moved too slowly or been insufficient towards addressing the widespread nature of the problems facing the region. Expanding on this, a number of participants hoped to see a greater emphasis placed by federal officials on assisting more rural and remote communities in the region. It was felt that a significant portion of federal assistance was currently being directed to larger communities (such as Yellowknife), while rural communities continued to struggle with issues of food insecurity and, in some cases, a lack of clean drinking water.

Participants in this group also discussed ongoing issues related to arsenic contamination emanating from the now inactive Giant Mine, located near Yellowknife. Most were aware of the situation, with several expressing significant concern regarding the potential long-term impacts of arsenic trioxide on the health and safety of those living in Yellowknife. Some were particularly worried about the dangers this situation posed to the city’s water supply, believing it could become contaminated if preventative action was not taken. A few also expressed concern regarding the effect this situation could have on nearby ecosystems, with some under the impression that wildlife and vegetation near the abandoned mine had already been adversely impacted.

Discussing what the federal government had done (or were planning to do) to address this issue, most were uncertain as to what specific actions had been taken. While some believed there had been ongoing efforts to assist with the clean-up, this was seen as a difficult and time-consuming task given the dangerous substances involved. A few also recalled hearing about the establishment of the Giant Mine Oversight Board (GMOB) to coordinate the clean-up, believing the Government of Canada played a role in managing this. Discussing what more could be done on the part of the federal government to assist with this issue, many expressed the need for increased funding for this project, as well as towards the clean-up of other abandoned mines across the region.

Economic Issues (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Six groups engaged in discussions focusing on a wide range of economic issues. These included a focus on the local economy in their respective regions, the Canadian economy as a whole, as well as the ongoing transition to a ‘greener’ economy. To begin these conversations, participants were asked to identify what they viewed as the most important industries to their local economies. Participants in all groups, with the exception of those from Montreal’s North and South Shore, identified agriculture as a major economic driver in their region. In addition, oil and gas, manufacturing, technology, and tourism were also mentioned in several groups as important industries to their local economies.

Several participants in Atlantic Canada identified offshore oil and gas development and extraction as a prominent industry in their region. While some expressed the desire for a more expedient transition away from this sector towards renewable energy, many felt the recent approval of initiatives such as the Bay du Nord development project indicated that oil and gas would remain a prominent part of the region’s economy for the foreseeable future. Focusing on other areas, a number of participants also mentioned sectors such as fishing, lumber, tourism, and healthcare as important economic contributors. While some also identified agriculture as an important contributor to the regional economy, a number of participants were worried about the impact climate change and extreme weather may have on the future viability of this sector. It was felt more could be done to encourage a wider adoption of technology, such as greenhouses, that would allow for food to be grown in the region all year round.

Many in the group located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec identified agriculture (fruit, livestock, and sugar shacks) and manufacturing as the most important industries to their region. Related to manufacturing, participants identified companies such as Canatal and DuPont as major employers in their region, producing materials such as steel and chemicals respectively. While most expected these sectors to continue to grow (especially manufacturing for construction, which was viewed as experiencing significant demand), some believed there would need to be infrastructure upgrades to vital material transportation networks, such as railways, for the region to reach its full economic potential.

For those living in the North and South Shore of Montreal, construction was also mentioned as a key economic contributor and many were of the impression that this sector would be in high demand for a considerable time to come. A number of participants also identified tourism and hospitality as being especially important to their local economies. While some felt that small businesses (particularly those geared toward services and hospitality) in their areas had suffered due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, others took a different view, believing the transition of many to working from home full-time had led to more people remaining in their communities, rather than commuting to larger centres such as Montreal. It was said that this could provide long-term economic growth for many suburban municipalities if this trend were to continue.

Participants in the group from rural Ontario identified technology (in Waterloo), automotive manufacturing (in Windsor), and oil and gas refineries (in Sarnia) as key sectors. Additionally, some also mentioned industries such as agriculture, tourism, and cannabis production as being of increasing importance in their local communities. Most participants felt these industries would remain relatively stable in the future.

In the groups based in the Prairies and Calgary, agriculture and oil and gas were commonly mentioned as important sectors to their respective regions. It was felt that agriculture would likely remain a high-demand sector for the foreseeable future, especially given the challenges related to the global food supply driven by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. While several expected oil and gas to remain important in the short-term, many felt the prominence of this sector would gradually diminish as non-renewable resources are phased out.

Asked to identify what they believed to be the key challenges to economic growth in their local regions, participants across all groups provided a wide range of responses. These included a perceived lack of skilled labour, rising costs for essential goods and services, and the potential future impacts of climate change.

Focusing on the broader Canadian economy, participants were asked which areas they expected the Government of Canada would be prioritizing going forward. A significant number of participants mentioned areas such as green technology (such as ZEVs), renewable energy, domestic manufacturing, sustainable agriculture, and healthcare. Most participants believed that prioritizing these sectors would likely have a positive impact on Canada’s overall future, with some hoping that further investments into these areas would lead to the creation of more high-paying jobs for Canadians.

Asked what came to mind when they heard the terms ‘green economy’ and ‘green jobs’, participants shared several responses. Many primarily thought of renewable energy, including the development and production of these energy sources, as well as projects related to retrofitting individual homes or businesses to become more sustainable. Several participants also mentioned aspects related to green technology, including carbon capture technology and the manufacturing of ZEVs. Some pointed to initiatives related to conservation and protecting Canada’s biodiversity and natural resources, believing these to be important priorities moving forward.

Many expected that a transition to a greener economy would also provide a wide range of job opportunities for Canadians and would likely require a number of different skillsets in order to be fully implemented. Focusing on renewable energy production in particular, several said that, in addition to the physical labour and construction jobs required to build the required infrastructure, there would also likely be numerous technical and digital engineering jobs created to manage the ongoing operations of these systems. A number of participants also expected there would be a significant number of manufacturing jobs created to produce ZEVs and other innovative green technology.

Focusing on what a potential green economy might look like, participants in all groups with the exception of those in Calgary were presented with a list of green sectors and asked to identify which they felt had the greatest potential to create economic opportunities within their local regions. This list included eco-recreational tourism, green energy, mining, nature protection, sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency, and sustainable forestry.

Across these groups, participants primarily gravitated towards green energy, nature protection, and sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency as the sectors which they expected would yield the greatest economic opportunities. Related to green energy, many reiterated the expectation that a shift towards renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro would likely create many jobs for Canadians, in terms of the construction of new infrastructure and the long-term operations of these systems. Several participants also thought that a greater focus on nature protection could lead to more jobs in the field of conservation and that this would provide those with backgrounds in forestry or the environmental sciences the ability to utilize their skills to create long-term strategies towards protecting and conserving Canada’s natural resources.

Focusing on rural areas in particular, participants were asked whether they felt it was reasonable to expect these communities to be able to shift to a green economy on their own. Almost all participants felt that such a large-scale transition would be impossible without a significant amount of financial support from both the federal and provincial/territorial governments. Expanding upon this, many cited what they perceived as the high upfront costs for technology such as ZEVs, home retrofitting, and renewable energy generation, believing these were currently unrealistic for the majority of those living in rural communities. Focusing on ZEVs, participants thought this technology would have to improve substantially in terms of these vehicles’ abilities to drive long distances, handle under-maintained roadways, and operate in extreme weather conditions, all of which were seen as regular challenges of rural life. While most believed an eventual transition to a green economy was important for Canada’s long-term viability, it was felt this process would likely be quite gradual and that a significant amount of time would be needed to develop the necessary infrastructure as well as convince the majority of Canadians to ‘buy-in’ to this shift towards greater sustainability.

Digital Economy (Rural Ontario)

Participants in the group from Rural Ontario briefly discussed issues related to the digital economy. Asked what came to mind when they heard the term ‘digital economy’, a wide range of responses were provided. These included digital financial markets, e-commerce, the emergence of cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin), the trend of working from home and ‘telecommuting’, and major online web corporations such as Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.

Discussing whether those living in rural communities could benefit from a greater shift to a digital economy, almost all participants expected that they would. By allowing individuals to work from home, participants thought a more digitized economy would open up opportunity to work in a variety of different sectors (such as high-tech) for those living rurally. Additionally, it was felt a digital economy and a shift to ‘work from home’ would also benefit more traditional sectors in rural areas, as more Canadians may be interested in living rurally now that they were no longer physically required to commute to work each day.

Job Opportunities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers)

Participants residing in Quebec’s Eastern Townships who identified as low-income workers discussed the availability of job opportunities in their respective communities. Asked if they felt there were enough job opportunities in their local region for them to continue to live there long-term, most said that there were. Several were of the impression there were a number of jobs presently available and, in many sectors, there was a shortage of workers. Some, however, qualified this statement, expressing that while there were many jobs available, these were not always high-paying and in some cases may not provide a sufficient living income. This was especially felt to be the case given the perceived high rate of inflation and rise of living costs in recent years.

Only a small number of participants reported either currently seeking or having recently looked for new job opportunities. Asked what they would look for in a prospective employer if they were seeking a new opportunity, participants identified components such as higher wages, the potential for career advancement, benefits, a flexible work schedule, and socially responsible business practices. Almost all believed it was important for an employer to be environmentally responsible, with many indicating this would be a factor they would weigh when considering an employment offer. A few participants said they would not be willing to work for a company without a long-term environmental plan in place. A small number felt differently, believing that while the environment was an important priority, they would not be opposed to working in potentially harmful economic sectors (such as resource extraction and development) so long as the compensation was high enough. Almost all felt it was important for an employer to be socially responsible. Most said they would likely be deterred from accepting an offer of employment from a company that had not expressed a commitment to this.

Firearms (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Five groups discussed the subject of firearms, including their perspectives regarding the current level of gun crime within Canada as well as what actions (if any) they felt the Government of Canada should take to address this issue. Asked how prevalent they felt firearms-related crimes to be in Canada, most were of the view that this was not a major issue, especially compared to the situation in the United States. A small number of participants raised concerns about the potential for individuals to create ‘homemade’ firearms using technologies such as 3D printing, believing this might expand the presence of these weapons within Canada.

Discussing what they felt to be the major causes of criminal gun violence in Canada, participants identified a wide range of factors. These included gang activity, mental illness and addiction, housing insecurity and poverty, social media, and perceived limitations of existing screening practices and firearm regulations. While some were under the impression that the federal government had taken action in recent years to implement stricter regulation of firearms in Canada, very few were able to recall any details except that certain classes of weapons (such as ‘assault-style’ weapons) had been limited or banned outright. Though several were in favour of increased regulation to prohibit or ban a wider range of firearms, along with increased background checks and the implementation of a registration system for all firearms, many were skeptical as to whether taking these steps would have the intended effect of reducing gun crime in Canada. The principal concern was that those committing gun crimes were likely to have obtained their weapons illegally and, as such, any enhancements to firearms regulations would primarily impact those who had purchased their firearms legally, while doing very little to impact those who had acquired these weapons through illegal means. Discussing Canada’s laws related to firearms, while a larger number of participants felt they were adequate, a smaller yet still significant number expressed that any action on the part of the federal government to reduce the prevalence of gun crime in Canada would be welcome.

Perspectives on a National Freeze on Handguns (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters)

Four groups discussed whether the Government of Canada should consider implementing a national ‘freeze’ on handguns. While some felt a freeze would primarily relate to halting the buying and selling of handguns within Canada, most were unsure as to the practicalities and realities of such a policy. Asked what they felt might be the difference between a freeze and an outright ban on handguns, several were of the view that a freeze would likely be temporary while a ban would be more permanent. A few suggested that a freeze may also be a precursor to or a first step towards a full ban.

After it was clarified that a freeze on handguns would work by capping the market and banning the sale and import of handguns into Canada, participants discussed the impacts they felt such a policy could have. While some were of the view that this policy would have a positive effect in that it would likely reduce the number of handguns in Canada, a large number expressed concerns about a potential freeze. Several felt such a law would have little to no effect on the prevalence of firearms-related crimes, believing those intending to use handguns for illicit activities would not be deterred by any new regulations. Some felt a handgun freeze may actually have a counter-productive effect, possibly leading to a surge of handgun purchases among those who wished to obtain a handgun, or had intended to purchase a handgun, prior to the freeze being implemented. A number also expressed concern this might lead to the growth of an unregulated and illegal market for handguns and further exacerbate the prevalence of these activities going forward.

Discussing whether they felt a freeze or ban was the most appropriate step forward, many were of the view that neither was the right step to take at present, believing this would have either a minimal impact on gun crimes or an adverse effect. Asked to consider whether they felt policies related to firearms should be consistent across Canada or tailored to different provinces or urban centres, most participants felt these laws should be consistent across all jurisdictions.

New Firearms Regulations (Northwest Territories)

The focus group held among those residing in the NT was conducted after the federal government’s introduction of new legislation to further strengthen firearms regulations in Canada (through Bill C-21) on May 30^th, 2022. Participants discussed a number of measures that had been announced as part of this policy. These included the implementation of a national freeze on handguns, taking away firearms licenses of those involved in acts of domestic or gender-based violence and criminal harassment, increased criminal penalties for the trafficking and smuggling of firearms, the creation of a new ‘red flag’ law compelling individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others to surrender their firearms, and requiring magazines for long guns to be changed to ensure they would not be able to carry any more than five rounds.

Virtually all participants reacted positively to these initiatives. Most felt they intuitively made sense and would likely be effective in addressing a number of the issues related to firearms. Some specifically mentioned those aspects of this legislation related to intimate partner and gender-based violence, believing they could have a considerable impact on protecting women and others who may be vulnerable to this type of violence. Asked about the freeze on handguns specifically, participants generally felt it would not have a significant impact on their communities, believing that ownership of handguns in the North was rare. Discussing what additional measures could be implemented in the future, some were of the opinion that all firearms should be registered, regardless of type or purpose. A smaller number felt that further measures were unnecessary, believing the proposed legislation was sufficient.

Public Mood (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

Four groups engaged in a discussion regarding the public mood in Canada as well as their impressions regarding whether Canadians were more divided at present compared to in the past. Regionally, while almost all in the group from rural Ontario felt Canadians were mostly united, all participants in the group from the Prairies and most in Calgary said the country was significantly divided at present. Opinions in the group from Atlantic Canada were more mixed, with roughly an equal number feeling Canadians were mostly united as those who believed societal divisions had become more prevalent in recent years.

For those participants who believed Canadians were primarily unified, it was generally felt that while those taking more extreme positions on a number of issues may have become more prominent, they continued to represent a minority among Canadians. It was thought by many that Canadians remained mostly on the same page regarding important matters such as housing affordability, the cost of living, child care, healthcare, and the conflict in Ukraine, even if they may not agree on the specific solutions or actions necessary to address these issues.

Among participants who were of the opinion that divisions were more prominent among Canadians at present, it was thought by many that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had served to greatly exacerbate this issue. It was felt that these communication tools had allowed those with more extreme perspectives to reach a wider audience as well as find like-minded individuals from across the country, further amplifying their message. Several identified misinformation and/or disinformation on these platforms as also playing a significant role in fostering this division. Questioned as to which issues they felt Canadians were most divided on, participants provided a wide range of responses including the pandemic and related public health measures and vaccine mandates, climate change and the environment, and reproductive issues such as abortion. While a number of participants expressed concern regarding these divisions, most were unsure as to whether there were any actions the Government of Canada could take to reduce them in the near future.

Budget 2022 – Housing (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Four groups discussed initiatives and announcements related to housing affordability included in the recent 2022 federal Budget, which had been tabled on April 7^th, 2022.

Almost all participants believed housing to be an issue of the highest importance, with several identifying it as the top concern facing Canadians at present. Many were of the impression that housing had become increasingly unaffordable in recent years, especially for lower-income Canadians who were already finding it difficult to make ends meet. Some participants expressed concerns regarding their own children, younger Canadians, and other prospective first-time home buyers, believing these groups faced significant barriers towards entering the housing market at present. A large number expressed the opinion that the increasing cost of housing was primarily the result of supply-related issues, and that only by increasing the supply of homes within Canada would the federal government be able to address the issue.

Delving further into this matter, participants engaged in a number of exercises evaluating recent announcements and initiatives contained within the Budget, and were asked to identify which they felt would be most effective towards addressing the issue of housing affordability. To begin, participants were presented with a series of initiatives focusing on the goal of constructing a significant number of new homes in Canada.

Among these initiatives, the announcement of an additional $2.9 billion (over four years) for the National Housing Co-Investment fund received a significant level of support across all groups. Several were of the view that this initiative represented the most significant investment towards housing in the Budget, and believed this would likely help the greatest number of people. Several commented positively on the aspect of this policy providing funding toward the repair of existing housing infrastructure, believing this to also be an important priority.

The new Housing Accelerator Fund, pledging to provide funding to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes across Canada, was also identified by a large number of participants as a promising initiative. Several reiterated the view that a lack of supply was the key factor driving the housing crisis, and that this initiative might go a considerable ways towards addressing this issue.

Many participants also identified the initiative to allocate $216 million towards incentivizing developers to build new rental units charging less than the average rent in the areas in which they are built as a promising component of the federal government’s housing strategy. Related to this initiative, participants expressed approval regarding the involvement of the private sector, which was felt by some to be necessary given the perceived magnitude of the housing issue at present. A small number were concerned about the prospect of these units reverting back to market rates over time and suggested that strong safeguards and oversight procedures be implemented to ensure affordability over the long-term.

The initiative to provide an additional $750 million in public transit funding to communities which commit their own funding towards the building of new housing was also positively received by participants. Many believed that this initiative would incentivize cities and communities to build more housing while simultaneously providing the infrastructure necessary to support this growth. Additionally, targeted initiatives, such as the provision of an additional $1.5 billion (over two years) for affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence, were also identified as important by a number of participants. Some expressed the belief that housing should be viewed as a human right and needed to be available to all Canadians, including those in marginalized populations.

Participants next focused on a second set of priorities, this time specifically concerning the issue of housing affordability and creating additional pathways to homeownership for Canadians.

Of the initiatives shown to participants, those specifically targeted toward first-time home buyers received a high level support among most groups. Specifically focusing on the expansion of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Incentive, several were of the view that this would be helpful in providing a pathway to homeownership for those who remained single. It was felt that buying a house was presently extremely difficult without two incomes, and more support was required to assist single Canadians in their attempts to purchase their first homes. The proposal to double the existing First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000 also received support from a number of participants, particularly renters living in the City of Vancouver. Many in this group expected this program could be of significant assistance to them personally as they looked to purchase their first homes.

The announcement of the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, allowing prospective home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards the purchase of their first home, was also met with a largely positive reaction among participants. Many felt this initiative could be of particular value to young people with longer investment time horizons, providing them with an additional way to save towards an eventual down payment for their first home.

The allocation of an additional $200 million towards increasing rent-to-own housing options also received a great deal of support, particularly among those in rural Ontario. Participants were generally enthusiastic about the possibility of rent-to-own housing options, which they felt provided an alternative pathway to home ownership and a new opportunity for Canadians to build equity in a home without necessitating an expensive down payment.

While many felt the investment of $562 million (over two years) to fund organizations addressing homelessness, as well as an additional $62 million specifically addressing this issue among veterans, were worthwhile initiatives, few identified them as the most pressing issues at the present time. The proposal of a one-time $500 payment to Canadians facing housing affordability challenges was also met with very limited support, with numerous participants feeling it would likely have little to no tangible impact and represented a waste of federal resources.

Participants next evaluated a third set of initiatives, this time focused on protecting Canadians in the housing market. On balance, all initiatives received a considerable level of support, with a number of participants expressing the view that all these initiatives would likely have a positive impact on Canadians and the housing market overall.

Many felt especially positively regarding the initiative of making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable, serving to deter speculators from purchasing these homes as investments rather than as residential housing. A number of participants felt it was inappropriate that homes were being left vacant while many Canadians experienced housing insecurity or homelessness. It was added by some that this initiative could help prevent people from using the Canadian housing market as an investment vehicle, believing this to be a key driver behind the rise of housing prices in several parts of the country. A large number of participants expressed support for the creation of new taxation penalties to stop landlords from ‘renovicting’ tenants. Some were of the view that this practice had become quite prevalent and represented a significant problem in their local communities.

Participants were generally mixed in their support of the decision by the Government of Canada to prohibit all non-Canadians from buying residential properties in Canada for a period of two years. For those in support of this ban, it was felt that, in many cases, foreign buyers were currently taking advantage of the Canadian housing market, purchasing these properties as investment vehicles rather than for use as residential housing. A number of participants felt more negatively about this initiative, with some worried it could lead to potential discrimination against foreign homebuyers, and may be used by some to stoke populist sentiments among Canadians towards immigrants and other new arrivals.

A significant number of participants also expressed support for the proposal to end ‘blind bidding’, with many believing this practice often served to artificially inflate real estate prices. This was seen by many as an increasingly prevalent issue and one that was potentially dangerous in that it encouraged people to take greater risks and submit bids that may be outside their price range in order to outbid other potential buyers. Though less broadly popular, the initiative to introduce new taxation rules to deter house flipping also received some support from participants.

Asked to reflect on these housing initiatives as a whole, a number of participants remained ambivalent. While many were enthusiastic about the prospect of the Government of Canada taking action to address housing affordability, several believed it may not be enough to address the significant housing challenges currently facing Canadians. It was thought by many that the proposed initiatives did not go far enough, and that even more emphasis would need to be placed on increasing the supply of housing in particular.

Discussing whether it was realistic to expect the Government of Canada to be able to accomplish all of these initiatives, many expressed pessimism as to whether this was possible. A number of participants questioned whether any of these initiatives would be able to address housing challenges in the short-term, believing more immediate measures may be needed. Several also expressed the desire for a multi-level approach to housing, advocating for the federal government to work with provincial/territorial governments to develop strategies that would allow these new initiatives to be implemented as expediently as possible.

Official Language Priorities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Two groups comprising Francophones residing in the province of Quebec discussed a number of actions the federal government could be taking to better support Francophone communities across Canada. To prompt discussion, participants were shown a list of six priorities and asked to identify which were most important.

Several participants indicated the importance of ensuring every Canadian can be heard and understood by a judge in their official language of choice when before a court as a particularly important priority. It was widely felt that given the importance of these proceedings, it was a necessity that all participants be able to communicate and engage in the official language of their choice. If this were not the case, it was felt some parties may potentially be placed at significant disadvantage in their ability to present the facts of their case.

A large number also identified guaranteeing the equality of the English and French languages in Canada as a key priority. These participants spoke about the perceived relative dominance of English in many regions of Canada (including some areas of Quebec) and felt that a focus on official language equivalence would ensure that, at a minimum, governmental institutions at all levels would be prepared to provide services in both official languages across Canada. At the same time, several were of the view that guaranteeing equality of the French language outside of Quebec could be challenging given the relatively large Anglophone share of the total population in Canada.

Beyond this, some believed that it was also important to promote French language training outside Quebec and felt that doing so would not only enhance the fluency of Anglophones in both official languages, but would also contribute to conserving the French language and culture. In the context of this discussion, several participants commented on the need for more French training in schools and greater access to a range of courses offered in the French language.

Climate Change and Environment (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Northwest Territories)

This group of participants, identified as being concerned about the potential impacts of climate change, discussed a number of issues related to the environment. These included initiatives and announcements focusing on reducing carbon emissions as well as green technology such as Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

Carbon Emissions (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned)

To begin these conversations, participants were asked if they had ever heard of carbon-capture, usage, and storage (CCUS) projects, including how they work and what they might be used for. No participants had, though a small number felt these might be related to the recent pledge by the Government of Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. After being presented with additional information regarding CCUS technology, participants were asked what impacts, if any, they felt these projects could have in Canada. While a number of participants said this technology might be helpful in mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, a few believed a greater focus needed to be placed on reducing these emissions altogether rather than focusing on ways to limit their impact. Several also felt the widespread use of this technology would position Canada as a leader among its international peers in terms of sustainability and green innovation.

Focusing on the recent 2022 federal Budget, participants were informed that the federal government had announced the introduction of a refundable tax credit to offset the costs for companies purchasing and installing equipment for carbon capture, transportation, and storage. The tax credit will provide an estimated $2.6 billion over the next five years, and $1.5 billion each year after that until 2030. Though some expressed the desire for additional information, several believed this to be a positive initiative at face value, so long as the majority of these incentives went to Canadian-based companies. In addition, some believed that similar financial incentives should be offered to small businesses and individual households that make investments into green technology and retrofitting, believing these also represented significant costs that should be supported by the federal government.

Discussing oil companies more specifically, participants were asked what responsibility, if any, oil and gas companies should have regarding reducing carbon emissions in Canada. While most said these companies should be responsible for reducing their sector’s impact on the environment, several thought it was unlikely that oil and gas corporations would take this action on their own, believing action would only take place through stricter regulation from the federal government.

Few participants were familiar with the term ‘net-zero oil'. To aid conversation, participants were informed that this refers to oil extraction projects that completely negate any greenhouse gas emissions experienced in the extraction process. While most expected a transition to net-zero practices by oil and gas companies would make a difference in helping Canada to reach its emissions targets in the future, some felt more would also need to be done to address other sources of emissions (such as industry and automobiles) rather than solely focusing on the extraction process.

Discussing recent substantial rises in gasoline prices across Canada, felt to be partially in response to the crisis in Ukraine, participants were asked whether recent events had prompted them to reconsider their stance on domestic oil production. Several indicated that they had changed their minds somewhat, believing that while a green transition remained important, the federal government may need to prioritize oil and gas production in Canada to a greater extent.

Zero-Emission Vehicles (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned)

Participants in this group were also asked a series of questions related to ZEVs. All were aware of this technology, with many having recently seen, read, or heard about it in communications from the federal government as well as in the media. Some commented negatively on what they viewed as the considerable price of these vehicles, believing them to be prohibitively expensive for many Canadians. Though participants were aware of the federal government’s support for ZEVs in a general sense, few were aware of any specific initiatives or announcements related to the manufacturing of this technology in Canada.

Though no participants owned a ZEV (currently or in the past), most indicated that they would consider buying one in the future. For these participants, the environmental benefits as well as savings on gasoline, were identified as the foremost reasons behind their interest in purchasing a ZEV. A number of these participants, however, also raised concerns regarding these vehicles, with some reiterating the considerable upfront cost to purchase a ZEV. Regardless, virtually all participants felt the Government of Canada should pursue greater investments towards ZEVs. Discussing the federal government’s performance to date on this front, most felt it was on the right track in its efforts to increase the manufacturing of ZEVs in Canada as well as expand the number of charging stations to support these vehicles. Almost all participants felt more would need to be done to make these vehicles more affordable if a large-scale transition to ZEVs was expected to occur.

Fisheries (Atlantic Canada)

Participants in the group based in Atlantic Canada engaged in a brief discussion related to issues concerning the fishing industry in the region. While some had heard in passing about a potential freeze on certain fishing stocks, few participants were aware of proposed cuts to herring fishery quotas by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Discussing their reactions, while many expected these cuts may assist in preserving the long-term sustainability of the fishing stock, a significant number also emphasized the economic importance of the sector to Atlantic Canada and suggested the federal government consider developing financial supports or retraining programs for those whose livelihoods might be negatively impacted by these potential quota reductions.

Asked to evaluate the performance of the Government of Canada in supporting the fishing sector, many expressed uncertainty, feeling they did not have enough knowledge about the sector or existing supports to properly assess the issue. Though few had any suggestions as to how the federal government might better support the fishing sector moving forward, a small number proposed that additional resources could be allocated towards research and innovation related to sustainable fishing practices. It was thought this could help in creating a viable future path for the industry while still aligning with larger goals related to long-term sustainability.

Relationship with China (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora)

One group, comprised of members of the Chinese diaspora within Canada, engaged in a discussion regarding the Government of Canada’s relationship with China. Asked to describe this relationship at present, many believed it to be mostly negative, feeling it had become somewhat strained and distant in recent years. Discussing what factors had contributed to this, many recalled the events surrounding the extradition of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies as a key factor in the deterioration of the Sino-Canadian relationship. Participants also cited worsening relationships between China and other jurisdictions such as the United States as an additional contributor to this perceived growing tension.

In light of these challenges participants expressed hope that, in time, it would be possible to resolve these differences and develop a closer relationship. Asked if the Government of Canada should pursue a stronger relationship with China, all participants believed that it should. Many participants expressed a desire to see closer ties with China, with several identifying potential economic benefits as the primary reason for their position. Adding to this, some emphasized China’s status as a vital trade partner for Canada and believed that strengthening this relationship would likely result in increased economic prosperity for Canadians as a whole. Despite their enthusiasm for the prospect of working toward a closer relationship with China, participants also felt that Canada’s relationship with the United States was extremely important and needed to be taken into account. The view was expressed by some that any actions towards developing stronger ties with China should not come at the expense of existing Canada-U.S. relations.

Persons Living with Disabilities (Windsor Persons Living with Disabilities)

Issues facing persons with disabilities in Canada were discussed in a group comprising those with lived experience in this regard. To begin, participants spoke about some of the unique challenges they frequently encounter and their impact on everyday activities. A number of issues were mentioned, including a lack of accessibility, mobility challenges in urban centres (especially in periods of heavy snowfall), and chronic pain management and sensory issues.

Speaking more generally, many also expressed the desire for a greater emphasis on addressing issues affecting persons living with disabilities at a more individualized level, believing these challenges tended to vary widely from person to person. It was said that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to disabilities was generally insufficient and that policy makers and urban planners should develop a better understanding of the unique nature of the issues faced by those with disabilities.

Focusing on their current wellbeing and quality of life, several recalled experiencing financial difficulties, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked to elaborate, participants explained that they had incurred additional costs in obtaining care or treatment for their disability over the course of the pandemic, while some had also been affected by the resultant economic downturn and lack of employment opportunities. Many reported being heavily reliant on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) which was viewed by several as falling short of meeting their financial needs. A large number of participants also cited challenges related to affordable and accessible housing given the limited income opportunities for many of those with disabilities. Related to this, it was suggested by some that the federal government should consider developing a ‘living wage’ program for persons with disabilities which would provide a guaranteed basic income.

Asked to identify the most significant challenges faced by Canadians living with disabilities, many reiterated issues raised earlier in the discussion, including reduced employment opportunities, limited financial supports, accessibility challenges, and social isolation. Few were able to recall any recent actions the federal government had taken towards addressing these issues. Some also took this opportunity to comment on current programs and initiatives directed at people with disabilities, saying that the eligibility criteria were often overly restrictive and limited their ability to take advantage of these supports.

While a few were somewhat encouraged by the recent appointment of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), overall, participants could not say definitively that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to meeting the needs of persons living with disabilities. Some expanded upon this, reiterating their desire for the federal government to take a more individualized or customized approach to care and treatment options as well as place a greater emphasis on initiatives supporting self-sufficiency and personal autonomy for those with disabilities. A number of participants also called for a multi-level approach to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, believing the federal government should work with provincial/territorial governments to establish national accessibility standards that would more effectively support and care for persons with disabilities.

Discussing whether the Government of Canada should focus more on policies that remove barriers for disabled persons or those that provide equal opportunities, all participants felt these two goals were interconnected and should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. It was generally felt that removing barriers would ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Asked what they would expect to see from a federal government focused on addressing these areas, a wide range of responses were provided. These included the promotion of increased personal autonomy and self-sufficiency for disabled persons, greater consultation with these individuals when it came to developing policies and initiatives to address their unique challenges, and efforts to ensure employment equity for those with disabilities. Speaking more broadly, participants felt that greater efforts should be taken by the Government of Canada to educate all Canadians regarding the unique challenges encountered by those living with disabilities. Several were of the view that a lack of understanding among the general public contributed to widespread misperceptions and stigma towards disabled people which, in turn, created additional barriers for these individuals.

Discussing the performance of the federal government in terms of providing opportunities for people living with disabilities, very few participants felt that much in the way of tangible progress had been made. It was widely thought that the current supports in place at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels of government provided only short-term solutions which did not fully address the needs of these individuals. Asked what more could be done to better support persons living with disabilities in the long-term, many pointed to the need to provide more affordable and accessible housing options. Several were of the opinion that housing prices in general were becoming increasingly unaffordable, both in terms of purchasing a home and renting, and that people with disabilities had even fewer options available to them due to their unique needs.

Asked to consider what ‘accessibility’ meant to them, most equated the term with universal inclusivity, meaning that all people, regardless of ability, should feel included in all aspects of society. Several were of the opinion that the conditions for full accessibility would only be met once every person was able to access any service, building, or essential activity without encountering difficulties. Discussing the phrase ‘disability inclusion’, a number of participants took issue with the reference to ‘disability’, believing the focus should be on broader inclusivity rather than for disabled people specifically. Several felt that doing so served only to separate people living with disabilities from the rest of society, and was counterproductive to the overall goal of inclusion.

Participants were not aware of any recent announcements related to a proposed Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). To clarify, it was explained that this program would be modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for seniors and would provide a regular long-term supplement to other provincial or territorial supports, essentially acting as a Universal Basic Income (UBI). While most participants felt this was a positive development and would be helpful, many expressed skepticism as to whether it would actually be implemented as stated, believing similar initiatives had been proposed in the past and had not come to fruition. Relatively few were confident the program would be in place within the next few years, with many believing it would either take far longer or would ultimately not be implemented at all.

Only a small number of participants were aware of other existing financial supports made available by the federal government to persons with disabilities such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits. Discussing additional financial supports the Government of Canada could be providing, some suggested initiatives such as rebates for purchasing accessible vehicles and/or modifying vehicles to be more accessible, as well as grants for those looking to retrofit their homes to better accommodate their needs. All participants felt the federal government should increase financial supports to those with disabilities to facilitate their being able to obtain affordable and accessible housing. These included a general lack of available options as well as accessibility and safety issues among the small number of dwellings that were available. A few suggested the federal government could work with realtors and real estate corporations to identify affordable housing options including upgrades or retrofits to current housing stock in order to improve accessibility.

Public Health Ad Testing (Mid-size Centres Prairies)

Participants in one group were presented with a storyboard advertising concept promoting Canada’s public health system, with a view of obtaining their initial top of mind reactions as well as the extent to which they found the concept informative. Most participants responded positively to the advertisement, finding it to be both interesting and educational. A number of participants commented that the concept presented a more holistic view of Canada’s public health system, specifically focusing on what it is, how it operates, and the ways in which it works to keep Canadians healthy and safe. For most, the key message of this concept centered on promoting community health and safety for Canadians in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Several found this message to be both timely and important, providing reassurance that public health and safety would remain key federal priorities going forward.

