Continuous Qualitative Data Collection of Canadians’ Views – November 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: December 9, 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
November 2022
This public opinion research report presents the results of a series of focus groups conducted by The Strategic Counsel on behalf of the Privy Council Office. The twelfth cycle of the third year of this study included a total of twelve focus groups with Canadian adults (18 years of age and older) conducted between November 1st and November 28th, 2022.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Rapport final - Collecte continue de données qualitatives sur les opinions des canadiens – novembre 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 Office
Blackburn Building
85 Sparks Street, Room 228
Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0A3

Catalogue Number:

CP12-4E-PDF

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN):

2816-9360

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

CP12-4F-PDF (Final Report, French)
2816-9379
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, 2022

Political Neutrality Certification

I hereby certify as a Senior Officer of The Strategic Counsel that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity and the Directive on the Management of Communications – Appendix C – Mandatory Procedures for Public Opinion Research.
Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.
Signed: __________________________________
Date: December 9, 2022
Donna Nixon, Partner
The Strategic Counsel

Table of Contents

Executive Summary
4
Introduction
4
Methodology
5
Key Findings
7
Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)
7
Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
8
The Economy (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
11
Climate Change and Environment (Prince Edward Island, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
13
Hurricane Fiona (Prince Edward Island)
15
Situation in Haiti (Quebec Haitian Diaspora)
15
Situation in Iran (City of Toronto Iranian Canadians)
17
Immigration (Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)
18
COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Doses (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine)
20
Government of Canada Services (Western Canada Young Adults)
21
Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)
21
Misinformation (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults)
22
Post-Secondary Issues (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)
23
Retirement Issues (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement)
24
Firearms (Western Canada Young Adults)
25
Detailed Findings
27
Timeline of October Announcements
28
Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)
31
Ties with Southeast Asia (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)
33
Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
34
Healthcare (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
37
Post-Secondary Education (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)
39
The Economy (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
39
Fall Economic Statement (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults)
40
Cost of Living for Parents (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
41
Climate Change and Environment (Prince Edward Island, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
43
Adaptation to Climate Change (Prince Edward Island)
44
Carbon Pricing System (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)
44
Zero-Emission Vehicles (Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees)
45
Hurricane Fiona (Prince Edward Island)
47
Situation in Haiti (Quebec Haitian Diaspora)
49
Situation in Iran (City of Toronto Iranian Canadians)
50
Immigration (Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)
53
COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Doses (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine)
56
Government of Canada Services (Western Canada Young Adults)
57
Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)
59
Misinformation (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults)
60
Post-Secondary Issues (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)
63
Retirement Issues (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement)
65
Firearms (Western Canada Young Adults)
67
Appendix A – Recruiting Scripts
69
English Recruiting Script
70
French Recruiting Script
83
Appendix B – Moderator’s Guides
93
English Moderator’s Guide
94
French Moderator’s Guide
126
Appendix C – Advertising Concepts
162
Government of Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)
163
Government of Canada Musical Signature (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)
163

Executive Summary

Introduction

The Communications and Consultation Secretariat of the Privy Council Office (PCO) commissioned The Strategic Counsel (TSC) to conduct continuous cycles of focus group research across the country with members of the public on key national issues, events, and policy initiatives related to the Government of Canada.

The broad purpose of this ongoing qualitative research program is three-fold: to explore the dimensions and drivers of public opinion on the most important issues facing the country; to assess perceptions and expectations of the federal government’s actions and priorities; and, to inform the development of Government of Canada communications so that they continue to be aligned with the perspectives and information needs of Canadians, while remaining both clear and easy-to-understand.

The research is intended to be used by the Communications and Consultation Secretariat within PCO in order to fulfill its mandate of supporting the Prime Minister’s Office in coordinating government communications. Specifically, the research will ensure that PCO has an ongoing understanding of Canadians’ opinions on macro-level issues of interest to the Government of Canada, as well as emerging trends.

This report includes findings from 12 online focus groups which were conducted between November 1st and 28th, 2022, in multiple locations across the country including Atlantic Canada, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, and British Columbia. Details concerning the locations, recruitment, and composition of the groups are provided in the section below.

The research for this cycle of focus groups focused largely on the Government of Canada’s priorities and performance on various key issues of interest, such as healthcare and post-secondary education. Groups that engaged in this discussion included the general population in Prince Edward Island (PEI) and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region in Quebec, post-secondary students in Eastern Ontario, Haitian diaspora in Quebec, Iranian Canadians in the City of Toronto, those nearing retirement in British Columbia, prospective vehicle buyers and lessees in mid-size and major centres in Alberta, and working mothers in mid-size and major centres in the Prairies. All groups also engaged in a brief discussion on recent news related to the federal government, with some who also discussed Canada’s relations with Southeast Asia.

The research also explored the Canadian economy and a series of related issues in depth, including the 2022 Fall Economic Statement as well as the cost of living for parents, specifically with working mothers. Several groups also discussed the topic of climate change and the environment more generally, with particular attention to adaptation to climate change, the carbon pricing system, and zero-emission vehicles. Additionally, immigration and the federal government’s efforts in this area were discussed among several groups. On this front, participants were asked about the current state of the immigration system and the overall immigration rate to Canada. The topics of COVID-19 vaccine booster doses, the Government of Canada wordmark, and misinformation were also discussed.

Other topics discussed included Hurricane Fiona with those in PEI, the situation in Haiti with Haitian diaspora in Quebec, the situation in Iran with Iranian Canadians in the City of Toronto, Government of Canada services, post-secondary issues, retirement issues, and firearms.

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

Target audience

  • Canadian residents, 18 and older.
  • Groups were split primarily by location.
  • Some groups focused on specific cohorts of the population including post-secondary students, young adults (aged 25-30, 18-30, and 18-24), Haitian diaspora, Iranian Canadians, people nearing retirement, prospective vehicle buyers/lessees, those who have not received a 4th dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, and working mothers.

Detailed Approach

  • Twelve focus groups across various regions in Canada.
  • Two groups were conducted with the general population in Prince Edward Island and the Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec.
  • The other ten groups were conducted with key subgroups including:
    • Post-secondary students;
    • Young adults, aged 25-30, 18-30, and 18-24;
    • Haitian diaspora;
    • Iranian Canadians;
    • People nearing retirement;
    • Prospective vehicle buyers/lessees;
    • Those who have not received a 4th dose of a COVID-19 vaccine; and
    • Working mothers.
  • 3 groups in Quebec were conducted in French. All other groups were conducted in English.
  • All groups for this cycle were conducted online.
  • A total of 8 participants were recruited for each group, assuming 6 to 8 participants would attend.
  • Across all locations, 85 participants attended, in total. Details on attendance numbers by group can be found below.
  • Each participant received an honorarium. The incentive ranged from $100 to $125 per participant, depending on the location and the composition of the group.

Group Locations and Composition

LOCATION GROUP LANGUAGE DATE TIME (EST) GROUP COMPOSITION NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
Eastern Ontario 1 English November 1 6:00-8:00 pm Post-Secondary Students 7
Prince Edward Island 2 English November 2 5:00-7:00 pm General Population 7
Eastern Canada (Atlantic Region & Ontario) 3 English November 8 6:00-8:00 pm Young adults, aged 25-30 7
Quebec 4 French November 9 6:00-8:00 pm Haitian Diaspora 6
City of Toronto 5 English November 10 6:00-8:00 pm Iranian Canadians 8
British Columbia 6 English November 15 9:00-11:00 pm People Nearing Retirement 6
Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta 7 English November 16 8:00-10:00 pm Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees 7
Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region 8 French November 17 6:00-8:00 pm Young adults, aged 18-30 7
Metro Vancouver 9 English November 22 9:00-11:00 pm Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine 8
Western Canada (BC, AB, SK, MB) 10 English November 23 8:00-10:00 pm Young adults, aged 18-24 7
Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Region, Quebec 11 French November 24 6:00-8:00 pm General Population 7
Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies 12 English November 28 8:00-10:00 pm Working Mothers 8
Total number of participants 85

Key Findings

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the beginning of each group participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. A wide range of announcements and initiatives were recalled. These included actions to address a widespread shortage of children’s medication throughout Canada, the introduction of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), efforts to address the high rate of inflation including a recent decision by the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates by an addition 0.50%, and recent action by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to temporarily allow eligible study permit holders to work more than 20 hours off-campus per week. A number also reported closely following the ongoing inquiries by the Public Order Emergency Commission examining the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act in February 2022.

Participants also recalled a number of actions and announcements related to the Government of Canada on the international stage. Initiatives mentioned included ongoing military and financial support for the Government of Ukraine, a recent official visit by the U.S. Secretary of State to Ottawa, actions by the Government of Canada in relation to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, and the implementation of new sanctions against numerous Iranian individuals and entities related to gross and systemic human rights violations by the Iranian regime. Several also recalled the attendance of the Prime Minister and other federal officials at the recent G20 Summit as well as the Government of Canada’s participation at the United Nations’ 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP27).

Ties with Southeast Asia (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Regions Quebec)

Participants in four groups engaged in additional discussions regarding recent actions by the Government of Canada to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia. Asked whether they were aware of any recent announcements or initiatives from the federal government on this front, only a small number were. For those who were aware, participants were largely of the impression that the Government of Canada had taken steps to strengthen economic ties with a number of countries in Southeast Asia. A few recalled that the Prime Minister had recently travelled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to attend the leaders’ summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and had announced the establishment of a number of strategic partnerships between the Government of Canada and ASEAN members.

Provided with information regarding the Government of Canada’s objectives for Southeast Asia, almost all reacted positively, with many viewing it as an important region for the Government of Canada to focus on. It was felt by several that enhanced engagement with Southeast Asia would lead to greater diversification among Canada’s trading partners and provide increased economic opportunities for Canadian businesses and consumers. It was also felt that this enhanced relationship could potentially assist in alleviating perceived supply chain issues at present.

Most were of the opinion that the Government of Canada was currently headed in the right direction when it came to its overall handling of international relations. Many were of the impression that Canada had a strong reputation on the global stage and that Canadians were generally well thought of by much of the world. The view was added that the development of close diplomatic and economic ties with many countries and regions throughout the world had helped to make Canada more secure and resilient. Among the smaller number who were more uncertain or felt that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track when it came to international relations, it was thought by some that too much attention and financial resources were being devoted to international priorities rather than addressing domestic issues such as inflation and the high cost of living at present. Most believed that international relations had a significant impact on Canadians living in Canada and several were of the opinion that, given what they felt to be a tumultuous geopolitical climate at present, maintaining strong international relations needed to be a key focus of the Government of Canada going forward.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Eight groups engaged in conversations related to a number of issues currently facing Canadians as well as their perspectives regarding the Government of Canada’s performance in managing these priorities. Asked to identify the most important issues in need of further prioritization from the federal government, a number of areas emerged across all groups. These included inflation and the rising cost of living, housing affordability, healthcare, climate change and the environment, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and immigration.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing the priorities identified by participants, a far larger number were negative in their assessments compared to those who were more mixed or positive. For those who felt the Government of Canada was on the right track, it was largely thought that while progress remained limited on key issues such as the economy, housing affordability, and healthcare, federal officials were mostly aware of the issues currently facing Canadians and were taking actions to address them. Among the larger number who felt that the federal government was on the wrong track, it was said that until major issues such as inflation and the rising cost of living abated, it was very difficult for them to provide a positive assessment. Several of these participants felt that there needed to be greater efforts on the part of the federal government to collaborate with its provincial/territorial counterparts as well as increased actions to reduce federal spending and maintain a balanced budget. Some also recommended that more work needed to be done by the federal government to communicate with and understand the needs of regular Canadians, believing this would go a long way towards developing effective solutions to the number of pressing economic and social issues at present.

The two groups composed of post-secondary students in Eastern Ontario and those residing in Prince Edward Island were asked a few additional questions regarding the direction of the country as a whole. In both groups participants were mixed in their evaluations, with a roughly equal number indicating that they thought the country was headed in the right direction as those who believed the opposite. Among those who felt more optimistic about the direction of the country, several spoke positively about the Government of Canada’s recent pledge to increase immigration levels to up to 500,000 per year by 2025 as well as its efforts to address issues such as climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It was believed that these actions would likely lead to long-term benefits for future generations of Canadians. For those who thought that the country was headed in the wrong direction, many pointed to what they viewed as rising societal division. Among these participants, it was generally felt that there was a higher level of animosity amongst Canadians towards one another at present compared to in previous eras and that this issue seemed to be becoming increasingly prevalent with each passing year. It was hoped that in the coming years the country would be able to address the current issues facing healthcare and the economy and continue to work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. A number also hoped to see greater societal unity and efforts by Canadians to find common ground with one another in the years to come.

Healthcare (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Three groups engaged in extended discussions focusing on healthcare. All participants identified healthcare as a top priority for the Government of Canada, with a large number believing it to be the most important issue facing Canadians at present. Almost all felt that healthcare provision had gotten worse in their respective communities as of late, with many recalling having encountered long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, as well as difficulties in accessing care from family doctors and specialists. Several believed that these issues had primarily been driven by an increased demand on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a widespread shortage of healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses.

Asked what actions they expected the federal government to take in order to strengthen the healthcare system, a large number believed that greater efforts needed to be taken to recruit non-Canadian healthcare professionals to practice in Canada. Related to this, several thought that more could be done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process for non-Canadian workers as well as to provide financial assistance for those seeking to obtain the certifications required to practice in their fields of expertise in Canada. It was also thought that additional financial resources needed to be devoted towards increasing compensation for doctors and nurses as well as greater investments made into Canadian post-secondary medical and nursing programs. It was felt that by expanding the number of seats available in these programs and increasing the availability of financial supports for students the federal government could be instrumental in encouraging a larger number of younger Canadians to pursue careers in healthcare.

Almost all participants felt that the Government of Canada was currently headed in the wrong direction when it came to healthcare. Several expressed that while they believed the federal government was aware of the issues facing the healthcare system and was taking actions to address them, little in the way of tangible progress had been made. Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions by the Government of Canada related to healthcare, a small number mentioned the introduction of a national dental care program, believing this to be a positive step.

Discussing this issue further, participants residing in the Prairies and Quebec were provided with information regarding the Government of Canada potentially attaching conditions to increased Canada Health Transfer (CHT) payments to the provinces and territories. Almost all participants disagreed with this approach by the Government of Canada. While it was generally felt that it was important to understand the gaps that exist in the healthcare system as well as to provide Canadians with better access to their healthcare data, few felt these to be top priorities at present. Though some thought that implementing a high-quality health data system would be beneficial towards making individual personal health information more accessible and easily transferrable across different healthcare providers, a number of participants were also concerned about the security and privacy of their personal data. Generally, it was felt that healthcare should remain primarily under provincial/territorial jurisdiction, with many sharing the view that the individual provincial and territorial health authorities would likely have a better understanding of the unique needs of their constituents than officials at the federal level.

Post-Secondary Education (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in the group comprised of post-secondary students residing in Eastern Ontario engaged in a brief discussion regarding issues specific to post-secondary education in Canada. Identifying the top issues facing students that required greater prioritization from the federal government, a number of areas were identified. These included the need for additional financial assistance for tuition fees, subsidized housing options for students, and greater opportunities for students to gain professional work experience through internships and employment placements during their studies.

Most felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to assisting students. A few positively recalled recent actions such as the suspension of interest on federal student loans as well as temporarily allowing international students to work more than 20 hours off-campus per week. It was believed that these actions would likely be beneficial for students going forward. Discussing the federal government’s outreach to post-secondary students most felt that there was significant room for improvement, believing greater efforts needed to be taken to establish a dialogue with students and understand the challenges they face.

The Economy (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Four groups engaged in discussions related to the Canadian economy. Three groups focused on the recent Fall Economic Statement released by the federal government while the group of working mothers residing in the Prairies discussed issues related to the rising cost of living for parents.

Fall Economic Statement (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults)

Awareness of the Government of Canada’s 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) was low among participants, with very few having heard of it. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with information regarding a number of initiatives contained within the FES. These included permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans, the introduction of a new, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit (CWB), delivering on a plan to make housing more affordable for Canadians, lowering transaction fees for small businesses, and the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre.

Asked to select which initiative they felt to be most important, participants in all groups primarily focused on the plan to make housing more affordable for Canadians. Several described housing affordability as the most pressing issue facing Canadians at present and believed that a lack of safe and affordable housing was a major source of anxiety for many, particularly for low and middle-income Canadians already struggling amidst the rising cost of living. Among the other initiatives, lowering credit card transaction fees for small businesses, permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans, and the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre received a small amount of attention, while very few participants selected the creation of a new quarterly CWB.