Views were somewhat mixed among participants as to whether the concept altered their impressions regarding the public health system in Canada. While some said the concept did not affect their current level of awareness or understanding regarding Canada’s public health system, others commented that it had been useful in highlighting the interconnectedness of individual, community, and societal health. Several participants felt that the advertisement had effectively helped to elucidate the extensive nature of public health activities within Canada as well as the pervasive impact the system has across many aspects of everyday life.

Métis Issues (Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Participants in the group comprised of individuals of Métis descent discussed a number of issues specifically related to the Métis community. Asked to identify important issues related to Métis peoples requiring increased attention from the Government of Canada, participants put forward a wide range of responses. For many, it was felt the federal government needed to do far more to address issues such as systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and cultural appropriation, all of which were felt to be having an adverse impact on Métis specifically and Indigenous communities more broadly at present. Some were also of the view that more resources should be devoted towards the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), expressing disappointment regarding what they viewed as a lack of progress on this front.

Asked for their opinion regarding the level of commitment demonstrated by the Government of Canada towards addressing Métis issues, all participants were of the view that not enough attention had been devoted to this area. Focusing on reconciliation in particular, it was suggested that a more consultative approach needed to be developed regarding this matter, with some of the opinion that at present this was primarily a ‘top-down’ process on the part of the federal government. Though voicing their dissatisfaction with efforts towards reconciliation to date, all participants believed this remained a critically important priority for the Government of Canada to focus on. Some suggested that high-ranking federal officials (including the prime minister) should take greater efforts to regularly visit Indigenous reserves as well as remote and Northern Indigenous communities, believing that physically engaging with these communities would likely provide a better understanding regarding the challenges they are currently facing.

Identifying potential actions the federal government could take to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation with Métis in particular and Indigenous peoples more broadly, participants provided a wide variety of responses. These ranged from locally-targeted initiatives to assist with mental health and addiction issues in Indigenous communities to calls for a systemic overhaul of Canada’s parliamentary system and existing legislation such as the Indian Act. It was felt by a number of participants that greater resources needed to be allocated towards mental health and addictions treatment in Indigenous communities, allowing those suffering from these issues to receive care within their local regions rather than being forced to travel long distances. Some also suggested potential actions towards increasing the visibility of the Métis community within Canada, such as increased cultural programming as well as further promotion and recognition of the historical contributions of Métis individuals such as Louis Riel. A small number recommended the creation of additional seats in Parliament specifically for Indigenous individuals, believing this could go a long way towards providing greater representation of these communities in the policy development process.

NORAD (Northwest Territories)

Participants in the group from the Northwest Territories (NT) engaged in a brief discussion regarding the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Only a small number of participants reported having heard of the organization, and were only vaguely aware of its primary objectives. After it was clarified that NORAD chiefly focused on monitoring and protecting North American airspace, many believed this to be an important role in terms of protecting Canadians and warding off potential threats. It was felt by some that in addition to protecting Canadians, NORAD represented an opportunity for ongoing cooperation with the United States, serving to continue to strengthen this alliance. Discussing whether changes should be made regarding the Government of Canada’s approach to air defence given the current geopolitical environment, it was felt by many that existing efforts were satisfactory. Most expressed confidence that NORAD would be able to effectively identify and address any air-based threats to Canadians and protect them from potential harm. A few, however, were more concerned, worrying that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia may eventually escalate and that more should be done to secure Canada’s North, especially given its relatively close geographic proximity to Russia.

Local Issues (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, City of Vancouver Renters)

Participants in three groups discussed a number of issues related to their local communities and/or regions. Across all groups, a significant number of participants identified issues such as housing affordability, healthcare shortages, insufficient mental health resources, and the perceived rising cost of living throughout the country as the most pressing concerns currently facing their communities.

Eastern Townships (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers)

Participants residing in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec discussed issues related to their local communities, including housing, perceived labour shortages in the region, and infrastructure more generally.

Discussing the most pressing challenges at present, most identified affordable housing as a key concern in their region. It was felt that rising housing prices had made it difficult for many to enter the housing market as well as find affordable rental options in their areas. While a small number recalled hearing about the expansion of the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit, few others were aware of any recent actions taken by the federal government to address the housing situation. Almost all participants felt there was more that the Government of Canada could do to address this issue.

In addition to housing, a number of participants believed there to be a shortage of workers in their local communities, perceiving this as a growing issue for a number of sectors. Some expressed the view that this was primarily the result of insufficient wages, believing many no longer viewed it as worthwhile to continue working. A few others also thought that more could be done by the Government of Canada to accelerate the credential recognition process for those arriving in Canada from other jurisdictions. It was felt that at present many highly skilled, foreign-born workers were unable to gain employment in their areas of expertise and that this was having a negative impact on the Canadian economy overall.

Discussing whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track regarding the issues mentioned above, responses were mixed. For those who felt the Government of Canada was on the wrong track, it was said that not enough action had been taken to address these issues and that more should be done to work with provincial/territorial and municipal governments on this front. For the smaller number of participants who believed the federal government was on the right track, it was generally felt that sufficient resources were being allocated towards these issues at present and that progress was being made, even if some issues continued to persist.

Manitoba (Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Participants in the group from Manitoba engaged in a brief discussion regarding priorities specific to their region. To begin, participants were asked what they felt to be the most important sectors and industries to their respective communities. Responses generally focused on the retail and service sector (including restaurants), manufacturing, construction, and local small businesses. Additionally, some also mentioned the prevalence of businesses and resources established to assist marginalized populations, including supervised consumption sites and homeless shelters. While it was felt these may be beneficial in some respects, it was said that not enough was being done to address the root causes of these issues, including mental health challenges and intergenerational trauma. Discussing what more the federal government could do to address this issue, participants emphasized the need for an increased focus on housing affordability and homelessness, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many were of the view that having access to safe and reliable housing would yield positive outcomes and could substantially improve the economic and social well-being of marginalized individuals.

Asked which local sectors and industries required additional support, several reiterated the need for increased assistance to small and locally owned businesses, especially given the challenges they had faced over the past two years. Some also discussed the need for additional support for those pursuing post-secondary education, believing this had become increasingly expensive and difficult to manage for many. Focusing on recent initiatives or actions taken by the federal government towards addressing these issues, a few recalled pandemic-related supports for small businesses such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Related to post-secondary expenses, while a small number recalled hearing discussions regarding federal student debt forgiveness and increased post-secondary financial supports, none were able to recall any specific details on this front.

Focusing on the issues most prevalent within their local communities, some reiterated concerns regarding housing affordability and the number of individuals currently living in poverty and/or experiencing homelessness. Some also identified violent crime as a particularly concerning issue, with a number of participants of the impression that the homicide rate in Winnipeg was considerably higher relative to comparable urban centres throughout the rest of Canada. Related to this, a number of participants believed these crimes often disproportionately targeted Indigenous individuals and that more needed to be done by the federal government to address the prevalence of racially-motivated crimes in their area.

Vancouver (City of Vancouver Renters)

One group, comprised of renters residing in the City of Vancouver, discussed a number of issues related to their local community as well as potential actions or initiatives the Government of Canada could take to better support those living in the region. Asked to identify what they believed to be the most pressing concerns currently facing the City of Vancouver, a number of issues were mentioned, including healthcare worker shortages, affordable housing, and racial discrimination (particularly towards individuals of Asian heritage). In addition to these issues, participants also mentioned areas such as climate change and the environment, improved access to social services, the increasing cost of essential goods and services (such as groceries and gasoline), and the need to increase the compensation of educators within the province.

Related to what could be done to address these issues, a number of participants felt more should be done to create affordable housing options, believing these needed to be far more accessible. It was believed by some that affordable housing had become stigmatized due to its perceived association with low-income and marginalized populations. To address this, it was suggested that affordable housing be built throughout all areas of Vancouver, rather than being centralized within specific neighbourhoods. It was felt this could have the effect of reducing this stigma while also providing a greater number of affordable housing options to those in need.

Focusing on the issue of violent crime (including racially-motivated attacks) many were of the view that much of the violence in Vancouver stemmed from gang activity and that in many cases these crimes were often perpetrated by youth who had become involved in these gangs due to their prominence within their communities. It was suggested that greater efforts be taken to develop community and recreational programming for youth, providing them with alternatives to participating in gang activity.

Asked if they felt the Government of Canada was primarily on the right or wrong track when it came to these issues, almost all believed it to be on the wrong track. Regarding housing, it was felt by several that actions such as the raising of interest rates by the Bank of Canada should have been taken far earlier to address this issue and that existing federal programs and initiatives had done little to resolve the problem. Discussing what could be done in order for the federal government to get back on the right track, participants primarily focused on issues related to the healthcare sector. Suggestions included actions related to addressing healthcare worker shortages, long wait times, a limited availability of appointments, the backlog of postponed surgeries and appointments due to the pandemic, and increased access to mental health and addictions resources. In addition, it was felt more needed be done to retain healthcare workers and encourage them to continue practicing within the province via the provision of higher wages, increased benefits, and more reasonable working conditions.

MORE INFORMATION

The Strategic Counsel

Contract number: 35035-182346/001/CY

Contract award date: December 16, 2021

Contract value: $2,428,991.50

Detailed Findings

Timeline of May Announcements

To help place the focus group discussions within the context of key events and announcements which occurred during the month, below is a brief synopsis for May 2022.

May 1-7
- May 2. The Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Canada and the Philippines to establish a Joint Economic Commission (JEC).
- May 2. The Government of Canada announced over $13.4 million in funding for local clean technology companies in British Columbia.
- May 3. The Government of Canada announced over $2 million in funding for fiscal years 2021-2024 through the Residential Schools Missing Children – Community Support Funding program to assist in work related to research, knowledge gathering, commemoration, memorialization, and fieldwork investigation around the Wabasca (St. John’s) and Desmarais (Wabiscaw Lake, St. Martin’s, Wabiscaw) Residential Schools.
- Focus groups were held with the general population in rural Ontario (May 3) and persons living with disabilities in Windsor (May 4).
- May 5. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced a $2.8 million investment for SaskPower from the Low Carbon Economy Fund to support its Northern First Nations Home Retrofit Program, in addition to the $1 million contribution from SaskPower.
- Focus group was held with the general population in mid-size centres in the Prairies (May 5).
- May 6. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous relations announced funding for 18 Indigenous organizations, which includes 15 Indigenous women’s and three 2SLGBTQQIA+ organizations. Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada (CIRNAC) will coordinate and distribute $36.3 million over the span of five years starting in 2021-2022 to 2025-2026.
- May 6. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $2 million for a three-year Campus Peer Support pilot project by the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA), which will aim to provide post-secondary students with the tools needed to support each other’s well-being.
- May 6. The Government of Canada announced $12.2 million in funding, provided through the Mental Health Promotion Innovation Fund (MHP-IF), for 10 projects in Canada to promote mental health and wellbeing in various communities.
May 8-14
- May 9. The Competition Bureau challenged Rogers proposed $26 billion acquisition of Shaw by requesting an order from the Competition Tribunal to prevent it from proceeding.
- May 10. The Government of Canada announced its commitment to $229.15 million in funding for humanitarian and development assistance to Syria and the region in 2022.
- Focus groups were held with low-income workers in the Eastern Townships region in Quebec (May 10) and heavy social media users, aged 18-24, in Calgary (May 11).
- May 11. The Government of Canada announced over $3.5 million in funding for projects by Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights (Action Canada) and the National Abortion Federation Canada (NAF) in an effort to improve access by removing barriers to vital abortion services and offer accurate reproductive health information to Canadians.
- May 11. The Government of Canada launched the Canadian Industry for Ukraine donation portal to allow Canadian businesses to provide offers of high-priority goods and services to support displaced Ukrainians, as well as the organizations providing aid and resettlement services.
- Focus group was held with the general population in Atlantic Canada (May 12).
- May 12. The Government of Canada announced over $14 million in funding to help expand critical resettlement capacity and settlement services in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
May 15-21
- May 16. The Government of Canada announced $100 million in joint funding to expand the biomethanization facilities owned by the Société d’économie mixte de l’est de la couronne sud (SEMECS) located in the Varennes Novoparc industrial park in Montérégie.
- May 16. The Minister of Seniors announced $61.34 million in funding for over 3,000 community-based projects to support seniors in Canada.
- May 17. The Minister of Public Safety announced the Government of Canada will ban sanctioned Russians from entering Canada. This will allow the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to deny entry to, and remove, individuals subjected to sanctions, and will allow Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) officials to deny visas.
- Focus groups were held with those who were concerned about the environment in mid-size centres in Quebec (May 17) and the Chinese diaspora in the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA), excluding the City of Vancouver (May 18).
- May 19. The Government of Canada announced up to $108 million in combined federal and provincial funding to bring high-speed Internet access to up to 14,000 households and mobile connectivity to seven communities in rural British Columbia, including First Nations communities.
- May 20. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced Canada’s imposition of new sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations, which will impose restrictions on 14 individuals including Russian oligarchs, their family members, and close associates of the current Russian regime.
- May 20. The Government of Canada announced an additional loan of $250 million to Ukraine through the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) Administered Account for Ukraine.
May 22-31
- May 24. The Government of Canada announced over 20,000 artillery rounds of 155 mm NATO standard ammunition, including fuses and charge bags, to support Ukraine’s military against the Russian invasion.
- May 24. The Government of Canada announced $20 million in funding over four years to support Ghana, Liberia, The Gambia, and Togo in building the capacity of their national climate measurement, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems.
- May 24. The Government of Canada announced an investment of over $15.2 million under the Agricultural Clean Technology (ACT) Program to support the adoption of clean technologies for 47 projects across Canada.
- May 24. The Government of Canada announced a $100 million contribution to the African Development Bank (AfDB) to support the growth of small and medium-sized agri-food enterprises (agri-SMEs).
- Focus groups were held with members of the Métis Nation in mid-size and major centres in Manitoba (May 24) and the general population in the North and South shore of Montreal, excluding Montreal (May 25).
- May 25. The Government of Canada announced a $1.8 million investment over six years from the Crime Prevention Action Fund to support a crime prevention project serving Halifax and other communities in Nova Scotia.
- May 25. The Government of Canada announced over $4.7 million in funding to support French-language postsecondary education in British Columbia.
- Focus group was held with renters in the City of Vancouver (May 26).
- May 26. The Government of Canada announced over $2.4 million in funding to support a crime prevention project that will be based in Saint John, but will also serve communities in Fredericton, Moncton, and Miramichi.
- May 26. The Government of Canada announced $10 million in federal-provincial funding for a provincial infrastructure project located in Edmonton, also known as the Alberta Legislature Grounds active transportation project.
- May 27. The Government of Canada announced over $32.8 million in joint federal-provincial funding to support 14 green infrastructure projects in British Columbia.
- May 30. The Government of Canada announced a total of $223.4 million in new assistance funding to support food security, gender equality, access to health services, humanitarian assistance, provision of food and proper nutrition, health, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene services to conflict-affected populations in South Sudan.
- May 31. The Minister of Health and Addictions announced the granting of a three-year exemption under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (CDSA) to remove criminal penalties for people who possess a small amount of certain illicit substances for personal use, from January 31, 2023 to January 31, 2026 throughout British Columbia.
- Focus group was held with the general population in the Northwest Territories (May 31).

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the outset of each group participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. The conflict between Ukraine and Russia was top of mind for many, with participants recalling a wide range of items related to the crisis. These included:

Ongoing financial and military assistance from the Government of Canada to Ukraine in support of its efforts to repel invading Russian forces;
The visit by several federal officials, including the Prime Minister, to Ukraine on May 8^th, 2022 to meet with the President of Ukraine and officially signify the reopening of the Canadian embassy in Kyiv;
The deployment of additional Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel to Latvia as part of an ongoing coordinated North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) response to Russian aggression in the region; and
The fast-tracking and prioritization of temporary residency applications from Ukrainians fleeing the conflict via the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET). Though not by name, a number of participants recalled having heard about this initiative.

In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, participants also recalled a wide range of unrelated initiatives and announcements, including:

Updates from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer regarding the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. These included encouragements for Canadians to get a third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and to continue adhering to public health guidelines, such as wearing face masks and social distancing when ill, as well as announcements regarding further research into the prevalence of ‘long COVID’ in Canada;
Evolving pandemic-related international travel requirements for fully-vaccinated Canadians. Some participants reported planning vacations outside of Canada in the near future and had been following these regulations quite closely as a result;
Increased efforts by the Government of Canada to compel individuals who may have ineligibly received pandemic-related financial supports, such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB), to repay these amounts back to the federal government;
Reaction by the federal government to Quebec’s recently adopted Bill 96, which some criticized as being overly-restrictive towards non-French language speakers in the province. A few had heard that the Government of Canada had not ruled out the possibility of joining future legal challenges against this legislation;
Increased investments towards addressing housing affordability in Canada. A number of participants recalled hearing about financial supports recently announced by the federal government specifically designed to assist prospective home buyers and younger Canadians in their efforts to purchase their first homes;
The announcement of a national dental care program, beginning with the provision of dental coverage for all children under the age of 12 by the end of 2022, before expanding to additional cohorts of Canadians in the months and years that follow;
Reported delays for those attempting to obtain or renew their passports. A number of participants had heard of this issue occurring at Service Canada locations throughout the country and believed this was, in part, due to administrative backlog in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
The investment of up to $529 million by the federal government towards increasing the production of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) at Stellantis automotive manufacturing plants in Windsor and Brampton, Ontario. A number of participants in the group from Windsor recalled having heard about this announcement, with several expecting it would secure a significant number of jobs for their local community.

‘Rolling Thunder’ Protest (Rural Ontario)

Participants in the group from rural Ontario briefly discussed the ‘Rolling Thunder’ protest which had taken place in Ottawa from April 29^th to May 1^st, 2022. While some recalled having heard about this demonstration, few were able to recall any specific details apart from it being primarily comprised of individuals on motorcycles. Discussing the purported aims of the protest, several were of the impression that it represented a continuation of the ‘convoy’ protests from February 2022, which claimed to be in response to ‘overreach’ on the part of the Government of Canada, particularly regarding the implementation of COVID-19 vaccine mandates. Focusing on the response to this protest, participants generally said the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) had been well prepared, successfully avoiding any violent unrest or significant disturbances to the residents of Ottawa. Very few felt these protests would have a long-term impact.

Appointment of Chief Accessibility Officer (Windsor Persons Living with Disabilities)

Few participants in the group comprised of people living with disabilities were aware of the recent appointment of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), announced on April 4^th, 2022. To aid in conversation, participants were shown the following information:

Stephanie Cadieux was recently appointed as Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO). Over the course of Ms. Cadieux’s four-year term, she will serve as an independent special advisor to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion providing advice on a wide range of accessibility issues. As CAO, Ms. Cadieux will monitor and report on systemic and emerging accessibility issues, and will produce an annual report to the Minister detailing progress and outcomes achieved under the Accessible Canada Act.

All participants reacted positively to this announcement, with a number believing the creation of this position to be long overdue. Several hoped that the appointment of a CAO would lead to an all-encompassing review of the supports currently available to those living with disabilities. In addition to further financial assistance, many expressed the desire for expanded accessible social and recreational opportunities in their communities. Focusing on employment, some also felt the new CAO could have an impact through the promotion of skills training and other development programs for persons living with disabilities, providing them with greater opportunities to contribute economically to their communities and enjoy more fulfilling careers. In addition, some also hoped the presence of a CAO would foster greater accountability regarding existing legislation, such as the Accessible Canada Act (ACA), which was felt to be enforced too loosely at present. Several also reacted positively upon hearing that the CAO herself lived with a disability, believing this lived experience to be crucial towards one’s ability to effectively fulfill this role.

Access to Abortion Services (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

Three groups discussed the issue of abortion rights and continued access to abortion services in Canada. Asked if they had recently heard anything about this subject, almost all in the group from Calgary and most in Atlantic Canada indicated that they had, while few in the Eastern Townships region were aware of any recent developments. Among those who were aware, it was recalled that a draft opinion had recently leaked from the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS), which, if made official, would overturn the foundational Roe v. Wade decision that presently upholds abortion rights at a national level in the United States. Many reported initially encountering this news on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, as well as via television and radio. In addition, a few had also heard the Prime Minister had made remarks reaffirming the federal government’s support for abortion rights in Canada. Almost all participants viewed this leaked draft opinion as a negative development, with several feeling strongly that this action would serve to drastically reduce the rights of women in the United States to assert control over their own bodies and reproductive health. A few thought this may lead to an influx in Americans travelling to Canada to seek abortion services, believing this represented a safer option than doing so in their own country.

To aid in conversation, it was clarified for participants that while this decision had not yet been formalized, the leaked draft opinion indicated SCOTUS’ intention to strike down Roe v. Wade and that this was expected to be made official at some point in June 2022. Asked whether this concerned them, a large number of participants indicated that it did. Several adamantly expressed the view that no level of government should be able to dictate the actions of women concerning their own bodies and that this decision could lead to many American women being placed under considerable medical risk going forward. Some were also of the view that if abortion rights could be restricted in the United States, there was no guarantee against a similar development occurring in Canada at some point in the future. With this in mind, it was felt by many that safe access to abortion services needed to be protected by the federal government at all costs. Though not explicitly opposed to abortion, a small number were of a somewhat different view, believing that access to abortion should not be expanded any further in Canada. It was thought by these participants that it was already quite easy to obtain abortion services at present and that abortion should be viewed primarily as a last resort rather than a readily available medical procedure.

Discussing what should be done in response to this development, most felt it was important for the federal government to continue to reassure Canadians regarding its strong commitment to protect existing abortion rights and access to abortion services in Canada. Expanding on this, it was said more could be done to provide greater access to those in rural or remote communities, making it easier for them to obtain these services in their local regions. In addition, many expected the federal government to continue to champion abortion rights on the international stage, acting as a leader on this front among its peers. Apart from this, however, it was generally felt there was little more the Government of Canada could do to influence what was ultimately a domestic issue within the United States.

PEI Potatoes (Atlantic Canada)

Participants in Atlantic Canada briefly discussed recent developments related to the trade of potatoes in Prince Edward Island (PEI). Asked if they had heard anything as of late regarding this matter, while some recalled the United States temporarily halting the import of PEI potatoes in late 2021, no participants were aware of any recent developments. To clarify, participants were informed that in November 2021, the United States instructed its border officials to deny entry of shipments of PEI potatoes, following detection of potato wart in some crops. In March 2022, the United States subsequently announced that imports of PEI potatoes could resume with some conditions. Most participants viewed this as an issue of major importance to PEI, with several believing the potato industry to be a key economic driver for the province. While all felt positively about the resumption of trade, several were concerned this temporary prohibition had served to decrease the market share of PEI potatoes within the sector as well as damaging the brand’s international reputation. Some worried this would further impede the economic recovery of PEI potato farmers who had already been severely impacted by this issue.

Bay du Nord Development Project (Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Two groups discussed the Bay du Nord Development Project proposed to be constructed off the eastern coast of Newfoundland and Labrador. A small number in Atlantic Canada and very few in the group from Quebec were aware of this project. Of the few who had heard of it, only limited details could be recalled, including the project’s connection to the oil and gas sector as well as concerns regarding its potential environmental impact. Provided further information, participants were shown the following:

Equinor proposed to install and operate a floating offshore oil and gas production facility east of Newfoundland and Labrador. As proposed, the Bay du Nord Development Project would be in operation for approximately 30 years, with the potential for additional wells and tie-backs to the production facility. After an environmental assessment concluded it would not cause significant adverse environmental effects, the federal government approved the project.

Participants were largely mixed in their opinions on the Government of Canada’s decision to approve this project. Regionally, while those in Atlantic Canada were split as to whether this represented a positive or negative development, slightly more in the group from Quebec were against the project. Among those in support of the project, it was thought it would create a significant number of jobs and support the region’s economy. In addition, some expected this project would have the added benefit of increasing Canada’s domestic oil and gas production capacity, fostering greater national self-sufficiency in this regard. A number of participants mentioned what they viewed as exceedingly high fuel prices at present and were optimistic this project could alleviate these pressures to some extent. While many in favour of this project were supportive of a gradual transition towards a more sustainable economy, most felt this to be unrealistic in the near future and viewed such projects as necessary in order to meet the energy needs of Canadians in the short-term. For those opposed to the project, it was believed the Government of Canada’s approval of this project was somewhat contradictory to its goals to transition to a ‘greener’ economy centered on renewable energy production. A number of participants were of the view that there was already a sufficient amount of oil and gas production occurring in Canada and that any projects that invested in non-renewable energy rather than renewable sources such as solar, hydro, and wind represented a step in the wrong direction.

Discussing the future of oil and gas projects in Canada, most felt the Bay du Nord project would have a positive impact on the prospects of future developments, so long as it produced the expected economic benefits while causing little damage to the surrounding environment and marine ecosystems. While some positively viewed the economic potential of greater domestic oil and gas development, a significant number reiterated concerns regarding the environmental impact of such projects, believing this to be of greater importance than any economic benefits gained in the short-term.

Drug Decriminalization (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters)

Both groups from British Columbia (B.C.) discussed the recent request from the Government of British Columbia for the federal government to decriminalize the possession of small amounts of certain ‘hard’ drugs in the province. While no participants were aware of any recent developments regarding this issue, some found there had been a rapid increase in addiction and drug overdoses in the province. This was felt to be a major problem at present, and one that had been exacerbated over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. To aid discussion, participants were presented with the following:

B.C. has applied for an exemption request to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs, in an effort to reduce stigma associated with drug use and help save lives. Drug users who purchase above the threshold limit are at risk of arrest and having their drugs confiscated.

Though some participants felt this would serve as a positive development, a larger number were opposed to the idea. Many were concerned about drug users taking advantage of this initiative, using these dangerous drugs more frequently if concerns over legal consequences were removed. Several also worried about the potential health risks, believing that in the case of substances such as fentanyl, no amount could be considered ‘safe’. Some were also worried about the potential of recreational drug users, especially youth, falling into cycles of addiction and increasing their risk of overdose if provided easier access to these substances. A significant number felt that rather than decriminalizing these substances, the provincial and federal governments should work to identify and treat what they viewed as the primary drivers of addiction, including poverty, mental illness, and past trauma. Suggested efforts on this front included greater efforts to design additional community programming targeted towards marginalized and vulnerable populations and promoting alternatives to drug use rather than making it easier to possess and consume these substances. Among the small number who felt this plan represented a positive step, it was expressed that similar programs in other jurisdictions (such as Portugal) had been successful in reducing the stigma faced by drug users and encouraging them to seek treatment for their addictions. Some participants took a more nuanced stance, agreeing with the idea in principle, though seeking clarification as to what constituted a ‘small amount’ of these substances, believing this to be the determining factor as to whether this plan would be viable.

While most in the group based in the City of Vancouver said the Government of Canada should approve this request, all of those representing the region’s Chinese diaspora believed the request should be denied. Some, however, qualified their support, putting forth the view that while decriminalization would likely be a positive development, it would need to be accompanied by a substantial investment into other areas such as mental health resources, addictions treatment, and addressing essential needs such as affordable housing and food insecurity. It was widely felt that decriminalization alone would have minimal impact in solving what was seen as a growing drug problem throughout the province.

News Sources and Social Media (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Three groups engaged in a discussion regarding the sources they typically consult to receive their news. A wide range of sources were mentioned, with several indicating a continued reliance on traditional media such as television (specifically CBC, CTV, and Global News), radio, and local newspapers. Many also recalled utilizing online sources such as Google News, Yahoo!, and YouTube, as well as social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat, and TikTok. Additionally, a few in the group comprised of Métis participants reported frequently relying upon Indigenous-focused news sources and social media platforms such as APTN and Windspeaker for their news. A small number of participants expressed that they generally tried to avoid more mainstream news outlets, preferring to make use of alternative news sources such as YouTube broadcasters, blogs, and podcasts. Asked an additional question as to whether they would typically first receive news in English or another language, almost all in the group comprised of members of the Chinese diaspora reported primarily relying upon English-language news. A small number recalled utilizing Mandarin news sources as well as Chinese-based social media platforms such as WeChat.

Discussing where they would typically go to receive news regarding the Government of Canada, several pointed to sources such as CBC, CTV, Global News, and Maclean’s. For news items of specific interest to them, a number of participants also indicated that they would likely visit official Government of Canada websites as a method of verifying what they had previously heard from other sources. Many in the groups from Manitoba and Calgary also reported frequently using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to receive news and announcements related to the federal government. Despite this, several thought that the Government of Canada needed to do more to engage users on these platforms, particularly TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram, where some felt the federal government’s presence was quite minimal. Asked whether some platforms were generally more reliable than others, most were of the view that reliability was determined more by the sources one chose to follow rather than the specific platforms themselves. This being said, many thought that social media in general was designed to be attention-grabbing and inflammatory, with users and algorithms more focused on generating viewership rather than ensuring reliability.

Further discussing the subject of social media, heavy social media users from Calgary were asked to describe what they viewed as the main positive and negative impacts of social media. Several identified the ability to keep in touch and communicate with others regardless of geographic distance as a key benefit, as well as the ability to be exposed to a multitude of different perspectives. Some also mentioned the impact of being able to receive information and updates instantaneously via these platforms. This was felt to be particularly important in situations such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, where those experiencing the crisis first-hand were able to utilize social media to share ‘on the ground’ footage and updates with the rest of the world. Discussing the negative aspects, many in the group felt social media often presented an unrealistic portrayal of reality, with users typically only posting updates which painted them in the best light possible. It was thought this often led to others comparing themselves to these ideals rather than more realistic standards, potentially leading to feelings of inadequacy, depression, and anxiety. It was also said that with the advent of social media, there was now an expectation that one needed to be constantly available and respond immediately to messages, further contributing to the stress associated with these platforms.

Asked about the prevalence of ‘fake news’, all participants in the group were aware of this growing issue, with most believing it to be a major problem. A few were of the opinion that this was primarily an issue effecting older generations, believing that younger Canadians may be more adept at identifying legitimate sources from those spreading misinformation. Discussing what should be done regarding misinformation and/or disinformation online, most believed it to primarily be the responsibility of the individual to determine whether the information they consume is legitimate, and to verify any details they may be uncertain about. While a few mentioned efforts by platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to identify posts as misinformation, several viewed this as a flawed process, believing it to primarily be based on algorithms rather than objective analysis of the content. Asked whether social media platforms had a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of the news on their platforms, while a small number felt they did, most believed these platforms should primarily focus on remaining neutral and only remove content that was hateful and/or explicit. Very few participants felt the federal government had a role to play in combatting misinformation. Most were of the view that this represented a ‘slippery slope’ and were concerned about the potential impacts such a move may have on the ability of Canadians to freely express themselves. Some were also concerned about the significant resources such an undertaking would likely involve, believing these could be better allocated elsewhere.

Royal Tour (Northwest Territories)

Participants in the Northwest Territories (NT) briefly discussed the tour of Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall to the region, which took place on May 19^th, 2022. While only a few participants indicated having been aware of this tour, several felt this had been an exciting event for many in communities such as Yellowknife and Dettah, particularly those who had the opportunity to participate in the festivities. A number of participants recounted having seen updates from family and friends who had been following the tour, with some also mentioning the positive experience for youth athletes in the region who had been invited to showcase cultural games for the royals. While most reacted positively to this tour, several expressed disappointment that there had not been an official apology directed towards survivors of Canada’s historic residential school system. This was felt by a number of participants to be a critical component of the reconciliation process and one that was not currently being satisfied.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], Northwest Territories)

Six groups engaged in discussions focusing on issues specific to their respective age groups, backgrounds, local regions, or specific concerns, such as climate change and the environment. Participants shared their perspectives regarding what they believed to be the key factors driving these issues, as well as the degree to which the Government of Canada had been successful in addressing them.

Youth Issues (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users)

Participants in this group (comprised of individuals aged 18 to 34 years old) discussed a number of issues of specific concern to younger Canadians. To begin this conversation, participants were asked to identify which issues facing young people the federal government should be prioritizing. A range of responses were provided, including:

Mental health and addiction – Several participants identified mental health and addiction as major issues facing young Canadians. Many believed these problems had been exacerbated in recent years due to the isolation and anxiety associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. Some young adults were of the view that there was a lack of mental health resources and addictions treatment available to those struggling, preventing many from receiving the assistance they needed;
Housing affordability and cost of living – A number of participants commented on what they thought to be exceedingly high housing prices in recent years. This was seen as a particular problem for younger Canadians who were felt to be increasingly priced out of the housing market. A few participants also identified what they perceived as a higher cost of living in general at present, believing that prices of everyday items seemed to be rising;
Post-secondary expenses – Some believed that tuition costs and other expenses related to post-secondary education had become exorbitant. Among these participants, it was felt a high rate of inflation would only serve to increase these amounts, making pursuing higher education even more unaffordable; and
Increasing divisiveness – A few participants were of the view that, in general, the country was more divided at present than in recent years, believing these tensions had been heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic. Due to this, it was felt to be increasingly difficult for some Canadians to find common ground with one another.

Very few participants were aware of any recent actions or initiatives by the Government of Canada related to any of these issues. Though a small number felt they had seen recent headlines related to housing affordability, none were able to recall any specific details. Discussing whether the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track related to these issues, most participants were hesitant to say one way or the other, believing they did not know enough about any recent federal actions on these fronts. A few were of the view that the Government of Canada had focused too much on global issues (such as humanitarian aid and the Ukrainian defence effort against Russia), while seeming to overlook the everyday needs of Canadians. These participants felt this to be frustrating, given what they viewed as the widespread economic and mental health challenges faced by a growing number of Canadians.

Discussing the degree of success to which the Government of Canada was currently engaging with younger Canadians, most participants felt there to be considerable room for improvement. Several said that more should be done to leverage social media to reach out to young people, viewing the federal government as falling behind in this regard. With this in mind, several suggested TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat as particularly useful tools to engage with young people. As these platforms generally focused on shorter, ‘bite-sized’ content, participants thought this type of content could be consumed quickly by young people on their devices. A few expressed concerns, however, regarding what they felt to be the prevalence of misinformation on social media, believing that it was primarily the responsibility of individual users to verify information they encountered on these platforms. While only a few participants felt the Government of Canada in general was currently making effective use of social media, a number identified the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) as a particularly active presence on numerous platforms, describing its content as often being of a high quality.

Atlantic Canada (Atlantic Canada)

The group based in Atlantic Canada discussed a number of pressing issues currently affecting their region. Asked which areas were in greatest need of attention from the federal government, a number of responses were provided:

Healthcare worker shortages – Several participants identified what they perceived to be a significant shortage of doctors, nurses, and other healthcare workers in their communities. A number of participants recalled encountering difficulty in finding a primary care physician and long wait times in walk-in clinics and emergency rooms. These participants believed that the stress and long hours of the COVID-19 pandemic may have caused many medical professionals to ‘burnout’ or even leave the field altogether. Some were of the view that while this was a significant issue in Atlantic Canada, it was also believed that Canadians were experiencing similar situations in other parts of the country;
Lack of support for small businesses – A number of participants believed there to be a general lack of support for small and medium sized businesses, feeling that these organizations had struggled disproportionately over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some identified labour shortages as a key issue for many local businesses in their communities, as well as decreased revenue. This was felt to particularly be the case for those in the tourism and hospitality sectors who continued to be greatly impacted by the pandemic. A small number of participants expressed frustration, feeling that more financial assistance could have been provided to smaller businesses and that, in their view, too much support had been allocated to large corporations who may not have needed it;
Housing affordability and the cost of living – Some also identified an increase in the cost of living in their communities, with prices seemingly rising for basic essentials such as groceries, gas, and household supplies. A number of participants identified housing affordability in particular as a growing issue, believing housing in Atlantic Canada was becoming increasingly unaffordable. Some were concerned this issue would especially impact young people, who were thought to currently be facing considerable difficulties in saving to afford a sufficient down payment; and
Forestry and lumber - A few participants also mentioned a recent downturn in the forestry and lumber sector, which they viewed as a vital economic driver for many rural communities in Atlantic Canada. Some were under the impression that in Nova Scotia, many smaller lumber mills were currently struggling and, in some cases, were at risk of shutting down altogether.

Asked if they could recall any actions by the federal government regarding any of these issues, few participants were aware of any recent initiatives. Related to affordable housing, a small number recalled hearing about the recent decision by the Government of Canada to prohibit the purchase of residential housing by non-Canadians for two years. A few also had heard about recent efforts by the federal government to recruit and train more doctors and nurses, though were unable to recall any specific details. Discussing whether the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track regarding these issues, most were uncertain, and felt that they did not know enough about what was being done to determine whether sufficient progress was being made. Several participants, however, said that a greater emphasis needed to be placed on everyday issues such as healthcare worker shortages, housing affordability, and the cost of living, believing these represented essential needs and services that were currently going unmet for a significant number of Atlantic Canadians.

Environmental Issues (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

These two groups discussed the Government of Canada’s recent efforts towards addressing the issue of climate change, as well as identifying ways in which the environment and sustainability could be prioritized to a greater extent going forward. To begin these conversations, participants were asked, in general, which areas they felt the federal government needed to place a greater focus on. A wide range of responses were provided, including housing affordability, the cost of living, healthcare, mental health, increased firearms regulations, and ensuring all Indigenous reserves and communities had access to clean drinking water. Unprompted, a large number of participants also mentioned climate change and the environment, with many believing this represented a top priority currently facing Canadians. Several identified specific issues such as pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, rising global temperatures, and a perceived lack of comprehensive recycling programs as major concerns related to long-term sustainability.

Focusing on the efforts taken by the Government of Canada towards combatting climate change, several reported (though not by name) hearing about the Incentives for Zero-Emission Vehicles (iZEV) program, though few could recall any specific details. Speaking more generally, some were also of the impression that the environment and climate change had been a significant component of the recent 2022 federal Budget. Very few participants felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to addressing climate change. Many stated that, even if greater efforts had been taken in recent years, these actions still would likely fall short of what was necessary to mitigate the damage already caused to the environment. A number of participants felt there needed to be an increased emphasis on meeting pledged climate targets, such as those stipulated in the Paris Agreement, as well as increased financial consequences for any large-scale emitters not currently adhering to federal climate policy. For the small number of individuals who felt the federal government was on the right track, it was said that while there was still much work to be done, they believed recent initiatives and announcements related to climate change represented a step in the right direction.

Chinese Canadians (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora)

Participants in the group from the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA), excluding the City of Vancouver, comprised of members of the Chinese diaspora discussed a number of issues related to their community within Canada. Discussing the top issues currently facing Chinese Canadians, many identified what they felt to be a rising prevalence of anti-Asian racism and hate crimes. Several clarified that they viewed this as an issue affecting all Asians in Canada, and not just those of Chinese descent. Some individuals thought this issue had become increasingly heightened during the COVID-19 pandemic, with certain cohorts of society placing the blame on Asians and Asian countries, for the initial spread of the virus. While no participants had personally experienced this type of discrimination, a number recalled having heard accounts from others who had. It was felt this was an issue of particular concern in certain communities with a larger proportion of residents from Asian backgrounds (such as Richmond, B.C.), as well as among more vulnerable populations such as the elderly. A number of participants felt more could be done by the federal government to further educate Canadians regarding the history of Asians in Canada. It was suggested that this should include a celebration of the contributions of these individuals, as well as further education regarding the challenges they have faced, such as the Chinese Head Tax enforced by the federal government from 1885-1923.

Discussing the performance of the Government of Canada towards better supporting Chinese Canadians, few could recall any recent initiatives or announcements related to this issue. A small number mentioned that the federal government had officially declared May ‘Asian Heritage Month’, creating a time to reflect and recognize the many contributions those of Asian heritage have made and continue to make in Canada. Several felt this was beneficial towards the promotion of Asian culture within Canada. A few specifically recalled the 2022 Juno Awards celebrating Asian Heritage Month with a number of performances incorporating Asian-themed elements as well as an Asian host. Asked whether the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track in regards to addressing issues such as anti-Asian racism, most felt they did not know enough to say one way or the other. Several thought more needed to be done on this front, especially given what was perceived to be the increased rise in anti-Asian sentiment in recent years. Additionally, some said the question should be expanded to racism in general, believing acts of racism against all racialized Canadians needed to be addressed, not just those involving Canadians from Asian backgrounds. A number of participants felt more could also be done by the federal government to work with municipalities to develop community programming targeted towards Asian Canadians and celebrating Asian culture.

Questioned as to whether there were any other issues related to Asian Canadians that the Government of Canada should be focusing on, some also mentioned the relationship with China, believing it to be quite strained at present. This was said to be a source of tension for some Chinese Canadians, who primarily identified as Canadian, yet continued to have personal connections and relatives in China who felt less positively about Canada. A few participants also identified affordable housing as a pressing issue, though this was felt to be a matter that applied to all Canadians rather than any specific group.

Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

The group from the Northwest Territories (NT) discussed a number of issues related to their local region. Asked to share what they felt to be the most pressing challenges facing those in the NT at this time, participants identified a wide range of issues. These included:

Housing affordability and the cost of living – A number of participants mentioned what they viewed as a dearth of affordable housing in their communities and the North more generally. It was said that housing, both for prospective homebuyers and renters, in NT was becoming increasingly expensive, often times necessitating multiple families to have to share a single dwelling. This was felt to be a particularly difficult issue during the pandemic, where individuals would have little to no space available to self-isolate in the event they tested positive for COVID-19. In addition to housing, several noted what they viewed as the increasing cost of living overall. It was said that the costs for essentials, such as groceries and fuel, had always been expensive in the North and that a high rate of inflation was only exacerbating this problem further;
Fisheries – Some were also of the view that the fishing stock in NT was becoming increasingly strained, believing large-scale fishing companies were overfishing and placing the long-term viability of this sector in the region at risk;
Climate change – Others expressed concerns regarding climate change and the environment. It was felt that the climate in the North had warmed considerably in past decades and that this was putting local ecosystems at risk. A few identified the melting of the permafrost as an issue of particular concern, believing this could cause a myriad of problems in the region if it progressed further;
Mental health – Several identified mental health as a pressing concern in their communities. It was felt the isolation and anxiety brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as ongoing issues related to affordable housing, food insecurity, and intergenerational trauma had increased the prevalence of mental health concerns in recent years. A number of participants identified the need for greater investments into mental health care in NT, including the recruitment of more trained professionals to practice in the region; and
Addictions – Many felt substance addiction to be a significant problem in their communities and one that had heightened during the pandemic. Several participants mentioned a lack of treatment facilities in the region, recalling that those struggling with addiction often had to travel to other parts of Canada to receive the care they need. It was felt a greater effort needed to be made to provide treatment options for these individuals in their own communities.

Asked if they could recall any recent initiatives or actions taken by the Government of Canada regarding these issues, some mentioned housing-related assistance such as assistance for elders living in the Inuvialuit settlement region to repair and/or retrofit their homes, as well as additional funding to address homelessness in communities such as Yellowknife. A few also mentioned efforts by the federal government to assist with food insecurity, pointing to programs such as Nutrition North Canada (though not mentioned by name) as being particularly helpful during the pandemic. Many, however, felt this assistance did not go far enough and that greater support needed to be provided by the federal government to address the issues facing NT. Expanding upon this, several participants reiterated the need for greater resources to be made available to those suffering from mental health challenges and/or addiction. Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to these issues, participants were generally of the view that while there had been greater efforts in recent years, this assistance had moved too slowly or was insufficient to address the more widespread nature of the problems facing the region. Expanding on this, a number of participants hoped to see a greater emphasis placed by federal officials on assisting more rural and remote communities in the region. It was felt that a significant portion of federal assistance was currently being directed to larger communities (such as Yellowknife), while rural communities continued to struggle with issues of food insecurity and, in some cases, a lack of clean drinking water.

Participants in this group also discussed ongoing issues related to arsenic contamination emanating from the now inactive Giant Mine, located near Yellowknife. Most were aware of the situation, with several expressing significant concern regarding the potential long-term impacts of arsenic trioxide on the health and safety of those living in Yellowknife. Some were particularly worried about the dangers this situation posed to the city’s water supply, believing it could become contaminated if preventative action was not taken. A few also expressed concern regarding the effect this situation could have on nearby ecosystems, with some under the impression that wildlife and vegetation near the abandoned mine had already been adversely impacted. To aid in discussion and provide further details, participants were shown the following:

Giant Mine, located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is regarded as one of the most contaminated sites in Canada. Gold extraction from arsenopyrite ores left behind a legacy of 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide stored in the inactive mine underground chambers.

Discussing what the federal government had done (or was planning to do) to address this issue, most were uncertain as to what specific actions had been taken. While some believed there had been ongoing efforts to assist with the clean-up, this was seen as a difficult and time-consuming task given the dangerous substances involved. A few also recalled hearing about the establishment of the Giant Mine Oversight Board (GMOB) to coordinate the clean-up, believing the Government of Canada played a role in managing this. Discussing what more could be done on the part of the federal government to assist with this issue, many expressed the need for increased funding for this project, as well as towards the clean-up of other abandoned mines across the region.

Economic Issues (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Six groups engaged in discussions focusing on a wide range of economic issues. These included a focus on the local economy in their respective regions, the Canadian economy as a whole, as well as the ongoing transition to a ‘greener’ economy. To begin these conversations, participants were asked to identify what they viewed as the most important industries to their local economies. Participants in all groups, with the exception of those from Montreal’s North and South Shore, identified agriculture as a major economic driver in their region. In addition, oil and gas, manufacturing, technology, and tourism were also mentioned in several groups as important industries to their local economies.

Several participants in Atlantic Canada identified offshore oil and gas development and extraction as a prominent industry in their region. While some expressed the desire for a more expedient transition away from this sector towards renewable energy, many felt the recent approval of initiatives such as the Bay du Nord development project indicated that oil and gas would remain a prominent part of the region’s economy for the foreseeable future. Focusing on other areas, a number of participants also mentioned sectors such as fishing, lumber, tourism, and healthcare as important economic contributors. For those living in larger centres such as Halifax and Charlottetown, sectors such as finance, hospitality, and government were also identified as major employers in their cities. A small number of participants (based in Fredericton) pointed to cybersecurity as a growing sector, citing the presence of a number of companies as well as the Canadian Institute for Cybersecurity being located in their community. While some also identified agriculture as an important contributor to the regional economy, a number of participants were worried about the impact climate change and extreme weather may have on the future viability of this sector. It was felt more could be done to encourage a wider adoption of technology, such as greenhouses, that would allow for food to be grown in the region all year round.

Many in the group located in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec identified agriculture (fruit, livestock, and sugar shacks) and manufacturing as the most important industries to their region. Related to manufacturing, participants identified companies such as Canatal and DuPont as major employers in their region, producing materials such as steel and chemicals respectively. While most expected these sectors to continue to grow (especially manufacturing for construction, which was viewed as experiencing significant demand), some believed there would need to be infrastructure upgrades to vital material transportation networks, such as railways, for the region to reach its full economic potential.

For those living on Montreal’s North and South Shore, construction was also mentioned as a key economic contributor and many were of the impression that this sector would be in high demand for a considerable time to come. A number of participants also identified tourism and hospitality as being especially important to their local economies. While some felt that small businesses (particularly those geared toward services and hospitality) in their areas had suffered due to the challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, others took a different view, believing the transition of many to working from home full-time had led to more people remaining in their communities, rather than commuting to larger centres such as Montreal. It was said that this could provide long-term economic growth for many suburban municipalities if this trend were to continue.

Participants in the group from rural Ontario identified technology (in Waterloo), automotive manufacturing (in Windsor), and oil and gas refineries (in Sarnia) as key sectors. Additionally, some also mentioned industries such as agriculture, tourism, and cannabis production as being of increasing importance in their local communities. Most participants felt these industries would remain relatively stable in the future. Some expected the technology sector to continue to grow, while others said oil and gas would likely decline over the long-term, given what they perceived as a general trend towards renewable energy sources and green technology such as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

In the groups based in the Prairies and Calgary, agriculture and oil and gas were commonly mentioned as important sectors to their respective regions. It was felt that agriculture would likely remain a high-demand sector for the foreseeable future, especially given the challenges related to the global food supply driven by events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and the ongoing crisis in Ukraine. While several expected oil and gas to remain important in the short-term, many felt the prominence of this sector would gradually diminish as non-renewable resources are phased out. Some individuals in the group from the Prairies also mentioned manufacturing as being key to their local communities, with a few specifically identifying the Pfizer plant in Brandon, Manitoba as a major employer in their area. A small number in the group from Calgary also pointed to the city’s growing technology sector, believing this area would continue to increase in importance in the future.

Asked to identify what they believed to be the key challenges to economic growth in their local regions, participants across all groups provided a wide range of responses. These included:

A lack of skilled labour – Many participants identified what they perceived to be a lack of skilled labour as a major economic challenge. This was felt to be occurring in numerous sectors, with areas such as agriculture, tourism, service industries, and restaurants/hospitality facing particular difficulties in this regard. It was said that many workers had not returned to work following the COVID-19 pandemic. Resulting from this, some were of the view that employers would be required to raise wages and provide additional benefits in order to attract staff to work in these sectors. A number of those living in rural areas thought this to be a particular challenge for their respective regions, believing it would be significantly more difficult to recruit skilled workers to come to their communities relative to major urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver;
Rising prices and increased cost of living – Several participants pointed to what they viewed as a substantially higher cost of living in recent years. A number of participants reported that costs for essential goods such as groceries, gasoline, and other household necessities had risen considerably as of late. In addition to more Canadians experiencing difficulties in making ends meet, this was felt to have had a negative economic impact overall, with households having less disposable income to spend on other businesses within their communities. Some also mentioned housing affordability as a growing concern in this regard, believing many Canadians now had to devote a considerable amount of their monthly income to housing, further limiting any disposable income they may have. Related to increased fuel costs, some in the group from Atlantic Canada expressed concern as to how this may negatively impact prices in their local economy, expecting it would now be more expensive to transport necessary goods into the region and that these additional costs would likely be passed on to the consumer; and
Impacts of climate change – Some also voiced concerns regarding the impact that climate change would have on economic prospects in their region going forward. A number of participants were worried that extreme weather such as droughts and flooding may adversely impact agriculture in their regions. In addition, a small number expressed concern regarding the safety of those working outdoors (such as construction workers) in periods of extreme heat or cold, which were said to be occurring more frequently in recent years.

Focusing on the broader Canadian economy, participants were asked to identify which areas they expected the Government of Canada would be prioritizing going forward. Participants provided a number of responses, including:

Green technology – Several participants felt the technology sector, and green technology in particular, would be a major federal priority in the years to come. Participants believed that generally the Canadian economy would be more focused on sustainability given the federal government’s pledge to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions with the eventual goal of achieving ‘net-zero’. Regarding oil and gas as well as the automotive sectors, it was said that technology such as zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) would be far more prominent in the future. Related to this, a few participants voiced concern regarding the potential environmental consequences of ZEVs related to the mining activities necessary to obtain the raw materials used in the batteries of these vehicles;
Renewable energy – Many also expected there would be an increased focus on renewable energy sources. In addition to solar, wind, and hydro, a small number of participants thought that more should be done regarding nuclear energy. These participants believed that this represented an underutilized form of ‘clean’ energy production. Some in the group based in Atlantic Canada also said a greater emphasis should be placed on developing and implementing the proposed Atlantic Loop project, aimed at establishing a renewable energy corridor throughout the region;
Domestic manufacturing – A number of participants anticipated domestic manufacturing, specifically in terms of making essential goods in Canada rather than relying on international trade, would be prioritized. It was said that the supply chain disruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing conflict in Ukraine, had made it evident that Canada would need to be increasingly self-reliant in the future;
Agriculture – Some also felt agriculture and increased food production would likely be important priorities for the Government of Canada moving forward. It was felt that potential climate instability and extreme weather may make food production more difficult in the years to come, indicating the need to develop innovative strategies to address this. It was thought by several participants that the federal government should focus on greater self-sufficiency in this regard; and
Healthcare – A few participants also mentioned healthcare as an area that they believed would need to be prioritized by the federal government in the immediate future, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was believed that many provincial/territorial healthcare systems were currently under considerable strain following the pandemic, causing many seeking care to face significant wait times. This was said to also be compounded by a perceived shortage of doctors, nurses, and other medical specialists in many regions.

Most participants believed that prioritizing the sectors mentioned above would have a positive impact on Canada’s overall future, with some hoping that further investments into these areas would lead to the creation of more high-paying jobs for Canadians. Asked whether this would benefit those living in rural areas, several were skeptical as to whether it would have a tangible impact. Among participants living in rural communities, many felt that while projects related to green technology and renewable energy may lead to short-term economic opportunities, it was expected that the majority of the jobs, and therefore economic gains, in these sectors would be in urban centres.

Asked what came to mind when they heard the terms ‘green economy’ and ‘green jobs’, participants shared several responses. Many primarily thought of renewable energy, including the development and production of these energy sources, as well as projects related to retrofitting individual homes or businesses to become more sustainable. Several participants also mentioned aspects related to green technology, including carbon capture technology and the manufacturing of ZEVs. Some pointed to initiatives related to conservation and protecting Canada’s biodiversity and natural resources, believing these to be important priorities moving forward. A number of participants also expected that a transition to a green economy would be accompanied by a large-scale societal shift towards greater sustainability, including a renewed focus on developing walkable communities, expanding public transit, more comprehensive recycling programs, and localized food production and manufacturing.

Many expected that a transition to a greener economy would also provide a wide range of job opportunities for Canadians and would likely require a number of different skillsets in order to be fully implemented. Focusing on renewable energy production in particular, several said that, in addition to the physical labour and construction jobs required to build the required infrastructure, there would also likely be numerous technical and digital engineering jobs created to manage the ongoing operations of these systems. A number of participants also expected there would be a significant number of manufacturing jobs created to produce ZEVs and other innovative green technology. It was hoped that there would be opportunities for those currently working in the automotive sector to obtain the necessary skills to transition to working with these new technologies. Some also said there may be additional employment opportunities created in areas such as recycling or conservation, believing there would be more comprehensive programs and initiatives related to these areas under a green economy. A small number of participants in the group based in Calgary were more pessimistic. They expressed concerns that most of the jobs created to support a greener economy would be located in foreign markets and believed that Canadian workers would likely not benefit much from this transition.

Focusing on what a potential green economy might look like, participants in all groups with the exception of those in Calgary were presented with a list of green sectors and asked to identify which they felt had the greatest potential to create economic opportunities within their local regions. This list included:

Eco-recreational tourism;

Green energy;

Mining;

Nature protection;

Sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency; and

Sustainable forestry.

Across all groups, participants gravitated towards green energy, nature protection, and sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency as the sectors which they expected would yield the greatest economic opportunities. Related to green energy, many reiterated the expectation that a shift towards renewable sources such as wind, solar, and hydro would likely create many jobs for Canadians, in terms of the construction of new infrastructure and the long-term operations of these systems. Several participants also thought that a greater focus on nature protection could lead to more jobs in the field of conservation and that this would provide those with backgrounds in forestry or the environmental sciences the ability to utilize their skills to create long-term strategies towards protecting and conserving Canada’s natural resources. Many also identified the need for greater self-sufficiency regarding food production in Canada, believing this would be a key focus of the Government of Canada going forward and one that would likely create new jobs in the agricultural sector. While some participants in the groups from Atlantic Canada and rural Ontario felt eco-recreational tourism might provide additional economic opportunities for their communities, only a small number in other groups identified this as a particularly promising area. Few participants mentioned sustainable forestry or mining as sectors which they felt would economically benefit their respective communities.

Discussing whether they expected a transition to a green economy would likely help or hurt their respective communities, participants were mixed in their responses. While most in the groups from rural Ontario, Quebec, and Atlantic Canada felt a green transition would be beneficial for their communities, some expected that this shift may present some difficulties for rural or remote areas where less funding may be available to assist with the implementation of more sustainable practices. A few in the group from Atlantic Canada also expected this transition would be difficult in their region, specifically mentioning what they perceived to be a lack of existing infrastructure (such as ZEV charging stations) which would need to be significantly built up for a large-scale shift to be possible. While most in the group from the Prairies felt a green transition would be beneficial in the long-term, several participants expected this could negatively impact their communities in the short-term given the economic reliance of many of these areas on oil and gas production. Many participants in the group from Calgary felt similarly, believing their local economy to be heavily focused on the development and production of non-renewable energy and expecting that a transition to a green economy would bring about significant economic hardship.

Focusing on rural areas in particular, participants were asked whether they felt it was reasonable to expect these communities to be able to shift to a green economy on their own. Almost all participants felt that such a large-scale transition would be impossible without a significant amount of financial support from both the federal and provincial/territorial governments. Expanding upon this, many cited what they perceived as the high upfront costs for technology such as ZEVs, home retrofitting, and renewable energy generation, believing these were currently unrealistic for the majority of those living in rural communities. Focusing on ZEVs, participants thought this technology would have to improve substantially in terms of these vehicles’ abilities to drive long distances, handle under-maintained roadways, and operate in extreme weather conditions, all of which were seen as regular challenges of rural life. While most believed an eventual transition to a green economy was important for Canada’s long-term viability, it was felt this process would likely be quite gradual and that a significant amount of time would be needed to develop the necessary infrastructure as well as convince the majority of Canadians to ‘buy-in’ to this shift towards greater sustainability.

Digital Economy (Rural Ontario)

Participants in the group from Rural Ontario briefly discussed issues related to the digital economy. Asked what came to mind when they heard the term ‘digital economy’, a wide range of responses were provided. These included digital financial markets, e-commerce, the emergence of cryptocurrencies (such as Bitcoin), the trend of working from home and ‘telecommuting’, and major online web corporations such as Amazon, Netflix, and YouTube.

Discussing whether those living in rural communities could benefit from a greater shift to a digital economy, almost all participants expected that they would. By allowing individuals to work from home, participants thought a more digitized economy would open up opportunity to work in a variety of different sectors (such as high-tech) for those living rurally. Additionally, it was felt a digital economy and a shift to ‘work from home’ would also benefit more traditional sectors in rural areas, as more Canadians may be interested in living rurally now that they were no longer physically required to commute to work each day.

Job Opportunities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers)

Participants residing in Quebec’s Eastern Townships who identified as low-income workers discussed the availability of job opportunities in their respective communities. Asked if they felt there were enough job opportunities in their local region for them to continue to live there long-term, most said that there were. Several were of the impression there were a number of jobs of presently available and, in many sectors, there was a shortage of workers. Some, however, qualified this statement, expressing that while there were many jobs available, these were not always high-paying and in some cases may not provide a sufficient living income. This was especially felt to be the case given the perceived high rate of inflation and rise of living costs in recent years.

Only a small number of participants reported either currently seeking or having recently looked for new job opportunities. Asked what they would look for in a prospective employer if they were seeking a new opportunity, participants identified components such as a higher wages, the potential for career advancement, benefits, a flexible work schedule, and socially responsible business practices. Almost all believed it was important for an employer to be environmentally responsible, with many indicating this would be a factor they would weigh when considering an employment offer. A few participants said they would not be willing to work for a company without a long-term environmental plan in place. A small number felt differently, believing that while the environment was an important priority, they would not be opposed to working in potentially harmful economic sectors (such as resource extraction and development) so long as the compensation was high enough. Almost all felt it was important for an employer to be socially responsible. Most said they would likely be deterred from accepting an offer of employment from a company that had not expressed a commitment to this. While many participants felt they would view companies that invest in the communities in which they are based more positively, this was not seen as a factor that would determine whether they would be willing to work for these employers.

Firearms (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Five groups discussed the subject of firearms, including their perspectives on the current level of gun crime within Canada as well as what actions (if any) they felt the Government of Canada should take to address this issue.

Asked how prevalent they felt firearms-related crimes to be in Canada, most were of the view that this was not a major issue. It was generally thought that these type of crimes occurred fairly infrequently and were mostly limited to major urban centres or isolated incidents, such as the 2020 mass shooting in Nova Scotia. Expanding upon this, many were of the opinion that firearms were far less of an issue in Canada than in other jurisdictions such as the United States. It was felt by several that most of what they saw or heard in the news on this issue pertained to incidents which had taken place in the U.S. rather than in Canada. A small number of participants raised concerns about the potential for individuals to create ‘homemade’ firearms using technologies such as 3D printing, believing this might expand the presence of these weapons within Canada.

Regionally, while few in the group from Manitoba as well as in both groups based in British Columbia felt firearms were a particularly pressing concern, some in the group held among those in Quebec felt differently, believing crimes involving firearms to be a growing issue. While most in the group from the Northwest Territories (NT) commented that gun ownership was relatively common in the region, this was not seen as an issue of particular concern, given the impression that their use was primarily related to hunting. Discussing whether the rate of crimes involving firearms had risen in their communities in recent years, while some in the group from Quebec and the City of Vancouver thought this to be the case, most felt they did not know enough about this issue to say one way or the other. Very few participants felt firearm-related crimes had decreased as of late.

Discussing what they felt to be the major causes of criminal gun violence in Canada, participants identified a wide range of factors. These included:

Gang activity – Several were of the view that firearm-related crimes were primarily gang-related and that targeted shootings were linked to territorial conflicts or other illegal activities carried out by these groups. Some felt this was particularly an issue for younger Canadians who were lured into these groups, exposed to gun and gang violence, and pressured into committing gun crimes. Participants said that more could be done to provide at-risk youth with increased community programming options, believing that this could present these individuals with alternatives to gang membership;
Mental illness – A number of participants identified mental illness as a primary cause behind these crimes, believing many violent acts involving firearms were often committed by those suffering from a mental health condition. Participants saw an opportunity to combat gun crime and violence in general by improving access to mental health resources. They felt that appropriate and timely treatment of mental illness would prevent at least some acts of firearms-related violence from occurring;
Addictions, homelessness, and poverty – Several were also of the view that issues such as addiction, homelessness, and poverty were contributing factors. The perception of some participants was that individuals who found themselves in these circumstances may feel they have few other options and ultimately resort to gun violence out of desperation. As such, they emphasized the need to address these ‘root causes’ at a societal level;
Social media and U.S. influence – Some also pointed to social media as well as Canada’s close proximity to the United States as influencing factors. This prevalence of and reliance on social media was thought to be exposing Canadians to a wide range of ‘pro-gun’ perspectives held by certain cohorts of American society; and
Limited screening and inadequate gun regulations – A small number of participants felt more should be done to increase the regulation of firearms in Canada, particularly in terms of screening prospective gun-owners for mental illness and other potential issues as well as limiting the ability of young people to access these weapons. Regarding youth, it was felt that consequences for those under 18 years of age who become involved in firearm-related crimes were not sufficiently strict and that action should be taken to address this.

While some were under the impression that the federal government had taken action in recent years to implement stricter regulation of firearms in Canada, very few were able to recall any details except that certain classes of weapons (such as ‘assault-style’ weapons) had been limited or banned outright. Though several were in favour of increased regulation to prohibit or ban a wider range of firearms, along with increased background checks and implementation of a registration system for all firearms, many were skeptical as to whether taking these steps would have the intended effect of reducing gun crime in Canada. The principal concern was that those committing gun crimes were likely to have obtained weapons illegally. As such, the view was that any enhancements to firearms regulations would primarily impact those who had obtained their firearms legally, while doing very little to address those who purchase weapons or bring firearms into Canada illegally. Some also reiterated the need to address the fundamental causes of firearm-related violence, such as mental health, substance use and addiction, and other factors that may lead to gun crimes.

Discussing Canada’s laws related to firearms, while a larger number of participants felt they were adequate, a smaller yet still significant number believed that any action on the part of the federal government to reduce the prevalence of gun crime in Canada would be welcome. Though generally supportive of increased firearm regulations, some in the group comprising those who identified as Métis were concerned about the continued ability of law enforcement officials to possess firearms while the laws governing gun ownership among Canadian became stricter. It was felt this could potentially create an imbalance which might lead to an abuse of power on the part of law enforcement.

Perspectives on a National Freeze on Handguns (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters)

Four groups discussed whether the Government of Canada should consider implementing a national ‘freeze’ on handguns. Participants were asked what they expected this type of policy might involve. While some felt a freeze would primarily relate to halting the buying and selling of handguns within Canada, most were unsure as to what it practically would entail. Asked what they felt might be the difference between a freeze and an outright ban on handguns, several were of the view that a freeze would likely be temporary while a ban would be more permanent. A few suggested that a freeze may also be a precursor to or a first step towards a full ban. Some participants expressed confusion as to whether a handgun freeze would also impact existing firearms owners from continuing to possess handguns that had been previously purchased.

After it was clarified that a freeze on handguns would work by capping the market and banning the sale and import of handguns into Canada, participants discussed the impacts they felt such a policy could have. While some were of the view that this policy would have a positive effect in that it would likely reduce the number of handguns in Canada, a large number expressed concerns about a potential freeze. Several felt such a law would have little to no effect on the prevalence of firearms-related crimes, believing those intending to use handguns for illicit activities would not be deterred by any new regulations. Participants reiterated their view that most of those committing firearms-related crimes had likely obtained the weapons via illegal channels and that the freeze would have no impact on the smuggling of guns into Canada, for example. Some felt a handgun freeze may actually have a counter-productive effect, possibly leading to a surge of handgun purchases among those who wished to obtain a handgun, or had intended to purchase a handgun, prior to the freeze being implemented. A number also expressed concern this might lead to the growth of an unregulated and illegal market for handguns and further exacerbate the prevalence of these activities going forward.

Discussing whether they felt a freeze or ban was the most appropriate step forward, many were of the view that neither was the right step to take at present, believing this would have either a minimal impact on gun crimes or an adverse effect. Regionally, while most of those in Quebec believed that enacting a freeze or a ban was an appropriate step at this time, few in the other groups felt the same.

Asked to consider whether they felt policies related to firearms should be consistent across Canada or tailored to different provinces or urban centres, most participants felt these laws should be consistent across all jurisdictions. Though some felt that firearms-related crimes were more prevalent in urban centres, such as Toronto, it was generally felt that variable policies across the provinces and territories would complicate the implementation of firearms policy and work counter to the intended outcome of addressing gun crime. A small number felt differently, believing that by prohibiting ownership of certain firearms in specific urban centres the Government of Canada could potentially reduce incidences of gun crime, while also demonstrating sensitivity to gun owners in rural communities as well as those who hunt for sport, to control animal populations, or for food.

New Firearms Regulations (Northwest Territories)

The focus group held among those residing in the NT was conducted after the federal government’s introduction of new legislation to further strengthen firearms regulations in Canada (through Bill C-21) on May 30^th, 2022. Participants discussed a number of measures that had been announced as part of this policy. To provide further clarification, participants were presented with the following information:

The Government of Canada has tabled new firearm-control legislation. The proposed legislation includes the following:

Implementing a national freeze on handguns to prevent individuals from bringing newly-acquired handguns into Canada and from buying, selling, and transferring handguns within the country;

Taking away the firearms licenses of those involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment, such as stalking;

Fighting gun smuggling and trafficking by increasing criminal penalties, providing more tools for law enforcement to investigate firearms crimes, and strengthening border security measures;

Addressing intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and self-harm involving firearms by creating a new “red flag” law that would enable courts to require that individuals considered a danger to themselves or others surrender their firearms to law enforcement, while protecting the safety of the individual applying to the red flag process, including by protecting their identity. In addition, the Government of Canada will invest $6.6 million to help raise awareness of the new law and provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized groups to navigate the provisions; and

Requiring magazines for long guns to be changed so they can't carry any more than five rounds; sales of larger magazines would be banned.

Virtually all participants reacted positively to these initiatives. Most felt they intuitively made sense and would likely be effective in addressing a number of the issues related to firearms. Some specifically mentioned those aspects of this legislation related to intimate partner and gender-based violence, believing they could have a considerable impact on protecting women and others who may be vulnerable to this type of violence. Asked about the freeze on handguns specifically, participants generally felt it would not have a significant impact on their communities, believing that ownership of handguns in the North was rare. Discussing what additional measures could be implemented in the future, some were of the opinion that all firearms should be registered, regardless of type or purpose. A smaller number felt that further measures were unnecessary, believing the proposed legislation was sufficient.

Public Mood (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

Four groups engaged in a discussion regarding the public mood in Canada as well as their impressions regarding whether Canadians were more divided at present compared to in the past. Regionally, while almost all in the group from rural Ontario felt Canadians were mostly united, all participants in the group from the Prairies and most in Calgary said the country was significantly divided at present. Opinions in the group from Atlantic Canada were more mixed, with roughly an equal number feeling Canadians were mostly united as those who believed societal divisions had become more prevalent in recent years.

For those participants who believed Canadians were mostly united, it was generally felt that while those taking more extreme positions on a number of issues may have become more prominent, they continued to represent a minority among Canadians. Some were also of the view that while divisions did exist within Canada, this had likely always been the case and these differences in opinion were simply now more salient due to the advent of social media and its ability to amplify more extreme perspectives. It was thought by many that Canadians remained mostly unified on important matters such as housing affordability, the cost of living, child care, healthcare, and the conflict in Ukraine, even if they may not agree on the specific solutions or actions necessary to address these issues.