Focusing on the FES as a whole, almost all participants felt these initiatives represented a step in the right direction. Several reiterated their comments regarding the importance of the Government of Canada taking actions to address housing affordability, while a number of others also spoke positively about what they perceived to be the FES’ focus on continuing the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally focused economy. While some raised concerns as to whether these initiatives were too ambitious and may require higher amounts of spending by the federal government, it was generally felt that so long as these initiatives were implemented in a careful and efficient manner they would be beneficial to a large number of Canadians.

Cost of Living for Parents (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Participants in the group comprised of working mothers residing in mid-size and major Prairie centres discussed a number of issues related to the cost of living for Canadian parents at present. To begin, participants were asked to select a single word to describe the current state of the Canadian economy. All participants chose words with highly negative connotations, including ‘challenging’, ‘scary’, and ‘disaster’. Almost all felt that the economy would likely worsen in the next few years and believed that issues such as inflation and a perceived lack of housing affordability would continue to persist for the foreseeable future. Several thought that more needed to be done to limit federal spending going forward, believing that the high costs of pandemic-related programs and benefits such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) had served as a major driver of inflation and the rising cost of living throughout Canada. Describing what they believed to be behind the rising rate of inflation, participants pointed to factors such as increased transportation and shipping costs, supply chain interruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Almost all felt inflation to be a global issue rather than one that was just impacting Canadians.

Participants were next asked which economic issues they were particularly worried about as parents. A number of concerns were identified, including inflation and the rising cost of living, affordability of post-secondary education, growing issues related to mental health, and a perceived lack of opportunities for young people in their respective regions. Most did not believe that the Government of Canada understood the economic issues they were facing at present. Several were of the opinion that there was currently a disconnect between the federal government and the needs of Canadians living in the Prairie provinces and Western Canada more generally. A number spoke negatively of initiatives such as the federal price on carbon and what they viewed as an increased focus on transitioning away from oil and gas, believing this sector was essential to both the economic and energy needs of those living in the Prairie provinces. A number of participants expressed the view that a one-size-fits-all approach to the economic issues facing Canadians would not be effective, and that economic solutions from the federal government would need to be tailored to the unique needs of the different provinces/territories and regions throughout Canada.

Asked if they were aware of any policies, programs, services, or benefits from the Government of Canada that benefit parents, several mentioned the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). A number of participants also mentioned other initiatives such as Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), maternity and paternity leave programs for new parents, and the recent $10 a day, on average, child care agreements recently reached between the federal government and the individual provinces and territories. Regarding the CCB, several felt this was an important component of the monthly income for many low and middle-income Canadian families and was especially important amidst the current period of high inflation. While also largely positive in their comments regarding the CDB, some felt the initial roll-out of the program should have included all children under 18. Discussing what more the Government of Canada could do to assist in supporting parents, participants mentioned increased investment into mental health resources and treatment, temporary tax relief for low and middle-income parents currently struggling with the cost of living, and promotion of more flexible working schedules (such as working from home) that allow parents to spend more time at home caring for their children.

Climate Change and Environment (Prince Edward Island, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Three groups engaged in conversations related to the environment and climate change. Topics discussed included the actions participants had taken to prepare for the impacts of climate change, perspectives regarding the federal government’s carbon pricing system, and opinions regarding zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

Adaptation to Climate Change (Prince Edward Island)

All participants residing in Prince Edward Island were highly concerned about the future impacts of climate change with a large number believing that the impacts of climate change had already begun to be felt in their communities. Discussing the changes they had noticed, several pointed to what they perceived to be an increased prevalence of extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods, changing seasonal weather patterns, and a downturn in production in vital sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture. Regarding the latter issue, a few were concerned about the future viability of important crops such as potatoes, which they viewed as vital to the provincial economy. A number of participants also spoke about the devastation recently caused by Hurricane Fiona which made landfall in Atlantic Canada on September 24th, 2022.

Almost all indicated that they had begun taking steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Several mentioned having begun to store extra food and water as well as taken actions to secure alternative power supplies in the event of long-term power outages and supply interruptions due to adverse weather. While confident in their own preparations, no participants felt their community was adequately prepared for climate change. It was thought that far more could be done by their communities to increase the resiliency of the electrical system as well as ensure that supply chains for essential goods such as fuel and groceries would not be interrupted in the event of another major storm. Most thought that the federal government had a role to play in assisting communities in their preparations for climate change. It was expressed that in addition to providing forecasts and guidance as to what to expect regarding the changing environment and how to prepare for it, the Government of Canada could work to establish and enforce more stringent national construction standards, ensuring that all new buildings and residences are built to be resilient in the face of climate change.

Carbon Pricing System (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

One group, comprised of working mothers living in the Prairies, engaged in a short discussion related to the federal carbon pricing system. Asked whether they were aware of the Government of Canada’s Climate Action Incentive, few were. Discussing their initial impressions when they heard the term ‘Climate Action Incentive’ most believed it was likely a program designed to provide financial incentives for Canadians to take part in more sustainable practices in their daily lives. Provided additional information regarding this program, several felt that they needed to know more about what the federal standard for carbon pollution was before being able to provide a proper evaluation of this initiative. At face value, some thought this system to be unfair, believing it disproportionately impacted provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta which they believed may have higher energy needs (especially in the colder winter months) per capita than other provinces. A number of participants also questioned why this price on carbon was being collected at all, given that 90% of all proceeds were ultimately returned to residents via Climate Action Incentive payments.

Zero-Emission Vehicles (Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees)

This group, comprised of participants residing in mid-size and major centres in Alberta, took part in a discussion regarding ZEVs and the transition to more sustainable methods of transportation. All participants had previously reported that they were planning on purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the next five years. Asked what their primary mode of transportation was at present, most reported using personal vehicles. Discussing their primary reasons for wanting to purchase or lease a vehicle, several commented that they were looking to transition to a more environmentally friendly form of transportation such as a hybrid or ZEV. Most indicated that affordability, reliability, and the ability to travel long distances were among their most important considerations when deciding what type of vehicle to purchase. Asked whether fuel efficiency was an important factor for them, almost all said that it was. A number of participants (and especially those living rurally and required to routinely drive long distances) expressed the view that gasoline prices were becoming increasingly unaffordable and wanted to ensure that their next vehicle was as fuel efficient as possible. While several felt that gasoline prices would likely stabilize in the near future, most were pessimistic that fuel costs would lower to previous levels, believing that oil and gas companies would likely continue to pursue the highest profit margins possible.

Asked whether they knew what a ZEV was, slightly more were familiar with this type of vehicle than those who were not. For those who were aware, it was generally thought that a ZEV was a category of vehicle that either produced no carbon emissions or included carbon offsets that served to balance out any emissions produced in the manufacturing or operation of the vehicle. No participants reported currently owning a ZEV. Among those who were actively considering purchasing a ZEV, it was thought that while a ZEV had always been attractive due to its perceived environmental benefits, the recent rise in gasoline prices had made this type of vehicle even more appealing. All participants indicated that they would consider purchasing a ZEV at some point in the future. Asked what factors were currently holding them back from making this purchase, a number cited the high upfront cost of these vehicles, a perceived lack of infrastructure (such as charging stations), questions as to whether a ZEV would be able to drive long distances without requiring a charge, and concerns about whether these types of vehicles would be able to perform in extreme weather conditions or could be depended on for heavy-duty work.

Discussing what, if anything, the Government of Canada should be doing to make ZEVs more accessible to Canadians, a number of participants felt that more could be done to provide subsidies and rebates to those looking to purchase a ZEV. Several reiterated the need for additional investments into infrastructure such as charging stations, especially in rural locations, while a few believed that more could be done at the federal level to educate and inform Canadians regarding the potential economic and environmental benefits of switching to a ZEV. Though most felt it would be a positive step to manufacture ZEVs and ZEV parts in Canada, only a small number identified this as a key factor that would influence their decision to purchase one of these vehicles. It was widely felt that while these types of vehicles represented the future, there were far more pressing economic issues facing Canadians at present. The view was reiterated that before encouraging a large-scale transition to ZEVs there needed to be a long-term plan in place by the federal government as to how to accommodate this considerable shift.

Hurricane Fiona (Prince Edward Island)

Participants in the group from Prince Edward Island (PEI) engaged in a discussion regarding the federal government’s response to Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall in Atlantic Canada on September 24th, 2022. To begin, participants were asked what, if anything, they had heard about the Government of Canada’s response thus far. A number believed that the Government of Canada had committed financial support to assist those impacted by the storm but were unsure as to how or when these funds would be distributed. A few had also heard that members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) had been deployed to the region to assist with recovery and clean-up efforts. Nearly all felt that the federal government was on the wrong track in its approach to assisting those impacted by the storm. Participants cited a number of reasons for this position, including feeling that there had been little in the way of advance preparation, a perceived lack of information regarding the federal response to the disaster, and the impression that not enough assistance had been provided to the respective provincial governments in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Provided with information regarding the actions the federal government had taken as well as its establishment of financial supports for those impacted by the storm, many expressed confusion. Several indicated that they had not yet personally benefitted from any of these programs, and were unaware of anyone in their communities who had received these supports. A small number were doubtful that the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) initiative, which pledged up to $300 million over two years to help those impacted by the storm and to support long-term recovery efforts, would be effectively utilized to support the rebuilding effort in their province. Provided additional information about the HFRF, participants continued to express mostly negative views. It was believed that its objectives were too vague and that there needed to be a greater focus on assisting the provincial government in repairing and fortifying vital infrastructure, such as the electrical grid. It was also thought that the funds committed through this program would be insufficient to repair the damage caused to small harbours, especially in time for the next fishing season. Asked what else the Government of Canada could do to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Fiona, participants shared concerns about the environmental impact of the disaster and the need for greater preparation for future events such as this going forward.

Situation in Haiti (Quebec Haitian Diaspora)

One group, comprised of members of the Haitian diaspora residing in Quebec, discussed the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Haiti. All participants indicated that they were aware of this issue, and most had been following it closely. Asked if they had seen, read, or heard anything regarding this situation in recent days, a number of participants recalled hearing that vital seaports as well as the main fuel terminal road had been blocked by gangs, limiting the access of Haitians to fuel supplies. Several also had heard accounts of clashes between armed gangs and the police and ongoing protests by the Haitian citizens regarding the situation. All participants felt personally impacted by this crisis. Many had family and friends in Haiti and were constantly worried that their loved ones may be caught up in the violence, be kidnapped by gangs, or negatively impacted in other ways. Several mentioned that they had been regularly following news related to Haiti and checking in with friends and family to ensure they were safe. It was said by many that this had taken a significant toll on their mental health in recent months.

Few were aware of any recent announcements or actions taken by the Government of Canada related to this situation. A small number recalled hearing that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had recently announced financial support for Haitian and international humanitarian organizations as well as the provision of supplies such as armoured vehicles to assist Haitian law enforcement in reining in the armed gangs currently disrupting the country. A few participants also mentioned having heard that sanctions had been imposed on Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs. No participants, however, thought that these actions would be effective in quelling this issue.

Presented with information regarding the actions the Government of Canada had taken to assist in addressing this issue, almost all reiterated the view that these actions were likely be insufficient towards helping the people of Haiti. Expanding upon this, many were of the view that any humanitarian financial support provided by the Government of Canada to the Haitian government would likely be misappropriated, believing that corruption was rife within Haiti’s public sector and that elected officials would likely use these funds for personal enrichment rather than helping the Haitian people. Some, however, spoke positively of the imposition of sanctions against two Haitian political elites and suggested that these types of targeted sanctions should be more widely used and imposed on a wider number of Haitian individuals and entities currently engaging in corrupt or illegal behaviour.

Discussing what actions the Government of Canada should take to help address this situation, several expressed skepticism regarding sending an increased amount of arms and tactical equipment, believing this would likely only lead to more violence. Likewise, no participants felt the Government of Canada should have an active presence in the conflict by sending Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or other personnel to assist Haitian law enforcement. Many suggested that economic investment, the building of hospitals and clinics, and funding to establish professional educational institutions would provide the most tangible benefits to the Haitian people. Several believed that much of the criminal activity in Haiti stemmed from desperation and a lack of economic opportunity, and that if more effort was taken to develop a stronger economy and well-paying jobs that the rate of crime would decrease substantially. With this in mind, it was largely felt that increasing the number of opportunities available to Haitians to develop professional skills and prosper economically would be the most beneficial action that the federal government could take.

Asked what they felt were likely to be the long-term impacts of this crisis, many expressed concern regarding how this situation would impact future generations of Haitians. It was largely thought that these ongoing internal conflicts and violence had already had a significant negative effect on the education, mental health, and future economic prospects of younger Haitians and that this would only worsen the longer these issues persisted. It was felt that with support from countries such as Canada and international organizations such as the UN, especially in the form of investments into education and economic development, the situation in Haiti could be drastically improved over the long-term.

Situation in Iran (City of Toronto Iranian Canadians)

Participants in one group, comprised of Iranian Canadians residing in the City of Toronto, engaged in a conversation related to the current situation in Iran. All were aware of the ongoing nationwide protests taking place throughout the country, which had begun on September 16th, 2022, following the death of a young woman in police custody who been arrested for allegedly violating Iranian rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or head scarf. Asked what they had seen, read, or heard about these protests in recent weeks, many reported accounts of large-scale arrests of protestors (believing the number of those detained to be upwards of 10,000-15,000) as well as concerns that these individuals may eventually be executed by the Iranian regime. A large number also expressed worry about what would happen to those still protesting, believing it likely that the Iranian regime would escalate its violence against these individuals in the weeks and months to come.

Almost all participants reported having received first-hand updates regarding this situation from friends and family members still in Iran. Describing how this issue had impacted them personally, many reported feeling significant anxiety and fear regarding the safety of their loved ones in Iran. Several commented that, due to internet and other telecommunications restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime, they had been unable to communicate with friends and family in Iran for significant periods of time, further heightening their concern. Some expressed feeling somewhat helpless about the situation, believing there was little they could do while in Canada to assist those demonstrating against the regime.

Asked if they were aware of any actions taken by the Government of Canada related to this situation, a number of participants recalled hearing that it had imposed sanctions on numerous Iranian individuals and entities in response to the gross and systematic human rights violations occurring in Iran. While feeling this was a step in the right direction, several expressed frustrations due to their impression that a complete list of the sanctioned individuals had not been released as well as the view that these sanctions needed to be applied to a far larger number of individuals associated with the regime.

To aid in conversation, participants were provided additional information regarding the Government of Canada’s response to this situation: While reiterating that it was encouraging to see the Government of Canada taking a stance against the Iranian regime and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), most felt that these actions did not go nearly far enough. A large number wanted to see the IRGC and other Iranian entities officially labelled as terrorist organizations by the federal government, believing this was an appropriate step given the violent actions perpetrated by the regime against those demonstrating for human rights. Several also wanted to see further action taken (including the freezing of financial assets) against any individuals currently living in Canada who were, or had previously been, associated with the Iranian regime and who may have played a role in past human rights abuses.

Discussing how they expected this situation to evolve in both the short and long-term, most felt it would be difficult for the citizens of Iran to return to the previous status quo. Many were of the impression that depending on which side prevailed, the situation would ultimately result in either a revolution and regime change or increased restrictions on human rights and freedoms by the Iranian government. Almost all believed that if the Iranian regime remained in power following the protests that there would be further oppression of Iranian citizens, especially women and younger Iranians.

Turning to a slightly different topic concerning Iran, participants were presented with information regarding Ukrainian International Airlines Flight 752 which, on January 8th, 2020, was shot down by a surface-to-air missile minutes after taking off from Tehran, Iran. 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were among those killed, and 138 individuals on the flight had ties to Canada. Asked whether they had seen, read, or heard anything about the Government of Canada’s response in the years following this tragedy, a number recalled that it had been quick to provide support to the families of those who had been killed. All, however, were of the opinion that the response from the federal government had been limited in terms of bringing to justice those responsible for this action. Several expressed the view that given the large number of Canadian citizens and permanent residents killed in this incident, the Government of Canada should have been more aggressive in ensuring that the Iranian government be brought before the International Court of Justice to answer for what it had done.

To aid in conversation, participants were provided with information related to a number of actions the Government of Canada had taken specifically in response to this incident. While most believed the actions taken by the federal government had likely provided some benefit to the families of those who had perished, it was widely felt that much more needed to be done. Several were of the opinion that the downing of Flight 752 had not been an accident and that there needed to be greater accountability for what they viewed as the mass murder of a large number of Canadians. It was suggested that the Government of Canada should work to exert further economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran going forward and encourage key allies such as the United States to do the same.

Immigration (Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)

Three groups took part in conversations related to immigration in Canada as well as their perspectives regarding a potential rise in immigration levels in the next few years. Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently headed in the right direction when it came to immigration, participants were mostly positive or neutral in their evaluations, with few believing it was on the wrong track. Among those who were mostly positive in their assessments, it was generally felt that immigration was highly beneficial to Canada and was especially important in terms of bolstering the workforce in several sectors (such as healthcare and education) currently believed to be facing labour shortages. For those who were more mixed in their opinions, several believed that the accessibility and effectiveness of the Canadian immigration system varied depending on which country one was emigrating from. The view was expressed by these participants that immigrants from other western countries as well as those belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations were often prioritized over those from other jurisdictions. A number were also critical of the foreign credential recognition process. It was believed that many skilled workers from outside of Canada were currently unable to practice in their fields of expertise due to their credentials not being recognized as well as the high financial costs required to attaining the certifications they would need.

Participants in the groups based in Metro Vancouver and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec were asked a few additional questions related to the potential benefits of immigration as well as any concerns they may have. Participants identified a range of benefits related to immigration, including the potential to increase Canada’s workforce, the strengthening of Canadian culture through added diversity, and the ability to provide humanitarian assistance to those seeking to flee dangerous situations. Discussing potential concerns they might have regarding immigration, a number of participants expressed worries that areas such as healthcare and education were currently overburdened and would not be able to keep up with present levels of immigration. A number of participants were also concerned about how immigration may impact housing affordability in Canada and questioned whether there were enough safe and accessible housing options available to accommodate those newly arriving to the country. Asked whether the Government of Canada should increase, decrease, or keep the rate of immigration at the present level, most residing in Metro Vancouver felt that the level of immigration should remain unchanged while a roughly equal number of those from the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region felt it should stay the same or decrease. No participants felt the rate of immigration should be increased.

All three groups were provided with the following information regarding the Government of Canada’s recent announcement to increase the number of immigrants arriving to Canada in the next few years with the eventual goal of welcoming up to 500,000 new immigrants by 2025. While a few participants felt these proposed immigration levels to be a bit high, most thought that after seeing this information this represented a steady, gradual approach to immigration that would likely not put too much additional strain on Canada’s economy and social infrastructure. Asked whether they felt more comfortable about this plan knowing that the proposed immigration rate was roughly equal to 1% of the Canadian population, a number of participants indicated that they did.

Asked a few additional questions pertaining to the economy and perceived labour shortages, almost all in the groups based in Metro Vancouver and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of the Quebec felt labour shortages to be a major issue at present. Questioned whether they agreed with the statement that “Canada needs to welcome more new immigrants in order to fill job vacancies and grow the economy” all in the group from Quebec indicated that they did, while a roughly equal number of those in the group from Metro Vancouver agreed compared to those who were more uncertain. For those who felt more unsure about this statement, it was believed that while immigration would likely be beneficial to the labour market, several believed a primary reason for many job vacancies in Canada at present was due to the low compensation offered rather than the jobs themselves. As such, these participants did not want to see immigrants brought to Canada primarily to serve as a source of cheap labour for employers and believed that more needed to be done to ensure that all Canadians, including immigrants, had access to jobs that paid a living wage.

COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Doses (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine)

Three groups engaged in conversations related to the COVID-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on the ‘bivalent’ booster dose recently approved by Health Canada. All had received their initial vaccinations and most had received at least one booster dose. Describing their reasons for getting vaccinated, many indicated having done so as a way to protect both themselves and immunocompromised loved ones from COVID-19 as well as to limit increased strain on the healthcare system. A smaller number described having gotten vaccinated primarily in response to workplace requirements, and/or out of a desire to travel, patronize bars and restaurants, and to take part in other activities and events where vaccination was required.

In the group based in Metro Vancouver, comprised of participants who had previously reported having not yet received a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, most expected that they would get a fourth dose at some point with a small number indicating that they had already done so in the days immediately prior to attending the focus group. For the several participants who were eligible to receive their next dose but had not yet made an appointment, a number expressed feeling a lack of urgency to do so given that proof of vaccination requirements had been lifted at both the provincial and federal level. While still planning on receiving another dose, a small number were of the impression that the COVID-19 vaccine did little to prevent transmission of the virus and thus felt that there was now less need from a public health perspective for them to receive another dose compared to earlier stages of the pandemic.

Participants in all three groups were asked whether they were aware of the new bivalent boosters recently approved by Health Canada. Regionally, while almost all in Metro Vancouver and most in Eastern Ontario were aware of this booster, few in the group from Prince Edward Island had heard of it. For those who were aware, it was largely felt that the bivalent dose was different from previous boosters in that it had been updated to be more effective against newer variants such as Omicron. Few participants had any questions or concerns related to the bivalent booster dose. While some expressed concerns about the potential of undiscovered long-term side effects resulting from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, very few indicated that these worries would prevent them from getting another dose in the future. Asked whether they felt this bivalent COVID-19 vaccine would be effective in keeping themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe, participants were mixed in their reactions. A large number expected that the vaccine would be at least somewhat effective in reducing the number of serious cases of COVID-19 and limiting the number of Canadians hospitalized due to the virus. A few, however, were more uncertain. These participants expressed the opinion that thus far the COVID-19 vaccine had been relatively ineffective in reducing transmission and preventing the contraction of the virus and, as a result, they did not believe the bivalent booster would be any more effective than previous versions of the vaccine.

Asked an additional question regarding whether they had heard anything about the flu season in Canada this year, several in the group based in Metro Vancouver were of the impression that it was more intense than usual and that increased prevalence of influenza as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) had led to long wait times in emergency rooms and at walk-in clinics. Only one participant reported having received a flu shot this year, with most others feeling somewhat ambivalent as to whether they would eventually get one.

Government of Canada Services (Western Canada Young Adults)

This group, comprised of young adults residing in Western Canada, briefly engaged in a discussion related to services provided by the Government of Canada. Asked to identify the most important services that the federal government delivers to Canadians, participant comments largely focused on healthcare and education. While acknowledging that these areas were primarily under the purview of provincial/territorial governments, many felt that there were ways the federal government could improve the quality and accessibility of these services.

Asked specifically about the Government of Canada’s ability to provide passport services, process immigration applications, and manage airports and air travel, almost all felt there was significant room for improvement on these fronts. Several had heard accounts from loved ones who had experienced long wait times (often spanning many months) for important applications such as passport renewals, permanent residency (PR) applications, and work/study permits. It was felt this had caused significant anxiety for many, especially those who required these applications to be processed in order to continue living and working in Canada. A large number expressed frustration regarding what they viewed as a lack of communication from departments such as Service Canada and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the status of these applications. A few were of the opinion that this increase in passport and immigration applications had been predictable and that the Government of Canada should have been better prepared for this increased workload in the wake of the lifting of pandemic-related travel requirements.

All participants were confident that it was possible for the Government of Canada to resolve these issues and improve service delivery for Canadians going forward. Discussing possible actions the Government of Canada could take, several felt more efforts could be made to increase staffing levels in departments such as Service Canada and IRCC as well as to develop online systems through which Canadians could more readily check the status of their applications and estimated processing times.

Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)

Three groups discussed the methods by which they recognize information and messages from the federal government across various channels, including television, social media, print, and radio. Asked how they would typically determine whether information was emanating from the Government of Canada a large number of participants described a logo incorporating the word ‘Canada’ and the Canadian flag. Several also believed that when appearing in print or on television this type of information is often explicitly stated as being from the Government of Canada. Questioned how they would determine whether information they hear (on mediums such as radio) was from the Government of Canada, many recalled a distinct jingle, believed to be derived from the first few bars of the national anthem. Several were also of the impression that audio information from the federal government was often accompanied by a message stating that it was a message from the Government of Canada. Almost all participants indicated that they felt it was typically quite clear when information was being officially communicated by the Government of Canada.

Shown an image of the Canada wordmark, all participants expressed familiarity with the symbol, with a number confirming that this was the symbol they had been describing earlier. Almost all associated the wordmark with the Government of Canada and many reported being very familiar with the image and had seen it on official correspondence, advertisements, and at federal buildings and service centres throughout their lives. Most indicated that they did not have a personal connection to the wordmark and that their feelings towards it were mostly neutral. Asked why they thought the Government of Canada used this symbol in is communications, most believed that the wordmark connoted legitimacy and served as an indicator that the information accompanying it was important to pay attention to. It was felt that the consistent use of the wordmark for many years had made it an immediately recognizable symbol, and many saw it as an important part of the federal government’s branding. Questioned whether they would typically trust the information associated with the wordmark, most indicated that they would.

Participants were next asked to listen to the Government of Canada’s official musical signature. Almost all participants were familiar with this sound bite. Several recalled having heard it on radio and television, on audio platforms such as Spotify, and accompanying advertisements and digital content on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. All felt that similar to the wordmark, the musical signature was primarily meant to be an instantly recognizable indicator that the information or content it accompanied was from the Government of Canada.

Misinformation (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults)

Three groups comprised of young adults took part in conversations related to misinformation. To begin, participants were asked which social media platforms and apps they typically use. A range of platforms were mentioned including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit. A significant number also reported frequently using digital media platforms such as YouTube and Spotify. Most indicated that they would typically access these platforms on at least a daily basis. Asked which platforms, if any, they would use to receive information on health-related questions, a few expected they might use YouTube or Facebook. Most, however, believed that they would most likely make use of a search engine such as Google or go directly to websites operated by the federal or provincial/territorial governments or official health organizations for health-related questions.

Discussing how they would go about verifying whether the information they encounter is true or false, several indicated that they would likely confirm the details through more authoritative sources such as federal and provincial/territorial websites, official organizations, and peer-reviewed academic studies. Asked what came to mind when they heard the term ‘misinformation’, it was widely felt that the term referred to misrepresented or false information that was presented as being legitimate. Many thought of the term ‘fake news’ and felt this type of information could often be conspiratorial in nature. A number associated Facebook in particular with misinformation, believing it to be more prevalent on this platform than others. A large number of participants expressed feeling very concerned about the spread of misinformation at present. It was felt that false or misleading headlines and articles were being posted at an increasing rate on social media platforms and that a significant portion of the population now believed things that were not factually true. Some were particularly worried about how this perceived increasing wave of misinformation would impact younger Canadians who may not yet have developed the critical thinking skills to discern whether the information they came across is true or false.

Post-Secondary Issues (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in the group from Eastern Ontario, all of whom were currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, engaged in a discussion regarding post-secondary education in Canada. To begin, participants were asked to explain how they went about choosing the post-secondary program they were currently enrolled in. A wide range of factors were cited, including future career opportunities, personal interest in a particular program of study, grants and scholarships, the cost of tuition and fees, parental influence, the location of the institution, and the academic performance in secondary school.

Participants next partook in an exercise where they evaluated a series of proposed initiatives from the Government of Canada related to post-secondary education. Several expressed enthusiasm regarding the initiative to allow new parents to pause repayment of their federal student loans until their youngest child reaches the age of five. It was thought that this would be effective towards allowing new parents to better focus their financial resources on raising their young children. Also receiving a considerable degree of support was the initiative to permanently eliminate federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans. Participants believed that this would help alleviate a considerable amount of stress and anxiety currently felt by many with high student debt loads.

Many also expressed positive feelings regarding the initiative to create a new stream of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy for Canadians with disabilities. It was thought that existing supports for those living with disabilities were insufficient and that any increase in spending in this area represented a positive development. The initiative to expand pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) for international students through the Express Entry system also received support, with several of the view that international students who were already established in Canada should be seen as ideal candidates to obtain PR status.

Participants next engaged in a discussion regarding their expectations related to entering the workforce upon the completion of their current program. Asked what they hoped to do next after graduating, many expected to pursue a graduate degree or professional certification before entering into the workforce. A smaller number planned on working immediately after graduation, either finding a job on their own or working with a recruiter. Asked if they felt there were enough job opportunities in Eastern Ontario, most believed that there were. Discussing the factors they felt to be most important when applying for or accepting a new job, participants provided a wide range of responses. These included compensation, benefits, location, the ability to work from home, a fair work-life balance, a sense of meaning and importance, the ability to grow and learn new skills, and whether they shared similar values with their employer and company. Participants were mostly mixed as to whether they would consider an employer’s policies related to the environment and/or social responsibility when it came to deciding whether or not to accept a position. While for several these aspects were very important, for a roughly similar number it was felt that they would likely be secondary considerations to other factors such as compensation and the type of work they would be doing.

Participants then engaged in an exercise where they compared the terms a good job and a good career. Many believed that a good job represented a position that they would be excited about and enjoy doing, while a good career was likely more relevant to one’s ability to enjoy financial stability over a period of time and achieve long-term goals. Asked how these terms were similar or different, it was suggested that a good job described positive conditions in the immediate term, whereas a good career focused more on long-term goals and a fulfilling life.

Retirement Issues (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement)

In one group, comprised of those nearing retirement in British Columbia, participants engaged in a discussion related to a number of issues concerning retirement. Asked to share their largest concerns regarding retirement, most comments were focused on the participants’ ability to maintain financially security in the long-term. Most participants indicated that the high rate of inflation and perceived rising cost of living at present had complicated their lives to at least some extent. Some reported having made the decision to drive less due to rising gasoline prices as well as potentially postponing their retirement plans for a number of years in order to acquire enough savings to adapt to rising expenses. A few were concerned they would never be able to retire and would have to continue working in some capacity for the rest of their lives.

Discussing the steps they had taken to prepare for their retirement, participants mentioned a range of activities. These included long-term investments into programs such as the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP), increasing mortgage payment amounts to pay off their mortgage quicker; searching for live-in tenants as a method of earning additional income; and seeking out part-time employment in addition to their current job.

Participants were next asked to share their perspectives regarding the importance of various federal government programs, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to their respective retirement plans. While most generally agreed these benefits were important, many were of the view that they would not be enough on their own to meet their financial needs in retirement. Also asked about RRSPs, many felt these to be very important, though several individuals felt the usefulness of these programs was highly dependant on the amount of extra income one was able to devote towards investing into them.

Shown information regarding recent updates to reactions to the CPP, OAS, and GIS benefits, reactions varied among participants. For some, it was felt that while it was a positive development that these benefits would now be adjusted each year to keep up with the cost of living, they would still likely not be enough to survive off of. Participants were also informed that an enhancement to the CPP had begun being phased-in in 2019 and that it would provide higher benefits in retirement in exchange for making higher CPP contributions. While some felt this may be beneficial, several thought it did little to address what they viewed to be the root issue in that many Canadians nearing retirement did not have additional income to devote to making higher contributions into this program. Participants were also informed that, as of July 2022, seniors who are 75 years old or older receive an automatic 10% increase of their Old Age Security pension. Most had heard about this and felt it would help seniors to some degree, though many thought this increase should be provided to all seniors 65 and older as opposed to setting the age threshold at 75.

Firearms (Western Canada Young Adults)

Participants in this group, comprised of young adults residing in Western Canada, took part in a brief discussion related to firearms and the planned federal buyback program for prohibited assault-style weapons in Canada. All participants felt that gun control was an important issue and needed to be a priority for the Government of Canada. Discussing current regulations concerning firearms, a roughly similar number of participants felt gun laws in Canada should be stricter as those who felt they were more or less at the right level. For those who felt further regulations should be introduced related to firearms, it was thought that gun crime in Canada was a growing issue and that there were few reasons for private citizens to own firearms and no reason that these weapons should not be prohibited to a higher degree. Among participants who believed the gun laws were sufficient at their present levels, it was commented that while firearm-related crimes were important to address, they did not wish to see any new measures introduced that would impact law-abiding gun owners and prevent them from partaking in activities such as hunting and/or recreational sport shooting. Most felt the federal government was currently on the right track when it came to gun control, with many of the impression that there had been a number of new measures introduced in recent years to curb the rate of crimes involving firearms in Canada. Though few were aware of the specific details concerning these measures, a number of participants recalled seeing headlines regarding the recent national freeze on the buying, selling, and transferring of handguns as well as a previous ban on numerous types of assault-style firearms.

Focusing specifically on regulations concerning assault-style firearms, participants were informed that as of May 1st, 2020, the Government of Canada had prohibited over 1,500 models of assault-style weapons, including the AR-15. Sharing their reactions, a number of participants questioned the effectiveness of this initiative, given their impression that crimes involving firearms had largely continued unabated in the over two years since this announcement. Informed that the federal government would be launching a buyback program for these types of firearms, most believed that so long as the amounts offered to gun owners and businesses represented a fair value for their property, this represented a positive step and would likely help to keep Canadians safer going forward. A few felt differently, believing that this action was unfair to law-abiding gun owners who had obtained all the necessary certifications and purchased their firearms legally.