Among participants who were of the opinion that divisions were more prominent among Canadians at present, it was thought by many that social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter had served to greatly exacerbate this issue. It was felt that these communication tools had allowed those with more extreme perspectives to reach a wider audience as well as find like-minded individuals from across the country, further amplifying their message. Several identified misinformation and/or disinformation on these platforms as also playing a significant role in fostering this division. Some expressed concern that there were now fewer people in ‘the middle’ on a number of issues and that this polarization had made it difficult for Canadians to find common ground with one another. A number of participants also identified what they perceived to be a growing lack of trust among Canadians towards the media as well as government at all levels, believing this distrust had significantly increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. Questioned as to which issues they felt Canadians were most divided on, participants provided a wide range of responses including the pandemic and related public health measures and vaccine mandates, climate change and the environment, and reproductive issues such as abortion.

While a number of participants expressed concern regarding these divisions, most were unsure as to whether there were any actions the Government of Canada could take to reduce them in the near future. Asked an additional question regarding whether anything should be done to reduce division by combatting misinformation or disinformation online, some in the group from Atlantic Canada mentioned that social media platforms (including Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) had recently begun tagging posts suspected of misinformation, believing this to be a step in the right direction. Though most felt these companies had a responsibility to ensure the information shared on their platforms was accurate, very few felt the federal government should directly involve itself in this matter.

Budget 2022 – Housing (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Four groups discussed initiatives and announcements related to housing affordability included in the recent 2022 federal Budget, which had been tabled on April 7^th, 2022. A number of participants indicated having been aware of the Budget, with most expressing positive impressions regarding its contents. Unrelated to housing affordability, several communicated their enthusiasm about the announcement of a national dental care program as well as continued efforts towards reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. A smaller number of participants expressed dissatisfaction with what they perceived as insufficient action regarding increasing housing prices in their communities as well as the rising cost of living in general.

Focusing on the issue of housing affordability more specifically, almost all participants identified this as an issue of the highest importance, with many believing it to be the number one concern facing Canadians at present. Many participants were of the impression that housing had become increasingly unaffordable in recent years and expressed concerns regarding their own children, younger Canadians, and other prospective first-time home buyers who they felt were facing unaffordable housing costs and expensive down payments at present. A number of participants were of the opinion that the increasing cost of housing was primarily the result of supply-related issues, and that only by increasing the supply of homes would the Government of Canada be able to address the issue.

Discussing this issue further, participants engaged in a number of exercises evaluating recent announcements and initiatives contained within the Budget, and were asked to identify which they felt would be most effective towards addressing the issue of housing affordability. To begin, participants were presented with the following initiatives, focusing on the goal of constructing a significant number of new homes in Canada. These included:

A new Housing Accelerator Fund providing money to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes;

Repurposing existing infrastructure budgets to prioritize the construction of additional new homes;

Providing $750 million in new public transit funding to municipalities that commit their own money to building new housing;

An additional $1.5 billion investment over two years for new affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence;

An additional $2.9 billion over four years for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which creates new low-income housing and repairs existing low-income housing;

An additional $216 million to incentivize developers to build new rental units that charge less than the average rent in the areas they are built in;

An additional $500 million investment to expand co-operative housing in Canada, with a pledge to give an additional $1 billion in loans to co-op housing projects; and

An additional $150 million over two years for housing in the northern territories.

The announcement of an additional $2.9 billion (over four years) for the National Housing Co-Investment fund received a significant level of support across all groups. A number of participants were of the view that this initiative represented the most significant investment towards housing contained within the Budget, and believed that it would likely help the greatest number of people. Several commented positively on the aspect of this policy allocating funding toward the repair of existing housing infrastructure, believing this to also be an important priority.

The new Housing Accelerator Fund, pledging to provide funding to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes across Canada, was also identified by a large number of participants as a promising initiative. Several reiterated the view that a lack of supply was the key factor driving the housing crisis, and that this initiative might go a considerable ways towards addressing this issue. A large number expressed the hope that this initiative would provide further affordable housing options to Canadians, especially lower or middle-income individuals who may already be struggling financially.

Many participants said the initiative to allocate $216 million towards incentivizing developers to build new rental units charging less than the average rent in the areas in which they are built was a promising component of the federal government’s housing strategy. Related to this initiative, participants expressed approval regarding the involvement of the private sector, which was felt by some to be necessary given the perceived magnitude of the housing issue at present. A small number of participants were concerned about the prospect of these units reverting back to market rates over time and suggested that strong safeguards and oversight procedures be implemented to ensure affordability in the long-term. A few also questioned how these new rental homes would be allocated, believing there would likely be considerable demand among Canadians to live in these newly built dwellings that would need to be addressed.

A number of participants felt the provision of an additional $750 million in public transit funding to communities which commit their own funding towards the building of new housing was also positively received by participants. Many believed that this initiative would incentivize cities and communities to build more housing while simultaneously providing the infrastructure necessary to support this growth. Some participants, especially those in the group from Vancouver, believed that this initiative could also help address existing traffic and congestion on major roadways, giving more people the ability to utilize public transit for their daily commutes.

Targeted initiatives, such as the provision of an additional $1.5 billion (over two years) for affordable housing for those experiencing homelessness and/or domestic violence, were also identified as important by a number of participants, especially among those in groups from the Prairies, Northwest Territories (NT), and Ontario. Some expressed the belief that housing should be viewed as a human right and needed to be available to all Canadians, including those in marginalized populations. It was suggested that if provided with affordable housing options, many of these vulnerable individuals would be able to utilize this stability to address other challenges in their lives such as those concerning their mental health or personal finances.

The initiative to allocate an additional $500 million towards the expansion of co-operative housing within Canada received limited support in most groups with the exception of those based in the NT. In this group, a number of participants believed that an expansion of co-operative housing options represented an additional avenue to home ownership and could be helpful to both those living in the North as well as the rest of Canada. The announcement of $150 million of additional funding over the next two years for housing in the North also received considerable support from those in NT, with many participants feeling that it would increase their ability to access housing that was affordable and well-maintained. Outside of this group, however, very few participants commented either positively or negatively regarding this initiative.

Very few participants identified the initiative to repurpose existing infrastructure budgets to prioritize the construction of additional new homes as a particularly helpful action. Asked why they believed this initiative should not be undertaken by the federal government, some expressed concerns regarding the prospect of reducing or redirecting funding for infrastructure projects, which they felt might also be of significant importance to these communities.

Participants next focused on a second set of priorities, this time specifically concerning the issue of housing affordability and creating additional pathways to homeownership for Canadians. Groups were shown the following initiatives:

A Tax-Free First Home Savings Account allowing prospective first-time home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards their purchase;

Doubling the existing First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000;

A one-time $500 payment to Canadians facing housing affordability challenges;

Expanding the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive to allow more flexibility and making it easier for single Canadians to access;

An additional $200 million to increase rent-to-own housing options; and

A $562 million investment over two years in funding organizations addressing homelessness, plus $62 million specifically to address homelessness among veterans.

Of these initiatives, those specifically targeted toward first-time home buyers received some of the highest levels of support among participants. Specifically focusing on the expansion of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Incentive, several shared the view that this would be helpful in providing a pathway to homeownership for those who remained single. It was felt that buying a house was presently extremely difficult on a single income, and more support was required to assist single Canadians in their attempts to purchase their first homes. It was expected by several that this the program would be particularly helpful for younger Canadians, many of whom were currently struggling to enter the housing market.

The announcement of the new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, allowing prospective home buyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards the purchase of their first home, was also received largely positively. Many felt this initiative could be of particular value to young people with longer investment time horizons, providing them with a way to invest and save towards a down payment for their first home. Some, however, expressed concerns that this program might further increase housing prices if supply issues remained unaddressed.

Across all groups, a smaller number of participants were supportive of the proposal to double the existing First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000, though many participants in the group comprised of renters in the City of Vancouver were strongly in favour of the program. Some in this group identified this as a program they expected would be of significant assistance to them personally.

The allocation of an additional $200 million towards increasing rent-to-own housing options also received a great deal of support, particularly in Ontario. Participants were generally enthusiastic about the possibility of rent-to-own housing options, which they felt provided an alternative pathway to home ownership and a new opportunity for Canadians to build equity in a home without necessitating an expensive down payment. Some expressed the impression that for many the cost of rent was too high to allow them to save for a down payment, and that this program would help alleviate some of this financial pressure. Numerous participants across all of the groups identified the rent-to-own program as an opportunity that they could personally benefit from.

While many felt the investment of $562 million (over two years) to fund organizations addressing homelessness, as well as an additional $62 million specifically addressing this issue among veterans, were worthwhile initiatives, few identified them as the most pressing issues at the present time. Though a few participants were uncertain as to the economic value of such a program, it was widely felt that this was the right thing to do.

The one-time $500 payment to Canadians facing housing affordability challenges was met with very limited support, with numerous participants feeling it would likely have little to no tangible impact. Many spoke negatively of this initiative, believing the amount of the payment to be vastly insufficient and too small to address the high housing costs currently faced by Canadians.

Participants next evaluated a third set of initiatives, this time focused on protecting Canadians in the housing market. The list of initiatives shown to each group included:

Ending blind bidding (blind bidding is where home buyers don’t know how much others are bidding);

Creating taxation penalties to stop landlords from doing ‘renovictions’ (a renoviction occurs when a landlord evicts a tenant by claiming they will complete major renovations);

A ban on all non-Canadians buying residential properties in Canada for two years;

New taxation rules to deter house flipping; and

Making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable to deter speculators from buying homes and leaving them vacant (an assignment sale is when a seller sells their interest in a property before they take possession).

On balance, all initiatives received a considerable level of support, with a number of participants expressing the view that each of the above priorities would likely have a positive impact on Canadians and the overall housing market. Moreover, when asked if any of these initiatives should not be pursued, participants expressed significant support for all five proposals, believing all were important for the federal government to pursue.

Many participants reacted especially positively to the initiative of making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable, serving to deter speculators from purchasing these homes as investments rather than as residential housing. A number of participants felt it was inappropriate that homes were being left vacant while many Canadians experienced housing insecurity or homelessness. It was added by some that this initiative could help prevent people from using the Canadian housing market as an investment vehicle, believing this to be a key driver behind the rise of housing prices in several parts of the country.

A large number of participants expressed support for the creation of new taxation penalties to stop landlords from ‘renovicting’ tenants. Participants in almost every group were aware of the practice of renovictions, with some having experienced this personally with many others having known someone who had. Some were of the view that this practice had become quite prevalent and represented a significant problem in their local communities. It was felt that by pursuing this initiative, the Government of Canada could assist in providing renters with greater stability, allowing them to create a longer-term housing plan for themselves.

Participants were generally mixed in their support of the decision by the Government of Canada to prohibit all non-Canadians from buying residential properties in Canada for a period of two years. Regionally, while strongly supported among those living in the City of Vancouver, this initiative was considerably less popular in other groups. For those supporting this ban, it was felt that, in many cases, foreign buyers were currently taking advantage of the Canadian housing market, purchasing these properties as investment vehicles rather than residential housing. Several others were of the impression that in many cases these foreign buyers either used these properties for short-term rentals or left them vacant altogether. While also expressing support for this initiative, a small number said it represented only a temporary solution, and believed a permanent ban would be more effective. A number of participants felt more negatively about this initiative, with some worried it could lead to potential discrimination against foreign homebuyers, and may be used by some to stoke populist sentiments among Canadians towards immigrants and other new arrivals. A small number were also concerned about what they viewed as the implications of this policy towards racialized individuals, who they felt may be disproportionately affected by this ban.

A significant number of participants also expressed support for the proposal to end ‘blind bidding’, with many believing this practice often served to artificially inflate real estate prices. This was seen as an issue by several participants, with some personally recalling properties in their area having recently been sold for prices far above asking. It was added that the practice of blind bidding was also potentially dangerous in that it encouraged people to take greater risks and submit bids that may be outside their price range in order to outbid other potential buyers.

Though less broadly popular, the initiative to introduce new taxation rules to deter house flipping also received some support from participants. Some recalled seeing the same homes in their communities relisted for higher prices multiple times and believed this often had the additional effect of increasing the prices of nearby homes in the same neighbourhood.

Asked to reflect on these housing initiatives as a whole, a number of participants remained ambivalent. While many were enthusiastic about the prospect of the Government of Canada taking action to address housing affordability, several believed it may not be enough to address the housing challenges currently facing Canadians. Some expressed the view that while many of these initiatives would likely be helpful, they should have been implemented far earlier. It was thought by many that the proposed initiatives did not go far enough, and that even more emphasis would need to be placed on increasing the supply of housing in particular. A few participants, particularly in the City of Vancouver, also believed that more should be done by the federal government to discourage the commodification of these properties as investments rather than homes. It was said that until this was addressed, housing prices would likely remain high for the foreseeable future. Some of those living in more rural communities were concerned that these initiatives would have limited impact on the housing situation in their own communities, believing urban centres would likely be the primary beneficiaries of many of these new policies.

In discussing whether it was realistic to expect the Government of Canada to be able to accomplish all of these initiatives, many expressed pessimism as to whether this was possible. Adding to this, some participants were of the impression that similar pledges had been made towards addressing housing affordability in the past and that little had actually been done to address the problem. A number of participants questioned whether any of these initiatives would be able to address housing challenges in the short-term, believing more immediate measures may be needed. Several also expressed the desire for a multi-level approach to housing, advocating for the federal government to work with provincial/territorial governments to develop strategies that would allow these new initiatives to be implemented as expediently as possible.

Official Language Priorities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Two groups held among participants residing in Quebec reviewed and discussed a number of priorities related to official languages as well as potential actions the federal government could be taking to better support the Francophone community.

To begin, participants were shown the following list of priorities and asked to select those which they believed were the most important for the Government of Canada to focus on:

Creating a strategy to support entrepreneurs in official language minority communities;

Ensuring every Canadian can be heard and understood by a judge in their official language of choice when before a court;

Ensuring that the private sector provides services in the preferred official language of Canadians;

Guaranteeing the equality of the English and French languages in Canada;

Increasing funding for schools for Francophone communities outside of Quebec; and

Making investments to improve access to French immersion and French second-language programs across the country.

Participants focused on two priorities in particular. Firstly, many strongly felt that it was important to ensure that all Canadians be provided the ability to be heard and understood by a judge in their official language of choice should they find themselves involved in a court proceeding. Participants reasoned that, given the importance of any legal matter (and particularly those which come before the courts), Canadians should expect to be able to communicate in whichever official language they are most comfortable. Some expressed concerns that if discussions in these settings were carried out in a language with which one was unfamiliar, individuals in these situations could potentially be at a serious disadvantage in terms of their ability to present the facts of their case. In the context of this broader discussion participants raised issues regarding immigrants who may not be fluent in either official language, commenting on the degree of stress this would cause those who find themselves in court. Similarly, some participants were of the view that Indigenous litigants also had a fundamental right to expect court proceedings to be offered in their own languages.

Guaranteeing the equality of the English and French languages in Canada was also identified as a priority by many participants. In both groups, participants spoke about the dominance of English in many regions of Canada, including in Montreal. Some commented that while Francophones are often asked to speak in English, the inverse does not typically occur. It was also felt that, at a minimum, governmental institutions at all levels should be prepared to offer services in both official languages throughout Canada. At the same time, several were of the view that guaranteeing equality of the French language outside of Quebec could be challenging given the large Anglophone share of the total population in Canada.

The remaining priorities received far less attention from participants. For those who indicated that making investments to improve access to French immersion and French second-language programs across the country was important, it was felt this initiative helped to foster greater equality between the two official languages, particularly outside of Quebec. Participants felt that while many Francophones spoke adequate or passable English, the same could not be said for most Anglophones in terms of their fluency in French. As such, there was also support for greater French language training to be offered to both children and adults. The sense was that investments of this nature were critical to conserving the French language and culture.

To conclude these discussions, participants were asked if they felt anything was missing from this list as well as whether there was more the Government of Canada could be doing to protect or promote the French language within Canada. Few additional comments were offered, although some took the opportunity to reiterate the need for more French training in schools and greater access to a range of courses offered in the French language. Some participants felt that all Canadians at some point in their lives should be required to take at least one course on writing in English or French and that doing so would at least introduce them to the basics of one of the two official languages and improve their comprehension of these languages. This suggestion was put forward as an alternative to full immersion which some participants believed may present too much of a challenge for some Canadians to complete.

Climate Change and Environment (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Northwest Territories)

This group of participants, identified as being concerned about the potential impacts of climate change, discussed a number of issues related to the environment. These included initiatives and announcements focusing on reducing carbon emissions as well as green technology such as Zero-Emission Vehicles (ZEVs).

Carbon Emissions (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned)

To begin these conversations, participants were asked if they had ever heard of carbon capture and storage projects, including how they work and what they might be used for. No participants had, though a small number felt these might be related to the recent pledge by the Government of Canada to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. To clarify, participants were presented with the following information:

CCUS (carbon-capture, usage, and storage) are technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO2). Once the CO2 is captured, it is then compressed and transported to be permanently stored in geological formations underground (e.g., saline aquifers, oil reservoirs), or used to create products such as concrete and low-carbon synthetic fuels. CCUS technologies can deliver ‘negative emissions’ by removing CO2 from the air (direct-air-capture) or from biomass-based energy and storing the CO2.

Asked what impacts, if any, they felt these projects could have in Canada, participants shared a range of opinions. While a number of participants felt this technology might be helpful in mitigating the effects of greenhouse gas emissions, a few believed a greater focus should be placed on reducing these emissions altogether rather than focusing on ways to limit their impact. Some also mentioned the potential benefits of CCUS technologies for the construction industry, including assisting in the creation of building materials such as concrete, which were believed to be in high demand at present. Several also felt the widespread use of this technology would position Canada as a leader among its international peers in terms of sustainability and green innovation. A few were more skeptical, believing these projects would do little to address the overall damage caused by carbon emissions and that a drastic reduction needed to occur in this regard in order for progress to be made. Discussing whether the Government of Canada should be encouraging a greater number of these projects, most were uncertain, feeling they did not know enough about the technology to determine whether this would be an efficient use of federal resources. None were aware of any recent federal actions to promote carbon capture and storage projects.

Focusing on the recent 2022 federal Budget, participants were informed that the federal government had announced the introduction of a refundable tax credit to offset the costs for companies purchasing and installing equipment for carbon capture, transportation, and storage. The tax credit will provide an estimated $2.6 billion over the next five years, and $1.5 billion each year after that until 2030. In addition, participants were told that projects that capture emissions but then extract more oil out of the ground would not qualify for this program. Though some expressed the desire for additional information, several believed this to be a positive initiative at face value, so long as the majority of these incentives went to Canadian-based companies. A few were of the view that more should be done to publicize this initiative, believing most Canadians were unaware of it. In addition, some believed similar financial incentives should also be offered to small businesses and individual households that make investments into green technology and retrofitting, believing these also represented significant costs that should be supported by the federal government.

Discussing oil companies more specifically, participants were asked what responsibility, if any, oil and gas companies should have regarding reducing carbon emissions in Canada. While most said these companies should be responsible for reducing their sector’s impact on the environment, several thought it was unlikely that oil and gas corporations would take this action on their own, believing action would only take place through stricter regulation from the federal government.

Asked if they were familiar with the term ‘net-zero oil’, few participants were. To aid conversation, participants were informed that net-zero oil refers to oil extraction projects that completely negate any greenhouse gas emissions experienced in the extraction process. This is done by reducing emissions and/or implementing methods to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and offset any remaining emissions. While most expected a transition to net-zero practices by oil and gas companies would make a difference in helping Canada to reach its emissions targets in the future, some felt more would also need to be done to address other sources of emissions (such as industry and automobiles) rather than solely focusing on the extraction process.

Discussing recent substantial rises in gasoline prices across Canada, felt to be partially in response to the crisis in Ukraine, participants were asked whether recent events had prompted them to reconsider their stance on domestic oil production. Several indicated that they had changed their minds somewhat, believing that while a green transition remained important, the federal government may need to prioritize oil and gas production in Canada to a greater extent. It was felt by some that Canada might need to use a greater portion of its domestic resources in the short-term, including working to reopen discussion with the United States regarding transnational pipeline projects such as Keystone XL. A smaller number felt otherwise, believing that rather than focusing on solutions involving increased oil production, the Government of Canada should focus on developing greater public transit infrastructure on a national scale. It was thought this would provide potential mass transportation solutions while decreasing emissions and reliance on non-renewable fuel sources.

Zero-Emission Vehicles (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned)

Participants in this group were also asked a series of questions related to ZEVs. All were aware of this technology, with many having recently seen, read, or heard about it in communications from the federal government as well as in the media. Some commented negatively on what they viewed as the considerable price of these vehicles, believing them to be prohibitively expensive for many Canadians. A few had also heard that there was currently a shortage of some of the materials used to make ZEV batteries and that this had served to further drive up the cost of these vehicles. Though participants were aware of the federal government’s support for ZEVs in a general sense, few were aware of any specific initiatives or announcements related to the manufacturing of this technology in Canada. While a small number had heard there were plans to open a ZEV factory in Canada, most were of the impression that these vehicles were primarily manufactured elsewhere. Asked whether they were aware of any federal investments related to building more charging stations for these vehicles, none had. Though many had noticed an increase in these stations in their communities in recent years, most were uncertain as to what extent the federal government had been involved in funding this infrastructure. No participants were aware of any recent initiatives related to ZEVs announced as part of the 2022 federal Budget.

Though no participants owned a ZEV (currently or in the past), most indicated that they would consider buying one in the future. For these participants, the environmental benefits, as well as savings on gasoline, were identified as the foremost reasons behind their interest in purchasing a ZEV. A number of these participants, however, also raised concerns regarding these vehicles, with some reiterating the considerable upfront cost to purchase a ZEV. In addition, some were of the view that the perceived inability of these vehicles to reach rural locations as well as handle extreme weather conditions would need to be addressed before they would be willing to invest in a ZEV. While most felt ZEVs represented an important tool in the fight against climate change, a small number expressed concerns regarding the ability to safely dispose of the batteries powering these vehicles, believing the waste from these could have a serious impact on the environment. This being said, virtually all participants felt the Government of Canada should pursue greater investments towards ZEVs, believing this was likely the direction in which the auto industry was headed. Discussing the federal government’s performance to date on this front, most felt it was on the right track in its efforts to increase the manufacturing of ZEVs in Canada as well as expand the number of charging stations to support these vehicles. Almost all participants, however, felt more would need to be done to make these vehicles more affordable if a large-scale transition to ZEVs was expected to occur.

Fisheries (Atlantic Canada)

Participants in the group based in Atlantic Canada engaged in a brief discussion related to issues concerning the fishing industry in the region. While some had heard in passing about a potential freeze on certain fishing stocks, few participants were aware of proposed cuts to herring fishery quotas by Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO). Discussing their reactions to these potential cuts, participants were generally mixed in their opinions. While many said that the cuts were necessary to preserve the long-term sustainability of the fishing stock, a significant number also emphasized the economic importance of the sector to Atlantic Canada and suggested the federal government consider developing financial supports for those whose livelihoods might be negatively impacted by these potential quota reductions. While many thought that a reduction in fishery quotas was likely unavoidable given concerns regarding overfishing and long-term environmental damage, it was felt the related economic impacts of this decision could potentially be mitigated through the provision of employment or skills training opportunities for those currently working in the sector.

Asked to evaluate the performance of the Government of Canada in supporting the fishing sector, many expressed uncertainty, feeling they did not have enough knowledge about the sector or existing supports to properly assess the issue. While a number of participants were of the impression that there were some federal programs in place to assist in supporting the industry, none were familiar with any specific actions or initiatives. Though few had any suggestions as to how the federal government might better support the fishing sector moving forward, a small number proposed that additional resources could be allocated towards research and innovation related to sustainable fishing practices. It was thought this could help in creating a viable future path for the industry while still aligning with larger goals related to long-term sustainability.

Relationship with China (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora)

This group, comprised of members of the Chinese diaspora within Canada, engaged in a discussion regarding the Government of Canada’s relationship with China. Asked to describe this relationship at present, many believed it to be mostly negative, feeling it had become somewhat strained and distant in recent years. Discussing what factors had contributed to this, many recalled the events surrounding the extradition of the chief financial officer of Huawei Technologies as a key factor in the deterioration of the Sino-Canadian relationship. Participants also cited worsening relationships between China and other jurisdictions such as the United States as an additional contributor to this perceived growing tension. A few also suggested that the ban on the use of Chinese-made equipment from Huawei Technologies in Canada’s 5G networks had served to further negatively impact relations with China.

In light of these challenges, participants expressed hope that, in time, it would be possible to resolve these differences and develop a closer relationship. Asked if the Government of Canada should pursue a stronger relationship with China, all participants believed that it should. Many participants expressed a desire to see closer ties with China, with several identifying potential economic benefits as the primary reason for their position. Participants were aware of China’s status as a vital trade partner for Canada and believed that strengthening this relationship would likely result in increased economic prosperity for Canadians.

Despite their enthusiasm for the prospect of working toward a closer relationship with China, participants also felt that Canada’s relationship with the United States was extremely important and needed to be taken into account. It was thought by some that attempts to develop a relationship with China may cause concern among U.S. officials, and that any actions towards developing stronger ties with China should not come at the expense of existing Canada-U.S. relations. A smaller number of participants expressed concerns about China’s human rights record, and highlighted the importance of the Government of Canada standing up for these issues, even if this had the impact of potentially straining the relationship further.

Persons Living with Disabilities (Windsor Persons Living with Disabilities)

Issues facing disabled people in Canada were discussed in a group comprising those with lived experience in this regard. Participants spoke about some of the unique challenges they frequently encounter and their impact on everyday activities. A number of issues surfaced, including:

Accessibility – Many, particularly wheelchair users, reported challenges navigating urban landscapes. Some expressed concerns that access to public spaces and buildings was often difficult for those with disabilities, even in those areas and buildings which adhered to existing municipal accessibility standards. A number of participants were of the view that these standards should be reviewed and enhanced, believing that developers often met only the bare minimum of accessibility standards and typically fell short when it came to addressing the unique needs of many of those with disabilities. This was said to be an issue for both public businesses as well as private dwellings (including those units specifically designed for persons with disabilities). Several felt this challenge had adversely impacted their ability to carry out routine, daily activities. It was thought by a number of participants that greater efforts could be taken by the federal government to establish a national accessibility standard that better addressed the needs of those with disabilities;
Mobility challenges – Some also discussed the additional mobility challenges they face during the winter months, particularly in periods of heavy snowfall. It was felt that more should be done at the municipal level to ensure snow and ice were regularly removed from city streets and walkways, with consideration to those using mobility equipment such as walkers and wheelchairs; and
Pain management and sensory issues – A number of individuals also commented on the negative impact that chronic pain and other issues such as fatigue have had on their ability to work, socialize, and engage in everyday activities. For some, this was reported to be a daily issue, while for others it was said to be more unpredictable and that some days were better than others. In addition, a few participants also mentioned the debilitating effects of urban noise pollution on their health, citing sources such as traffic, construction, and fire alarms, among others.

Speaking more generally, many also expressed the desire for a greater emphasis on addressing issues affecting persons living with disabilities at a more individualized level, believing these challenges tended to vary widely from person to person. It was said that a ‘one size fits all’ approach to disabilities was generally insufficient and that policy makers and urban planners should develop a better understanding of the unique nature of the issues faced by those with disabilities. Several remarked that pursuing a more individualized approach would do more to empower disabled persons, ultimately resulting in their being able to utilize their skills more effectively and contribute in a more fulfilling way to their communities.

Focusing on their current wellbeing and quality of life, several recalled experiencing financial difficulties, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. When asked to elaborate, participants explained that they had incurred additional costs in obtaining care or treatment for their disability over the course of the pandemic, while some had also been affected by the resultant economic downturn and lack of employment opportunities. It was felt this had impacted those with disabilities more severely than the general public. Many reported being heavily reliant on the Ontario Disability Support Program (ODSP) which was viewed by several as falling short of meeting their financial needs. A large number of participants also cited challenges related to affordable housing. Some commented that they have had to continue to cohabit with their parents given their inability to find accommodation that was both accessible as well as within their means. Looking toward the future, it was felt by a number of participants that these challenges would likely continue to mount over time if nothing was done to address them. Related to this, it was suggested by some that the federal government should consider developing a ‘living wage’ program for persons with disabilities which would provide a guaranteed basic income. It was felt that this would offer disabled persons greater autonomy and provide some degree of financial security.

Asked to identify the most significant challenges faced by Canadians living with disabilities, many reiterated issues raise earlier in the discussion, including: reduced employment opportunities, limited financial supports, accessibility challenges, and social isolation. Few were able to recall any recent actions the federal government had taken towards addressing these issues. Some also took this opportunity to comment on current programs and initiatives directed at people with disabilities, saying that the eligibility criteria were often overly restrictive and limited their ability to take advantage of these supports.

While a few were somewhat encouraged by the recent appointment of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO), overall, participants could not say definitively that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to meeting the needs of persons living with disabilities. A number reiterated their desire for the federal government to take a more individualized or customized approach to care and treatment options and for more emphasis to be placed on initiatives supporting greater self-sufficiency and personal autonomy for those with disabilities, including the provision of a basic living income. In addition, some said the federal government should do more to enforce the duty to accommodate, a component of the Canadian Human Rights Act (CHRA) which stipulates that employers take the necessary steps to accommodate disabled individuals and ensure they are able to participate fully within the workplace. It was felt that many employers fell short of meeting this requirement. A number of participants also called for a multi-level approach to addressing the needs of persons with disabilities, believing the federal government should work with provincial/territorial governments to establish national accessibility standards that would more effectively support and care for persons with disabilities. It was felt that doing so would help to address perceptions that these programs and services are highly compartmentalized at present and varied significantly depending on the province or territory in which one resides.

Discussing whether the Government of Canada should focus more on policies that remove barriers for disabled persons or those that provide equal opportunities, all participants felt these two goals were interconnected and should not be viewed as mutually exclusive. It was generally felt that removing barriers would ensure equal opportunities for people with disabilities. Asked what they would expect to see from a federal government focused on addressing these areas, a wide range of responses were provided, including:

Increased personal autonomy and self-sufficiency – Many reiterated the need for what they deemed to be essential supports such as a living wage and greater employment opportunities, believing these represented the best path to fostering independence among those with disabilities. Several participants underscored that, under ideal circumstances, people with disabilities would require minimal to no financial assistance from governments at all levels. Related to this, a number of participants suggested that the Government of Canada should be doing more to ensure that people with disabilities have access to the financial resources they need in order to exert greater control over their own care, including being able to identify and access the programs and services that best address their unique circumstances;
Greater outreach to persons living with disabilities – A number of participants recommended that the Government of Canada ensure that those living with disabilities are consulted and engaged in the development of policies and initiatives aiming to address these challenges. It was felt that incorporating the views of those with lived experience was an essential part of this process; and
Employment equity – Several participants commented on the need to increase employment opportunities for people living with disabilities. It was suggested by some that the federal government work more closely with the disabled community, and connect with disabled people on a one-to-one basis, to identify the types of jobs and/or sectors they could potentially thrive in and how/where they could best apply their skills. A few participants emphasized the need to create opportunities for advancement for persons with disabilities, believing the disabled community was frequently only considered for entry-level positions which offered little room for growth.

Speaking more broadly, participants felt that greater efforts should be taken by the Government of Canada to educate all Canadians regarding the unique challenges encountered by those living with disabilities. Several remarked that a lack of understanding among the general public contributed to widespread misperceptions and stigma towards disabled people which, in turn, created additional barriers for these individuals. It was said that increased knowledge regarding disabilities could help to address this.

Discussing the performance of the federal government in terms of providing opportunities for people living with disabilities, very few participants felt that much in the way of tangible progress had been made. It was widely thought that the current supports in place at both the federal and provincial/territorial levels of government provided only short-term solutions which did not fully address the needs of these individuals. Asked what more could be done to better support persons living with disabilities in the long-term, many pointed to the need to provide more affordable and accessible housing options. Several were of the opinion that housing prices in general were becoming increasingly unaffordable, both in terms of purchasing a home and renting, and that people with disabilities had even fewer options available to them due to their unique needs. In addition to housing, it was said by some that a greater emphasis should be placed on increasing the representation of persons living with disabilities within the labour force as well as at all levels of government.

Asked to consider what ‘accessibility’ meant to them, most equated the term with universal inclusivity, meaning that all people, regardless of ability, should feel included in all aspects of society. Several were of the opinion that the conditions for full accessibility would only be met once every person was able to access any service, building, or essential activity without encountering difficulties. Discussing the phrase ‘disability inclusion’, a number of participants took issue with the reference to ‘disability’, believing the focus should be on broader inclusivity rather than for disabled people specifically. Several felt that doing so served only to separate people living with disabilities from the rest of society, and was counterproductive to the overall goal of inclusion. All participants felt accessibility and inclusion were important priorities for the federal government.

Participants were not aware of any recent announcements related to a proposed Canada Disability Benefit (CDB). To aid in discussing this topic participants were informed that this program would be modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) for seniors and would provide a regular long-term supplement to other provincial or territorial supports, essentially acting as a Universal Basic Income (UBI). While most participants felt this was a positive development and would be helpful, many expressed skepticism as to whether it would actually be implemented as stated, believing similar initiatives had been proposed in the past and had not come to fruition. A number of participants were also concerned that the criteria for this program might be too narrow and that, as such, many of those living with disabilities would find it difficult to access these supports. Several were also concerned that the funding allocated for this program would be insufficient, believing federal officials might be underestimating the true costs required to address the needs of those living with disabilities. Relatively few were confident the program would be in place within the next few years, with many believing it would either take far longer or would ultimately not be implemented at all. While believing the CDB would likely be financially helpful, a number of participants thought more would need to be done to address other issues facing persons living with disabilities, including what was felt to be a general lack of connection with the communities in which they live. In this respect some expected that the federal government to work closely with municipalities in developing inclusive programming, ensuring that those with disabilities can be more engaged and active within their communities.

A few participants were aware of other existing financial supports made available by the federal government to persons with disabilities such as the Disability Tax Credit (DTC) and Canadian Pension Plan (CPP) disability benefits. Discussing additional financial supports the Government of Canada could be providing, some suggested initiatives such as rebates for purchasing accessible vehicles and/or modifying vehicles to be more accessible, as well as grants for those looking to retrofit their homes to better accommodate their needs.