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 November Announcements

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

  • November 1-7
    • November 1. The Government of Canada and the Province of Nova Scotia (NS) announced over $7 million in total funding for 120 Atlantic Fisheries Fund (AFF) projects to support increased lobster quality in the province through various infrastructure, innovation, and science partnership projects.
    • Focus groups were held with post-secondary students in Eastern Ontario (November 1) and the general population on Prince Edward Island (November 2).
    • November 2. The Government of Canada announced up to $28.4 million in funding for Hurricane Fiona ocean cleanup activities, in addition to the immediate funding of up to $1.5 million to support 11 partners for cleanup in Fall 2022 in affected areas.
    • November 3. Health Canada authorized an adapted version of the Moderna Spikevax COVID-19 vaccine that targets the Omicron BA.4/BA.5 subvariants, authorizing it for use as a booster dose in those 18 years of age or older.
    • November 3. The Minister of Finance released the 2022 Fall Economic Statement, outlining the federal government’s plan to support the economy and Canadians overall.
    • November 3. The Government of Canada released a fiscal update wherein an investment tax credit of up to 30% for clean energy technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs) was announced, along with $1.28 billion over six years for the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada and the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission.
    • November 4. The Minister of Finance introduced Bill C-32, the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, which aims to help families navigate increasing costs, make housing more affordable, and work toward a net-zero economy.
    • November 4. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of targeted sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations due to the provision illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs from various Haitian political elites.
    • November 7. The Government of Canada released the Report to Canadians that outlines the hundreds of results of the first five years of the Oceans Protection Plan.
  • November 8-15
    • November 8. The Governments of Canada and Nunavut reached an agreement in principle which will expand the First Nations and Inuit Policing Program (FNIPP) into Nunavut in the next three years.
    • Focus groups were held with young adults, aged 25-30, in Eastern Canada (specifically, the Atlantic Region and Ontario) (November 8) and the Haitian diaspora in Quebec (November 9).
    • November 9. The Minister of Natural Resources announced an investment of $18.5 million in Cowessess First Nation Awasis Solar Project, a 10-megawatt solar power generation project on Cowessess land.
    • November 9. The Government of Canada announced over $1.8 million for four projects that aim to address the negative impacts of COVID-19 on autistic individuals in Quebec.
    • Focus group was held with Iranian Canadians in the City of Toronto (November 10).
    • November 10. The Government of Canada announced an investment of approximately $1.8 million in Net Zero Atlantic, an energy research organization, to support new Nova Scotian offshore wind projects through capacity building.
    • November 10. The Government of Canada announced combined federal and provincial funding of more than $2.6 million for Tsuut’ina Nation to provide high-speed Internet access to more than 300 households in the Indigenous community in Tsuut’ina, Alberta.
    • November 10. The Government of Canada announced over $10 million in investments to perform fuel management treatments to 12 high-risk forested areas in Whistler which will aim to reduce the risk of wildfires and protect local communities, such as the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation.
    • November 11. The Ministers of Veterans Affairs, National Defence and Public Safety release a statement to honour Remembrance Day.
    • November 14. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the implementation of a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) sanctions resolution into Canadian law under the United Nations Act, in response to the conduct of armed criminal gangs in Haiti to freeze their assets, if any, held in Canada and implement a travel ban and arms embargo.
    • November 14. The Government of Canada announced a $43 million contract to Canadensys Aerospace Corporation (Canadensys) in Bolton, Ontario, as well as its industrial and academic partners to support the building of the first Canadian lunar rover.
    • November 14. The Government of Canada announced the selection of approximately 60 projects that will receive funding from the federal government’s $1.5 billion Clean Fuels Fund (CFF).
    • Focus group was held with people nearing retirement in British Columbia (November 15).
  • November 16-22
    • November 16. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations, the fifth package of sanctions imposed on behalf of Canada.
    • November 16. The Government of Canada announced the provision of approximately $34 million in additional military aid to Ukraine, as well as the extension of its training mission in the United Kingdom under Operation UNIFIER until the end of 2023.
    • Focus groups were held with prospective vehicle buyers and lessees in mid-size and major centres in Alberta (November 16) and young adults, aged 18-30, in the Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec regions of Quebec (November 17).
    • November 17. The Minister of Environment and Climate Change announced that Canada has joined the Net-Zero Government Initiative.
    • November 17. Bill C-31, the Cost of Living Relief Act, No. 2 (Targeted Support for Households), received Royal Assent. As such, the Bill will deliver two affordability measures to Canadians who are in need of them: the Canada Dental Benefit and a one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit.
    • November 18. The Government of Canada announced an investment of more than $27 million, provided by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research’s (CIHR) Health Cities Research Initiative, to support research on how to make Canada’s cities healthier and more equitable.
    • November 18. The Government of Canada announced $12.7 million in an investment through the Jobs and Growth Fund and the Business Scale-up and Productivity stream to support five companies in the food processing and packaging sector.
    • November 19. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations following the conduct of Haitian political elites and their support provided to armed gangs.
    • November 21. The Government of Canada announced up to $109 million in funding, from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, over five years to support 40 projects across Canada.
    • November 21. The Government of Canada announced an agreement with Quebec which will provide approximately $270 million in 2022-23 to improve access to home and community care, and mental health and addictions services.
    • November 22. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of further sanctions on the Lukashenko regime for its facilitation of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukrainian land.
    • Focus group was held with those who have not received a fourth dose of a COVID-19 vaccine in the Metro Vancouver area of British Columbia (November 22).
  • November 23-30
    • November 23. The Government of Canada announced over $15 million in funding to support 24 community-led projects across Canada which aim to support those living with an addiction or who use substances, as well as provide support to the overdose crisis and address the supply of toxic illegal drugs.
    • Focus groups were held with young adults, aged 18-24, in Western Canada (specifically, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia) (November 23) and the general population in the Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec (November 24).
    • November 25. The Government of Canada announced up to $24.7 million in federal and provincial funding to provide high-speed Internet access to more than 5,000 households in rural British Columbia.
    • November 25. The Government of Canada announced the permanent extension of Employment Insurance (EI) sickness benefits from 15 weeks to 26 weeks, starting on December 18, 2022.
    • November 25. The Government of Canada announced the provision of $30 million in humanitarian funding to support the World Food Programme in its facilitation of additional shipments of Ukrainian grain through the Black Sea Grain Initiative to countries suffering from acute food insecurity.
    • November 27. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the launch of Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, which aims to act in Canada’s national interests and present Canada as a reliable partner to the region, in addition to an investment of nearly $2.3 billion over a five-year period.
    • November 28. The Government of Canada announced a $27 million investment to E3 Lithium’ Ltd. Via the Strategic Innovation Fund’s Net Zero Accelerator initiative.
    • Focus group was held with working mothers in mid-size and major centres in the Prairies (November 28).
    • November 29. The Government of Canada announced the completion of the issuance of a five-year $500 million Ukraine Sovereignty Bond which will aim to support the Government of Ukraine in providing essential services to Ukrainians this upcoming winter, including pensions, purchasing fuel, and restoring energy infrastructure.
    • November 30. The Government of Canada announced up to $34.1 million in funding as part of the Enhanced Nature Legacy initiative to support 13 new and ongoing projects which support the recovery and protection of various species across Canada.

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the beginning of each group participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. A wide range of announcements and initiatives were recalled, including:

  • Actions to address a widespread shortage of children’s medication such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen in many parts of the country. Participants recalled hearing that Health Canada had taken actions to import an increased supply of these medications from other jurisdictions such as the United States;
  • The introduction of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), a national dental care program offered to children under the age of 12 with an annual family income of less than $90,000. While believing this to be a positive step, a few were of the view that the initial offering of this program should have been made available to a wider range of Canadians;
  • Efforts to address the high rate of inflation and perceived rising cost of living at present, including a recent decision by the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates by an additional 0.50%;
  • A decision by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to temporarily allow eligible study permit holders to work more than 20 hours off-campus per week. This decision, coming into effect on November 15th, 2022 and lasting until December 31st, 2023, was viewed by participants as a way to bolster the Canadian workforce while also allowing international students to become more financially self-sufficient;
  • Inquiries by the Public Order Emergency Commission examining the federal government’s invocation of the Emergencies Act in February 2022 as a response to the Convoy protests taking place in Ottawa and other parts of the country at that time. Several participants commented that they had been following this issue closely; and
  • A recent decision by the Supreme Court of Canada (SCC) to strike down a 2011 change to the Criminal Code of Canada requiring sex offenders to automatically be added to the National Sex Offender Registry (NSOR). The SCC ruled that this change had been unconstitutional and that judges should have discretion as to whether offenders should be added to the NSOR.

Participants also recalled a number of actions and initiatives related to the Government of Canada on the international stage, including:

  • Ongoing support for Ukraine, including the continued provision of financial and military assistance to the Government of Ukraine, as well as efforts to take in and accommodate Ukrainians fleeing from the conflict;
  • A recent official visit by the U.S. Secretary of State to Ottawa to discuss ways in which the Government of Canada and the United States can work together on a range of international matters including the defence of the Arctic, holding Russia accountable for its illegal invasion of Ukraine, and security and economic strategies related to the Indo-Pacific region;
  • Actions by the Government of Canada in relation to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Haiti, including the application of sanctions upon two Haitian political elites who had provided illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs. A number of participants in the group composed of members of the Haitian diaspora reported that they had been following this issue closely;
  • The imposition of new sanctions by the Government of Canada against numerous Iranian individuals and entities related to gross and systemic human rights violations by the Iranian regime. Several participants in the group comprised of Iranian Canadians spoke positively of the federal government’s focus on this situation and its outspoken defence of the rights of Iranian women;
  • The attendance of the Prime Minister and other federal officials at the G20 Summit, which took place in Bali, Indonesia between November 15th and November 16th, 2022; and
  • The Government of Canada’s participation at the United Nations’ 27th Conference of the Parties of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) (COP27) which took place in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt from November 6th to November 18th, 2022. A number of participants recalled an announcement by the Minister of Environment and Climate Change regarding the Global Carbon Pricing Challenge, a Canadian-led initiative calling on countries to adopt pollution pricing as a central part of their climate strategies.

Ties with Southeast Asia (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay-Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)

Participants in four groups engaged in additional discussions regarding recent actions by the Government of Canada to strengthen ties in Southeast Asia. Asked whether they were aware of any recent announcements or initiatives from the federal government on this front, only a small number were. Regionally, awareness was somewhat higher in the group comprised of British Columbians nearing retirement while few residing in Western Canada and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Regions of Quebec and none in the group based in Metro Vancouver recalled having heard anything. For those who were aware, participants were largely of the impression that the Government of Canada had taken steps to strengthen economic ties with a number of countries in Southeast Asia. A few participants recalled that the Prime Minister had recently travelled to Phnom Penh, Cambodia to attend the leaders’ summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) taking place from Thursday, November 10th to November 13th, 2022, and had announced the establishment of a number of strategic partnerships between the Government of Canada and ASEAN members. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

The Government of Canada will enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations through Canada’s upcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Indo-Pacific Strategy will focus on the following objectives:

  • Strengthening Canada’s role as a reliable and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific;
  • Ensuring resilience, peace, and security;
  • Expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience;
  • Investing in and connecting people; and
  • Building a sustainable and green future.

Almost all participants reacted positively to these objectives, with many viewing this as an important priority for the Government of Canada to focus on. It was felt by several that this enhanced engagement would lead to greater diversification among Canada’s trading partners and provide increased economic opportunities for Canadian businesses and consumers while also potentially assisting in alleviating perceived supply chain issues at present. A large number expected this Indo-Pacific Strategy could also lead to increased immigration between Canada and Southeast Asia as well as heightened tourism activity between the regions. Participants in both groups based in British Columbia were especially positive in their reactions to these objectives, expecting that due to its closer proximity to Southeast Asia their province would likely see significant economic benefits as a result of enhanced trade activity. A small number expressed concerns about strengthening ties with countries which may have less stringent labour and compensation standards and were worried this might lead to the exploitation of these workers by some businesses. Some participants expressed curiosity as to which sectors would be most likely to benefit from these strengthened economic ties while others were curious whether immigration from Southeast Asia would be prioritized by the federal government going forward. A few questioned whether this initiative was connected to a recent pledge by the Government of Canada to welcome 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025.

Most were of the opinion that the Government of Canada was currently headed in the right direction when it came to its overall handling of international relations. Many were of the impression that Canada had a strong reputation on the global stage and that Canadians were generally well thought of by much of the world. Several spoke positively of what they perceived as Canada’s diverse array of allies including the United States, the United Kingdom, the European Union (EU), and in Southeast Asia. The view was added that the development of close diplomatic and economic ties with many countries and regions throughout the world had helped to make Canada more secure and resilient. Among the smaller number who were more uncertain or felt that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track when it came to international relations, it was thought by some that too much attention and financial resources were being devoted to international priorities rather than addressing domestic issues such as inflation and the high cost of living at present. A few were also critical of the Government of Canada’s continued economic ties with countries with poor records on human rights, feeling it should take greater efforts to distance itself from these regimes. Most believed that international relations had a significant impact on Canadians living in Canada. Several were of the opinion that, given what they felt to be a tumultuous geopolitical climate at present, maintaining strong international relations needed to be a key focus of the Government of Canada going forward. A few took a somewhat different view, believing that while international relations were important, greater efforts should be taken to increase domestic manufacturing and resource development as a way to lessen what they perceived as Canada’s dependency on foreign markets.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Eight groups engaged in conversations related to a number of issues currently facing Canadians as well as their perspectives regarding the Government of Canada’s performance in managing these priorities. Asked to identify the most important issues in need of further prioritization from the federal government, a number of areas emerged across all groups. These included:

  • Inflation and the rising cost of living – A large number of participants cited inflation and the perceived rising cost of living as the most pressing issues currently facing Canadians. Several believed that the costs of essential goods such as groceries and gasoline had risen substantially over the past year. Many reported that rising prices had made it increasingly difficult for them to make ends meet financially and that this represented a significant source of anxiety at present;
  • Housing affordability – Many identified what they viewed as a lack of affordable housing as a major issue currently facing Canadians. It was widely thought that housing prices had risen considerably in recent years and that this had served to make it increasingly difficult for Canadians to secure safe and affordable housing. This was believed to be an issue both for those seeking to purchase a home as well as those looking to rent. Related to this, a number of participants residing in British Columbia identified homelessness as a major concern in their respective communities. It was believed that this issue had become increasingly prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic and that a growing number of Canadians across the country were currently (or may soon be) facing issues related to housing insecurity;
  • Healthcare – Several identified healthcare as a growing concern, believing the healthcare systems in their respective regions to be under increasing strain. Many reported having personally encountered long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics and believed this to primarily be due to a lack of available doctors and nurses to accommodate the current high levels of demand. It was believed that many individuals working in the healthcare sector had suffered from burnout or left their profession altogether as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. In addition to physical care, several also identified mental health as a growing issue, believing many had suffered emotionally during the pandemic and that more resources needed to be devoted to this area going forward. A number of participants in the group comprised of working mothers also voiced concerns related to a current shortage of children’s medication at grocery stores and pharmacies, believing this had further exacerbated the demand placed on walk-in clinics and emergency rooms;
  • Climate change and the environment – Climate change was also seen by many as an important concern at present, with a number of participants believing this represented the most pressing issue facing Canadians given the potential long-term impacts it may bring. Several expressed concerns about the potential of extreme weather events such as wildfires, floods, and severe storms becoming increasingly prevalent in the years to come;
  • Reconciliation – A number of participants felt that far more needed to be done regarding the issue of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples living in Canada. While some felt that important steps had been taken by the federal government on this front in recent years, many thought that there needed to be greater efforts to ensure that all Indigenous communities had access to clean drinking water, safe and affordable housing, and the same level of accessibility to federal services as the rest of Canadians;
  • Immigration – Some also believed that immigration needed to be a higher priority for the federal government. It was thought that several important sectors such as healthcare and education were currently facing a significant shortage of skilled workers and that increasing immigration levels would help to address these issues. With this in mind, some suggested that more could be done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process, making it easier for non-Canadians to practice in their fields of expertise; and
  • Domestic manufacturing and resource production – A number of participants, and especially those residing in Alberta and the Prairies, felt that a greater emphasis should be placed on manufacturing more goods in Canada as well as further development of domestic natural resources such as oil and gas. Many felt that, given recent interruptions to energy supplies and supply chains due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine, it was important for Canada to become more self-sufficient and be less reliant on international trade going forward.

In addition to these issues, participants identified a number of priorities specific to their local regions or communities. These included the need for greater support for the agricultural sector (especially potato crops) in Prince Edward Island (PEI) in the wake of Hurricane Fiona, more attention devoted towards the perceived growing opioid and addiction crisis in British Columbia, and efforts to protect and promote the French language throughout Canada (identified as a priority by those living in the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec). Additionally, a number of participants in the group comprised of working mothers felt that more should be done to help support parents. Suggested actions included ensuring the swift implementation of recent $10 a day, on average, child care agreements, raising the income threshold for benefits such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and increasing the amounts paid to parents through federal maternity and paternity leave programs.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing the priorities identified by participants, a far larger number were negative in their appraisals compared to those who were more mixed or positive. Regionally, only those in the group comprised of Iranian Canadians residing in the City of Toronto felt the Government of Canada was mostly on the right track. Participants in the groups made up of members of the Haitian diaspora in Quebec, post-secondary students in Eastern Ontario, and those nearing retirement in British Columbia were more mixed in their assessments depending on the issue. Most in the groups based in Alberta and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec, and all participants residing on PEI and in the group comprised of working mothers in the Prairies felt that the federal government was on the wrong track when it came to addressing the priorities they had identified. For those who felt the Government of Canada was on the right track, it was largely thought that while progress remained limited on key issues such as the economy, housing affordability, and healthcare, federal officials were mostly aware of the issues currently facing Canadians and were taking actions to address them. Among the larger number who viewed the federal government as being on the wrong track, it was widely felt that until major issues such as inflation and the rising cost of living abated, it was very difficult to provide a positive assessment. Several of these participants felt that there needed to be greater efforts on the part of the federal government to collaborate with its provincial/territorial counterparts as well as further actions to reduce federal spending and maintain a balanced budget. Some also recommended that more work be done by the federal government to communicate with and understand the needs of regular Canadians, believing this would go a long way towards developing effective solutions to the number of pressing economic and social issues at present.

The two groups composed of post-secondary students in Eastern Ontario and those residing on PEI were asked a few additional questions regarding the direction of the country as a whole. In both groups participants were mixed in their evaluations, with a roughly equal number indicating that they thought the country was headed in the right direction as those who believed the opposite. In the group from PEI, several felt that while Canadians were facing a multitude of issues at present the country had responded relatively well to these challenges compared to other jurisdictions. A few also spoke positively of the recent support provided by the federal government in response to Hurricane Fiona, believing this had been very helpful to those adversely impacted by the storm. Several among the group based in Ontario also shared positive comments regarding recent pledges from the Government of Canada’s to increase immigration levels to up to 500,000 per year by 2025 as well as its efforts to address issues such as climate change and reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. It was believed that these actions would likely lead to long-term benefits for future generations of Canadians. For those who thought that the country was headed in the wrong direction, many pointed to what they viewed as rising societal division. Among these participants, it was generally felt that there was a higher level of animosity amongst Canadians towards one another at present compared to in previous eras and that this issue seemed to be becoming increasingly prevalent with each passing year. Asked what they hoped their lives would look like in the next few years, most in the group of post-secondary students expected that they will have graduated from their current programs and be well on their way towards establishing their careers. Most in the group from PEI hoped that their lives would stay mostly the same and that their financial and personal situations would remain relatively stable in the years to come. Discussing Canada more generally, it was hoped that in the coming years the country would be able to address the current issues facing healthcare and the economy and continue to work towards mitigating the impacts of climate change. A number also hoped to see greater societal unity and efforts by Canadians to find common ground with one another in the years to come.

Healthcare (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Three groups engaged in extended discussions focusing on healthcare. All participants identified healthcare as a top priority for the Government of Canada, with a large number believing it to be the most important issue facing Canadians at present. Given their relatively advanced age, many of those in the group of individuals nearing retirement commented that they were expecting to have additional medical needs in the near future and, as such, viewed healthcare as a very important priority. Almost all participants felt that healthcare provision had gotten worse in their respective communities as of late, with many recalling having encountered long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, as well as difficulties in accessing care from family doctors and specialists. Several believed that these issues had primarily been driven by an increased demand on the healthcare system during the COVID-19 pandemic as well as a widespread shortage of healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses.

Asked what actions they expected the federal government to take in order to strengthen the healthcare system, a large number believed that greater efforts needed to be taken to recruit non-Canadian healthcare professionals to practice in Canada. Related to this, several thought that more could be done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process for non-Canadian workers as well as provide financial assistance for those seeking to obtain the necessary certifications required to practice in their fields of expertise in Canada. It was also thought that additional financial resources needed to be devoted towards increasing compensation for doctors and nurses. A number of participants believed that this would help to dissuade healthcare professionals from considering leaving Canada for higher salaries in other jurisdictions such as the United States. Some suggested that greater investments could also be made into Canadian post-secondary medical and nursing programs. It was felt that by expanding the number of seats available in these programs and increasing the availability of financial supports the federal government could be instrumental in encouraging a larger number of younger Canadians to pursue careers in healthcare. A very small number suggested that the federal government should consider opening some areas of the healthcare system up to private care options, though it was acknowledged that doing so could have the negative effect of creating a two-tiered healthcare system. All in the group based in the Prairies and most in the groups from Quebec and British Columbia felt that the Government of Canada was currently headed in the wrong direction when it came to healthcare. Several expressed that while they believed the federal government was aware of the issues facing the healthcare system and was taking actions to address them, little in the way of tangible progress had been made. Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions by the Government of Canada related to healthcare, a small number mentioned the introduction of a national dental care program, believing this to be a positive step. Several were also of the impression that there had recently been negotiations between the federal and provincial/territorial governments related to healthcare funding, though no specific details could be recalled apart from that an agreement had not yet been reached. Engaging in expanded conversations, participants residing in the Prairies and Quebec were provided with the following information:

During these negotiations, the Government of Canada has said that it is ready to increase healthcare spending to the provinces and territories through the Canada Health Transfer. However, the Government of Canada has said it would like agreement from the provinces and territories on a few key initiatives before proceeding. A couple of areas of agreement the Government of Canada is seeking relate to:

  • Expanding the use of pan-Canadian indicators to measure progress on priority health areas
  • Building a high-quality health data system for Canada

The Government of Canada feels that this approach will tell a clearer story about access to care across the country, identify where there are gaps in services, and ensure Canadians can access their own health records.

No participants in the group from the Prairies and few in Quebec felt this was the right approach from the Government of Canada. While it was generally felt that it was important to understand the gaps that exist in the healthcare system as well as to provide Canadians with better access to their healthcare data, few felt these to be top priorities at present. Though some thought that implementing a high-quality health data system would be beneficial towards making individual personal health information more accessible and easily transferrable across different healthcare providers, a number of participants expressed concerns about the security and privacy of their personal data. Generally, it was felt that healthcare should remain primarily under provincial/territorial jurisdiction, with many sharing the view that the individual provincial and territorial health authorities would likely have a better understanding of the unique needs of their constituents than officials at the federal level. As such, very few that the Government of Canada should attach these conditions to increased Canada Health Transfer (CHT) payments and believed that additional funding should be provided immediately to the individual provinces and territories.

Post-Secondary Education (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in the group comprised of post-secondary students residing in Eastern Ontario engaged in a brief discussion regarding issues specific to post-secondary education in Canada. Identifying the top issues facing students that required greater prioritization from the federal government, a number of areas were identified. These included the need for additional financial assistance for tuition fees, subsidized housing options for students, and greater opportunities for students to gain professional work experience through internships and employment placements during their studies. A few participants were critical of the current Federal Student Work Experience Program (FSWEP), believing it had been mostly ineffective in its goal of providing students with useful experience through working with the federal public service. No participants were aware of any recent actions by the federal government related to the priorities they had identified.

Discussing where they would typically receive their news, a number of participants mentioned utilizing traditional broadcasters such as CBC and CTV, as well as international news outlets such as the BBC and Al Jazeera. Several also reported using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, as well as digital news services such as Apple News and Google News. A few reported that they no longer actively followed the news and that most of the updates they received arrived via word of mouth from family and friends. Among the small number who reported actively seeking out information related to the Government of Canada, most indicated that they would typically utilize federally operated websites or search engines such as Google to look up and/or verify information. Most felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to assisting students. A few positively recalled recent actions such as the suspension of interest on federal student loans as well as temporarily allowing international students to work more than 20 hours off-campus per week. It was believed that these actions would likely be beneficial for students going forward. Discussing the federal government’s outreach to post-secondary students most felt that there was significant room for improvement, believing greater efforts needed to be taken to establish a dialogue with students and understand the challenges they face.

The Economy (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Four groups engaged in discussions related to the Canadian economy. Three groups focused on the recent Fall Economic Statement released by the federal government while the group of working mothers residing in the Prairies discussed issues related to the rising cost of living for parents.

Fall Economic Statement (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults)

Awareness of the Government of Canada’s 2022 Fall Economic Statement (FES) was low among participants. Regionally, few in the groups based in Eastern Canada and the Maurice and Centre-du-Quebec regions and none among the group comprised of members of the Haitian diaspora in Quebec recalled having heard anything about the FES. To clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

On November 3rd, 2022 the Government of Canada released its Fall Economic Statement. While the federal government typically issues an annual budget, this is normally preceded in the fall with an economic update, known as the Fall Economic Statement. The following are some of the measures included in the FES:

  • Permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans;
  • Creating a new, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) with automatic advance payments so workers get their refund in chunks throughout the year, rather than as a lump sum after filing their taxes (the CWB is a refundable tax credit to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income);
  • Delivering on a plan to make housing more affordable, including the creation of a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA), a doubling of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC), and ensuring that property flippers pay their fair share;
  • Lowering credit card transaction fees for small business; and
  • Creating a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, which will help workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.

Asked to select which initiative they felt to be most important, participants in all groups primarily focused on the plan to make housing more affordable for Canadians. Several described housing affordability as the most pressing issue facing Canadians at present and believed that a lack of safe and affordable housing was a major source of anxiety for many, particularly for low and middle-income Canadians already struggling amidst the rising cost of living. Among the other initiatives, lowering credit card transaction fees for small businesses, permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans, and the creation of a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre received a small amount of attention, while very few participants selected the creation of a new quarterly CWB. While believing the initiative to be positive at face value, a number of participants questioned the size and cost of the Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, whether it would be located in Ottawa or another major urban centre, what types of sustainable jobs would be focused on, and how such an institution would differ from other trades and vocational training programs that already existed. Regarding the initiative focused on housing affordability, a small number also questioned what was meant by the pledge to ensure property flippers paid their fair share and what specific metrics would be utilized to determine this.

Focusing on the FES as a whole, almost all participants felt these initiatives represented a step in the right direction. Several reiterated their comments regarding the importance of the Government of Canada taking actions to address housing affordability, while a number of others also spoke positively about what they perceived to be the FES’ focus on continuing the transition to a more sustainable and environmentally focused economy. While some raised concerns as to whether these initiatives were too ambitious and may require higher amounts of spending by the federal government, it was generally felt that so long as these initiatives were implemented in a careful and efficient manner they would be beneficial to a large number of Canadians. A small number of participants in the group comprised of young adults residing in Eastern Canada voiced the opinion that more should be done specifically to improve the economic prospects and morale of younger Canadians. It was expressed that many in this age cohort currently felt hopeless about their ability to ever purchase a home or enjoy a similar level of economic wellbeing as previous generations. A few participants also believed that more should be done to increase taxation on larger corporations, believing this additional source of tax revenue would be helpful in providing funding for these new initiatives.

Cost of Living for Parents (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Participants in the group comprised of working mothers residing in mid-size and major Prairie centres discussed a number of issues related to the cost of living for Canadian parents at present. To begin, participants were asked to select a single word to describe the current state of the Canadian economy. All participants chose words with highly negative connotations, including ‘challenging’, ‘scary’, and ‘disaster’. Almost all felt that the economy would likely worsen in the next few years and believed that issues such as inflation and a perceived lack of housing affordability would continue to persist for the foreseeable future. Several thought that more needed to be done to limit federal spending going forward, believing that the high costs of pandemic-related programs and benefits such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) had served as a major driver of inflation and the rising cost of living throughout Canada. A few were also concerned about the federal government’s recent pledge to increase immigration and welcome up to 500,000 new immigrants per year by 2025. It was felt that this increase to the population would likely bring about increased demand for housing, healthcare, child care, and other important services and would likely have a further negative impact on the economy. Discussing the economic prospects of the respective Prairie provinces, a number of participants believed that Alberta and Saskatchewan would likely fare better than Manitoba over the next few years, primarily due to what they viewed as the higher abundance of natural resources (such as oil and gas) in these provinces. Describing what they believed to be behind the rising rate of inflation, participants pointed to factors such as increased transportation and shipping costs, supply chain interruptions related to the COVID-19 pandemic, and geopolitical issues such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Almost all felt inflation to be a global issue rather than one that was just impacting Canadians. A small number, however, believed that the Government of Canada should have taken greater efforts to increase Canada’s domestic manufacturing capacity and energy self-sufficiency in order to limit the extent to which Canadians had been impacted by these issues.

Participants were next asked which economic issues they were particularly worried about as parents. A number of concerns were identified, including:

  • High inflation and the rising cost of living – Several were concerned that inflation and the cost of living would continue to increase in the years to come. It was felt that for younger Canadians the goal of homeownership was becoming increasingly out of reach, and participants were concerned that this issue would only worsen by the time their children reached adulthood. A number were worried about the potential of a significant recession in the years to come, believing this would cause considerable harm to the economic prospects of future generations;
  • Affordability of post-secondary education – Participants also expressed worries as to whether they would be able to afford post-secondary education for their children. It was felt that under the current labour market an undergraduate degree (and in some cases a graduate degree) were essential for securing well-paying employment. With this in mind, participants were worried about their ability to save for their children’s tuition as well as the potential high debt load their children may have upon graduation resulting from student loans and other expenses related to post-secondary education;
  • Mental health – A number of participants were concerned about what they viewed as an increased prevalence in mental health concerns among younger Canadians and were worried that these may also impact their own children. It was felt that youth in particular had been negatively impacted by the anxiety and social isolation associated with the COVID-19 pandemic and that not enough mental health resources were in place to provide younger Canadians with the support and treatment they need; and
  • A lack of opportunity in their region – A few residing in Saskatchewan and Manitoba also expressed what they viewed as a lack of economic opportunity in their local regions. It was said that many young people often left the Prairie provinces for other parts of Canada in search of greater opportunities and better paying jobs. A number of participants were worried that their children would seek to do the same in the future.

Most did not believe that the Government of Canada understood the economic issues they were facing at present. Several were of the opinion that there was currently a disconnect between the federal government and the needs of Canadians living in the Prairie provinces and Western Canada more generally. A number spoke negatively of initiatives such as the federal price on carbon and what they viewed as an increased focus on transitioning away from oil and gas, believing this sector was essential to both the economic and energy needs of those living in the Prairie provinces. It was said that many of the recommendations they had heard from the federal government to Canadians looking to save money, such as driving less and relying more upon public transit were less realistic in the Prairies. This was felt to especially be the case for those living rurally who often had to travel long distances on a daily basis and where public transit systems were less developed. A number of participants expressed the view that a one-size-fits-all approach to the economic issues facing Canadians would not be effective, and that economic solutions from the federal government would need to be tailored to the unique needs of the different provinces/territories and regions throughout Canada. Discussing the actions they had taken in their own lives to reduce costs, a large number of participants mentioned having cut back on essentials such as groceries, reducing the variety and quality of the food they purchase, and limiting their purchases of more expensive products such as meat. Several also mentioned having cut back on extracurricular activities for both themselves and their children, purchasing more second-hand clothing, and driving less (though a number of participants reiterated that in many cases this was not a realistic option for them).

Asked if they were aware of any policies, programs, services, or benefits from the Government of Canada that benefit parents, several mentioned the Canada Child Benefit (CCB). A number of participants also mentioned other initiatives such as Registered Education Savings Plans (RESPs), the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), maternity and paternity leave programs for new parents, and the recent $10 a day, on average, child care agreements recently reached between the federal government and the individual provinces and territories. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with information regarding a number of initiatives from the federal government targeted towards making life more affordable for parents:

  • The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a means-tested income support program for Canadian families. It is delivered as a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible Canadian families to help with the cost of raising children;
  • The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to make progress towards a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system that will reduce costs to families, reducing fees by 50% this year and bringing fees down to on average $10 a day by 2026; and
  • The Government of Canada is implementing a Dental Benefit to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 starting this year.