All participants felt the federal government should increase financial supports to those with disabilities to facilitate their being able to obtain affordable and accessible housing. Expanding on this subject, several reiterated the difficulties those living with disabilities frequently encountered in finding adequate housing. These included a general lack of available options as well as accessibility and safety issues among the small number of dwellings that were available. A few suggested the federal government could work with realtors and real estate corporations to identify affordable housing options including upgrades or retrofits to current housing stock in order to improve accessibility. When asked explicitly if they were aware of any recent announcements from the Government of Canada regarding affordable housing for people living with disabilities, participants responded in the negative.

Public Health Ad Testing (Mid-size Centres Prairies)

In one group held among those residing on the Prairies, participants were shown a concept for a short video which was being developed by the federal government regarding Canada’s public health system. Participants reviewed the concept in storyboard format (shown below) and were informed that the graphical illustrations and accompanying narrative, developed at an early stage of the creative process, were intended to show what the video might look like in its finished format once it has been professionally produced for use on social media and digital platforms.

Above is a storyboard featuring 30 animated panels from a public health advertising campaign. (1): We see a person cycling in front of a park, hospital, a few business buildings, and then a park again. VO: We all want to be as healthy as possible! The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how much. (2): We see a close-up of the cyclist biking forward. VO: our personal health is connected to the health of the communities where we live, learn, work and play. (3): The cyclist (with no helmet) encounters a pothole on the ill-kept road, then flies into the air. VO: While our healthcare system treats us when we are injured or sick. (4): We next see the cyclist in bed in the hospital with an injury, music accompanies. (5): Scene then rewinds back to cyclist who we see is now wearing a helmet and safety gear while riding their bicycle. VO: we also have a system that works to prevent these things from happening in the first place, and protects the health of our entire community. (6): Cyclist now bikes safely along path. The shows a diverse community in the area she is biking through. VO: This is the role of PUBLIC HEALTH, working hard behind the scenes to improve the health of our communities, and ensure that – (7): We zoom out as the cyclist bikes throughout her community. We see a bird’s eye view of the community below. VO: - everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their best health. (8): Three sectors (Agriculture, Transport, and Environment) are shown, revealed by a colour box. VO: To accomplish this, Canada’s public health system relies on many dedicated people working in partnership with each level of government and other relevant sectors. (9): A woman (Fatima) is watering one side of the garden while a man (Sundar) is harvesting some lettuce. VO: Volunteers Sundar and Fatima used funding from public health to develop a local community garden. (10): We see a close-up of a head of lettuce that will go to a restaurant. VO: Their garden provides many health benefits including green space and fresh, local produce for their community! (11): We now see a kitchen in a restaurant, the lettuce from the community garden is clearly shown in a fridge. We see a man with a clipboard looking at it VO: At the local bistro, food safety inspector, Gustavo, is completing an on-site visit. (12): Gustavo checks the temperature of the fridge with a clipboard in hand. VO: - and ensuring compliance with public health safety practices to prevent foodborne illness and disease. (13): As music plays, we see a close-up on lettuce and the background disappears. Lettuce turns into a nicely made salad. (14): The scene pans out and we see a man, Malcolm, about to eat the salad. VO: Enjoy your salad Malcolm! (15): We next see a view of two public toilet doors. Malcolm walks into the view. VO: Did you know that going to the washroom can also be informative for public health? (16): We pan down to reveal piping and then pan right. Music continues. (17): The scene fades into a wastewater facility. (18): We transition into the treatment facility and see a lab technician looking at samples VO: Wastewater surveillance involves the sampling and analysis of sewage to monitor community health threats. (19): We zoom-in to the sample for a close-up look of the bacteria. (20): Close-up look of the bacteria. (21): We see an epidemiologist in front of a computer. VO: As a public health epidemiologist, Danika uses wastewater surveillance data to track the community spread of various infectious diseases, including COVID-19. (22): Malcolm is back at his residence with his walker and is receiving his flu shot from nurse Eric. VO: Back at his retirement home, Malcolm gets a visit from Eric, a public health nurse. Eric gives Malcolm his yearly flu shot. (23): Eric scans the room for hazards. We see a close-up pan over the floor area. VO: - and checks for safety hazards. (24): Eric sees a cow figurine on the floor, reaches down to pick it up and places it on the coffee table. (25): We zoom in on the cow figurine which is now on the coffee table. (26): We then fade from the previous scene and see a cow grazing in a field. VO: Kilometres away, public health veterinarian Olivia is helping to keep our food supply safe. (27): We pan out to reveal a picturesque farm along with a red barn. We zoom into the barn. (28): Olivia is chatting with farmer Rick, going over a document on her clipboard. VO: Olivia works to ensure responsible use of antimicrobials, or antibiotics, which help to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria and to prevent disease in animals and humans. (29): We fade and then see all of the different examples (left to right: Sundar the gardener, Olivia the farm inspector, the wastewater surveillance technician, Gustavo the food safety inspector, and Eric, the public health nurse). VO: These are just a few examples of public health in action in Canada! (30): We close on the public health logo before transitioning to the Government of Canada wordmark.

Following a review of the concept, participants briefly discussed their reactions to it as well as their impressions of Canada’s public health system, based on what they had seen. Most offered generally positive comments when asked about their initial impressions regarding the concept. Several found the content to be interesting and informative and felt it provided greater insight into what public health officials were doing to protect individual Canadians and Canadian society as a whole. In this respect, it was said that the concept provided a more holistic perspective on Canada’s public health system and a better sense of how it works to keep Canadians healthy and safe. A number of participants felt differently and were somewhat more critical in their reaction, describing the concept as uninteresting and feeling the content to be somewhat basic. Some also expressed disappointment that the concept did not place a stronger focus on the relationship between public health and the environment.

Participants generally believed the main message of this concept to be centered on promoting community health and safety, especially in a post-pandemic era, as well as encouraging healthier lifestyles for Canadians. Several focused more specifically on messaging regarding certain aspects of the public health system such as wastewater surveillance, and questioned the usefulness of this type of activity. Overall, however, most felt that the ‘safety’ message was both important and timely, underscoring that public health and safety remained a priority for the Government of Canada.

While some participants commented that the advertisement did little to alter their awareness and impressions of the public health system in Canada, others felt it had helped to improve their understanding, particularly in the way that it highlighted the connections between individual, community, and societal health. Several commented positively on the broad scope and nature of public health activities and the important role these initiatives played in supporting wider community health.

There was a sense among some participants that the information and messaging contained in the concept would be particularly relevant to newcomers to Canada, especially those emigrating from countries that might not have well-functioning public health systems. Expanding upon this, some participants felt that the concept might benefit by showcasing inclusivity and diversity to a greater extent. Additional thoughts on what could make the video more effective centered primarily on including imagery which was reflective of all regions of Canada (East, West, and North), with some participants finding the images to be somewhat ‘Ontario-centric.’

Métis Issues (Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Participants in the group comprised of individuals of Métis descent discussed a number of issues specifically related to the Métis community. Asked to identify important issues related to Métis peoples that required increased attention from the Government of Canada, participants put forward a wide range of responses. For many, it was felt the federal government needed to do far more to address issues such as systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and cultural appropriation, all of which were felt to have an adverse impact on their communities at present. Expanding upon this, a number of participants expressed the desire for a formal apology from the federal government regarding perceived historical mistreatment of Métis individuals within Canada. Some were also of the view that more resources should be allocated towards the issue of missing and murdered Indigenous women (MMIW), expressing disappointment regarding what they viewed as a lack of progress on this front.

Asked for their opinion regarding the level of commitment demonstrated by the Government of Canada towards addressing Métis issues, all participants were of the view that not enough attention had been devoted to this area. Some also expressed skepticism regarding the effectiveness of current actions towards fostering reconciliation with Métis and other Indigenous peoples, believing the Government of Canada remained a key contributor to the challenges facing the Métis community today. Adding to this, it was suggested that a more consultative approach should be developed regarding reconciliation, with some feeling that at present this was too much of a ‘top-down’ process on the part of the federal government. A number of participants also expressed disappointment regarding what they viewed to be a lack of engagement from federal officials regarding reconciliation, with several citing the absence of key federal representatives (including the prime minister) during the first National Day of Truth and Reconciliation, which took place on September 30^th, 2021.

Though voicing their dissatisfaction with the reconciliation process at present, all participants believed this remained a critically important priority for the Government of Canada to focus on. Many reported currently feeling a lack of trust towards the federal government, in part due to their perceptions that little had been done to address those issues most important to Indigenous peoples. Some suggested that high-ranking federal officials should more frequently visit Indigenous reserves as well as remote and Northern Indigenous communities. It was said that by physically engaging with these communities, federal officials may gain a better understanding regarding the challenges they are currently facing. Asked to identify areas where they felt the federal government had been successful in advancing reconciliation, while a small number mentioned the recent appointment of Canada’s first Indigenous governor general, participants were mostly of the view that little tangible progress had been made in this respect.

Asked to identify potential actions they felt the federal government could undertake in order to demonstrate its commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, participants provided a wide variety of responses. These ranged from locally-targeted initiatives to assist with mental health and addiction issues in Métis and other Indigenous communities to calls for a systemic overhaul of Canada’s parliamentary system and existing legislation such as the Indian Act. It was felt by a number of participants that greater resources needed to be allocated towards mental health and addictions treatment in Indigenous communities, allowing those suffering from these issues to receive care within their local regions rather than being forced to travel long distances. Some also suggested potential actions towards increasing the visibility of the Métis community within Canada, such as increased cultural programming as well as further promotion and recognition of the historical contributions of Métis individuals such as Louis Riel. A small number recommended the creation of additional seats in Parliament specifically for Indigenous individuals, believing this could go a long way towards providing greater representation of these communities in the policy development process.

NORAD (Northwest Territories)

Participants in the group from the Northwest Territories (NT) engaged in a brief discussion regarding the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD). Only a small number of participants reported having heard of the organization, and were only vaguely aware of its primary objectives. After it was clarified that NORAD chiefly focused on monitoring and protecting North American airspace, many believed this to be an important role in terms of protecting Canadians and warding off potential threats. It was felt by some that in addition to protecting Canadians, NORAD represented an opportunity for ongoing cooperation with the United States, serving to continue to strengthen this alliance.

Discussing whether changes should be made regarding the Government of Canada’s approach to air defence given the current geopolitical environment, it was felt by many that existing efforts were satisfactory. Most expressed confidence that NORAD would be able to effectively identify and address any air-based threats to Canadians and protect them from potential harm. A few, however, were more concerned, worrying that the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia may eventually escalate and that more should be done to secure Canada’s North, especially given its relatively close geographic proximity to Russia.

Local Issues (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, City of Vancouver Renters)

Participants in three groups discussed a number of issues related to their local communities and/or regions. Across all groups, a significant number of participants identified issues such as housing affordability, healthcare shortages, insufficient mental health resources, and the perceived rising cost of living throughout the country as the most pressing concerns currently facing their communities.

Eastern Townships (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers)

Participants residing in the Eastern Townships region of Quebec discussed issues related to their local communities, including housing, perceived labour shortages in the region, and infrastructure more generally.

Discussing the most pressing challenges at present, a large number identified affordable housing as a key concern in their region. It was felt that rising housing prices had made it difficult for many to enter the housing market as well as find affordable rental options in their areas. While a small number recalled hearing about the expansion of the First-Time Home Buyer’s Tax Credit, few others were aware of any recent actions taken by the federal government to address the housing situation. Almost all participants felt there was more that the Government of Canada could do to address this issue, with many suggesting increased efforts to build affordable housing options as well as implementing regulations discouraging practices such as property flipping, which were felt to have the effect of driving housing prices up even further.

In addition to housing, a number of participants believed there to be a shortage of workers in their local communities, perceiving this as a growing issue for a number of sectors. Some expressed the view that this was primarily the result of insufficient wages, believing many no longer viewed it as worthwhile to continue working. A few others also thought that more could be done by the Government of Canada to accelerate the credential recognition process for those arriving in Canada from other jurisdictions. It was felt that at present many highly skilled, foreign-born workers were unable to gain employment in their areas of expertise and that this was having a negative impact on the Canadian economy overall.

A small number also mentioned additional issues such as the need for further infrastructure funding for the repair and maintenance of vital roadways in their regions as well as greater efforts to clean-up abandoned mines near their communities.

Discussing whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track regarding the issues mentioned above, responses were mixed. For those who felt the Government of Canada was on the wrong track, it was said that not enough action had been taken to address these issues and that more should be done to work with provincial/territorial and municipal governments on this front. For the smaller number of participants who believed the federal government was on the right track, it was generally felt that sufficient resources were being allocated towards these issues at present and that progress was being made, even if some of these issues continued to persist.

Manitoba (Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Participants in the group from Manitoba engaged in a brief discussion regarding priorities specific to their region. To begin, participants were asked what they felt to be the most important sectors and industries to their respective communities. Responses generally focused on the retail and service sector (including restaurants), manufacturing, construction, and local small businesses. Related to this, several of the view that locally owned small and medium-sized businesses had been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, with many having to close permanently. Additionally, some also mentioned the prevalence in urban centres such as Winnipeg of businesses and resources established to assist marginalized populations, including supervised consumption sites and homeless shelters. While it was felt these may be beneficial in some respects, it was said that not enough was being done to address the root causes of these issues, including mental health challenges and past trauma. With this in mind, a small number believed these organizations at times had a counter-productive effect, providing ongoing support for those who were suffering rather than encouraging them to get the help that they need. Discussing what more the federal government could do to address this issue, participants emphasized the need for an increased focus on housing affordability and homelessness, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Many were of the view that having access to safe and reliable housing would yield positive outcomes and could substantially improve the economic and social well-being of marginalized individuals.

Asked which local sectors and industries were most in need of support, many reiterated the need for increased assistance for small and locally owned businesses given the challenges they had faced over the past two years. In addition, many felt that the tourism and travel sectors had been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic and would require significant financial assistance in order to continue operating going forward. Some also discussed the need for additional support for those pursuing post-secondary education, believing this was becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to manage for many. Focusing on recent initiatives or actions taken by the federal government towards addressing these issues, a few recalled pandemic-related supports for small businesses, particularly those focused on assisting employers to continue paying their staff such as the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS). Related to post-secondary expenses, while a small number recalled hearing discussions regarding federal student debt forgiveness and increased post-secondary financial supports, none were able to recall any specific details on this front.

Focusing on the issues most prevalent within their local communities, some reiterated concerns regarding housing affordability and the number of individuals currently living in poverty and/or experiencing homelessness. Some also identified violent crime as a particularly concerning issue, with a number of participants of the impression that the homicide rate in Winnipeg was considerably higher relative to comparable urban centres throughout the rest of Canada. Related to this, a few believed these crimes often disproportionately targeted Indigenous individuals and that more needed to be done by the federal government to address the prevalence of racially-motivated crimes in their area.

Vancouver (City of Vancouver Renters)

One group, comprised of renters residing in the City of Vancouver, discussed a number of issues related to their local community as well as potential actions or initiatives the Government of Canada could take to better support those living in the region. Asked to identify what they believed to be the most pressing concerns currently facing the City of Vancouver, a number of issues were mentioned, including:

Healthcare – Several believed there to be a significant shortage of general practitioners and family doctors at present, as well as an insufficient amount of federal funding toward supporting the province’s healthcare sector. Some believed this to be a growing issue and were of the impression that many healthcare professionals were currently leaving Vancouver after being offered better pay to practice in other parts of the country or outside of Canada altogether;
Affordable housing – Housing was seen by many as an increasingly pressing issue, with several mentioning Vancouver’s high average home and rental prices, even for one or two-bedroom residences. It was felt that this issue had driven many to leaving the City and settling in nearby suburban communities which were viewed as being somewhat more affordable. This being said, it was felt that housing had become increasingly costly throughout the province and that many in B.C. were currently struggling to find safe and affordable housing; and
Racial discrimination – A number of participants identified issues related to discrimination against racialized populations, specifically those of Asian backgrounds. It was felt this had been particularly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a notable increase in verbal and physical assaults on racialized individuals living in Vancouver. It was felt that more needed to be done to provide education and foster open conversations regarding this perceived increase in discriminatory behaviour.

In addition to these issues, participants also mentioned areas such as climate change and the environment, improved access to social services, the increasing cost of essential goods and services (such as groceries and gasoline), and the need to increase the compensation of educators within the province.

Related to what could be done to address these issues, a number of participants felt more should be done to create affordable housing options, believing these needed to be far more accessible. It was believed by some that affordable housing had become stigmatized due to its perceived association with low-income and marginalized populations. To address this, it was suggested that affordable housing be built throughout all areas of Vancouver, rather than being centralized within specific neighbourhoods. It was felt this could have the effect of reducing this stigma while also providing a greater number of affordable housing options to those in need.

Focusing on the issue of violent crime (including racially-motivated attacks) many were of the view that much of the violence in Vancouver stemmed from gang activity in communities such as Surrey. Additionally, it was felt that in many cases these crimes were often perpetrated by youth who had become involved in these gangs due to their prevalence within their communities. It was suggested that greater efforts be taken to develop community and recreational programming for youth, providing them with alternatives to participating in gang activity. A few also suggested that greater efforts should be taken by law enforcement to address this issue, including increased consequences for those participating in these activities.

Asked if they felt the Government of Canada was primarily on the right or wrong track when it came to these issues, almost all believed it to be on the wrong track. Regarding housing, it was felt by several that actions such as the raising of interest rates by the Bank of Canada should have been taken far earlier to address this issue. Discussing what could be done in order for the federal government to get back on the right track, participants primarily focused on issues related to the healthcare sector. Suggestions included actions related to addressing healthcare worker shortages, long wait times, a limited availability of appointments, the backlog of postponed surgeries and appointments due to the pandemic, and increased access to mental health and addictions resources. In addition, it was felt more needed be done to retain healthcare workers and encourage them to continue practicing within the province via the provision of higher wages, increased benefits, and more reasonable working conditions.

Appendix A – Recruiting Scripts

English Recruiting Script

Privy Council Office

Recruiting Script – May 2022

English Groups

Recruitment Specifications Summary

Groups conducted online.
Each group is expected to last for two hours.
Recruit 6 participants for Group 2. Recruit 8 participants for all other groups.
Incentives will be $100 per person (and $25 for caregivers in Group 2) and will be sent to participants via e-transfer following the group.

Specifications for the focus groups are as follows:

GROUP	DATE	TIME (EDT)	TIME (LOCAL)	LOCATION	COMPOSITION	MODERATOR
1	Tues., May 3^rd	6:00-8:00	6:00-8:00 (EDT)	Rural Ontario	General Population	TBW
2	Wed., May 4^th	6:00-8:00	6:00-8:00 (EDT)	Windsor	Disabled Persons	DN
3	Thurs., May 5^th	8:00-10:00	6:00-8:00 (CST) 7:00-9:00 (CDT)	Mid-size Centres Prairies	General Population	TBW
5	Wed., May 11^th	8:00-10:00	6:00-8:00 (MDT)	Calgary	Heavy Social Media Users, aged 18-24	TBW
6	Thurs., May 12^th	5:00-7:00	6:00-8:00 (ADT) 6:30-8:30 (NDT)	Atlantic Canada	General Population	DN
8	Wed., May 18^th	9:00-11:00	6:00-8:00 (PDT)	Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver)	Chinese Diaspora	DN
9	Tues., May 24^th	7:00-9:00	6:00-8:00 (CDT)	Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba	Métis Nation	DN
11	Thurs., May 26^th	9:00-11:00	6:00-8:00 (PDT)	City of Vancouver	Renters	DN
12	Tues., May 31^st	8:00-10:00	6:00-8:00 (MDT)	Northwest Territories	General Population	TBW

Recruiting Script

INTRODUCTION

Hello, my name is [RECRUITER NAME]. I'm calling from The Strategic Counsel, a national public opinion research firm, on behalf of the Government of Canada/Bonjour, je m’appelle [NOM DU RECRUTEUR]. Je vous téléphone du Strategic Counsel, une entreprise nationale de recherche sur l’opinion publique, pour le compte du gouvernement du Canada.

Would you prefer to continue in English or French? / Préfériez-vous continuer en français ou en anglais? [CONTINUE IN LANGUAGE OF PREFERENCE]

RECORD LANGUAGE

English CONTINUE

French THANK AND END

On behalf of the Government of Canada, we’re organizing a series of online video focus group discussions to explore current issues of interest to Canadians.

The format is a “round table” discussion, led by an experienced moderator. Participants will be given a cash honorarium in appreciation of their time.

Your participation is completely voluntary and all your answers will be kept confidential. We are only interested in hearing your opinions - no attempt will be made to sell or market you anything. The report that is produced from the series of discussion groups we are holding will not contain comments that are attributed to specific individuals.

But before we invite you to attend, we need to ask you a few questions to ensure that we get a good mix/variety of people in each of the groups. May I ask you a few questions?

YesCONTINUE

NoTHANK AND END

SCREENING QUESTIONS

1. Have you, or has anyone in your household, worked for any of the following types of organizations in the last 5 years?

A market research firm

THANK AND END

A marketing, branding or advertising agency

THANK AND END

A magazine or newspaper

THANK AND END

A federal/provincial/territorial government department or agency

THANK AND END

A political party

THANK AND END

In public/media relations

THANK AND END

In radio/television

THANK AND END

No, none of the above

CONTINUE

1a. IN ALL LOCATIONS: Are you a retired Government of Canada employee?

YesTHANK AND END

NoCONTINUE

2. In which city do you reside?

LOCATION	CITIES
Rural Ontario	Population = <30,000 Cities could include (but are not limited to): Innisfil, Timmins, Keswick-Elmhurst Beach, Bolton, Midland, Alliston, Fergus, Collingwood, Lindsay, Owen Sound, Brockville, Wasaga Beach, Cobourg, Tillsonburg, Valley East, Pembroke, Simcoe, Strathroy, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Amherstburg. MAX 2 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX ACROSS THE REGION.	CONTINUE - GROUP 1
Windsor	City includes: Windsor. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE - GROUP 2
Mid-size Centres Prairies	Cities include: Manitoba: Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Thompson. Saskatchewan: Prince Albert, Moose Jaw. ENSURE 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH PROVINCE. NO MORE THAN TWO FROM EACH CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION.	CONTINUE - GROUP 3
Calgary	City includes: Calgary. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE - GROUP 5
Atlantic Canada	Cities could include (but are not limited to): NS: Halifax, Dartmouth, Cape Breton-Sydney. NB: Moncton, Saint John, Fredericton, Dieppe, Miramichi, Edmundston. PEI: Charlottetown, Summerside. N&L: St. John’s, Conception Bay, Mount Pearl, Corner Brook. ENSURE 2 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH PROVINCE. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES WITHIN EACH PROVINCE. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES. NO MORE THAN 1 PER CITY.	CONTINUE - GROUP 6
Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver)	Cities could include (but are not limited to): West and North Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Surrey, White Rock, Coquitlam, Delta, Langley, Maple Ridge, New Westminster, Pitt Meadows, Port Moody. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. NO MORE THAN TWO PER CITY.	CONTINUE - GROUP 8
Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba	Cities include (but are not limited to): Winnipeg, Portage la Prairie, Brandon, Steinbach, Thompson, Winkler, Selkirk, Morden, Dauphin, The Pas, Flin Flon. NO MORE THAN FOUR FROM WINNIPEG. NO MORE THAN TWO PER OTHER CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX ACROSS THE REGION.	CONTINUE - GROUP 9
City of Vancouver	City includes: City of Vancouver. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE - GROUP 11
Northwest Territories	Cities include (but not limited to): Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Smith. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.	CONTINUE - GROUP 12

2a. How long have you lived in [INSERT CITY]? RECORD NUMBER OF YEARS.

Less than two years	THANK AND END
Two years or more	CONTINUE
Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY NUMBER OF YEARS IN CITY. NO MORE THAN 2 PER GROUP UNDER 5 YEARS.

3. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 Do you identify as a person with a disability? IF ASKED/CLARIFICATION REQUIRED: A person with a disability is a person who has a long-term or recurring impairment (such as vision, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain, learning, developmental, memory or mental health-related) which limits their daily activities inside or outside the home (such as at school, work, or in the community in general).

Yes CONTINUE

NoTHANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

3a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 How would you characterize your disability?

Vision (blindness) CONTINUE

Hearing (deafness, deafened, or hard of hearing) CONTINUE

Mobility CONTINUE

Other visible disability, please specify: _______ CONTINUE

Other invisible disability, please specify: _______ CONTINUE

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

NO MORE THAN 2 WITH HEARING IMPAIRMENT AND 2 WITH VISION IMPAIRMENT. ENSURE THOSE WITH HEARING OR OTHER DISABILITIES CAN HEAR/SPEAK TO PARTICIPATE IN GROUP. ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY TYPE OF DISABILITY.

3b. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 The online focus group discussion will require you to actively participate in a discussion through an online meeting software (such as Zoom). Given this, will you require any accommodations to participate?

Yes RECORD REQUESTED ACCOMMODATIONS AND CONTINUE

NoCONTINUE

3c. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 Will you require a caregiver or other person to assist you in participating in the online focus group?

Yes CONTINUE TO Q.3d

NoSKIP TO Q.8

3d. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 May I please have the name and contact information for the person that will be assisting you with participating in the online focus group? This will be used in the case that technical support needs to contact this person during the group.

RECORD NAME AND TELEPHONE NUMBER.

THIS INFORMATION CAN BE COLLECTED AFTER RECRUITED IF NOT YET CONFIRMED.

4. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 5 Which of the following statements describe your relationship with social media?

I check my social media multiple times a day and post often CONTINUE TO Q.4a

I check my social media multiple times a day and post occasionally CONTINUE TO Q.4a

I regularly check my social media multiple times a day CONTINUE TO Q.4a

I check my social media at least once a day THANK AND END

I check my social media a few times a week THANK AND END

I don’t check my social media often THANK AND END

I don’t have social media THANK AND END

4a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 5 How much time would you say you spend on social media everyday?

I usually spend more than 4 hours a day on social media CONTINUE TO Q.4b

I usually spend between 3-4 hours a day on social media CONTINUE TO Q.4b

I usually spend between 1-2 hours a day on social media THANK AND END

I usually spend less than 1 hour a day on social media THANK AND END

4b. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 5 Which of the following statements best describes how others interact with your social media?

I have a large following on social media who often comment on or share my posts

I have a large following on social media who do not often comment on or share my posts

I have a small/moderate following on social media who often comment on or share my posts

I have a small/moderate following on social media who do not often comment on or share my posts THANK AND END

I do not have much of/any following on social media THANK AND END

ENSURE A MIX OF PARTICIPANTS BASED ON THE AMOUNT OF TIME SPENT ON SOCIAL MEDIA, FREQUENCY OF POSTING AND TYPE OF FOLLOWING. SKEW TO THOSE WHO HAVE LARGE FOLLOWINGS.

5. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 Do you identify your primary cultural and/or ethnic heritage to be Chinese?

Yes CONTINUE TO 5a

NoTHANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

5a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 Were you born in Canada?

Yes SKIP TO Q.8= GROUP 8

NoCONTINUE TO 5b

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

5b. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 How many years have you lived in Canada?

5 to <10 years
Less than 5 years	CONTINUE – GROUP 8
10 to <20 years
20 to <30 years
30 or more years
Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BETWEEN THOSE WHO WERE NOT BORN IN CANADA AND THOSE BORN IN CANADA. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF TIME LIVED IN CANADA FOR THOSE NOT BORN IN CANADA.

6. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 9 Do you identify as Indigenous?

Yes CONTINUE TO 6a

NoTHANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

6a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 9 Do you identify as…?

First Nations THANK AND END

Métis CONTINUE

Inuit THANK AND END

None of the above THANK AND END

7. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 11 Do you own or rent your current residence? IF ASKED/CLARIFICATION REQUIRED: You are considered a homeowner even if you have outstanding debt that you owe on your mortgage loan.

Own THANK AND END

Rent CONTINUE

VOLUNTEERED Living at home THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Other THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Don’t know/not sure THANK AND END

8. Would you be willing to tell me in which of the following age categories you belong?

Under 18 years of age	IF POSSIBLE, ASK FOR SOMEONE OVER 18 AND REINTRODUCE. OTHERWISE THANK AND END.
18 – 24	IF CALGARY = GROUP 5 ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
25 – 34	IF CALGARY = THANK AND END ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
35 – 44	IF CALGARY = THANK AND END ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
45 – 54	IF CALGARY = THANK AND END ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
55+	IF CALGARY = THANK AND END ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF AGES WITHIN EACH GROUP WHERE APPLICABLE. GROUP 11 MAY SKEW YOUNGER.

9. [DO NOT ASK] Gender RECORD BY OBSERVATION.

Male	CONTINUE
Female	CONTINUE

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY GENDER IN EACH GROUP WHERE APPLICABLE.

10. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 8 & GROUP 9 Which of the following racial or cultural groups best describes you? (multi-select)

White/Caucasian

South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan)

Chinese

Black

Latin American

Filipino

Arab

Southeast Asian (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Thai)

Korean or Japanese

Indigenous

Other (specify)

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

11. Which of the following best describes the industry sector in which you are currently employed?

Accommodation and Food Services

Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting

Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

Construction

Educational Services

Finance and Insurance

Health Care and Social Assistance

Information and Cultural Industries

Management of Companies and Enterprises

Manufacturing

Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction

Other Services (except Public Administration)

Professional, Scientific and Technical Services

Public Administration

Real Estate and Rental and Leasing

Retail Trade

Transportation and Warehousing

Utilities

Wholesale Trade

Unemployed

Full Time Student

Retired

Other, please specify: ______________

CONTINUE FOR ALL. ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH GROUP. NO MORE THAN TWO PER SECTOR. NO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.

GROUP 2 MAY SKEW UNEMPLOYED.

12. Are you familiar with the concept of a focus group?

YesCONTINUE

No EXPLAIN THE FOLLOWING “a focus group consists of six to eight participants and one moderator. During a two-hour session, participants are asked to discuss a wide range of issues related to the topic being examined.”

13. As part of the focus group, you will be asked to actively participate in a conversation. Thinking of how you engage in group discussions, how would you rate yourself on a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 means ‘you tend to sit back and listen to others’ and 5 means ‘you are usually one of the first people to speak’?

1-2THANK AND END

3-5CONTINUE

14. As this group is being conducted online, in order to participate you will need to have high-speed Internet and a computer with a working webcam, microphone and speaker. RECRUITER TO CONFIRM THE FOLLOWING. TERMINATE IF NO TO ANY.

Participant has high-speed access to the Internet

Participant has a computer/webcam

15. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 2 Have you used online meeting software, such as Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts/Meet, etc., in the last two years?

YesCONTINUE

NoCONTINUE

16. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 2 How skilled would you say you are at using online meeting platforms on your own, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means you are not at all skilled, and 5 means you are very skilled?

1-2THANK AND END

3-5CONTINUE

17. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 2 During the discussion, you could be asked to read or view materials on screen and/or participate in poll-type exercises online. You will also be asked to actively participate online using a webcam. Can you think of any reason why you may have difficulty reading the materials or participating by video?
TERMINATE IF RESPONDENT OFFERS ANY REASON SUCH AS SIGHT OR HEARING PROBLEM, A WRITTEN OR VERBAL LANGUAGE PROBLEM, A CONCERN WITH NOT BEING ABLE TO COMMUNICATE EFFECTIVELY, ANY CONCERNS WITH USING A WEBCAM OR IF YOU AS THE INTERVIEWER HAVE A CONCERN ABOUT THE PARTICIPANT’S ABILITY TO PARTICIPATE EFFECTIVELY.

18. Have you ever attended a focus group discussion, an interview or survey which was arranged in advance and for which you received a sum of money?

Yes CONTINUE

No SKIP TO Q.22

19. How long ago was the last focus group you attended?

Less than 6 months ago THANK AND END

More than 6 months ago CONTINUE

20. How many focus group discussions have you attended in the past 5 years?

0-4 groups CONTINUE

5 or more groups THANK AND END

21. On what topics were they and do you recall who or what organization the groups were being undertaken for?

TERMINATE IF ANY ON SIMILAR/SAME TOPIC OR GOVERNMENT OF CANADA IDENTIFIED AS ORGANIZATION

ADDITIONAL RECRUITING CRITERIA

Now we have just a few final questions before we give you the details of the focus group, including the time and date.

22. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

Grade 8 or less

Some high school

High school diploma or equivalent

Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level

Bachelor's degree

Post graduate degree above bachelor's level

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

23. Which of the following categories best describes your total household income in 2021? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

Under $20,000

$20,000 to just under $40,000

$40,000 to just under $60,000

$60,000 to just under $80,000

$80,000 to just under $100,000

$100,000 to just under $150,000

$150,000 and above

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

24. The focus group discussion will be audio-taped and video-taped for research purposes only. The taping is conducted to assist our researchers in writing their report. Do you consent to being audio-taped and video-taped?

Yes

NoTHANK AND END

INVITATION

I would like to invite you to this online focus group discussion, which will take place the evening of [INSERT DATE/TIME BASED ON GROUP # IN CHART ON PAGE 1]. The group will be two hours in length and you will receive $100 for your participation following the group via an e-transfer.

Please note that there may be observers from the Government of Canada at the group and that the discussion will be videotaped. By agreeing to participate, you have given your consent to these procedures.

Would you be willing to attend?

YesCONTINUE

NoTHANK AND END

May I please have your full name, a telephone number that is best to reach you at as well as your e-mail address if you have one so that I can send you the details for the group?

Name:

Telephone Number:

E-mail Address:

You will receive an e-mail from The Strategic Counsel with the instructions to login to the online group. Should you have any issues logging into the system specifically, you can contact our technical support team at support@thestrategiccounsel.com.

We ask that you are online at least 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the session in order to ensure you are set up and to allow our support team to assist you in case you run into any technical issues. We also ask that you restart your computer prior to joining the group.

You may be required to view some material during the course of the discussion. If you require glasses to do so, please be sure to have them handy at the time of the group. Also, you will need pen and paper in order to take some notes throughout the group.

This is a firm commitment. If you anticipate anything preventing you from attending (either home or work-related), please let me know now and we will keep your name for a future study. If for any reason you are unable to attend, please let us know as soon as possible at [1-800-xxx-xxxx] so we can find a replacement.

Thank you very much for your time.

RECRUITED BY: ____________________

DATE RECRUITED: ____________________

French Recruiting Script

Bureau du Conseil privé

Questionnaire de recrutement – mai 2022

Groupes en français

Résumé des consignes de recrutement

Groupes tenus en ligne.
Durée prévue de chaque rencontre : deux heures.
Recrutement de huit participants.
Incitatifs de 125 $ par personne, versés aux participants par transfert électronique après la rencontre.