All participants felt that these were important initiatives, and a number praised the CCB and CDB as being particularly helpful. Regarding the CCB, several felt this was an important component of the monthly income for many low and middle-income Canadian families and was especially important amidst the current period of high inflation. While also largely positive in their comments regarding the CDB, some felt the initial roll-out of the program should have included all children under 18. The view was added that many of the most expensive dental costs, such as braces, often came during adolescence and that many families would likely require financial support for their children’s dental costs well past the age of 12. Discussing what more the Government of Canada could do to assist in supporting parents, participants mentioned increased investment into mental health resources and treatment, temporary tax relief for low and middle-income parents currently struggling with the cost of living, and promotion of more flexible working schedules (such as working from home) that allow parents to spend more time at home caring for their children.

Climate Change and Environment (Prince Edward Island, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

Three groups engaged in conversations related to the environment and climate change. Topics discussed included the actions participants had taken to prepare for the impacts of climate change, perspectives regarding the federal government’s carbon pricing system, and opinions regarding zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs).

Adaptation to Climate Change (Prince Edward Island)

All participants residing on Prince Edward Island were highly concerned about the future impacts of climate change with a large number believing that the impacts of climate change had already begun to be felt in their communities. Discussing the changes they had noticed, several pointed to what they perceived to be an increased prevalence of extreme weather events such as wildfires and floods, changing seasonal weather patterns, and a downturn in production in vital sectors such as agriculture and aquaculture. Regarding the latter issue, a few were concerned about the future viability of important crops such as potatoes, which they viewed as vital to the provincial economy. A number of participants also spoke about the devastation recently caused by Hurricane Fiona which made landfall in Atlantic Canada on September 24th, 2022. It was widely believed that this uncommonly severe storm was at least partially linked to climate change and all participants expected that climate change would lead to similar extreme weather events such as this in the coming years.

Almost all indicated that they had begun taking steps to prepare for the impacts of climate change. Several mentioned having begun to store extra food and water as well as taken actions to secure alternative power supplies in the event of long-term power outages and supply interruptions due to adverse weather. A few reported having taken climate change into consideration when purchasing their homes, focusing on finding a property that would not be prone to floods, mudslides, and other potentially dangerous weather events. While confident in their own preparations, no participants felt their community was adequately prepared for climate change. A number of participants expressed concern about the current electrical infrastructure, believing it was vulnerable to potential outages caused by rainstorms, heavy winds, and falling trees. It was thought that far more could be done by their communities to increase the resiliency of the electrical system as well as ensure that supply chains for essential goods such as fuel and groceries would not be interrupted in the event of another major storm. Most believed that the federal government had a role to play in assisting communities in their preparations for climate change. It was thought that in addition to providing forecasts and guidance as to what to expect regarding the changing environment and how to prepare for it, the Government of Canada could work to establish and enforce more stringent national construction standards, ensuring that all new buildings and residences are built to be resilient in the face of climate change.

Carbon Pricing System (Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers)

One group, comprised of working mothers living in the Prairies, engaged in a short discussion related to the federal carbon pricing system. Asked whether they were aware of the Government of Canada’s Climate Action Incentive, few were. Discussing their initial impressions when they heard the term ‘Climate Action Incentive’ most believed it was likely a program designed to provide financial incentives for Canadians to take part in more sustainable practices in their daily lives. To clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a plan to ensure a price on carbon pollution across the country, giving each province and territory the flexibility to develop a system that works for their circumstances, provided it meets the federal standard. In the four provinces that currently do not meet this standard – Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta – the federal pricing system is in place. As of July 2023, it will also come into effect in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

All proceeds collected from the federal system in a province stay in that province – using Alberta as an example – 90% of proceeds are returned directly to residents in the form of the Climate Action Incentive payment, with a typical household receiving about $1,544. Since July 2022, individuals receive these payments quarterly.

Sharing their initial impressions, several felt that they needed to know more about what the federal standard for carbon pollution was before being able to provide a proper evaluation of this initiative. At face value, some thought this system to be unfair, believing it disproportionately impacted provinces such as Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta which they believed may have higher energy needs (especially in the colder winter months) per capita than other provinces. A number of participants also questioned why this price on carbon was being collected at all, given that 90% of all proceeds were ultimately returned to residents via Climate Action Incentive payments. Asked whether they were aware of these funds being reimbursed in their respective provinces, a number of participants were, with some recalling the funds had previously been returned as a credit on their income taxes rather than as a direct payment.

Zero-Emission Vehicles (Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees)

This group, comprised of participants residing in mid-size and major centres in Alberta, took part in a discussion regarding ZEVs and the transition to more sustainable methods of transportation. All participants had previously reported that they were planning on purchasing or leasing a vehicle in the next five years. Asked what their primary mode of transportation was at present, most reported using personal vehicles. A smaller number indicated that while they still drove when necessary, they had been taking steps to utilize public transportation when possible as a way to reduce their personal carbon footprint. A few participants also reported having recently started using secondary modes of transportation such as electric bicycles.

Discussing their primary reasons for wanting to purchase or lease a vehicle, several commented that they were looking to transition to a more environmentally friendly form of transportation such as a hybrid or ZEV. A smaller number indicated that they required a new vehicle for work in the oil and gas sector in Fort MacMurray, Alberta and, while they would like to purchase a ZEV, they were skeptical as to whether this type of vehicle would be resilient enough in the harsh environment in which they would be working. Most indicated that affordability, reliability, and the ability to travel long distances were among their most important considerations when deciding what type of vehicle to purchase. Asked whether fuel efficiency was an important factor for them, almost all said that it was. A number of participants (and especially those living rurally and required to routinely drive long distances) expressed the view that gasoline prices were becoming increasingly unaffordable and wanted to ensure that their next vehicle was as fuel efficient as possible. Most believed that geopolitical events such as the ongoing conflict in Ukraine as well as recent decisions by groups such as the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to place limits on their petroleum output had been the primary drivers of rising gasoline prices in their respective communities. While several felt that gasoline prices would likely stabilize in the near future, most were pessimistic that fuel costs would be lower than previous levels, believing that oil and gas companies would likely continue to pursue the highest profit margins possible. Considering what could be done by the Government of Canada in response to high fuel prices, a small number suggested the implementation of price controls to limit how much oil and gas companies can charge. Several, however, believed that doing so would likely represent an overreach by the federal government into the operations of the free market, and questioned whether this was the right step to take.

Asked whether they knew what a ZEV was, slightly more were familiar with this type of vehicle than those who were not. For those who were aware, it was generally thought that a ZEV was a category of vehicle that either produced no carbon emissions or included carbon offsets that served to balance out any emissions produced in the manufacturing or operation of the vehicle. No participants reported currently owning a ZEV. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

A ZEV is a vehicle that has the potential to produce no tailpipe emissions. They can still have a conventional internal combustion engine, but they are also able to operate without using it. Examples of ZEVs include battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. Essentially, an electric vehicle is a type of ZEV; hydrogen fuel cell is another type of ZEV.

A slightly smaller number of participants were currently interested in purchasing a ZEV relative to those who were more hesitant. Among those who were actively considering purchasing a ZEV, it was thought that while a ZEV had always been attractive due to its perceived environmental benefits, the recent rise in gasoline prices had made this type of vehicle even more appealing. All participants indicated that they would consider purchasing a ZEV at some point in the future. Asked what factors were currently holding them back from making this purchase, a number cited the high upfront cost of these vehicles, a perceived lack of infrastructure (such as charging stations), questions as to whether a ZEV would be able to drive long distances without requiring a charge, and concerns about whether these types of vehicles would be able to perform in extreme weather conditions or could be depended on for heavy-duty work. A few were also worried as to whether the current electrical grid would be able to accommodate a large-scale transition to ZEVs and felt that more preparation and planning would need to be done by the federal and provincial/territorial governments to ensure such a shift was realistic.

Asked what, if anything, the Government of Canada should be doing to make ZEVs more accessible to Canadians, a number of participants felt that more could be done to provide subsidies and rebates to those looking to purchase a ZEV. Several reiterated the need for additional investments into infrastructure such as charging stations, especially in rural locations, while a few believed that more could be done at the federal level to educate and inform Canadians regarding the potential economic and environmental benefits of switching to a ZEV. While most felt it would be a positive step to manufacture ZEVs and ZEV parts in Canada, only a small number identified this as a key factor that would influence their decision to purchase one of these vehicles. Several felt that the development of a large-scale ZEV manufacturing capability would be beneficial to the Canadian economy in the long-term, believing this to be the direction in which the automotive industry was heading. A smaller number, however, were concerned that the higher relative wages of Canadian workers may lead to ZEVs manufactured in Canada being more costly to produce and thus more expensive for the consumer. No participants felt that manufacturing ZEVs and encouraging more Canadians to drive ZEVs should be major priorities for the Government of Canada at present. It was widely felt that while these types of vehicles represented the future, there were far more pressing economic issues facing Canadians at present. The view was reiterated that before encouraging a large-scale transition to ZEVs there needed to be a long-term plan in place by the federal government as to how to accommodate this considerable shift. A few also raised concerns regarding the potential environmental impact of mining the raw materials necessary for ZEV batteries and questioned whether it would not be more prudent for the Government of Canada to focus more on developing public transportation options rather than personal automobiles.

Hurricane Fiona (Prince Edward Island)

Participants in the group from Prince Edward Island (PEI) engaged in a discussion regarding the federal government’s response to Hurricane Fiona, which made landfall in Atlantic Canada on September 24th, 2022. To begin, participants were asked what, if anything, they had heard about the Government of Canada’s response thus far. Though most were of the impression that the federal government had assisted with the recovery effort following the storm, few could recall any specific actions that had been taken. A number believed that the Government of Canada had committed financial support to assist those impacted by the storm but were unsure as to how or when these funds would be distributed. A few had also heard that members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) had been deployed to the region to assist with recovery and clean-up efforts. A small number were of the view that charitable organizations, such as the Canadian Red Cross, had thus far done more to respond to Hurricane Fiona than the federal government. Nearly all felt that the federal government was on the wrong track in its approach to assisting those impacted by the storm. Participants cited a number of reasons for this position, including feeling that there had been little in the way of advance preparation, a perceived lack of information regarding the federal response to the disaster, and the impression that not enough assistance had been provided to the respective provincial governments in the aftermath of the hurricane.

To aid in conversation, participants were shown the following information regarding the Government of Canada’s response to Hurricane Fiona:

In response to Hurricane Fiona, the Government of Canada has done or is doing the following:

  • The Government Operations Centre worked with staff in the region and is coordinating the federal government’s response to tropical storm Fiona;
  • In response to Requests for Federal Assistance from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada provided support with recovery and clean up;
  • The Canadian Armed Forces mobilized resources and personnel to provide on-the-ground support to local authorities where needed;
  • The Government of Canada established a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support Canadians impacted by Hurricane Fiona. Donations will support the range of emergency services the Red Cross is delivering to those in need including interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies; and
  • The Government of Canada created the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund. The Fund will provide up to an additional $300 million over two years, starting this year, to help those impacted by the storm and to support long-term recovery efforts.

Many expressed confusion in response to this information, with several indicated that they had not personally benefitted from any of these programs, and were unaware of anyone in their communities who had received these supports. A small number were doubtful that the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) initiative, which pledged up to 300 million dollars over two years to help those impacted by the storm and to support long-term recovery efforts, would be effectively utilized to support the rebuilding effort in their province. Focusing on the HFRF, participants were shown the following information:

The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) was set up to support recovery efforts such as:

  • Helping local communities and businesses rebuild and recover more quickly from the impacts of Hurricane Fiona;
  • Restoring the economic activity that local communities depend on by beginning to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure, including fishing wharves and small craft harbours that were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Repairs will ensure that the infrastructure is better able to withstand any future damage; and
  • Ensuring the safety of navigation and protecting marine wildlife.

Upon receiving this information, participants continued to express mostly negative views toward the HFRF. It was believed that the list of objectives was too vague and that there needed to be a greater focus on assisting the provincial government in repairing and fortifying vital infrastructure, such as the electrical grid. It was also thought that the funds committed through this program would be insufficient to repair the damage caused to small harbours, especially in time for the next fishing season. Asked what else the Government of Canada could do to assist in the recovery from Hurricane Fiona, participants shared concerns about the environmental impact of the disaster and the need for greater preparation for future events such as this going forward. Related to this, a small number expressed concern about the prospect of an elevated risk of forest fires due to the increased number of dead trees in the forest, as well as erosion as a result of tree loss during the storm. It was felt more needed to be done to address these issues before they escalated into more serious problems.

Situation in Haiti (Quebec Haitian Diaspora)

One group, comprised of members of the Haitian diaspora residing in Quebec, discussed the humanitarian crisis currently unfolding in Haiti. All participants indicated that they were aware of this issue, and most had been following it closely. Asked if they had seen, read, or heard anything regarding this situation in recent days, a number of participants recalled hearing that vital seaports as well as the main fuel terminal road had been blocked by gangs, limiting the access of Haitians to fuel supplies. Several also had heard accounts of clashes between armed gangs and the police and ongoing protests by the Haitian citizens regarding the situation. All participants indicated feeling personally impacted by this crisis. Many had family and friends in Haiti and were constantly worried that their loved ones may be caught up in the violence, be kidnapped by gangs, or negatively impacted in other ways. Several mentioned that they had been regularly following news related to Haiti and checking in with friends and family to ensure they were safe. It was said by many that this had taken a significant toll on their mental health in recent months.

Few were aware of any recent announcements or actions taken by the Government of Canada related to this situation. A small number recalled hearing that the Minister of Foreign Affairs had recently announced financial support for Haitian and international humanitarian organizations as well as the provision of supplies such as armoured vehicles to assist Haitian law enforcement in reining in the armed gangs currently disrupting the country. No participants, however, thought that these actions would be effective in quelling this issue.

Presented with information regarding the actions the Government of Canada had taken to assist in addressing this issue, almost all reiterated the view that these actions were likely be insufficient towards helping the people of Haiti. Expanding upon this, many were of the view that any humanitarian financial support provided by the Government of Canada to the Haitian government would likely be misappropriated, believing that corruption was rife within Haiti’s public sector and that elected officials would likely use these funds for personal enrichment rather than helping the Haitian people. Some, however, spoke positively of the imposition of sanctions against two Haitian political elites and suggested that these types of targeted sanctions should be more widely used and imposed on a wider number of Haitian individuals and entities currently engaging in corrupt or illegal behaviour.

Discussing what actions the Government of Canada should take to help address this situation, several expressed skepticism regarding sending an increased amount of arms and tactical equipment, believing this would likely only lead to more violence. Likewise, no participants felt the Government of Canada should have an active presence in the conflict by sending Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) or other personnel to assist Haitian law enforcement. Many suggested that economic investment, the building of hospitals and clinics, and funding to establish professional educational institutions would provide the most tangible benefits to the Haitian people. Several believed that much of the criminal activity in Haiti stemmed from desperation and a lack of economic opportunity, and that if more effort was taken to develop a stronger economy and well-paying jobs that the rate of crime would decrease substantially. With this in mind, it was largely felt that increasing the number of opportunities available to Haitians to develop professional skills and prosper economically would be the most beneficial action that the federal government could take.

Asked what they felt were likely to be the long-term impacts of this crisis, many expressed concern regarding how this situation would impact future generations of Haitians. It was largely thought that these ongoing internal conflicts and violence had already had a significant negative effect on the education, mental health, and future economic prospects of younger Haitians and that this would only worsen the longer these issues persisted. Several expressed that many Haitians had never known anything but poverty and felt that major overhaul was needed in order for the country to begin heading in a more positive direction. It was felt that with support from countries such as Canada and international organizations such as the United Nations (UN), especially in the form of investments into education and economic development, the situation in Haiti could be drastically improved over the long-term.

Situation in Iran (City of Toronto Iranian Canadians)

Participants in one group, comprised of Iranian Canadians residing in the City of Toronto, engaged in a conversation related to the current situation in Iran. All were aware of the ongoing nationwide protests taking place throughout the country, which had begun on September 16th, 2022, following the death of a young woman in police custody who been arrested for allegedly violating Iranian rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or head scarf. In the weeks that followed, many more Iranians had been killed or injured as a result of the forceful response by Iranian security personnel to disperse these protests. Asked what they had seen, read, or heard about these protests in recent weeks, many reported accounts of large-scale arrests of protestors (believing the number of those detained to be upwards of 10,000-15,000) as well as concerns that these individuals may eventually be executed by the Iranian regime. A large number also expressed worry about what would happen to those still protesting, believing it likely that the Iranian regime would escalate its violence against these individuals, and young people in particular, in the weeks and months to come.

Almost all participants reported having received first-hand updates regarding this situation from friends and family members still in Iran. In addition to word of mouth, a number also reported relying on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to follow the situation as well as international Farsi-language news sources such as Iran International and Voice of America (VOA). Describing how this issue had impacted them personally, many reported feeling significant anxiety and fear regarding the safety of their loved ones in Iran. Several commented that, due to internet and other telecommunications restrictions imposed by the Iranian regime, they had been unable to communicate with friends and family in Iran for significant periods of time, further heightening their concern. Some expressed feeling somewhat helpless about the situation, believing there was little they could do while in Canada to assist those demonstrating against the regime. A few also shared concerns that their communications with loved ones in Iran were being monitored by Iranian security forces, further limiting their ability to speak candidly with them about what was happening. Several commented that due to all of this they had found it difficult to focus on their work and day-to-day activities and that they were constantly preoccupied with checking for updates on the situation as well as for messages from the family and friends.

Asked if they were aware of any actions taken by the Government of Canada related to this situation, a number of participants recalled hearing that it had imposed sanctions on numerous Iranian individuals and entities in response to the gross and systematic human rights violations occurring in Iran. While feeling this was a step in the right direction, several expressed frustrations due to their impression that a complete list of the sanctioned individuals had not been released as well as the view that these sanctions needed to be applied to a far larger number of individuals associated with the regime. Several also recalled additional actions from the federal government related to this issue. These included calls for Iran’s removal from the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, as well as the attendance of several high-ranking federal officials, including the Prime Minister, at demonstrations in Canada in support of the protests. To aid in conversation, participants were provided the following information regarding the Government of Canada’s response to this situation:

In response to the situation in Iran, the Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regime’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus. These sanctions prohibit dealings with the listed individuals and entities, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada. Individuals listed in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Government of Canada also intends to strengthen Canada’s capacity to implement sanctions and ensure it can move more quickly to freeze and seize sanctioned individuals’ assets.

Almost all indicated that they had been previously aware of these actions. While reiterating that this represented a step in the right direction and that it was encouraging to see the Government of Canada taking a stance against the Iranian regime and the IRGC, most felt that these actions did not go nearly far enough. A large number wanted to see the IRGC and other Iranian entities officially labelled as terrorist organizations by the federal government, believing this was an appropriate step given the violent actions perpetrated by the regime against those demonstrating for human rights. Several also wanted to see further action taken (including the freezing of financial assets) against any individuals currently living in Canada who were, or had previously been, associated with the Iranian regime and who may have played a role in past human rights abuses. It was felt by all participants that these actions would be strongly supported by the wider Iranian Canadian population throughout the country. A few also expressed the importance for the Government of Canada to carry out its due diligence when selecting which organizations and individuals to partner with in providing aid and support for those impacted by this situation. It was thought to be critical that the federal government ensured these partners were truly supportive and understanding of the movement.

Discussing how they expected this situation to evolve in both the short and long-term, most felt it would be difficult for the citizens of Iran to return to the previous status quo. Many were of the impression that depending on which side prevailed, the situation would ultimately result in either a revolution and regime change or increased restrictions on human rights and freedoms by the Iranian government. Several expected that if the protests persisted and continued to grow in number there would most likely be an escalation of violence on the part of the IRGC in an attempt to put an end to the demonstrations. It was felt by a few that these protests would also have a long-term negative impact on the Iranian economy. These participants were of the view that the economic situation in Iran had already been in a fragile state and the disruption of these protests would likely exacerbate these issues further. Almost all believed that if the Iranian regime remained in power following the protests that there would be further oppression of Iranian citizens, especially women and younger Iranians.

Turning to a slightly different topic concerning Iran, participants were presented with the following information:

On January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down minutes after taking off from Tehran, Iran, by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were among the 176 people killed. 138 had ties to Canada.

Asked whether they had seen, read, or heard anything about the Government of Canada’s response in the years following this tragedy, a number recalled that it had been quick to provide support to the families of those who had been killed. All, however, were of the opinion that the response from the federal government had been limited in terms of bringing to justice those responsible for this action. Several expressed the view that given the large number of Canadian citizens and permanent residents killed in this incident, the Government of Canada should have been more aggressive in ensuring that the Iranian government be brought before the International Court of Justice to answer for what it had done. A number of participants reiterated the view that the federal government should have labelled the IRGC as a terrorist organization as a result of this action, with a few believing this could justifiably be viewed as an act of war against Canada. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with information related to a number of actions the Government of Canada had taken specifically in response to this incident. These included:

  • Creating a coordination group with countries that lost citizens in the downing of Flight 752 and working to hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law, demanding that it provides a full, transparent, and credible explanation of the downing of Flight 752;
  • Called for accountability for those responsible for the Flight 752 tragedy;
  • Establishing the Safer Skies Initiative which brings together the global civil aviation community to work toward enhancing the safety and security of aviation operations in higher-risk areas and to prevent future tragedies like PS752 from ever happening again; and
  • Providing regular updates to families and loved ones of the victims via calls, emails, and updates to an online portal. The Government of Canada also provided mental-health and post-traumatic-stress counselling services after the tragedy to help families.

While most believed that these actions had likely provided some benefit to the families of those who had perished, it was widely felt that much more needed to be done. Several were of the opinion that the downing of Flight 752 had not been an accident and that there needed to be greater accountability for what they viewed as the mass murder of a large number of Canadians. It was suggested that the Government of Canada should work to exert further economic and diplomatic pressure on Iran going forward and encourage key allies such as the United States to do the same. A few expressed disappointment that while international bodies such as the UN and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) had taken significant action in response to other priorities, such as the situation in Ukraine, little progress had been made towards obtaining justice for those who had died on Flight 752. All felt this needed to be a more important priority going forward.

Immigration (Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec)

Three groups took part in conversations related to immigration in Canada as well as their perspectives regarding a potential rise in immigration levels in the next few years. Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently headed in the right direction when it came to immigration, participants were mostly positive or neutral in their evaluations, with few believing it was on the wrong track. Regionally, almost all in the group from Metro Vancouver felt that the federal government was on the right track while responses in the groups comprised of members of the Haitian diaspora in Quebec as well as those residing in Quebec’s Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region were more mixed or neutral in their opinions.

Among those who were mostly positive in their assessments, it was generally felt that immigration was highly beneficial to Canada and was especially important in terms of bolstering the workforce in several sectors (such as healthcare and education) currently believed to be facing labour shortages. A number of participants also commented that the Government of Canada had done a good job in bringing in those fleeing conflicts in areas such as Ukraine, Afghanistan, and Syria as well as difficult political situations in locations such as Hong Kong. A small number commented positively regarding some of the supports made available to new immigrants, including the accessibility of federal government services in a number of different languages. For those who were more mixed in their opinions, several believed that the accessibility and effectiveness of the Canadian immigration system varied depending on which country one was emigrating from. The view was expressed by these participants that immigrants from other western countries as well as those belonging to the Commonwealth of Nations were often prioritized over those from other jurisdictions. A number were also critical of the foreign credential recognition process. It was believed that many skilled workers from outside of Canada were currently unable to practice in their fields of expertise due to their credentials not being recognized as well as the high financial costs required to attaining the certifications they would need. Some also shared the view that vital areas such as healthcare, education, and child care were currently unable to accommodate the present level of immigration and that these systems were becoming increasingly strained due to the influx of new immigrants into the country. A small number in the group from Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean were concerned about the proportion of immigrants arriving in Canada who primarily speak English (rather than French) and worried that this would further diminish the use of the French language in Quebec and Canada as a whole.

Participants in the groups based in Metro Vancouver and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of Quebec were asked a few additional questions related to the potential benefits of immigration as well as any concerns they may have. Participants identified a range of benefits related to immigration, including:

  • Increased workforce – A number of participants reiterated the importance of immigration from the perspective of bolstering the Canadian workforce and addressing perceived labour shortages at present. A few also believed that higher levels of immigration could lead to increased foreign investment and innovation within the Canadian economy;
  • Cultural enrichment – Several believed that immigration also had the added benefit of increasing Canada’s cultural diversity and the number of perspectives shared among the Canadian population. It was also suggested that immigration may lead to closer bonds between the federal government and those countries which had high levels of diaspora living in Canada; and
  • Humanitarian assistance – A few believed immigration was also beneficial in that it represented an opportunity to assist those fleeing dangerous situations, allowing them to come and build new lives in Canada. This was felt to be very important from a humanitarian perspective.

Discussing potential concerns they might have regarding immigration, a number of participants reiterated worries that areas such as healthcare and education were currently overburdened and would not be able to keep up with present levels of immigration. A number of participants were also concerned about how immigration may impact housing affordability in Canada and questioned whether there were enough safe and accessible housing options available to accommodate those newly arriving to the country. Some also questioned whether there were sufficient language education resources available to immigrants as well as mental health resources for those who may be fleeing dangerous or traumatic situations. A small number were concerned about the potential of non-Canadian workers being exploited by employers seeking to pay them as little as possible. A few also shared concerns about immigrants arriving from countries which may not share what they felt to be Canadian values, such as the protection of the rights of women and those belonging to the 2SLGBTQI+ communities.

Asked whether the Government of Canada should increase, decrease, or keep the rate of immigration at the present level, most residing in Metro Vancouver felt that the level of immigration should remain unchanged while a roughly equal number of those from the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region felt it should stay the same or decrease. No participants felt the rate of immigration should be increased. A number, however, indicated that they would be open to higher levels of immigration in the future so long as there were assurances from the federal government that sectors such as healthcare, child care, and education could accommodate this increase. Almost all participants in the group from Metro Vancouver were aware of a recent pledge by the Government of Canada to increase immigration while only a few in the Saguenay and Lac-Saint Jean regions indicated having heard something about this.

All three groups were provided with the following information regarding the Government of Canada’s recent announcement to increase the number of immigrants arriving to Canada in the next few years:

The Government of Canada recently announced that it plans to increase the number of immigrants admitted to Canada, aiming to admit roughly 500,000 immigrants annually by the year 2025. It will increase the number of new immigrants from 405,000 in 2021 to 465,000 in 2023; increasing gradually until reaching 500,000 new immigrants in 2025

While a few participants felt these proposed immigration levels to be a bit high, most felt this represented a steady, gradual approach to immigration that would likely not put too much additional strain on Canada’s economy and social infrastructure. A few suggested that in order to accommodate this influx of new immigrants there should be processes put in place by the federal government to ensure that new arrivals were distributed equally across the country rather than primarily settling in major urban centres such as Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver. Asked whether they felt more comfortable about this plan knowing that the proposed immigration rate was roughly equal to 1% of the Canadian population, a number of participants indicated that they did. It was expressed by a few that seeing the data presented in this way helped to put the goal of 500,000 immigrants by 2025 in proper perspective and provided them with reassurance that this was indeed a realistic goal. A number in the group comprised of members of the Haitian diaspora questioned where these immigrants would primarily be arriving from and hoped that immigrants would be welcomed in similar numbers from all regions of the world.

Asked a few additional questions pertaining to the economy and perceived labour shortages, almost all in the groups based in Metro Vancouver and the Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean region of the Quebec felt labour shortages to be a major issue at present. Questioned whether they agreed with the statement that “Canada needs to welcome more new immigrants in order to fill job vacancies and grow the economy” all in the group from Quebec indicated that they did, while a roughly equal number of those in the group from Metro Vancouver agreed compared to those who were more uncertain. For those who felt more unsure about this statement, it was believed that while immigration would likely be beneficial to the labour market, several believed a primary reason for many job vacancies in Canada at present was due to the low compensation offered rather than the jobs themselves. As such, these participants did not want to see immigrants brought to Canada primarily to serve as a source of cheap labour for employers and believed that more needed to be done to ensure that all Canadians, including immigrants, had access to jobs that paid a living wage. Participants were next informed that employers across all sectors in Canada were actively seeking to fill nearly one million vacant positions in the second quarter of 2022 (the highest quarterly number on record). While feeling this to be concerning, several once again questioned what types of jobs these were (e.g., full-time, part-time, seasonal) and whether they provided a living wage and benefits to their employees. A number believed that these jobs currently being vacant indicated that they were not desirable to prospective workers and that more needed to be done by employers to increase the hours and compensation offered.

COVID-19 Vaccines & Booster Doses (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine)

Three groups engaged in conversations related to the COVID-19 vaccine, with a particular focus on the ‘bivalent’ booster dose recently approved by Health Canada. All participants had received their initial vaccinations and most had received at least one booster dose. Regionally, all in the group from Metro Vancouver, most residing in Eastern Ontario, and slightly more than half of those on Prince Edward Island had received a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine. Describing their reasons for getting vaccinated, many indicated having done so as a way to protect both themselves and immunocompromised loved ones from COVID-19 as well as to limit increased strain on the healthcare system. A smaller number described having gotten vaccinated primarily in response to workplace requirements, and/or out of a desire to travel, patronize bars and restaurants, and to take part in other activities and events where vaccination was required.

In the group based in Metro Vancouver, comprised of participants who had previously reported having not yet received a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, most expected that they would get a fourth dose at some point with a small number indicating that they had already done so in the days immediately prior to attending the focus group. A few commented that they would make an appointment to receive their fourth dose as soon as they had received an invitation from the provincial government and a small number had recently contracted COVID-19 and had temporarily postponed their next dose as a result. For the several participants who were eligible to receive their next dose but had not yet made an appointment, a number expressed feeling a lack of urgency to do so given that proof of vaccination requirements had been lifted at both the provincial and federal level. While still planning on receiving another dose, a small number were of the impression that the COVID-19 vaccine did little to prevent transmission of the virus and thus felt that there was now less need from a public health perspective for them to receive another dose compared to earlier stages of the pandemic. A few were also somewhat hesitant to get another dose of the COVID-19 vaccine due to the negative side effects they had experienced after receiving previous doses.

Participants in all three groups were asked whether they were aware of the new bivalent boosters recently approved by Health Canada. Regionally, while almost all in Metro Vancouver and most in Eastern Ontario were aware of this booster, few in the group from Prince Edward Island had heard of it. For those who were aware, it was largely felt that the bivalent dose was different from previous boosters in that it had been updated to be more effective against newer variants such as Omicron. To aid in conversation participants were provided with the following information:

Early in September, Health Canada authorized an adapted version of a COVID-19 vaccine, which some of you may know as the Moderna “bivalent” vaccine, which targets the original virus as well as the Omicron (BA.1) variant or Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants. In early October, Health Canada also approved a Pfizer bivalent vaccine, available for individuals aged 12 and up. These vaccines have a similar profile to the previously approved Moderna Spikevax booster and the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccines with the same mild adverse reactions that quickly subside.

Upon receiving this information, most participants did not have any questions or concerns related to the bivalent booster dose. A small number were curious as to whether this booster utilized the same Messenger RNA (mRNA) technology as previous versions of the COVID-19 vaccine as well as whether it was expected the bivalent vaccine would be more effective than previous doses. A few also reiterated concerns about potential negative reactions or lasting side-effects of this vaccine, with a very small number specifically worried about the potential of medical issues such as myocarditis arising in themselves or their children following vaccination. While some expressed concerns about the potential of undiscovered long-term side effects resulting from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine, very few indicated that these worries would prevent them from getting another dose in the future. Asked whether they felt this bivalent COVID-19 vaccine would be effective in keeping themselves, their loved ones, and their communities safe, participants were mixed in their reactions. A large number expected that the vaccine would be at least somewhat effective in reducing the number of serious cases of COVID-19 and limiting the number of Canadians hospitalized due to the virus. A few, however, were more uncertain. These participants expressed the opinion that thus far the COVID-19 vaccine had been relatively ineffective in reducing transmission and preventing the contraction of the virus and, as a result, they did not believe the bivalent booster would be any more effective than previous versions of the vaccine. Discussing whether they would likely stay on top of receiving regular doses of the COVID-19 vaccine, a large number reiterated feeling a lack of urgency to do so. Expanding upon this, some described now perceiving the COVID-19 vaccine as being similar to a flu shot in that while it was recommended to receive one each year, they did not always do so.

Asked an additional question regarding whether they had heard anything about the flu season in Canada this year, several in the group based in Metro Vancouver were of the impression that it was more intense than usual and that increased prevalence of influenza as well as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) had led to long wait times in emergency rooms and at walk-in clinics. Only one participant reported having received a flu shot this year, with most others feeling somewhat ambivalent as to whether they would eventually get one. Several expressed skepticism regarding the efficacy of annual flu shots, with a roughly equal number of participants either having never received a flu shot in their lives or were of the view that previous flu shots they had received had been relatively ineffective.

Government of Canada Services (Western Canada Young Adults)

This group, comprised of young adults residing in Western Canada, briefly engaged in a discussion related to services provided by the Government of Canada. Asked to identify the most important services that the federal government delivers to Canadians, participant comments largely focused on healthcare and education. While acknowledging that these areas were primarily under the purview of provincial/territorial governments, many felt that there were ways the federal government could improve the quality and accessibility of these services. Regarding healthcare, it was thought that more could be done at the federal level to increase transfer payments to the provinces/territories, create programs to recruit and incentivize more individuals to pursue careers in the healthcare sector, and provide investments into areas such as mental health and addictions treatment. Focusing on education, participants suggested the Government of Canada could provide funding to provinces/territories to increase the compensation of teachers and other education workers as well as to find ways to make post-secondary education more affordable and accessible to all Canadians.