Caractéristiques des groupes de discussion :

GROUPE	DATE	HEURE (HAE)	HEURE (LOCALE)	LIEU	COMPOSITION DU GROUPE	MODÉRATEUR
4	10 mai	18 h-20 h	18 h-20 h	Cantons de l’Est (Québec)	Travailleurs à faible revenu	M. Proulx
7	17 mai	18 h-20 h	18 h-20 h	Villes de taille moyenne du Québec	Soucieux de l’environnement	M. Proulx
11	25 mai	18 h-20 h	18 h-20 h	Rive-Nord/Rive-Sud – excluant la ville de Montréal	Population générale	M. Proulx

Questionnaire de recrutement

INTRODUCTION

Hello, my name is [RECRUITER NAME]. I’m calling from The Strategic Counsel, a national public opinion research firm, on behalf of the Government of Canada/Bonjour, je m’appelle [NOM DU RECRUTEUR]. Je vous téléphone du Strategic Counsel, une entreprise nationale de recherche sur l’opinion publique, pour le compte du gouvernement du Canada.

Would you prefer to continue in English or French?/Préféreriez-vous continuer en français ou en anglais?
[CONTINUER DANS LA LANGUE PRÉFÉRÉE]

NOTER LA LANGUE ET CONTINUER

Anglais REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Français CONTINUER

Nous organisons, pour le compte du gouvernement du Canada, une série de groupes de discussion vidéo en ligne afin d’explorer des questions d’actualité qui intéressent les Canadiens.

La rencontre prendra la forme d’une table ronde animée par un modérateur expérimenté. Les participants recevront un montant d’argent en remerciement de leur temps.

Votre participation est entièrement volontaire et toutes vos réponses seront confidentielles. Nous aimerions simplement connaître vos opinions : personne n’essaiera de vous vendre quoi que ce soit ou de promouvoir des produits. Notre rapport sur cette série de groupes de discussion n’attribuera aucun commentaire à une personne en particulier.

Avant de vous inviter à participer, je dois vous poser quelques questions qui nous permettront de former des groupes suffisamment diversifiés. Puis-je vous poser quelques questions?

OuiCONTINUER

NonREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

QUESTIONS DE SÉLECTION

1. Est-ce que vous ou une personne de votre ménage avez travaillé pour l’un des types d’organisations suivants au cours des cinq dernières années?

Une société d’études de marché REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Une agence de commercialisation, de marque ou de publicité REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Un magazine ou un journal REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Un ministère ou un organisme gouvernemental fédéral, provincial ou territorial REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Un parti politique REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Dans les relations publiques ou les relations avec les médias REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Dans le milieu de la radio ou de la télévision REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Non, aucune de ces réponses CONTINUER

1a. POUR TOUS LES LIEUX : Êtes-vous un ou une employé(e) retraité(e) du gouvernement du Canada ?

OuiREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

NonCONTINUER

2. Quelle langue parlez-vous le plus souvent à la maison ?

Anglais REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Français CONTINUER

Autre [Préciser ou non la langue, selon les besoins de l'étude] REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3. Dans quelle ville habitez-vous ?

LIEU	VILLES
Cantons de l’Est (Québec)	Ces villes peuvent notamment comprendre : Sherbrooke, Granby, Magog, Cowansville, Drummondville, Victoriaville, Thetford Mines, Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Lac-Mégantic ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DANS CHAQUE LIEU. PAS PLUS DE DEUX PARTICIPANTS PAR VILLE.	CONTINUER - GROUPE 4
Villes de taille moyenne du Québec	Ces villes peuvent notamment comprendre : Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Saint-Jérôme, Chateauguay, Drummondville, Granby, Beloeil, Saint-Hyacinthe ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DE LA RÉGION. PAS PLUS DE DEUX PARTICIPANTS PAR VILLE.	CONTINUER - GROUPE 7
Rive-Nord/Rive-Sud – excluant la ville de Montréal	Ces villes peuvent notamment comprendre : Rive-Nord : Blainville, Bois-des-Filion, Boisbriand, Charlemagne, l’Assomption, Mascouche. Rive-Sud : Boucherville, Varennes, Sainte-Julie, Beloeil, Chambly, Longueuil, Brossard, Saint-Hubert, Candiac. ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DANS CHAQUE LIEU. PAS PLUS DE DEUX PARTICIPANTS PAR VILLE.	CONTINUER - GROUPE 11
Autre lieu	-	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE
RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE Préfère ne pas répondre	-	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3a. Depuis combien de temps habitez-vous à [INSÉRER LE NOM DE LA VILLE]? NOTER LE NOMBRE D’ANNÉES.

Moins de deux ans	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE
Deux ans ou plus	CONTINUER
Ne sais pas/Préfère ne pas répondre	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION EN FONCTION DU NOMBRE D’ANNÉES DE RÉSIDENCE DANS LA VILLE. PAS PLUS DE DEUX PAR GROUPE DOIVENT Y VIVRE DEPUIS MOINS DE 5 ANS.

4. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Combien de personnes de votre ménage ont plus de 18 ans?

Une personne PASSER À LA Q4a

Plus d’une personne PASSER À LA Q4b

4a. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Le revenu de votre ménage pour 2021 était-il supérieur ou inférieur à 25 000 $?

25 000 $ ou plus REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Moins de 25 000 $ CONTINUER = GROUPE 4

Refuse de répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

4b. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Le revenu de votre ménage pour 2021 était-il supérieur ou inférieur à 40 000 $?

40 000 $ ou plus REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Moins de 40 000 $ CONTINUER = GROUPE 4

Refuse de répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

5. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 7 Parmi les enjeux suivants, sur lequel, selon vous, le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il se concentrer le plus, ou bien lequel est le plus important pour vous ? Veuillez ne choisir qu’un seul enjeu.

Les enjeux environnementaux et les changements climatiques — CONTINUER, GROUPE 7

Le coût de la vie — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

La garde des jeunes enfants — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Les soins de santé et la santé publique — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Les enjeux autochtones et la réconciliation — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Les affaires étrangères — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Autre — REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

6. Seriez-vous prêt/prête à m’indiquer votre tranche d’âge dans la liste suivante?

25 à 34
Moins de 18 ans	SI POSSIBLE, DEMANDER À PARLER À UNE PERSONNE DE 18 ANS OU PLUS ET REFAIRE L’INTRODUCTION. SINON, REMERCIER ET CONCLURE.
18 à 24	CONTINUER ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES ÂGES DANS CHAQUE GROUPE.
35 à 44
45 à 54
55 ans ou plus
RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE préfère ne pas répondre	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES ÂGES DANS CHAQUE GROUPE, S’IL Y A LIEU.

7. [NE PAS DEMANDER] Sexe NOTER SELON VOTRE OBSERVATION.

Homme

Femme

ASSURER UNE PROPORTION ÉGALE D’HOMMES ET DE FEMMES DANS CHAQUE GROUPE.

8. Êtes-vous un étudiant international?

Oui REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Non CONTINUER

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

9. Parmi les choix suivants, lequel décrit le mieux le secteur d’activité dans lequel vous travaillez ?

Administrations publiques

Agriculture, foresterie, pêche et chasse

Arts, spectacle et loisirs

Autres services, sauf les administrations publiques

Commerce de détail

Commerce de gros

Construction

Extraction minière, exploitation en carrière, et extraction de pétrole et de gaz

Fabrication

Finance et assurances

Gestion de sociétés et d'entreprises

Hébergement et services de restauration

Industrie de l'information et industrie culturelle

Services administratifs, services de soutien, services de gestion des déchets et services

d'assainissement

Services d'enseignement

Services immobiliers et services de location et de location à bail

Services professionnels, scientifiques et techniques

Services publics

Soins de santé et assistance sociale

Transport et entreposage

Sans emploi REMERCIER ET CONCLURE SI GROUPE 4

Aux études à temps plein PAS D’ÉTUDIANTS ÉTRANGERS. REMERCIER ET CONCLURE SI GROUPE 4

À la retraite – DEMANDER : « DANS QUEL SECTEUR TRAVAILLIEZ-VOUS AVANT? » ET NOTER LA RÉPONSE. REMERCIER ET CONCLURE SI GROUPE 4

Autre situation ou autre secteur ; veuillez préciser : ______________

CONTINUER POUR TOUS LES RÉPONDANTS. ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES TYPES D’EMPLOI DANS CHAQUE GROUPE. PAS PLUS DE DEUX RÉPONDANTS PAR SECTEUR D’ACTIVITÉ.

10. Est-ce que vous connaissez le concept du « groupe de discussion »?

OuiCONTINUER

NonEXPLIQUER QUE : « un groupe de discussion se compose de six à huit participants et d’un modérateur. Au cours d’une période de deux heures, les participants sont invités à discuter d’un éventail de questions reliées au sujet abordé ».

11. Dans le cadre du groupe de discussion, on vous demandera de participer activement à une conversation. En pensant à la manière dont vous interagissez lors de discussions en groupe, quelle note vous donneriez-vous sur une échelle de 1 à 5 si 1 signifie « j’ai tendance à ne pas intervenir et à écouter les autres parler » et 5, « je suis habituellement une des premières personnes à parler » ?

1-2REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3-5CONTINUER

12. Étant donné que ce groupe se réunira en ligne, vous aurez besoin, pour participer, d’un accès Internet haut débit et d’un ordinateur muni d’une caméra Web, d’un microphone et d’un haut-parleur en bon état de marche. CONFIRMER LES POINTS CI-DESSOUS. METTRE FIN À L’APPEL SI NON À L’UN DES TROIS.

Le participant a accès à Internet haut débit

Le participant a un ordinateur avec caméra Web

13. Avez-vous utilisé des logiciels de réunion en ligne tels que Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts/Meet, etc., au cours des deux dernières années ?

OuiCONTINUER

NonCONTINUER

14. Sur une échelle de 1 à 5 où 1 signifie que vous n’êtes pas du tout habile et 5 que vous êtes très habile, comment évaluez-vous votre capacité à utiliser seul(e) les plateformes de réunion en ligne ?

1-2REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3-5CONTINUER

15. Au cours de la discussion, vous pourriez devoir lire ou visionner du matériel affiché à l’écran, ou faire des exercices en ligne comme ceux qu’on trouve dans les sondages. On vous demandera aussi de participer activement à la discussion en ligne à l’aide d’une caméra Web. Pensez-vous avoir de la difficulté, pour une raison ou une autre, à lire les documents ou à participer à la discussion par vidéo?
CONCLURE L’ENTRETIEN SI LE RÉPONDANT SIGNALE UN PROBLÈME DE VISION OU D’AUDITION, UN PROBLÈME DE LANGUE PARLÉE OU ÉCRITE, S’IL CRAINT DE NE POUVOIR COMMUNIQUER EFFICACEMENT, SI L’UTILISATION D’UNE CAMÉRA WEB LUI POSE PROBLÈME, OU SI VOUS, EN TANT QU’INTERVIEWEUR, AVEZ DES DOUTES QUANT À SA CAPACITÉ DE PARTICIPER EFFICACEMENT AUX DISCUSSIONS.

16. Avez-vous déjà participé à un groupe de discussion, à une entrevue ou à un sondage organisé à l’avance en contrepartie d’une somme d’argent?

Oui CONTINUER

Non PASSER À LA Q.20

17. À quand remonte le dernier groupe de discussion auquel vous avez participé ?

À moins de six mois,REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

À plus de six mois, CONTINUER

18. À combien de groupes de discussion avez-vous participé au cours des cinq dernières années?

0 à 4 groupes, CONTINUER

5 groupes ou plus REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

19. Quel était leur sujet, et vous rappelez-vous pour qui ou pour quelle organisation ces groupes étaient organisés?

TERMINER SI LE SUJET EST SEMBLABLE OU IDENTIQUE, OU SI L’ORGANISATION NOMMÉE EST LE GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA

CRITÈRES DE RECRUTEMENT SUPPLÉMENTAIRES

Il me reste quelques dernières questions avant de vous donner les détails du groupe de discussion, comme l’heure et la date.

20. Lequel ou lesquels des groupes raciaux ou culturels suivants vous décrivent le mieux? (plusieurs choix possibles)

Blanc

Sud-asiatique (p. ex., indien, pakistanais, sri-lankais)

Chinois

Noir

Latino-américain

Philippin

Arabe

Asiatique du sud-est (p. ex., vietnamien, cambodgien, thailandais)

Coréen ou japonais

Autochtone

Autre groupe racial ou culturel (préciser)

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.

21. Quel est le niveau de scolarité le plus élevé que vous avez atteint ?

École primaire

Études secondaires partielles

Diplôme d’études secondaires ou l’équivalent

Certificat ou diplôme d’apprenti inscrit ou d’une école de métiers

Certificat ou diplôme d’un collège, cégep ou autre établissement non universitaire

Certificat ou diplôme universitaire inférieur au baccalauréat

Baccalauréat

Diplôme d’études supérieur au baccalauréat

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.

22. Laquelle des catégories suivantes décrit le mieux le revenu annuel total de votre ménage en 2021 – c’est-à-dire le revenu cumulatif de l’ensemble des membres de votre ménage avant impôt?

Moins de 20 000 $

20 000 $ à moins de 40 000 $

40 000 $ à moins de 60 000 $

60 000 $ à moins de 80 000 $

80 000 $ à moins de 100 000 $

100 000 $ à moins de 150 000 $

150 000 $ ou plus

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE, S’IL Y A LIEU.

23. La discussion sera enregistrée sur bandes audio et vidéo, strictement aux fins de la recherche. Les enregistrements aideront nos chercheurs à rédiger leur rapport. Est-ce que vous consentez à ce qu’on vous enregistre sur bandes audio et vidéo?

Oui

Non REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

INVITATION

J’aimerais vous inviter à ce groupe de discussion en ligne, qui aura lieu le [DONNER LA DATE ET L’HEURE EN FONCTION DU N^O DE GROUPE INDIQUÉ DANS LE TABLEAU, PAGE 1]. La discussion durera deux heures et vous recevrez 125 $ pour votre participation. Ce montant vous sera envoyé par transfert électronique après la tenue du groupe de discussion.

Veuillez noter que des observateurs du gouvernement du Canada pourraient être présents au groupe et que la discussion sera enregistrée sur bande vidéo. En acceptant de participer, vous donnez votre consentement à ces modalités.

Est-ce que vous accepteriez de participer ?

OuiCONTINUER

NonREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Puis-je avoir votre nom complet, le numéro de téléphone où vous êtes le plus facile à joindre et votre adresse électronique, si vous en avez une, pour vous envoyer les détails au sujet du groupe?

Nom :

Numéro de téléphone :

Adresse courriel :

Vous recevrez un courrier électronique du Strategic Counsel expliquant comment rejoindre le groupe en ligne. Si la connexion au système vous pose des difficultés, veuillez en aviser notre équipe de soutien technique à : support@thestrategiccounsel.com.

Nous vous prions de vous mettre en ligne au moins 15 minutes avant l’heure prévue, afin d’avoir le temps de vous installer et d’obtenir l’aide de notre équipe de soutien en cas de problèmes techniques. Veuillez également redémarrer votre ordinateur avant de vous joindre au groupe.

Vous pourriez devoir lire des documents au cours de la discussion. Si vous utilisez des lunettes, assurez-vous de les avoir à portée de main durant la rencontre. Vous aurez également besoin d’un stylo et de papier pour prendre des notes.

Ce rendez-vous est un engagement ferme. Si vous pensez ne pas pouvoir participer pour des raisons personnelles ou professionnelles, veuillez m’en aviser dès maintenant et nous conserverons votre nom pour une étude ultérieure. Enfin, si jamais vous n’êtes pas en mesure de participer, veuillez nous prévenir le plus rapidement possible au [1-800-xxx-xxxx] pour que nous puissions trouver quelqu’un pour vous remplacer.

Merci de votre temps.

RECRUTEMENT FAIT PAR : ____________________

DATE DU RECRUTEMENT : __________________

Appendix B – Discussion Guides

English Moderators Guide

MODERATOR’S GUIDE – May 2022

MASTER

INTRODUCTION (10 minutes) All Locations

Moderator or technician should let participants know that they will need pen and paper in order to take some notes, jot down some thoughts around some material that we will show them later in the discussion.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA IN THE NEWS (5-25 minutes) All Locations

What have you seen, read or heard about the Government of Canada in the last few days?
- Rural Ontario Has anyone heard anything about the “Rolling Thunder” motorcycle convoy that was in Ottawa this past weekend? If yes, what have you heard? What do you think?
Windsor Disabled Persons Has anyone heard about the recent appointment of Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer?

Windsor Disabled Persons CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
Stephanie Cadieux was recently appointed as Canada’s first Chief Accessibility Officer (CAO). Over the course of Ms. Cadieux’s four-year term, she will serve as an independent special advisor to the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion providing advice on a wide range of accessibility issues. As CAO, Ms. Cadieux will monitor and report on systemic and emerging accessibility issues, and will produce an annual report to the Minister detailing progress and outcomes achieved under the Accessible Canada Act.

- Windsor Disabled Persons How do you feel about this appointment?
- Windsor Disabled Persons What impacts do you expect this to have on accessibility in Canada?
- Windsor Disabled Persons Has anyone heard anything about the federal budget? What specific initiatives are in it?

Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users Have you heard anything about the initial draft majority opinion by the United States Supreme Court indicating it has voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision?
- Is this an issue that concerns you? What makes you say that?
  - Should the Government of Canada be doing more for abortion access in Canada?
  - IF YES: What would you like to see happen?
Calgary Heavy Social Media Users Has anyone ever seen, read, or heard any news about the Government of Canada over social media platforms before? Do you remember what the news was and where you saw it?
Atlantic Canada Have you heard anything recently about abortion access in Canada or the US? If yes, what have you heard?
- IF NECESSARY: An initial draft opinion of the United States Supreme Court indicated it had voted to strike down the landmark Roe v. Wade decision.
  - What should the Government of Canada’s response be?
Atlantic Canada Have you heard anything about about recent developments related to the trade of PEI potatoes? If yes, what have you heard? What is the most recent information you have on the issue?

Atlantic Canada CLARIFY AS NECESSARY:
Last November, the United States instructed their border officials to deny entry of shipments of PEI potatoes, following detections of potato wart. In March 2022, the United States announced that imports of PEI potatoes could resume with conditions.

Atlantic Canada Had anyone heard about the U.S. announcement?
- How big of an issue is this today?
Atlantic Canada Has anyone heard anything about the Bay du Nord oil and gas project in Newfoundland? If yes, what have you heard?

Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) CLARIFY AS NECESSARY:
Equinor proposed to install and operate a floating offshore oil and gas production facility east Newfoundland and Labrador. As proposed, the Bay du Nord Development Project would be in operation for approximately 30 years, with the potential for additional wells and tie-backs to the production facility. After an environmental assessment concluded it would not cause significant adverse environmental effects, the federal government approved the project.

- Atlantic Canada How do you feel about its approval? Do you think the Government of Canada was right to approve this project?
- Atlantic Canada What does this mean for the future of oil and gas projects in Canada?

Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters Has anyone heard anything about drug decriminalization in British Columbia?

Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters PROMPT AS NECESSARY: B.C. has applied for an exemption request to decriminalize possession of small amounts of drugs, in an effort to reduce stigma associated with drug use and help save lives. Drug users who purchase above the threshold limit are at risk of arrest and having their drugs confiscated.

Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters What are your reactions to this news?
- What impacts do you expect this to have?
- Should the federal government approve this request? Is this the right approach?
- Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora Do you mostly get news from English language sources or in another language? Which languages?
  - How often do you turn to sources in other languages?
- Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora Do you mostly get news from Canadian media or media from another country? Which countries?
  - How often do you turn to media from another country?
North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) What have you heard about the Bay du Nord project?
- What are your reactions to the approval of this project?
  - Do you think it was the right choice? Why/why not?
- What impacts do you think this project will have?
Northwest Territories IF NOT MENTIONED: What about Prince Charles’ visit?
- What are your thoughts about this visit? What, if anything, were you hoping to see from this trip?

ECONOMY (20-30 minutes) Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal)

Now we’re going to talk about your local economies…

To start, what are the biggest industries in your local communities? (IF NECESSARY: Does anyone’s communities have agriculture, oil and gas, or mining as big local industries?)
- Do you expect this industry will grow, shrink, or stay the same size over the next several years? What is causing or influencing this to happen?
- What are some of the biggest challenges when it comes to economic growth in your community?
When you think about the future of the Canadian economy, what industries do you expect will be prioritized?
- If these are prioritized, would that be good for your community? Would this bring new opportunities to your communities? Or, would it present new challenges?
When you think about a “green economy” and “green jobs,” what comes to mind?
- In the green economy of tomorrow, what might be the main jobs or sectors?
- What about in rural communities?
- Will investments in the green economy and green jobs help or hurt your community? Why?

Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) POLL: We’re going to show you a short list of “green” sectors. Please select up to three that you think could lead to new opportunities in communities like yours if they were prioritized:

- Eco-recreational tourism
- Green energy
- Mining
- Nature protection
- Sustainable agriculture and food self-sufficiency
- Sustainable forestry

MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH SELECTIONS

North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) NOTE: Response categories in poll above were shown in a different order.

Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) Are there any other green sectors you’d like to see on this list?
Is it reasonable to expect [rural] communities to make a full “green transition” into greener industries?
- Are there any major obstacles you think [rural] communities will need to overcome to prosper in the green economy?

DIGITAL ECONOMY (10 minutes) Rural Ontario

When you think about a “digital economy,” what comes to mind?
- Can rural Canadians benefit from a transition to a digital economy?
What types of new jobs might there be in your community if investments are made to grow a digital economy?

BUDGET 2022/HOUSING (40 minutes) Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories

Federal Budget and Housing Initiatives Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, City of Vancouver Renters

I’d like to talk to you about the recent federal budget…

Has anyone heard anything about the federal budget? What specific initiatives are in it?
Budget 2022 has housing as a priority area. How important an issue is housing affordability?

I’m now going to show you various housing initiatives included in the budget. There are a few different categories, and we’ll go through each category individually.

POLL: Here is the first set. I’d like you to select the ones that you think will have the most positive impact on the housing market in Canada. You can select up to 3. If you don’t think any will have a positive impact, don’t select any.

Building New Homes

- A new Housing Accelerator Fund providing money to municipalities to build 100,000 new homes.
- Repurposing existing infrastructure budgets to prioritize the construction of additional new homes.
- Providing $750 million in new public transit funding to municipalities that commit their own money to building new housing.
- An additional $1.5 billion investment over two years for new affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence.
- An additional $2.9 billion over four years for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which creates new low-income housing and repairs existing low-income housing.
- An additional $216 million to incentivize developers to build new rental units that charge less than the average rent in the areas they are built in.
- An additional $500 million investment to expand co-operative housing in Canada, with a pledge to give an additional $1 billion in loans to co-op housing projects.
- An additional $150 million over two years for housing in the northern territories.

Out of all the items in this section, which one do you think would be the most helpful for dealing with the housing crisis?
Would any of these personally impact you?
Is there anything in this section that the Government of Canada should not be doing?

POLL: Here is the second set. Again, select the ones that you think will have the most positive impact on the housing market in Canada. (REPEAT INSTRUCTION AS NEEDED: You can select up to 3. If you don’t think any will have a positive impact, don’t select any).

Housing Affordability

- A Tax-Free First Home Savings Account allowing prospective first-time homebuyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards their purchase.
- Doubling the existing First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000.
- A one-time $500 payment to Canadians facing housing affordability challenges.
- Expanding the First Time Home Buyers’ Incentive to allow more flexibility and making it easier for single Canadians to access.
- An additional $200 million to increase rent-to-own housing options.
- A $562 million investment over two years in funding organizations addressing homelessness, plus $62 million specifically to address homelessness among veterans.

Out of all the items in this section, which one do you think would be the most helpful for dealing with the housing crisis?
Would any of these personally impact you?
Is there anything in this section that the Government of Canada should not be doing?

POLL: And here is the final set. Again, select the ones that you think will have the most positive impact on the housing market in Canada. (REPEAT INSTRUCTION AS NEEDED: You can select up to 3. If you don’t think any will have a positive impact, don’t select any).

Protecting Canadians

- Ending blind bidding (blind bidding is where home buyers don’t know how much others are bidding).
- Creating taxation penalties to stop landlords from doing ‘renovictions’ (a renoviction occurs when a landlord evicts a tenant by claiming they will complete major renovations).
- A ban on all non-Canadians buying residential properties in Canada for two years.
- New taxation rules to deter house flipping.
- Making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable to deter speculators from buying homes and leaving them vacant (an assignment sale is when a seller sells their interest in a property before they take possession).

Out of all the items in this section, which one do you think would be the most helpful for dealing with the housing crisis?
Would any of these personally impact you?
Is there anything in this section that the Government of Canada should not be doing?
Now reflecting back on all the new housing policies we have discussed today, what is your overall impression of the Government of Canada’s new housing plan? What impact do you think this approach would have on the housing challenges in Canada?
Do you think it’s realistic that all of these initiatives can be fulfilled?

Housing Initiatives Northwest Territories

On housing affordability, has the Government of Canada generally been on the right track or wrong track? What makes you say that?

I’m now going to show you various housing initiatives included in the budget. There are more than 30 different initiatives being proposed, but for the sake of time we will only show a selection.

POLL: I’d like you to select the ones that you think will have the most positive impact on the housing market in Canada. You can select up to 3. If you don’t think any will have a positive impact, don’t select any.

Building New Homes

- $1.5 billion investment over two years for new affordable housing units for those experiencing homelessness or domestic violence.
- An additional $2.9 billion over four years for the National Housing Co-Investment Fund, which creates new low-income housing and repairs existing low-income housing.
- An additional $500 million investment to expand co-operative housing in Canada, with a pledge to give an additional $1 billion in loans to co-op housing projects.
- An additional $150 million over two years for housing in the northern territories.
- A Tax-Free First Home Savings Account allowing prospective first-time homebuyers to save up to $40,000 tax-free to put towards their purchase.
- Doubling the existing First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit from $5,000 to $10,000.
- Ending blind bidding (blind bidding is where home buyers don’t know how much others are bidding).
- Creating taxation penalties to stop landlords from doing ‘renovictions’ (a renoviction occurs when a landlord evicts a tenant by claiming they will complete major renovations).
- A ban on all non-Canadians buying residential properties in Canada for two years.
- New taxation rules to deter house flipping.

Out of all the measures here, which do you think would be the most helpful for dealing with the housing crisis?
- Would any of these personally impact you?
- Is there anything in this section that the Government of Canada should not be doing?
Now reflecting back on all of these new housing policies, what is your overall impression of the Government of Canada’s new housing plan?
Some have described this as an “all of the above” housing strategy. Would you say that’s accurate or are there still items missing?
Do you think it’s realistic that all of these initiatives can be fulfilled?
Let’s assume for the moment all of these initiatives can be fulfilled. What impact do you think this approach would have on the housing challenges in Canada?
- What impact might it have on housing challenges in the Northwest Territories?

PUBLIC MOOD (10-25 minutes) Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada

Are Canadians mostly divided or mostly united on the important issues facing our country?
- What are some important issues that Canadians mostly agree on?
- What are some important issues you think Canadians are mostly divided on?
  - How do you know?
Atlantic Canada Are divisions in Canada concerning to anyone? Why/why not?
Atlantic Canada Should the Government of Canada do anything to address divisions within Canada? If yes, what?
Are Canadians more divided today than in the past? Why?
- If yes, when did these divisions first become worse?
- What are the main causes of these divisions?
  - IF NOT MENTIONED: Has misinformation made things worse?
    - Mid-size Centres Prairies, Atlantic Canada Are rural communities uniquely impacted by misinformation?
Atlantic Canada What do you think should happen to combat misinformation or disinformation online?
- Do digital platforms like Facebook and Google have a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of news and information on their platforms?
- Does the federal government have a role in combating misinformation and disinformation online?

PERSONS LIVING WITH DISABILITIES (80 minutes) Windsor Disabled Persons

Thinking about your overall health and the conditions or disabilities you may be living with, what impacts do they have on your daily life?
- If you feel comfortable, what are some of the symptoms you experience?
- How much of an impact, if at all, do they have on your ability to complete daily tasks?
How would you describe your current wellbeing and quality of life?
- Are there any challenges impacting your wellbeing, or lowering your quality of life (cost of living, housing, health care)?
- Still thinking about your wellbeing and quality of life, do you expect yourself to be better off, worse off, or about the same in five years? Why?
What are some of the biggest challenges facing persons with disabilities in Canada?
Have you heard anything the Government of Canada has done recently to support persons with disabilities?
- When it comes to supporting persons with disabilities, is the Government of Canada generally on the right track or wrong track? Why?
- What should the Government of Canada do to better support persons with disabilities?
In general, do you think the federal government should be more focused on policies that remove barriers or those that provide equal opportunities?
What would you expect to see from a government promising to remove barriers for persons with disabilities?
- Have you seen any progress on removing barriers for persons with disabilities over the last several years?
What would you expect to see from a government promising to provide equal opportunities for persons with disabilities?
- Have you seen any progress on providing equal opportunities for persons with disabilities over the last several years?
Are there other goals or objectives that the Government of Canada should focus on when addressing these topics?
What does “accessibility” mean for you?
What does “disability inclusion” mean for you?
- Are accessibility and disability inclusion important priorities?
How important is it for the Government of Canada to have a strategy to help Canadians with disabilities access employment opportunities?
Have you heard, read, or seen anything about a proposed Canada Disability Benefit?
- IF HEARD: Based on what you’ve seen read or heard what is your reaction to the plan to create a new Canadian Disability Benefit?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
The Disability Benefit will be modelled after the Guaranteed Income Supplement for Seniors. That is, it will provide a regular long-term supplement to other (provincial) supports and act like a Universal Basic Income.

What are your reactions to hearing this?
- Overall, do you support or oppose this proposed Canada Disability Benefit?
- What impact, if any, would a benefit like this have on your wellbeing and quality of life?
Are you aware of any other financial supports the federal government makes available to persons with disabilities?
- Are there other financial supports the Government of Canada should be providing?
- How about supports to help persons with disabilities access affordable or accessible housing?
How confident are you that the federal government will follow through on this commitment and establish a new Disability Benefit in the next few years?

PUBLIC HEALTH AD (20 minutes) Mid-size Centres Prairies

I’m now going to show you a concept that is currently being developed by the Government of Canada for a possible video.

The concept is in the form of a storyboard. You will notice that it is not in finished form. Instead, the images look more like a comic strip, which we call a storyboard. A storyboard is something that is developed early in the creative process so you get a graphical illustration and short narrative that gives a sense of what the video might look like in its finished format. The final product will be a 2-minute video produced professionally that will be shown on social media and digital platforms. Please keep this in mind as you are viewing the concept.

SHOW CONCEPT ON SCREEN:

What are your initial thoughts about this concept? What makes you say that?
- Is the concept appealing – i.e., does it speak to you?
What is the main message of this concept?
- Is the message clear?
Do you have a better understanding of what public health is?
- What are your impressions of the public health system after seeing this video?
Do you have any thoughts about what could make this video more effective?

LOCAL ISSUES (15-20 minutes) Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, City of Vancouver Renters

Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, City of Vancouver Renters, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation [Now], thinking [specifically] about [the Eastern Townships/Vancouver/your own community], what are some of the biggest issues and concerns?
- FOR EACH: Why is it important? What needs to be done? PROBE TO SEE IF OTHERS FEEL IT IS IMPORTANT
Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, City of Vancouver Renters And thinking about the biggest local issues has the Government of Canada generally been on the right track or wrong track? What makes you say that?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the Government of Canada do to get on the right track?

Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation Now I’d like to focus on your local community…

Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation What are the most important sectors and industries for your local community?
Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation Which local sectors and industries do you feel need the most help? Why do these sectors and industries need federal support?

Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation NOTE TO MODERATOR: For two or three major sectors named, probe if the Government of Canada has done anything to support this sector? What else can the Government of Canada do to support these sectors?

JOB OPPORTUNITIES (15 minutes) Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers

Do you feel there are enough job opportunities in your region to live there comfortably long-term?
Has anyone tried looking for new job opportunities since the pandemic began? Is anyone currently looking for new job opportunities? Does anyone expect to look for new job opportunities in the near future?
Assuming you were looking for a job right now, what are the most important things you look for before applying for or accepting a new job? (IF NECESSARY: What, other than wages, do you look for?)
- How important is it for a prospective employer to be environmentally responsible? (Examples: To have a plan to reduce their emissions, become more energy efficient, adopt more sustainable practices, etc.)
  - If a company did not have any plan to be more environmentally responsible, would that deter you from applying or accepting a position with them?
- How important is it for a prospective employer to be socially responsible? (Examples: To invest in their communities, provide broad benefits to their employees, etc.)
  - If a company did not have any commitments to social responsibility, would that deter you from applying or accepting a position with them?

OFFICIAL LANGUAGE GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES (25 minutes) Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal)

Shifting topics again…

POLL: I will show you a list of priorities related to official languages. I’d like you to select which of these priorities you believe are the most important for the Government of Canada to work on. You can select up to [Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers 3/ North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal) 2]; if you don’t think any should be a priority, don’t select any.

SHOW ON SCREEN:

- Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers Creating a strategy to support entrepreneurs in official language minority communities
- Ensuring every Canadian can be heard and understood by a judge in their official language of choice when before a court
- Ensuring that the private sector provides services in the preferred official language of Canadians
- Guaranteeing the equality of the English and French languages in Canada
- Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers Increasing funding for schools for Francophone communities outside of Quebec
- Making investments to improve access to French immersion and French second-language programs across the country

MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH SELECTIONS

Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers Was there anything missing from this list?
Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers Is there anything the Government of Canada should be doing to [support/help protect or promote] the [francophone community/French language within Canada]?

PRIORITIES AND PERFORMANCE (20 minutes) Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal)

Youth Calgary Heavy Social Media Users

In your opinion, what are the top issues young people are facing that the federal government should be prioritizing?
What news have you ever seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada’s past work on any of these issues?
What work, if any, is the federal government planning to do on these files?
Are you aware of any other work the Government of Canada has done, or is planning to do, to help young people?
On these priorities, is the federal government generally on the right track or wrong track? Why?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the federal government do to get on the right track?
When it comes to engaging with young people, would you say the federal government is generally on the right or wrong track?
- What are better ways for the federal government to engage with young people?
  - IF NOT MENTIONED: What about using social media? Is social media a good tool to reach young people? What about TikTok?
  - How would you describe the Government of Canada’s current performance of using social media as a tool to engage young people?

Atlantic Canada Priorities Atlantic Canada

In your opinion, what are the top issues facing Atlantic Canadians that the federal government should be prioritizing?
What news have you ever seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada’s past work on any of these issues?
On these priorities, is the federal government generally on the right track or wrong track? Why?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the federal government do to get on the right track?

The Environment Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal)

In your opinion, what are the top issues the federal government should be prioritizing?
- IF NOT MENTIONED: What about the environment and climate change? How does the environment and climate change rank as a top priority? Why?
- What, specifically, within the broader topic of the environment and climate change are you most concerned with? Or, what are specific areas you think are the most important?
What major news or announcements over past years, if any, do you remember seeing/hearing about the Government of Canada’s work on the environment and climate change?
- What do you take away from this?
On the environment and climate change, has the Government of Canada generally been on the right track or wrong track? What makes you say that?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the Government of Canada do to get on the right track?
Has the federal government gotten better or worse at handling environment and climate change issues over time?

Anti-Asian Racism Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora

In your opinion, what are the top issues Chinese-Canadians are facing that the federal government should be prioritizing?
What news have you ever seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada’s past work on any of these issues?
What work, if any, is the federal government planning to do on these files?
Are you aware of any other work the Government of Canada has done, or is planning to do, to help Chinese-Canadians?
On these priorities, is the federal government generally on the right track or wrong track? Why?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the federal government do to get on the right track?
IF NOT MENTIONED: What about anti-Asian racism? How prevalent is anti-Asian racism in Canada?
What work, if any, is the federal government doing to address anti-Asian racism?
When it comes to combating anti-Asian racism, is the federal government generally on the right or wrong track? Why?
- For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the federal government do to get on the right track?
When it comes to engaging with Chinese-Canadians, would you say the federal government is generally on the right or wrong track?
- What are better ways for the federal government to engage with Chinese-Canadians?

NEWS SOURCES/SOCIAL MEDIA (10-25 minutes) Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation

Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation What are your primary sources for news? (e.g., TV news, radio, social media, friends/family)
Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation IF NOT MENTIONED: How many use social media to get news?
Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation Which platforms do you typically use?
Are there any social media platforms that are more or less reliable for news? If yes, which ones?
- Is this a platform you ever see any [Government of Canada/federal government] news on?
Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation If you were looking for [Government of Canada/federal government] news, [which platforms/where] would you go to first? Why?
Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation Are there any platforms you rarely or virtually never see any Government of Canada news on?
- Calgary Heavy Social Media Users For those who are interested, is this a platform you think the Government of Canada should be sharing news and information on?

Impacts of Social Media and Misinformation Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora

What are the main positive impacts of social media?
What are the main negative impacts of social media?
Who has heard about “fake news” on the Internet? How big of an issue is misinformation or disinformation on the Internet?
What do you think should happen to combat misinformation or disinformation online?
- Do digital platforms like Facebook and Google have a responsibility to ensure the accuracy of news and information on their platforms?
- Does the federal government have a role in combating misinformation and disinformation online?

FISHERIES NEWS (15 minutes) Atlantic Canada

Has anyone heard any recent news on any fisheries issues impacting the Atlantic provinces? If yes, what have you heard?
- Has anyone heard anything about potential cuts to the herring fishery quota? If yes, what have you heard?
  - Had anyone heard about this news before?
  - What’s your reaction to hearing about potential cuts?
  - What impacts do you expect to see from this?
  - What should the Government of Canada do?
Generally, how would you describe the Government of Canada’s performance on supporting the fishing industry?
- IF NEGATIVE: What would you like to see from the Government of Canada to better support the fishing industry?

CARBON EMISSIONS (40 minutes) Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned

What are carbon capture and storage projects? How do they work? Why are they used?

CLARIFY AS NECESSARY:
CCUS (carbon-capture, usage, and storage) are technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO2). Once the CO2 is captured, it is then compressed and transported to be permanently stored in geological formations underground (e.g., saline aquifers, oil reservoirs), or used to create products such as concrete and low-carbon synthetic fuels. CCUS technologies can deliver ‘negative emissions’ by removing CO2 from the air (direct-air-capture) or from biomass-based energy and storing the CO2.

What impacts, if any, could carbon capture and storage projects have in Canada?
- Should the federal government be encouraging carbon capture and storage projects? Why and why not?
Has anyone heard of anything the federal government is doing to promote carbon capture and storage projects?

CLARIFY AS NECESSARY:
In the most recent budget, the federal government introduced a refundable tax credit to offset the costs for companies purchasing and installing equipment for carbon capture, transportation, AND storage. The tax credit will provide an estimated $2.6 billion over the next five years, and $1.5 billion annually after that until 2030.

Projects that capture emissions to then further extract more oil out of the ground will not qualify.

What are your reactions to this information?
Is this something the Government or Canada should or should not be doing? Why or why not?
What roles or responsibilities, if any, should oil and gas companies have in reducing Canada’s national emissions?
- What should the federal government do, if anything about this?
Have you ever heard of the term “net-zero oil”? What do you think this means?

CLARIFY AS NECESSARY:
Net-zero oil refers to oil extraction projects that completely negate any greenhouse gas emissions experienced in the extraction process, through reducing emissions and/or implementing methods to absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to offset any remaining emissions.

If oil companies were able to reach net-zero emissions, do you think that would make a significant difference in helping Canada reach its emissions targets in the future, or not? What makes you say that?
Recently, gasoline prices in Canada have been very high, partially in response to conflict in Eastern Europe risking international oil markets. Do these recent developments change how you think Canada should manage its own oil production?

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES (30 minutes) Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned

What have you seen, read or heard recently about zero-emission vehicles?
- Have you heard about any recent Government of Canada announcements on investments into the manufacturing of zero-emission vehicles? If yes, what have you heard? What do you think?
  - Any recent agreements or deals?
- Any recent federal government announcements on investments into charging stations for zero-emission vehicles? If yes, what have you heard? What do you think?
  - Has anyone noticed any changes in the availability of charging stations in your communities?
- Is anyone aware of any measures in the federal budget for zero-emission vehicles? If yes, what have you heard? What do you think?
  - What about any new rebates for ZEVs in the budget?
Has anyone here ever owned a ZEV? Has anyone considered purchasing one?
- What would be the main reason for you to consider buying a zero-emission vehicle?
- What would be your main reason not to consider buying a zero-emission vehicle?
How important, if at all, are zero-emission vehicles in fighting climate change?
Is this something the federal government should be prioritizing? Why or why not?
When it comes to [____] would you say the Government of Canada is on the right track or wrong track? Why?
- ASK FOR EACH: (a) manufacturing ZEVs in Canada, (b) building a network of electric charging stations, (c) making ZEVs more affordable.

FIREARMS (25-30 minutes) Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal (excluding Montreal), City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories

How would you describe the level of gun crime in Canada?
Based on what you may have read, seen, or heard, would you say that gun violence has been increasing, decreasing, or staying the same in your community?
- IF GOING UP: Why do you think it’s been going up?
- What’s behind gun crime? What are some of its causes?
- Has the Government of Canada ever done anything to address gun crime? Are they doing anything now?
  - IF ANSWER GIVEN: Is this the right approach? Why/why not?
  - What should the Government of Canada do, if anything, to combat gun crimes?
- Northwest Territories Has anyone heard about proposed new firearm legislation?
  - IF YES: What have you heard?
In general, based on what you know, do you feel the laws covering guns in Canada are strict enough, too strict, or not strict enough? Why?
Some have suggested Canada should have a national freeze on handguns; what do you think this might look like?
What do you think the difference between a handgun freeze and a handgun ban could be?

PROMPT AS NECESSARY: A national freeze on handguns would work by capping the market and banning the sale and import of handguns into Canada.

What’s your reaction to this? What impacts would this have?
Is a freeze on handguns appropriate, or would an outright ban (making them illegal) be better? Or, is neither best?
Should gun policies be the same nation-wide, or do you think they should be tailored for different cities or provinces?
- What about with “freezing” handguns?

Firearm-Control Legislation Northwest Territories

CLARIFY AS NEEDED/SHOW ON SCREEN:
The Government of Canada has tabled new firearm-control legislation. The proposed legislation includes the following:

- Implementing a national freeze on handguns to prevent individuals from bringing newly-acquired handguns into Canada and from buying, selling, and transferring handguns within the country.
- Taking away the firearms licenses of those involved in acts of domestic violence or criminal harassment, such as stalking.
- Fighting gun smuggling and trafficking by increasing criminal penalties, providing more tools for law enforcement to investigate firearms crimes, and strengthening border security measures.
- Addressing intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and self-harm involving firearms by creating a new “red flag” law that would enable courts to require that individuals considered a danger to themselves or others surrender their firearms to law enforcement, while protecting the safety of the individual applying to the red flag process, including by protecting their identity. In addition, the Government of Canada will invest $6.6 million to help raise awareness of the new law and provide supports to vulnerable and marginalized groups to navigate the provisions.
- Requiring magazines for long guns to be changed so they can't carry any more than five rounds; sales of larger magazines would be banned.

What’s your reaction to this? Would any of these measures have positive impacts?
- Are there any measures that the federal government should not be pursuing? Why?
- Would any of these measures affect you personally?
Thinking specifically about the freeze on handguns, do you have any questions or concerns about how this policy might be implemented?
Do you think the measures included in this legislation go far enough in seeking to address gun crime or should more be done to control access to guns in Canada?
- IF YES: What else should the federal government be doing?

RELATIONSHIP WITH CHINA (20 minutes) Greater Vancouver Area (excluding City of Vancouver) Chinese Diaspora

How would you describe Canada’s current relationship with China?
How has this relationship changed?
How do you expect this relationship to develop?
What would you like to see Canada do with this relationship?
- Should Canada try to build closer ties? Why/why not?
- Should Canada try to deepen its trading relationship with China? Why/why not?

MÉTIS ISSUES (30 minutes) Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation

I’d now like to shift our attention to Métis issues more broadly.

What important issues facing the Métis community do you think the Government of Canada should focus on?
Do you think the Government of Canada is focusing about the right amount of attention on Métis Issues, not enough or too much? What makes you say that?
Has the Government of Canada done anything well with respect to Métis issues?
What can they improve on?
What comes to mind when you hear the word “reconciliation”?
- How important is reconciliation with Indigenous peoples?
Have you heard of anything the Government of Canada has done to address reconciliation?
- What has the Government of Canada done well on reconciliation with Indigenous peoples?
- What are a few areas the Government of Canada could improve on?
Thinking back over the past decade, do you feel like the Government of Canada has moved in the right direction on reconciliation, or not?
What kind of actions would you expect from a federal government that is serious about addressing reconciliation?

HEALTH AND SAFETY (15 minutes) Northwest Territories

Can anyone explain the situation in Yellowknife involving arsenic in a now abandoned mine? What is going on? How did this happen?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
Giant Mine, located in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, is regarded as one of the most contaminated sites in Canada. Gold extraction from arsenopyrite ores left behind a legacy of 237,000 tonnes of arsenic trioxide stored in the inactive mine underground chambers.

What are your reactions to this?
How important, if at all, is this as an issue? What impacts/potential impacts could this have?
What, if anything, has the federal government done to address this? What plans do they have to address this?
What, if anything, should the federal government do to address this?

NORAD (10 minutes) Northwest Territories

Is anyone aware of an organization called NORAD?
- To the best of your knowledge, what is NORAD responsible for?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
NORAD, or the North American Aerospace Defense Command, is a combined organization of the United States and Canada responsible for protecting the airspace above the two nations and provide warnings of any aerial threats targeting North America.

- Do you feel like these are important roles? Why or why not?
- Are there any changes that you think the Government of Canada should consider making when it comes to how to manage air defense in the current global environment?

CONCLUSION (5-15 minutes) All Locations

Before we close, is there anything else you would like to say to the federal government? It can be an additional point related to anything we discussed today or it could be something you think is important but wasn’t discussed.

French Moderator’s Guide

GUIDE DU MODÉRATEUR – MAI 2022

DOCUMENT MAÎTRE

INTRODUCTION (10 minutes) Tous les lieux

Le modérateur ou la personne responsable du soutien technique doit faire savoir aux participantes et aux participants qu’un stylo et du papier seront nécessaires afin de prendre des notes et d’écrire quelques réflexions au sujet des pièces de communication que nous leur montrerons plus tard au cours de la discussion.

LE GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA DANS L’ACTUALITÉ (5-25 minutes) Tous les lieux

Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu au sujet du gouvernement du Canada au cours des derniers jours ?
- Ontario Rural Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quoi que ce soit au sujet du convoi de motos « Rolling Thunder » tenu à Ottawa ce weekend ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ? Qu’en pensez-vous ?
Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de la récente nomination de la première dirigeante principale de l’accessibilité du Canada ?

Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Stephanie Cadieux a récemment été nommée à titre de la première dirigeante principale de l’accessibilité (DPA) du Canada. Au cours de son mandat de quatre ans, M^me Cadieux agira à titre de conseillère spéciale indépendante auprès de la ministre de l’Emploi, du Développement de la main-d’œuvre et de l’Inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap et fournira des conseils sur un vaste éventail de questions touchant l’accessibilité. À titre de DPA, M^me Cadieux surveillera les problèmes systémiques et émergents en matière d’accessibilité et en fera rapport. Elle produira également un rapport annuel à l’intention de la Ministre détaillant les progrès réalisés et les résultats obtenus en vertu de la Loi canadienne sur l’accessibilité.

- Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor Que pensez-vous de cette nomination ?
- Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor Quels impacts anticipez-vous que cela aura sur l’accessibilité au Canada ?
- Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quoi que ce soit au sujet du budget fédéral ? Quelles initiatives précises contient-il ?

Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary Avez-vous entendu quoi que ce soit concernant l’avant-projet d’une décision majoritaire de la Cour suprême des États-Unis selon lequel elle aurait voté pour invalider l’arrêt historique Roe c. Wade ?
- Est-ce un enjeu qui vous préoccupe ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire ça ?
  - Le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il en faire davantage quant à l’accès à l’avortement au Canada ?
  - SI OUI : Qu’aimeriez-vous voir se produire ?
Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary Est-ce que quelqu’un a déjà vu, lu ou entendu des nouvelles concernant le gouvernement du Canada sur des plateformes de médias sociaux dans le passé ? Vous souvenez-vous de ce qu’était cette nouvelle et où vous l’avez vue ?
Canada atlantique Avez-vous entendu quoi que ce soit récemment au sujet de l’accès à l’avortement au Canada ou aux États-Unis ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ?
- SI NÉCESSAIRE : Selon l’avant-projet d’une décision majoritaire de la Cour suprême des États-Unis, celle-ci aurait voté pour invalider l’arrêt historique Roe c. Wade.
  - Quelle devrait être la réponse du gouvernement du Canada ?
Canada atlantique Avez-vous entendu quoi que ce soit au sujet des récents développements liés au commerce de la pomme de terre de l’Î.-P.-É. ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ? Quelles sont les informations les plus récentes que vous avez concernant cet enjeu ?

Canada atlantique ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
En décembre dernier, les États-Unis ont donné l’ordre à leurs agents frontaliers de refuser l’entrée des cargaisons de pommes de terre de l’Î.-P.-É. à la suite de la détection de la galle verruqueuse de la pomme de terre. En mars 2022, les États-Unis ont annoncé que les importations de pommes de terre de l’Î.-P.-É. pouvaient reprendre sous certaines conditions.

Canada atlantique Est-ce que quelqu’un avait entendu parler de l’annonce des États-Unis ?
- Dans quelle mesure est-ce aujourd’hui un enjeu d’envergure ?
Canada atlantique Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quoi que ce soit concernant le projet pétrolier et gazier de Bay du Nord à Terre-Neuve ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ?

Canada atlantique, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Equinor a proposé de construire et d’exploiter une installation flottante de production de pétrole et de gaz extracôtière à l’est de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador. Tel qu’il est proposé, le projet d’exploitation de Bay du Nord aurait une durée de vie d’environ 30 ans, et des puits et des ancrages supplémentaires seront possiblement ajoutés à l’installation de production. À la suite d’une évaluation environnementale qui a conclu qu’il n’aurait pas d’effets négatifs importants sur l’environnement, le gouvernement fédéral a approuvé le projet.

- Canada atlantique Que pensez-vous de l’approbation du projet ? Selon vous, le gouvernement du Canada avait-il raison d’approuver ce projet ?
- Canada atlantique Qu’est-ce que cela signifie pour l’avenir des projets pétroliers et gaziers au Canada ?

Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), locataires de la ville de Vancouver Quelqu’un a-t-il entendu quelque chose au sujet de la décriminalisation des drogues en Colombie-Britannique ?

Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), locataires de la ville de Vancouver PRÉCISER AU BESOIN : La Colombie-Britannique a demandé une exemption visant à décriminaliser la possession de petites quantités de drogues dans le but de réduire la stigmatisation associée à la consommation de drogues et de contribuer à sauver des vies. Les personnes qui consomment des drogues et qui en achètent une quantité supérieure au seuil fixé risquent d’être arrêtées et voir leurs drogues saisies.

Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), locataires de la ville de Vancouver Quelles sont vos réactions à cette nouvelle ?
- Quels en seront les impacts, selon vous ?
- Le gouvernement fédéral devrait-il approuver cette demande ? Est-ce la bonne approche ?
- Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver) Obtenez-vous principalement des nouvelles de sources en langue anglaise ou dans une autre langue ? Quelles langues ?
  - Avec quelle fréquence vous tournez-vous vers des sources dans d’autres langues ?
- Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver) Obtenez-vous principalement des nouvelles des médias canadiens ou des médias d’un autre pays ? Quels pays ?
  - Avec quelle fréquence vous tournez-vous vers les médias d’un autre pays ?
Rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) Qu’avez-vous entendu au sujet du projet Bay du Nord ?
- Quelles sont vos réactions face à l’approbation de ce projet ?
  - Selon vous, était-ce le bon choix ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
- Quels seront, selon vous, les impacts de ce projet ?
Territoires du Nord-Ouest SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de la visite du Prince Charles ?
- Que pensez-vous de cette visite ? Qu’espériez-vous voir de ce voyage, le cas échéant ?

L’ÉCONOMIE (20-30 minutes) Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Canada atlantique, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal)

Nous allons maintenant parler des économies locales…

Pour commencer, quelles sont les plus grandes industries dans vos collectivités locales ? (SI NÉCESSAIRE : Est-ce que l’agriculture, le pétrole et le gaz, ou l’exploitation minière sont des industries locales importantes dans vos collectivités respectives ?)
- Pensez-vous que cette industrie connaîtra une croissance, une décroissance ou maintiendra sa taille actuelle au cours des prochaines années ? Qu’est-ce qui provoque ou influence cette situation ?
- Quels sont les principaux défis à relever en matière de croissance économique dans votre collectivité ?
Lorsque vous pensez à l’avenir de l’économie canadienne, quelles sont les industries auxquelles vous vous attendez que l’on accorde la priorité ?
- Si celles-ci étaient considérées comme prioritaires, cela serait-il bon pour votre collectivité ? Cela amènerait-il de nouvelles possibilités pour vos collectivités ? Ou bien, cela présenterait-il de nouveaux défis ?
Lorsque vous pensez à une « économie verte » et à des « emplois verts », qu’est-ce qui vous vient à l’esprit ?
- Dans l’économie verte de demain, quels pourraient être les principaux emplois ou secteurs d’activités ?
- Qu’en est-il dans les collectivités rurales ?
- Les investissements dans l’économie verte et les emplois verts vont-ils aider ou nuire à votre collectivité ? Pourquoi ?

Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, Canada atlantique, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) SONDAGE : Nous allons vous montrer une courte liste de secteurs « verts ». Veuillez en choisir jusqu’à trois qui, selon vous, pourraient déboucher sur de nouvelles opportunités dans des collectivités comme la vôtre s’ils étaient priorisés :

- Le tourisme écorécréotouristique
- L’énergie verte
- L’exploitation minière
- La protection de la nature
- L’agriculture durable et l’autosuffisance alimentaire
- La foresterie durable

LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE LES CHOIX

Rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) NOTE : Les catégories de réponses figurant dans le sondage ci-dessus ont été présentées dans un ordre différent.

Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) Y a-t-il d’autres secteurs verts que vous souhaiteriez voir figurer sur cette liste ?
Est-il raisonnable de s’attendre à ce que les collectivités [rurales] effectuent une « transition verte » complète en faveur d’industries plus vertes ?
- Y a-t-il, selon vous, des obstacles majeurs que les collectivités [rurales] devront surmonter pour prospérer dans l’économie verte ?

L’ÉCONOMIE NUMÉRIQUE (10 minutes) Ontario Rural

Lorsque vous pensez à une « économie numérique », que vous vient-il à l’esprit ?
- Les populations rurales canadiennes peuvent-elles tirer profit d’une transition vers une économie numérique ?
Quels types de nouveaux emplois pourraient être créés dans votre collectivité si des investissements sont réalisés pour développer l’économie numérique ?

BUDGET 2022/LOGEMENT (40 minutes) Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, locataires de la ville de Vancouver, Territoires du Nord-Ouest

Le budget fédéral et les initiatives en matière de logement Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, locataires de la ville de Vancouver

J’aimerais vous parler du récent budget fédéral…

Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quoi que ce soit au sujet du budget fédéral ? Quelles initiatives précises contient-il ?
Le budget de 2022 fait du logement un domaine prioritaire. Dans quelle mesure l’abordabilité du logement est-elle un enjeu important ?

Je vais maintenant vous montrer diverses initiatives en matière de logement qui figurent dans le budget. Il y a quelques catégories différentes, et nous allons les passer en revue individuellement.

SONDAGE : Voici la première série. Je voudrais que vous choisissiez celles qui, selon vous, auront l’impact le plus positif sur le marché du logement au Canada. Vous pou vez en choisir jusqu’à trois. Si vous pensez qu’aucune n’aurait un impact positif, n’en sélectionnez pas.

Construction de logements neufs

- Un nouveau Fonds pour accélérer la construction de logements versera de l’argent aux municipalités dans le but de construire 100 000 nouveaux logements.
- Réaffecter les budgets d’infrastructure existants pour prioriser la construction de nouveaux logements supplémentaires.
- Investir 750 millions de dollars de nouveaux fonds pour le transport en commun aux municipalités qui s’engagent à investir leurs propres fonds dans la construction de nouveaux logements.
- Un investissement supplémentaire de 1,5 milliard de dollars sur deux ans pour la construction de nouveaux logements abordables destinés aux personnes en situation d’itinérance ou de violence familiale.
- Un montant supplémentaire de 2,9 milliards de dollars sur quatre ans pour le Fonds national de co-investissement pour le logement qui contribue à créer de nouveaux logements ainsi qu’à réparer des logements existants pour les personnes à faible revenu.
- Des fonds supplémentaires de 216 millions de dollars pour inciter les promoteurs à construire de nouveaux logements locatifs dont le prix de location est inférieur au prix moyen dans les zones où ils sont construits.
- Un investissement supplémentaire de 500 millions de dollars visant à augmenter le nombre de coopératives d’habitation au Canada, avec la promesse d’accorder un milliard de dollars de plus en prêts aux projets de coopératives d’habitation.
- Des fonds supplémentaires de 150 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour le logement dans les territoires du Nord.

Parmi tous les éléments contenus dans cette section, lesquels seraient, selon vous, les plus utiles pour traiter la crise du logement ?
Parmi ces éléments est-ce qu’il y en a qui vous toucheraient personnellement ?
Y a-t-il quelque chose dans cette section que le gouvernement du Canada ne devrait pas faire ?

SONDAGE : Voici la deuxième série. Une fois de plus, veuillez choisir celles qui, selon vous, auront l’impact le plus positif sur le marché du logement au Canada. (RÉPÉTER LES INSTRUCTIONS AU BESOIN : Vous pouvez en choisir jusqu’à trois. Si vous pensez qu’aucune n’aurait un impact positif, n’en sélectionnez pas.)

Abordabilité du logement

- Le Compte d’épargne libre d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première propriété, qui permet aux acheteurs éventuels d’une première maison d’épargner jusqu’à 40 000 $ libres d’impôt pour faire l’acquisition.
- Doubler le montant du crédit d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première habitation de 5 000 $ à 10 000 $.
- Un paiement unique de 500 $ aux personnes qui font face à des difficultés d’accès au logement abordable.
- Élargir l’Incitatif à l’achat d’une première propriété afin d’offrir plus de souplesse et de faciliter l’accès pour les Canadiens et Canadiennes sans conjoint ou conjointe.
- Un montant supplémentaire de 200 millions de dollars visant à accroître les possibilités de location avec option d’achat.
- Un investissement de 562 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour financer les organismes qui luttent contre l’itinérance, ainsi que 62 millions de dollars pour combattre l’itinérance chez les vétérans.

Parmi tous les éléments contenus dans cette section, lesquels seraient, selon vous, les plus utiles pour traiter la crise du logement ?
Parmi ces éléments est-ce qu’il y en a qui vous toucheraient personnellement ?
Y a-t-il quelque chose dans cette section que le gouvernement du Canada ne devrait pas faire ?

SONDAGE : Et voici la dernière série. Une fois de plus, veuillez choisir celles qui, selon vous, auront l’impact le plus positif sur le marché du logement au Canada. (RÉPÉTER LES INSTRUCTIONS AU BESOIN : Vous pouvez en choisir jusqu’à trois. Si vous pensez qu’aucune n’aurait un impact positif, n’en sélectionnez pas.)

Protéger les Canadiens

- Mettre fin aux offres à l’aveugle (les offres à l’aveugle sont celles où les acheteurs ne connaissent pas l’offre des autres).
- Créer des pénalités fiscales pour empêcher les propriétaires de procéder à des « réno-évictions » (une réno-éviction survient lorsqu’un propriétaire évince un locataire en prétextant qu’il effectuera des rénovations majeures).
- Interdire aux non-Canadiens d’acheter des propriétés résidentielles au Canada pour une période de deux ans.
- De nouvelles règles fiscales visant à décourager les opérations immobilières de vente-achat (flip immobilier).
- Rendre les cessions de contrat de vente de logements neufs et rénovés taxables afin de dissuader les spéculateurs d’acheter des propriétés résidentielles et de les laisser vacantes (une cession de contrat de vente est une opération par laquelle un vendeur vend ses intérêts dans une propriété avant d’en prendre possession).

Parmi tous les éléments contenus dans cette section, lesquels seraient, selon vous, les plus utiles pour traiter la crise du logement ?
Parmi ces éléments est-ce qu’il y en a qui vous toucheraient personnellement ?
Y a-t-il quelque chose dans cette section que le gouvernement du Canada ne devrait pas faire ?
Maintenant, si l’on réfléchit à toutes les nouvelles politiques en matière de logement dont nous avons discuté aujourd’hui, quelle est votre impression globale du nouveau plan sur le logement du gouvernement du Canada ? Quel serait, selon vous, l’impact de cette approche sur les défis que pose la question du logement au Canada ?
Pensez-vous qu’il est envisageable que toutes ces initiatives puissent être réalisées ?

Initiatives en matière de logement Territoires du Nord-Ouest

En ce qui concerne la question de l’abordabilité du logement, le gouvernement du Canada est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?

Je vais maintenant vous montrer diverses initiatives en matière de logement qui figurent dans le budget. Il y a plus de 30 initiatives différentes proposées, mais pour des raisons de temps, nous n’en montrerons qu’une sélection.

SONDAGE : Je voudrais que vous choisissiez celles qui, selon vous, auront l’impact le plus positif sur le marché du logement au Canada. Vous pouvez en choisir jusqu’à trois. Si vous pensez qu’aucune n’aurait un impact positif, n’en sélectionnez pas.

Construction de logements neufs

- Un investissement de 1,5 milliard de dollars sur deux ans pour la construction de nouveaux logements abordables destinés aux personnes en situation d’itinérance ou de violence familiale.
- Un montant supplémentaire de 2,9 milliards de dollars sur quatre ans pour le Fonds national de co-investissement pour le logement qui contribue à créer de nouveaux logements ainsi qu’à réparer des logements existants pour les personnes à faible revenu.
- Un investissement supplémentaire de 500 millions de dollars visant à augmenter le nombre de coopératives d’habitation au Canada, avec la promesse d’accorder un milliard de dollars de plus en prêts aux projets de coopératives d’habitation.
- Des fonds supplémentaires de 150 millions de dollars sur deux ans pour le logement dans les territoires du Nord.
- Le Compte d’épargne libre d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première propriété, qui permet aux acheteurs éventuels d’une première maison d’épargner jusqu’à 40 000 $ libres d’impôt pour faire l’acquisition.
- Doubler le montant du crédit d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première habitation de 5 000 $ à 10 000 $.
- Mettre fin aux offres à l’aveugle (les offres à l’aveugle sont celles où les acheteurs ne connaissent pas l’offre des autres).
- Créer des pénalités fiscales pour empêcher les propriétaires de procéder à des « réno-évictions » (une réno-éviction survient lorsqu’un propriétaire évince un locataire en prétextant qu’il effectuera des rénovations majeures).
- Interdire aux non-Canadiens d’acheter des propriétés résidentielles au Canada pour une période de deux ans.
- De nouvelles règles fiscales visant à décourager les opérations immobilières de vente-achat (flip immobilier).

Parmi tous les éléments contenus dans cette section, lesquels seraient, selon vous, les plus utiles pour traiter la crise du logement ?
- Parmi ces éléments est-ce qu’il y en a qui vous toucheraient personnellement ?
- Y a-t-il quelque chose dans cette section que le gouvernement du Canada ne devrait pas faire ?
Maintenant, si l’on réfléchit à toutes les nouvelles politiques en matière de logement, quelle est votre impression globale du nouveau plan sur le logement du gouvernement du Canada ?
Certaines personnes ont décrit cette stratégie comme une stratégie du logement de type « toutes ces réponses ». Diriez-vous que c’est exact ou qu’il manque encore des éléments ?
Pensez-vous qu’il est envisageable que toutes ces initiatives puissent être réalisées ?
Tenons pour acquis, pour le moment, que toutes ces initiatives peuvent être réalisées. Quel serait, selon vous, l’impact de cette approche sur les défis que pose la question du logement au Canada ?
- Quel pourrait en être l’impact sur les défis du logement dans les Territoires du Nord-Ouest ?

L’HUMEUR DU PUBLIC (10-25 minutes) Ontario Rural, centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Canada atlantique

Les Canadiens sont-ils plutôt divisés ou plutôt unis sur les enjeux importants auxquels notre pays est confronté ?
- Quels sont certains des enjeux importants sur lesquels les Canadiens s’entendent le plus ?
- Quels sont certains des enjeux importants sur lesquels, selon vous, les Canadiens sont le plus divisés ?
  - Comment le savez-vous ?
Canada atlantique Est-ce que quelqu’un est préoccupé par les divisions au Canada ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
Canada atlantique Le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il faire quelque chose pour s’attaquer aux divisions qui existent au sein du pays ? Si oui, quoi ?
Les Canadiens sont-ils plus divisés aujourd’hui que par le passé ? Pourquoi ?
- Si oui, quand ces divisions se sont-elles aggravées ?
- Quelles sont les principales causes de ces divisions ?
  - SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : La mésinformation a-t-elle aggravé la situation ?
    - Centres de taille moyenne des Prairies, Canada atlantique La mésinformation a-t-elle un impact particulier sur les communautés rurales ?
Canada atlantique Selon vous, que devrait-on faire pour lutter contre la mésinformation ou la désinformation en ligne ?
- Les plateformes numériques comme Facebook et Google ont-elles une responsabilité de veiller à l’exactitude des nouvelles et des informations sur leurs plateformes ?
- Le gouvernement fédéral a-t-il un rôle à jouer dans la lutte contre la mésinformation et la désinformation en ligne ?

PERSONNES VIVANT AVEC UN HANDICAP (80 minutes) Personnes en situation de handicap de Windsor

En pensant à votre état de santé global ainsi qu’aux possibles conditions ou handicaps avec lesquels vous vivez, quels impacts ont-ils sur votre vie quotidienne ?
- Si vous êtes à l’aise, quels sont certains des symptômes que vous ressentez ?
- Dans quelle mesure ont-ils un impact, le cas échéant, sur votre capacité à accomplir des tâches quotidiennes ?
Comment décririez-vous votre état actuel de bien-être et votre qualité de vie ?
- Y a-t-il des défis auxquels vous devez faire face qui ont un impact sur votre bien-être ou qui diminuent votre qualité de vie (coût de la vie, logement, soins de santé) ?
- Toujours en pensant à votre bien-être et à votre qualité de vie, vous attendez-vous à ce que votre situation soit meilleure, pire ou à peu près la même dans cinq ans ? Pourquoi ?
Quels sont les plus grands défis auxquels sont confrontées les personnes en situation de handicap au Canada ?
Avez-vous entendu quoi que ce soit que le gouvernement du Canada a fait récemment pour soutenir les personnes en situation de handicap ?
- En ce qui concerne soutenir les personnes en situation de handicap, le gouvernement du Canada est-il généralement sur la bonne ou la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- Que devrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour mieux soutenir les personnes en situation de handicap ?
En général, pensez-vous que le gouvernement fédéral devrait se concentrer davantage sur les politiques qui éliminent les obstacles ou sur celles qui assurent l’égalité des chances ?
À quoi vous attendriez-vous de la part d’un gouvernement qui promet d’éliminer les obstacles pour les personnes en situation de handicap ?
- Avez-vous observé des progrès dans l’élimination des obstacles pour les personnes en situation de handicap au cours des dernières années ?
À quoi vous attendriez-vous de la part d’un gouvernement qui promet d’offrir l’égalité des chances aux personnes en situation de handicap ?
- Avez-vous observé des progrès en matière d’égalité des chances pour les personnes en situation de handicap au cours des dernières années ?
Y a-t-il d’autres buts ou objectifs sur lesquels le gouvernement du Canada devrait se concentrer lorsqu’il traite de ces sujets ?
Que signifie pour vous « l’accessibilité » ?
Que signifie pour vous « l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap » ?
- L’accessibilité et l’inclusion des personnes en situation de handicap sont-elles des priorités importantes ?
Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour le gouvernement du Canada d’avoir une stratégie pour aider les Canadiens en situation de handicap à accéder aux possibilités d’emploi ?
Avez-vous entendu, lu ou vu quoi que ce soit concernant le projet de prestation d’invalidité canadienne ?
- SI L’ON EN A ENTENDU PARLER : D’après ce que vous avez vu, lu ou entendu, quelle est votre réaction au plan visant à créer une nouvelle prestation canadienne pour personnes en situation de handicap ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
La prestation d’invalidité sera modelée sur le Supplément de revenu garanti pour les aînés. Autrement dit, il fournira un supplément permanent à long terme aux autres aides (provinciales) et s’apparentera à un revenu de base universel.

Quelles sont vos réactions ayant appris cela ?
- Dans l’ensemble, êtes-vous en faveur ou vous opposez-vous à ce projet de prestation canadienne pour personnes en situation de handicap ?
- Quel impact, le cas échéant, une telle prestation aurait-elle sur votre bien-être et votre qualité de vie ?
Connaissez-vous d’autres soutiens financiers que le Gouvernement fédéral offre aux personnes en situation de handicap ?
- Y a-t-il d’autres soutiens financiers que le gouvernement du Canada devrait offrir ?
- Qu’en est-il des soutiens pour aider les personnes en situation de handicap à accéder à des logements abordables ou accessibles ?
Dans quelle mesure avez-vous bon espoir que le gouvernement fédéral donnera suite à cet engagement et mettra en place une nouvelle prestation pour personnes en situation de handicap au cours des prochaines années ?

PUBLICITÉ DE SANTÉ PUBLIQUE (20 minutes) Centres de taille moyenne des Prairies

Je vais maintenant vous montrer un concept qui en cours de développement par le gouvernement du Canada pour une possible vidéo.

Le concept prend la forme d’un scénarimage. Vous remarquerez qu’il n’est pas dans sa forme définitive. Les images ressemblent plutôt à une bande dessinée et c’est ce que nous appelons un scénarimage. Un scénarimage est quelque chose qui est produit au début du processus de création afin d’obtenir des illustrations graphiques et une courte narration qui donnent une idée de ce à quoi la vidéo pourrait ressembler dans sa version définitive. Le produit final sera une vidéo de 2 minutes réalisée de manière professionnelle et qui sera diffusée par le biais des médias sociaux et des plateformes numériques. Veuillez garder cela à l’esprit pendant que vous visionnez le concept.

AFFICHER CONCEPT À L’ÉCRAN:

Quelles sont vos premières impressions de ce concept ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire ça ?
- Le concept est-il accrocheur — c’est-à-dire, vous interpelle-t-il ?
Quel est le message principal de ce concept ?
- Le message est-il clair ?
Avez-vous une meilleure compréhension de ce qu’est la santé publique ?
- Quelles impressions avez-vous du système de santé publique après avoir visionné cette vidéo ?
Avez-vous des idées sur ce qui pourrait rendre cette vidéo plus efficace ?

ENJEUX LOCAUX (15-20 minutes) Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande, locataires de la ville de Vancouver

Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, locataires de la ville de Vancouver, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande [Maintenant], en ce qui concerne [les Cantons-de-l’Est/Vancouver/votre collectivité en particulier], quels sont certains des plus grands enjeux et des plus grandes préoccupations ?
- POUR CHACUN DES ENJEUX : Pourquoi est-ce important ? Qu’est-ce qui doit être fait ? EXPLORER POUR VOIR SI LES AUTRES ESTIMENT QUE C’EST IMPORTANT.
Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, locataires de la ville de Vancouver Et quand on pense aux plus grands enjeux locaux, y compris les infrastructures, le gouvernement du Canada est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?

Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Maintenant, je voudrais qu’on se concentre sur votre communauté locale…

Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Quels sont les industries et les secteurs les plus importants pour votre communauté locale ?
Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Quels sont, selon vous, les industries et les secteurs de l’économie locale qui ont le plus besoin d’aide ? Pourquoi est-ce que ceux-ci ont besoin de soutien fédéral ?

Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande NOTE AU MODÉRATEUR : Pour deux ou trois des secteurs importants cités, demander si le gouvernement du Canada a fait quoi que ce soit pour soutenir ce secteur. Qu’est-ce que le gouvernement du Canada devrait faire de plus pour soutenir ces secteurs ?

POSSIBILITÉS D’EMPLOIS (15 minutes) Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est

Pensez-vous qu’il y a suffisamment de possibilités d’emploi dans votre région pour y vivre confortablement à long terme ?
Y a-t-il quelqu’un qui a essayé de chercher pour de nouvelles possibilités d’emploi depuis le début de la pandémie ? Y a-t-il quelqu’un qui est actuellement à la recherche de nouvelles possibilités d’emploi ? Est-ce que quelqu’un prévoit d’être à la recherche de nouvelles possibilités d’emploi dans un avenir rapproché ?
Supposons que vous êtes actuellement à la recherche d’un emploi, quels sont les aspects les plus importants que vous regardez avant de postuler ou d’accepter un nouvel emploi ? (SI NÉCESSAIRE : Outre le salaire, qu’est-ce que vous recherchez ?)
- Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour un employeur potentiel d’être respectueux de l’environnement ? (Exemples : Avoir un plan pour réduire leurs émissions, devenir plus écoénergétiques, adopter des pratiques plus durables, etc.)
  - Si une entreprise n’avait aucun plan pour être plus responsable sur le plan environnemental, cela vous dissuaderait-il de postuler pour un emploi ou d’accepter un poste au sein de celle-ci ?
- Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour un employeur potentiel d’être socialement responsable ? (Exemples : Investir dans ses collectivités, offrir une vaste gamme d’avantages sociaux à ses employé(e)s, etc.)
  - Si une entreprise n’avait pas d’engagements en matière de responsabilité sociale, cela vous dissuaderait-il de postuler pour un emploi ou d’accepter un poste au sein de celle-ci ?

PRIORITÉS GOUVERNEMENTALES EN MATIÈRE DE LANGUE OFFICIELLE (25 minutes) Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal)

Changeons à nouveau de sujet…

SONDAGE : Maintenant, je vais vous présenter une liste de priorités en matière de langue officielle. J’aimerais que vous choisissiez celles qui, selon vous, constituent les plus importantes sur lesquelles le gouvernement du Canada doit travailler. Vous pouvez en choisir jusqu’à [Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est 3/Rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal) 2] ; n’en sélectionnez pas si vous pensez qu’il n’y en a aucune qui représente une priorité.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :

- Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est Créer une stratégie pour soutenir les entrepreneurs au sein des communautés de langue officielle en situation minoritaire
- S’assurer que chaque Canadien peut être entendu et compris par un juge dans la langue officielle de son choix devant un tribunal
- S’assurer que le secteur privé offre des services dans la langue officielle de choix des Canadiennes et des Canadiens
- Garantir l’égalité des langues française et anglaise au Canada
- Travailleurs à faible revenu des Cantons-de-l’Est Augmenter le financement des écoles pour les communautés francophones hors Québec
- Investir pour améliorer l’accès aux programmes d’immersion en français et de français langue seconde dans tout le pays

LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE LES CHOIX

Manquait-il quoi que ce soit à cette liste ?
Le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il faire quoi que ce soit pour [soutenir la communauté francophone/contribuer à protéger ou promouvoir la langue française au Canada] ?

PRIORITÉS ET PERFORMANCE (15-30 minutes) Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Canada atlantique, personnes soucieuses de l’environnement des centres de taille moyenne du Québec, diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal)

Les jeunes Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary

Selon vous, quels sont les principaux enjeux auxquels sont confrontés les jeunes et dont le gouvernement fédéral devrait traiter en priorité ?
Quelles nouvelles avez-vous déjà vues, lues ou entendues au sujet du travail effectué par le gouvernement du Canada dans le passé sur l’un de ces dossiers ?
Quel travail, le cas échéant, le gouvernement fédéral prévoit-il de faire dans ces dossiers ?
Êtes-vous au courant de tout autre travail déjà effectué par le gouvernement du Canada, ou qui est prévu, pour aider les jeunes ?
En ce qui concerne ces priorités, le gouvernement du Canada a-t-il été généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
En ce qui concerne interagir avec les jeunes, diriez-vous que le gouvernement fédéral est de manière générale sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise ?
- Quelles sont de meilleures façons pour le gouvernement fédéral d’interagir avec les jeunes ?
  - SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de l’utilisation des médias sociaux ? Les médias sociaux, sont-ils une bonne façon de rejoindre les jeunes ? Qu’en est-il de TikTok ?
  - Comment décririez-vous la performance actuelle du gouvernement du Canada pour ce qui est d’utiliser les médias sociaux comme outil pour interagir avec les jeunes ?

Priorités du Canada atlantique Canada atlantique

Selon vous, quels sont les principaux enjeux auxquels est confrontée la population du Canada atlantique et dont le gouvernement fédéral devrait traiter en priorité ?

Quelles nouvelles avez-vous déjà vues, lues ou entendues au sujet du travail effectué par le gouvernement du Canada dans le passé sur l’un de ces dossiers ?
En ce qui concerne ces priorités, le gouvernement du Canada a-t-il été généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?

L’environnement Personnes soucieuses de l’environnement des centres de taille moyenne du Québec, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal)

Selon vous, quels sont les principaux enjeux dont le gouvernement fédéral devrait en faire une priorité ?
- SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de l’environnement et le changement climatique ? Où se classe l’environnement et le changement climatique parmi les principales priorités ? Pourquoi ?
- Dans le contexte plus large de l’environnement et du changement climatique, qu’est-ce qui vous préoccupe le plus ? Ou encore, quels sont les aspects spécifiques qui, selon vous, sont les plus importants ?
Quelles sont les principales nouvelles ou annonces que vous vous souvenez d’avoir vues ou entendues au cours des dernières années, le cas échéant, concernant le travail du gouvernement du Canada en matière d’environnement et de changement climatique ?
- Que retenez-vous de cela ?
En matière d’environnement et de changement climatique, le gouvernement du Canada a-t-il été généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
La gestion des questions liées à l’environnement et au changement climatique par le gouvernement fédéral s’est-elle améliorée ou détériorée au fil du temps ?

Racisme anti-asiatique Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver)

Selon vous, quels sont les principaux enjeux auxquels sont confrontés les Sino-Canadiens et dont le gouvernement fédéral devrait traiter en priorité ?
Quelles nouvelles avez-vous déjà vues, lues ou entendues au sujet du travail effectué par le gouvernement du Canada dans le passésur l’un de ces dossiers ?
Quel travail, le cas échéant, le gouvernement fédéral prévoit-il de faire dans ces dossiers ?
Êtes-vous au courant de tout autre travail que le gouvernement du Canada a fait, ou prévoit de faire, pour aider les Sino-Canadiens ?
En ce qui concerne ces priorités, le gouvernement du Canada est-il, de manière générale, sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement fédéral pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il du racisme anti-asiatique ? Dans quelle mesure le racisme anti-asiatique est-il répandu au Canada ?
Quel travail le gouvernement fédéral fait-il, le cas échéant, pour lutter contre le racisme anti-asiatique ?
En ce qui concerne la lutte contre le racisme anti-asiatique, le gouvernement du Canada est-il, de manière générale, sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- Pour les personnes qui disent qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement fédéral pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
En ce qui concerne interagir avec les Sino-Canadiens, diriez-vous que le gouvernement fédéral est de manière générale sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise ?
- Quelles sont de meilleures façons pour le gouvernement fédéral d’interagir avec les Sino-Canadiens ?

SOURCES DE NOUVELLES/MÉDIAS SOCIAUX (10-25 minutes) Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande

Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Quelles sont vos principales sources d’actualités ? (Par exemple, nouvelles télévisées, radio, médias sociaux, ami ou famille)
Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Combien d’entre vous utilisez les médias sociaux pour vous informer sur l’actualité ?
Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Quelles plateformes utilisez-vous habituellement ?
Y a-t-il des plateformes de médias sociaux qui sont plus ou moins fiables en ce qui a trait aux actualités ? Si oui, lesquelles ?
- Est-ce une plateforme sur laquelle il vous arrive de voir des nouvelles concernant [le gouvernement du Canada/le gouvernement fédéral] ?
Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Quelle [plateforme/source] consulteriez-vous en premier si vous cherchiez des nouvelles touchant le [gouvernement du Canada/gouvernement fédéral] ? Pourquoi ?
Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande Y a-t-il des plateformes sur lesquelles vous voyez rarement ou pratiquement jamais de nouvelles du gouvernement du Canada ?
- Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary Pour les personnes qui sont intéressées, pensez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada devrait partager des nouvelles et des informations sur cette plateforme ?

Les impacts des médias sociaux et la mésinformation Grands utilisateurs de médias sociaux de Calgary, diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver

Quels sont les principaux effets positifs des médias sociaux ?
Quels sont les principaux effets négatifs des médias sociaux ?
Qui a déjà entendu parler de « fausses nouvelles » (fake news) sur Internet ? Dans quelle mesure est-ce un enjeu d’envergure, celle de la mésinformation ou de la désinformation sur Internet ?
Selon vous, que devrait-on faire pour lutter contre la mésinformation ou la désinformation en ligne ?
- Les plateformes numériques comme Facebook et Google ont-elles une responsabilité de veiller à l’exactitude des nouvelles et des informations sur leurs plateformes ?
- Le gouvernement fédéral a-t-il un rôle à jouer dans la lutte contre la mésinformation et la désinformation en ligne ?

ACTUALITÉS EN MATIÈRE DE PÊCHES (15 minutes) Canada atlantique

Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu de récentes nouvelles sur tout enjeu relatif aux pêches qui aurait un impact sur les provinces de l’Atlantique ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ?
- Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quoi que ce soit concernant de potentielles réductions des quotas de pêche au hareng ?
  - Est-ce que quelqu’un avait déjà entendu cette nouvelle ?
  - Quelle est votre réaction en apprenant les potentielles réductions ?
  - Quels en seront les impacts, selon vous ?
  - Que devrait faire le gouvernement du Canada ?
En général, comment décririez-vous la performance du gouvernement du Canada pour ce qui est de soutenir l’industrie de la pêche ?
- SI NÉGATIF : Qu’aimeriez-vous voir de la part du gouvernement du Canada pour mieux soutenir l’industrie de la pêche ?

ÉMISSIONS DE CARBONE (40 minutes) Personnes soucieuses de l’environnement des centres de taille moyenne du Québec

En quoi consistent les projets de captage et de stockage du carbone ? Comment fonctionnent-ils ? Pourquoi y avoir recours ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Le CUSC (captage, utilisation et stockage du carbone) est un ensemble de technologies qui captent le dioxyde de carbone (CO₂). Une fois capté, le CO₂ est ensuite comprimé et transporté pour être stocké de manière permanente dans des formations géologiques souterraines (par exemple, des aquifères salins, des réservoirs de pétrole), ou utilisé pour créer des produits tels que du béton et des carburants synthétiques à faible teneur en carbone. Les technologies de CUSC peuvent atteindre des « émissions négatives » en retirant le CO₂ de l’air (captage direct dans l’air) ou de sources d’énergie tirées de la biomasse, en stockant ensuite le CO₂.

Quels impacts, le cas échéant, les projets de captage et de stockage du carbone pourraient-ils avoir au Canada ?
- Le gouvernement fédéral devrait-il encourager les projets de captage et de stockage du carbone ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de quoi que ce soit que le gouvernement fédéral fait pour promouvoir les projets de captage et de stockage du carbone ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Dans le dernier budget, le gouvernement fédéral a introduit un crédit d’impôt remboursable pour compenser les coûts des entreprises qui achètent et installent du matériel servant au captage, au transport et au stockage du carbone. Le crédit d’impôt proposé est estimé à 2,6 milliards de dollars pour les cinq prochaines années, puis à 1,5 milliard de dollars annuellement jusqu’en 2030.

Les projets qui captent les émissions pour ensuite extraire davantage de pétrole du sol ne seront pas admissibles.

Quelles sont vos réactions à cette information ?
Est-ce quelque chose que le gouvernement du Canada devrait ou ne devrait pas faire ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
Quels rôles et responsabilités, le cas échéant, les entreprises pétrolières et gazières devraient-elles avoir dans la réduction des émissions nationales du Canada ?
- Que devrait faire le gouvernement fédéral, le cas échéant, à ce sujet ?
Avez-vous déjà entendu le terme « pétrole carboneutre » ? Que pensez-vous qu’il signifie ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Le pétrole carboneutre fait référence aux projets d’extraction pétrolière qui annulent complètement les émissions de gaz à effet de serre produites lors du processus d’extraction, en réduisant les émissions ou en ayant recours à des méthodes de capture du dioxyde de carbone dans l’atmosphère pour compenser toute émission restante.

S’il était possible pour les sociétés pétrolières d’atteindre la carboneutralité en matière d’émissions, pensez-vous que cela contribuerait de manière significative à atteindre les objectifs d’émissions du Canada à l’avenir, ou non ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
Récemment, le Canada voit des prix d’essence très élevés, en partie en réaction au conflit en Europe de l’Est qui menace les marchés pétroliers internationaux. Ces récents développements changent-ils la façon dont vous pensez que le Canada devrait gérer sa propre production de pétrole ?

VÉHICULES ZÉRO ÉMISSION (VZE) (30 minutes) Personnes soucieuses de l’environnement des centres de taille moyenne du Québec

Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu récemment au sujet des véhicules zéro émission ?
- Avez-vous entendu de récentes annonces de la part du gouvernement du Canada concernant des investissements dans la fabrication de véhicules zéro émission ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ? Qu’en pensez-vous ?
  - De récents accords ou ententes ?
- Qu’en est-il d’annonces récentes de la part du gouvernement fédéral au sujet d’investissements dans des bornes de recharge pour véhicules zéro émission ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ? Qu’en pensez-vous ?
  - Est-ce que quelqu’un a remarqué des changements dans la disponibilité des bornes de recharge dans vos collectivités ?
- Est-ce que quelqu’un sait si le budget fédéral contient des mesures qui touchent les véhicules zéro émission ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ? Qu’en pensez-vous ?
  - Qu’en est-il de nouveaux rabais à l’achat pour les VZE dans le budget ?
Est-ce que quelqu’un a déjà été propriétaire d’un VZE ? Est-ce que quelqu’un en a déjà envisagé l’achat ?
- Quelle serait la raison principale pour laquelle vous envisageriez l’achat d’un véhicule à zéro émission ?
- Quelle serait la raison principale pour laquelle vous n’envisageriez pas l’achat d’un véhicule à zéro émission ?
Quelle est l’importance, le cas échéant, des véhicules zéro émission dans la lutte contre les changements climatiques ?
Le gouvernement fédéral devrait-il en faire une priorité ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
En ce qui concerne [____], diriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada est sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
- DEMANDER POUR CHACUN DES ÉLÉMENTS SUIVANTS : (a) la fabrication des VZE au Canada, (b) bâtir un réseau de stations de recharge électrique, (c) rendre les VZE plus abordables.

ARMES À FEU (25-30 minutes) Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver), Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande, rives nord et sud de Montréal (excluant Montréal), locataires de la ville de Vancouver, Territoires du Nord-Ouest

Comment décririez-vous le niveau de crimes commis avec des armes à feu au Canada ?
D’après ce que vous avez pu lire, voir ou entendre, diriez-vous que la violence armée augmente, diminue ou reste la même dans votre collectivité ?
- SI ELLE A AUGMENTÉ : Pourquoi pensez-vous qu’elle a augmenté ?
- Qu’est-ce qui se cache derrière les crimes commis avec des armes à feu ? Quelles sont certaines de ses causes ?
- Le gouvernement du Canada a-t-il déjà fait quelque chose pour lutter contre les crimes commis avec des armes à feu ? Fait-il quelque chose maintenant ?
  - SI UNE RÉPONSE EST DONNÉE : Est-ce la bonne approche ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
  - Que devrait faire le gouvernement du Canada, le cas échéant, pour lutter contre les crimes commis avec des armes à feu ?
- Territoires du Nord-Ouest Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de la nouvelle loi proposée sur les armes à feu ?
  - SI OUI : Qu’avez-vous entendu ?
En général, selon ce que vous savez, pensez-vous que les lois sur les armes à feu au Canada sont assez strictes, trop strictes ou pas assez strictes ? Pourquoi ?
Certaines personnes ont suggéré que le Canada devrait imposer un gel national des armes de poing ; à votre avis, à quoi cela pourrait-il ressembler ?
Quelle pourrait être, selon vous, la différence entre un gel des armes de poing et une interdiction des armes de poing ?

MENTIONNER AU BESOIN : Un gel national des armes de poing consisterait à plafonner le marché et à interdire la vente et l’importation d’armes de poing au Canada.

Quelle est votre réaction à cela ? Quels en seraient les impacts ?
Est-ce qu’un gel des armes de poing est approprié, ou est-ce qu’une interdiction pure et simple (les rendant illégales) serait préférable ? Ou bien, est-ce qu’aucune des deux mesures n’est la meilleure ?
Les politiques en matière d’armes à feu devraient-elles être les mêmes à l’échelle nationale, ou pensez-vous qu’elles devraient être adaptées aux différentes villes ou provinces ?
- Qu’en est-il du « gel » des armes de poing ?

Loi sur le contrôle des armes à feu Territoires du Nord-Ouest

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN/AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Le gouvernement du Canada a déposé un nouveau projet de loi sur le contrôle des armes à feu. Celui-ci comprend les mesures suivantes :

- Mise en œuvre d’un gel national des armes de poing afin d’empêcher les gens d’apporter au Canada des armes de poing nouvellement acquises ou de les acheter, de les vendre et de les transférer dans le pays.
- Révocation des permis d’armes à feu des personnes impliquées dans des actes de violence domestique ou de harcèlement criminel.
- Lutte contre la contrebande et le trafic d’armes à feu au moyen de sanctions pénales plus sévères, d’outils supplémentaires permettant aux forces de l’ordre d’enquêter sur les crimes commis avec des armes à feu et de mesures de sécurité renforcées aux frontières.
- Lutte contre la violence conjugale, la violence fondée sur le sexe et l’automutilation au moyen d’une arme à feu grâce à une loi « drapeau rouge » qui permettrait aux tribunaux d’exiger que les personnes considérées comme un danger pour elles-mêmes ou pour autrui remettent leurs armes à feu aux forces de l’ordre, tout en assurant la sécurité de la personne qui présente une demande dans le cadre du processus « drapeau rouge », notamment en protégeant son identité. De plus, le gouvernement investira 6,6 millions de dollars pour mieux faire connaître cette nouvelle loi et aider les groupes vulnérables et marginalisés à en consulter les dispositions.
- Exiger la modification des chargeurs d’armes d’épaule pour qu’ils ne puissent jamais contenir plus de cinq cartouches ; la vente des chargeurs à plus grande capacité serait interdite.

Quelle est votre réaction à ces mesures ? Certaines de ces mesures produiraient-elles des effets positifs ?
- Y a-t-il certaines de ces mesures avec lesquelles le gouvernement fédéral ne devrait pas aller de l’avant ? Pourquoi ?
- Y a-t-il des mesures qui vous toucheraient personnellement ?
En ce qui concerne le gel des armes de poing plus particulièrement, avez-vous des questions ou des préoccupations quant à la façon dont cette politique pourrait être mise en œuvre ?
Pensez-vous que les mesures contenues dans ce projet de loi vont suffisamment loin dans la lutte contre les crimes commis avec des armes à feu, ou faut-il en faire plus pour contrôler l’accès aux armes à feu au Canada ?
- SI OUI : Que pourrait faire d’autre le gouvernement fédéral ?

LA RELATION AVEC LA CHINE (20 minutes) Diaspora chinoise de la région du Grand Vancouver (excluant la ville de Vancouver)

Comment décririez-vous la relation actuelle du Canada avec la Chine ?
Comment cette relation a-t-elle changé ?
À quoi vous attendez-vous quant au développement de cette relation ?
Que souhaiteriez-vous que le Canada fasse de cette relation ?
- Le Canada devrait-il essayer d’établir des liens plus étroits ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
- Le Canada devrait-il essayer d’approfondir ses relations commerciales avec la Chine ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

ENJEUX MÉTIS (30 minutes) Métis du Manitoba des centres de taille moyenne et grande

J’aimerais maintenant que nous portions notre attention sur les enjeux Métis plus globalement.

Selon vous, sur quels enjeux importants auxquels la communauté métisse est confrontée, le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il se concentrer ?
En ce qui concerne les enjeux qui touchent les Métis, pensez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada leur accorde l’attention qu’elles méritent, pas assez ou trop ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
Le gouvernement du Canada a-t-il fait quoi que ce soit de bien en ce qui a trait aux enjeux Métis ?
Que peut-il améliorer ?
Qu’est-ce qui vous vient à l’esprit lorsque vous entendez le mot « réconciliation » ?
- Dans quelle mesure la réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones est-elle importante ?
Avez-vous entendu quoi que ce soit sur ce que le gouvernement du Canada a fait pour aborder la réconciliation ?
- Qu’est-ce que le gouvernement du Canada a fait de bien en matière de réconciliation avec les peuples autochtones ?
- Quels sont certains des domaines dans lesquels le gouvernement du Canada pourrait s’améliorer ?
Si l’on considère la dernière décennie, sentez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada a évolué dans la bonne direction sur le plan de la réconciliation, ou non ?
À quel genre d’actions vous attendriez-vous de la part d’un gouvernement fédéral qui veut sérieusement aborder la réconciliation ?

SANTÉ ET SÉCURITÉ (15 minutes) Territoires du Nord-Ouest

Est-ce que quelqu’un peut nous expliquer la situation à Yellowknife concernant l’arsenic dans une mine maintenant abandonnée ? Que se passe-t-il ? Comment cela est-il arrivé ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
La mine Giant, située à Yellowknife, aux Territoires du Nord-Ouest, est considérée comme l’un des sites les plus contaminés du Canada. L’extraction de l’or à partir de minerai d’arsénopyrite a laissé un héritage de 237 000 tonnes de trioxyde de diarsenic stockées dans les chambres souterraines de la mine inactive.

Quelles sont vos réactions à cela ?
Quelle est l’importance, le cas échéant, de cet enjeu ? Quels impacts ou impacts potentiels cela pourrait-il avoir ?
Qu’a fait le gouvernement fédéral, le cas échéant, pour y remédier ? Quels sont ses plans pour y remédier ?
Que devrait faire le gouvernement fédéral, le cas échéant, pour y remédier ?

NORAD (10 minutes) Territoires du Nord-Ouest

Y en a-t-il qui connaissent un organisme du nom de NORAD ?
- Selon vos connaissances, de quoi NORAD est-il responsable ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
NORAD, ou le Commandement de la défense aérospatiale de l’Amérique du Nord est une organisation conjointe des États-Unis et du Canada dont la responsabilité consiste à protéger l’espace aérien au-dessus des deux nations et à signaler toute menace aérienne visant l’Amérique du Nord.

- Trouvez-vous que ce sont des rôles importants ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
- À votre avis, le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il envisager des changements quant à la façon de gérer la défense aérienne dans le contexte mondial actuel ?

CONCLUSION (5-15 minutes) Tous les lieux

Avant de conclure, y a-t-il autre chose que vous souhaiteriez dire au gouvernement fédéral ? Il peut s’agir de précisions sur les sujets abordés aujourd’hui ou d’un sujet que vous jugez important, mais dont nous n’avons pas discuté.

Appendix C – Advertising Concepts

Public Health Ad Campaign Storyboard (Mid-size Centres Prairies)

Above is a storyboard featuring 30 animated panels from a public health advertising campaign. (1): We see a person cycling in front of a park, hospital, a few business buildings, and then a park again. VO: We all want to be as healthy as possible! The COVID-19 pandemic has shown us just how much. (2): We see a close-up of the cyclist biking forward. VO: our personal health is connected to the health of the communities where we live, learn, work and play. (3): The cyclist (with no helmet) encounters a pothole on the ill-kept road, then flies into the air. VO: While our healthcare system treats us when we are injured or sick. (4): We next see the cyclist in bed in the hospital with an injury, music accompanies. (5): Scene then rewinds back to cyclist who we see is now wearing a helmet and safety gear while riding their bicycle. VO: we also have a system that works to prevent these things from happening in the first place, and protects the health of our entire community. (6): Cyclist now bikes safely along path. The shows a diverse community in the area she is biking through. VO: This is the role of PUBLIC HEALTH, working hard behind the scenes to improve the health of our communities, and ensure that – (7): We zoom out as the cyclist bikes throughout her community. We see a bird’s eye view of the community below. VO: - everyone has an equal opportunity to reach their best health. (8): Three sectors (Agriculture, Transport, and Environment) are shown, revealed by a colour box. VO: To accomplish this, Canada’s public health system relies on many dedicated people working in partnership with each level of government and other relevant sectors. (9): A woman (Fatima) is watering one side of the garden while a man (Sundar) is harvesting some lettuce. VO: Volunteers Sundar and Fatima used funding from public health to develop a local community garden. (10): We see a close-up of a head of lettuce that will go to a restaurant. VO: Their garden provides many health benefits including green space and fresh, local produce for their community! (11): We now see a kitchen in a restaurant, the lettuce from the community garden is clearly shown in a fridge. We see a man with a clipboard looking at it VO: At the local bistro, food safety inspector, Gustavo, is completing an on-site visit. (12): Gustavo checks the temperature of the fridge with a clipboard in hand. VO: - and ensuring compliance with public health safety practices to prevent foodborne illness and disease. (13): As music plays, we see a close-up on lettuce and the background disappears. Lettuce turns into a nicely made salad. (14): The scene pans out and we see a man, Malcolm, about to eat the salad. VO: Enjoy your salad Malcolm! (15): We next see a view of two public toilet doors. Malcolm walks into the view. VO: Did you know that going to the washroom can also be informative for public health? (16): We pan down to reveal piping and then pan right. Music continues. (17): The scene fades into a wastewater facility. (18): We transition into the treatment facility and see a lab technician looking at samples VO: Wastewater surveillance involves the sampling and analysis of sewage to monitor community health threats. (19): We zoom-in to the sample for a close-up look of the bacteria. (20): Close-up look of the bacteria. (21): We see an epidemiologist in front of a computer. VO: As a public health epidemiologist, Danika uses wastewater surveillance data to track the community spread of various infectious diseases, including COVID-19. (22): Malcolm is back at his residence with his walker and is receiving his flu shot from nurse Eric. VO: Back at his retirement home, Malcolm gets a visit from Eric, a public health nurse. Eric gives Malcolm his yearly flu shot. (23): Eric scans the room for hazards. We see a close-up pan over the floor area. VO: - and checks for safety hazards. (24): Eric sees a cow figurine on the floor, reaches down to pick it up and places it on the coffee table. (25): We zoom in on the cow figurine which is now on the coffee table. (26): We then fade from the previous scene and see a cow grazing in a field. VO: Kilometres away, public health veterinarian Olivia is helping to keep our food supply safe. (27): We pan out to reveal a picturesque farm along with a red barn. We zoom into the barn. (28): Olivia is chatting with farmer Rick, going over a document on her clipboard. VO: Olivia works to ensure responsible use of antimicrobials, or antibiotics, which help to reduce the spread of resistant bacteria and to prevent disease in animals and humans. (29): We fade and then see all of the different examples (left to right: Sundar the gardener, Olivia the farm inspector, the wastewater surveillance technician, Gustavo the food safety inspector, and Eric, the public health nurse). VO: These are just a few examples of public health in action in Canada! (30): We close on the public health logo before transitioning to the Government of Canada wordmark.

Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians’ Views – May 2022

Final Report

Prepared for the Privy Council Office

Supplier name: The Strategic Counsel

Contract number: 35035-182346/001/CY

Contract value: $2,428,991.50

Award date: December 16, 2021

Delivery date: June 28, 2022

Registration number: POR-005-19

For more information on this report, please email por-rop@pco-bcp.ca

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français.

Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians’ Views

Final Report

Prepared for the Privy Council Office

Supplier Name: The Strategic Counsel

May 2022

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Rapport final - Collecte continue de données qualitatives sur les opinions des canadiens – mai 2022.

This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from the Privy Council Office. For more information on this report, please contact the Privy Council Office at: por-rop@pco-bcp.ca or at:

Privy Council OfficeBlackburn Building85 Sparks Street, Room 228Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3

Catalogue Number:

International Standard Book Number (ISBN):

Related publications (registration number: POR-005-19):

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, 2022

Political Neutrality Certification

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.

Signed: __________________________________

Donna Nixon, Partner The Strategic Counsel

Table of Contents

Executive Summary

Introduction

As a note of caution when interpreting the results from this study, findings of qualitative research are directional in nature only and cannot be attributed quantitatively to the overall population under study with any degree of confidence.

Methodology

Overview of Groups

Detailed Approach

Group Locations and Composition

Key Findings

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

‘Rolling Thunder’ Protest (Rural Ontario)

Appointment of Chief Accessibility Officer (Windsor Persons Living with Disabilities)

Access to Abortion Services (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

PEI Potatoes (Atlantic Canada)

Bay du Nord Development Project (Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Discussing the future of oil and gas projects in Canada, most felt the Bay du Nord project would have a positive impact on the prospects of future developments, so long as it produced the expected economic benefits while causing little damage to the surrounding environment and marine ecosystems.

Drug Decriminalization (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, City of Vancouver Renters)

News Sources and Social Media (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation)

Royal Tour (Northwest Territories)

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], Northwest Territories)

Youth Issues (Calgary Heavy Social Media Users)

Atlantic Canada (Atlantic Canada)

Environmental Issues (Mid-size Centres Quebec Environmentally Concerned, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Chinese Canadians (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora)

Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

Economic Issues (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Digital Economy (Rural Ontario)

Job Opportunities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers)

Firearms (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Perspectives on a National Freeze on Handguns (Greater Vancouver Area [excluding City of Vancouver] Chinese Diaspora, Mid-size and Major Centres Manitoba Métis Nation, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal], City of Vancouver Renters)

New Firearms Regulations (Northwest Territories)

Public Mood (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, Calgary Heavy Social Media Users, Atlantic Canada)

Budget 2022 – Housing (Rural Ontario, Mid-size Centres Prairies, City of Vancouver Renters, Northwest Territories)

Four groups discussed initiatives and announcements related to housing affordability included in the recent 2022 federal Budget, which had been tabled on April 7th, 2022.

Participants next focused on a second set of priorities, this time specifically concerning the issue of housing affordability and creating additional pathways to homeownership for Canadians.

Official Language Priorities (Quebec Eastern Townships Low-Income Workers, North/South Shore of Montreal [excluding Montreal])

Privy Council Office
Blackburn Building
85 Sparks Street, Room 228
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3

Donna Nixon, Partner
The Strategic Counsel

Four groups discussed initiatives and announcements related to housing affordability included in the recent 2022 federal Budget, which had been tabled on April 7^th, 2022.