Asked specifically about the Government of Canada’s ability to provide passport services, process immigration applications, and manage airports and air travel, almost all felt there was significant room for improvement on these fronts. Several had heard accounts from loved ones who had experienced long wait times (often spanning many months) for important applications such as passport renewals, permanent residency (PR) applications, and work/study permits. It was felt this had caused significant anxiety for many, especially those who required these applications to be processed in order to continue living and working in Canada. A large number expressed frustration regarding what they viewed as a lack of communication from departments such as Service Canada and Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the status of these applications. Participants were largely of the impression that these services had become overwhelmed by a massive influx of applications following the COVID-19 pandemic and, as such, it had become increasingly difficult to speak with representatives from these departments or to receive updates or expected timelines for the processing of their documents. A few expressed the opinion that this increase in passport and immigration applications had been predictable and that the Government of Canada should have been better prepared for this increased workload in the wake of the lifting of pandemic-related travel requirements. A number of participants also commented specifically on airports and delays related to air travel. It was said that numerous Canadian airports, including Toronto Pearson Airport, had experienced major issues during the summer months, with travellers often experiencing flight delays and cancellations as well as lengthy wait times for baggage and in security line-ups. A few believed that these issues had primarily resulted from the public health requirements still in place at the time, such as mandatory randomized testing for COVID-19 as well as the required use of the ArriveCAN app for all travellers entering into Canada.

All participants were confident that it was possible for the Government of Canada to resolve these issues and improve service delivery for Canadians going forward. Discussing possible actions the Government of Canada could take, several felt more efforts could be made to increase staffing levels in departments such as Service Canada and IRCC as well as to develop online systems through which Canadians could more readily check the status of their applications and estimated processing times. It was also thought that more could be done by the Government of Canada to reach out to Canadians in order to determine other potential gaps in service delivery that may exist. It was felt that by doing so, the Government of Canada could proactively work to address issues related to service delivery and prevent them from developing into major concerns.

Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)

Three groups discussed the methods by which they recognize information and messages from the federal government across various channels, including television, social media, print, and radio. Asked how they would typically determine whether information was emanating from the Government of Canada a large number of participants described a logo incorporating the word ‘Canada’ and the Canadian flag. Several also believed that when appearing in print or on television this type of information is often explicitly stated as being from the Government of Canada. Other recognizable features of federal communications mentioned by participants included the incorporation of a red and white colour scheme, information on websites with the ‘gc.ca’ domain, and communications from publicly known federal officials. Asked how they would determine whether information they hear (on mediums such as radio) was from the Government of Canada, many recalled a distinct jingle, believed to be derived from the first few bars of the national anthem. Several were also of the impression that audio information from the federal government was often accompanied by a message stating that it was a message from the Government of Canada. It was felt that the same, female voice had been used for several decades and had become very recognizable. Almost all participants indicated that they felt it was typically quite clear when information was being officially communicated by the Government of Canada.

Participants were next shown an image of the Canada wordmark:

In the above image, the word ‘Canada’ is written in black font over a white background. Over the final ‘a’ there is a coloured, red and white, Canadian flag.

All were familiar with this image, with a number identifying it as the symbol they had described previously. Almost all associated the wordmark with the Government of Canada and many reported being very familiar with the image and had seen it on official correspondence, advertisements, and at federal buildings and service centres throughout their lives. Most indicated that they did not have a personal connection to the wordmark and that their feelings towards it were mostly neutral. A smaller number indicated feeling a sense of home or nostalgia when they saw the wordmark, connecting it to their identity as a Canadian. A number primarily associated it with annual tasks such as preparing their income taxes or applying for annual permits and licences. Asked why they thought the Government of Canada used this symbol in is communications, most believed that the wordmark connoted legitimacy and served as an indicator that the information accompanying it was important to pay attention to. It was felt that the consistent use of the wordmark for many years had made it an immediately recognizable symbol, and many saw it as an important part of the federal government’s branding. Discussing where they would expect to see the wordmark, participants mentioned a number of areas including federal correspondence, advertisements, applications for important documents such as passports, and at physical locations such as Service Canada offices. Questioned whether they would typically trust the information associated with the wordmark, most indicated that they would. A small number took a more nuanced perspective, reporting that while they would generally trust that the information was factual and coming from the federal government, they did not always take it at face value. Among these participants, it was felt that factual information could often be interpreted and presented in a variety of ways and that they may not always share the conclusions reached by the federal government.

Participants were next asked to listen to the Government of Canada’s official musical signature:

Above is a short, two-second, audio clip featuring the opening notes of the Canadian national anthem.

Almost all participants were familiar with this sound bite. Several recalled having heard it on radio and television, on audio platforms such as Spotify, and accompanying advertisements and digital content on social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter. All felt that similar to the wordmark, the musical signature was primarily meant to be an instantly recognizable indicator that the information or content it accompanied was from the Government of Canada. Several described the musical signature as being highly memorable and believed this to especially be the case given its connection to the Canadian national anthem.

Misinformation (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults)

Three groups comprised of young adults took part in conversations related to misinformation. To begin, participants were asked which social media platforms and apps they typically use. A range of platforms were mentioned including Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Reddit. A significant number also reported frequently using digital media platforms such as YouTube and Spotify. While most indicated that they would typically access these platforms on at least a daily basis, a smaller number commented that they had been working to scale back their social media use, having become worried about the amount of time they had been spending on these platforms. Asked which of these platforms, if any, they would use to receive information on health-related questions, a few expected that they might use YouTube or Facebook. Most, however, believed that they would most likely make use of a search engine such as Google or go directly to websites operated by the federal or provincial/territorial governments or official health organizations for health-related questions

A large number of participants reported that they came across information that they were unsure about on an almost daily basis. Asked where they would typically encounter this questionable information, areas mentioned including health and fitness blogs, websites related to multi-level marketing (MLM) businesses, and financial blogs and advice (particularly pertaining to investment vehicles such as cryptocurrency). A few expressed that they would be unlikely to fully trust any information they encountered on social media, believing posts on these platforms were often misrepresented or inaccurately framed by those posting it. Discussing how they would go about verifying whether the information they encounter is true or false, most indicated that they would likely confirm the details through more authoritative sources such as federal and provincial/territorial websites, official organizations, and peer-reviewed academic studies. Asked what came to mind when they heard the term ‘misinformation’, it was widely felt that the term referred to misrepresented or false information that was presented as being legitimate. Several thought of the term ‘fake news’ and felt this type of information could often be conspiratorial in nature. A number associated Facebook in particular with misinformation, believing it to be more prevalent on this platform than others.

Participants next engaged in an exercise where they were shown a number of headlines and asked to rate the degree to which they believed the statement to be true or false:

New evidence shows that monkeypox is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.

Most participants immediately identified this statement as false, with a smaller number more uncertain. None felt there was any truth to the statement. While a few participants expressed skepticism regarding the safety of the COVID-19 vaccine, none felt it made sense that the vaccine would be connected to a completely different virus such as monkeypox. A number of participants felt the term ‘new evidence’ to be somewhat vague, believing this lack of specificity to be an indicator that the headline was most likely misleading or false. It was thought that this type of headline would likely be posted on platforms such as Facebook and Twitter as a method of spreading skepticism and distrust regarding the COVID-19 vaccine.

Genetically modified foods are less safe than traditional varieties.

Participants were largely split in their views regarding the accuracy of this statement, with a slightly larger number believing it to be true as those who thought it was false. A number expressed uncertainty, feeling that they did not know enough about the subject to form an opinion. While several were confident in their belief that genetically modified (GM) foods were as safe as traditional varieties, the larger number were equally as assured in their understanding that while not unsafe, GM foods were typically less nutritious and beneficial than those produced using more traditional methods. A few commented that the headline itself was somewhat misleading, believing that while GM foods were not technically any less safe than traditional varieties, they were by no means equal in terms of their nutritional value. Several believed that they would likely encounter this type of statement on health and fitness blogs as well as accompanying information presented by food lobbyists or corporations involved in food production.

Mental health disorders can be traced to changes in brain activity.

Roughly an equal number of participants believed this statement to at least be partially true as those who were more uncertain or neutral in their evaluations. For those who thought the statement was accurate, many felt that it made intuitive sense to them and that it aligned with their understanding that most medications used to treat depression and anxiety typically focused on addressing chemical imbalances in the brain. Among the similar number who were less sure, it was felt that not enough was known about mental health to determine the exact causes of these issues. A few associated this perceived lack of knowledge with a general stigma that had previously existed around concerns related to mental health. Several indicated that while they believed changes in brain activity were partially responsible for mental health issues, these challenges were also likely influenced by external factors such as personal trauma and unexpected life changes. It was thought that this type of statement might appear on mental health blogs or on the websites operated by official health authorities.

Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the cold and flu.

A slightly larger number of participants believed this statement to be true than those who were more uncertain or thought it was false. Among those who felt it was true, most were of the impression that antibiotics were primarily used for bacterial infections rather than viral infections such as influenzas and the common cold. Several of those who were more neutral or unsure reported having previously heard that antibiotics were used for either bacterial or viral infections but could not recall which of the two it was. A few were unsure as to the definition of ‘cold and flu’ and as such were unsure as to whether the statement was accurate or not. For the smaller number who believed the statement was false, a few were of the impression that they were previously prescribed antibiotics for a cold or influenza, though they were not completely sure of this. Most expected that they would encounter this type of statement on the website of an official health authority or organization.

Most described using previously learned knowledge as well as their personal intuition in determining whether these statements were true or false. Almost all indicated that they would likely want to verify this information through trusted and official resources, especially if they encountered it on social media. Asked whether they were confident in their evaluations of each statement, most were. Almost all, however, were open to considering additional information from trusted sources (such as peer-reviewed academic journals) which might contain findings contrary to their initial opinions. A large number of participants expressed feeling very concerned about the spread of misinformation at present. It was felt that false or misleading headlines and articles were being posted at an increasing rate on social media platforms and that a significant portion of the population now believed things that were not factually true. Some were particularly worried about how this perceived increasing wave of misinformation would impact younger Canadians who may not yet have developed the critical thinking skills to discern whether the information they came across is true or false.

To conclude these conversations, participants were provided with the following debrief regarding the veracity of each statement:

“New evidence shows that monkeypox is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.”

This is false. Doctors, health professionals, and medical researchers say monkeypox cannot be contracted via COVID-19 vaccination.

“Genetically modified foods are less safe than traditional varieties.”

This is false. Genetically Modified (GM) foods have a long and safe track record during their more than 20 years on the market. Eating GM foods has the same level of risk as eating the same non-GM food with ingredients from plants modified by older plant breeding techniques.

“Mental health disorders can be traced to changes in brain activity.”

This is true. Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including brain chemistry.

“Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the cold and flu.”

This is true. When it comes to viruses—such as those that cause COVID-19, colds, or influenza (flu), and other viral illnesses— antibiotic medicines don’t work.

Post-Secondary Issues (Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in the group from Eastern Ontario, all of whom were currently enrolled in a post-secondary program, engaged in a discussion regarding post-secondary education in Canada. To begin, participants were asked to explain how they went about choosing the post-secondary program they were currently enrolled in. A wide range of factors were cited, including future career opportunities, personal interest in a particular program of study, grants and scholarships, the cost of tuition and fees, parental influence, the location of the institution, and the academic performance in secondary school.

Participants next partook in an exercise where they evaluated a series of proposed initiatives from the Government of Canada related to post-secondary education. These included:

  • Allowing new parents to pause repayment of their federal student loans until their youngest child reaches the age of five;
  • Continuing to scale up youth and student skills and employment programming, opportunities, and initiatives for Canadian youth;
  • Creating a new stream of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy for Canadians with disabilities;
  • Expanding pathways to Permanent Residence for international students through the Express Entry system (used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers);
  • Increasing the repayment assistance threshold to $50,000 for Canada Student Loan borrowers who are single as well as making appropriate adjustments to the thresholds for other family sizes; and
  • Permanently eliminating federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans.

Many of the proposed initiatives received a great deal of support from participants. Several expressed particular enthusiasm regarding the initiative to allow new parents to pause repayment of their federal student loans until their youngest child reaches the age of five. It was thought that this would be effective towards allowing new parents to better focus their financial resources on raising their young children. It was felt that raising young children could be very expensive and that this temporary alleviation of federal student loan debt would equip more young Canadians with the financial resources to start a family. Also receiving a considerable degree of support was the initiative to permanently eliminate federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans. Participants believed this would help alleviate a considerable amount of stress and anxiety currently felt by many with high student debt loads.

Many also expressed positive feelings regarding the initiative to create a new stream of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy for Canadians with disabilities. It was thought that existing supports for those living with disabilities were insufficient and that any increase in spending in this area represented a positive development. A small number were of the impression that some employers were currently unwilling to hire persons with disabilities, and that this program could greatly assist these individuals in accessing new employment opportunities. The initiative to expand pathways to Permanent Residence (PR) for international students through the Express Entry system also received support, with several of the view that international students who were already established in Canada should be seen as ideal candidates to obtain PR status. It was additionally noted that these students would likely be able to use the skills they obtained from their Canadian post-secondary programs to immediately contribute to the Canadian workforce and economy.

The initiative to continue scaling up youth and student skills and employment programming, opportunities, and initiatives for Canadian youth received a lower level of support. Though several felt that employment prospects were challenging and that they currently lacked the experience necessary to secure a job in their preferred field, many believed that this initiative was too vague and lacked the actionable commitments presented by the other initiatives. Similarly, very few selected the initiative to increase the repayment assistance threshold to $50,000 for Canada Student Loan borrowers who are single and make appropriate adjustments to the thresholds for other family sizes. Several clarified that while they did not feel negatively about the initiative, they felt did not know enough about the current structure of the Canada Student Loan program to provide a proper evaluation of this initiative.

Participants next engaged in a discussion regarding their expectations related to entering the workforce upon the completion of their current program. Asked what they hoped to do next after graduating, many planned to pursue a graduate degree or professional certification before entering into the workforce. A smaller number planned on working immediately after graduation, either finding a job on their own or working with a recruiter. Asked if they felt there were enough job opportunities in Eastern Ontario, many believed that there were. A smaller number, however, were of the opinion that the cities and communities in Eastern Ontario were too small to offer sufficient employment opportunities and that they would likely need to move to a larger city in order to pursue their intended career path. Several expressed uncertainty as to the type of employment opportunities that would be available to them upon graduation, and did not know whether they would stay in Eastern Ontario.

Asked what factors they felt to be most important when applying for or accepting a new job, participants provided a wide range of responses. These included compensation, benefits, location, the ability to work from home, a fair work-life balance, a sense of meaning and importance, the ability to grow and learn new skills, and whether they shared similar values with their employer and company. A small number indicated that they were only interested in working in unionized positions, believing this to be very important. Questioned if it was important that a prospective employer demonstrate environmental responsibility, participants expressed mixed views. Several answered strongly in the affirmative, indicating that they would be far more interested in working for a company which promoted sustainability and greener practices. A similar number, however, stated that while this would be an added benefit, an employer’s environmental policy would likely be secondary to other factors such as compensation and the type of work they would be doing. A few felt this to be relatively unimportant so long as their employer was not taking part in practices that were actively harming the environment. Asked if it was important that a prospective employer demonstrate social responsibility, participants again expressed mixed views. Several stated that such practices would make them feel proud to work for a company and that this would be an important aspect for them when considering where to apply. Others indicated that while this would certainly be a consideration, it was unlikely to be the primary deciding factor as to whether or not they would accept a position. A small number commented that they would be unlikely to factor in an employer’s social responsibility at all in their decision-making process.

Participants net engaged in an exercise where they compared the terms a good job and a good career. Reacting to a good job, participants largely believed that this term represented a position that they would be excited about and enjoy doing. It was suggested that a good job was one where participants felt valued, fulfilled, and enjoyed decent pay, benefits, and a healthy work-life balance. Focusing on a good career, it was felt that this term had more relevance in terms of one’s ability to accomplish long-term goals, achieve financial stability, undergo personal growth, and contribute to something meaningful and/or bigger than oneself. Asked how these terms were similar or different, it was suggested that a good job described positive conditions in the immediate term, whereas a good career focused more on long-term goals and a fulfilling life.

Retirement Issues (British Columbia People Nearing Retirement)

In one group, comprised of those nearing retirement in British Columbia, participants engaged in a discussion related to a number of issues concerning retirement. To begin, participants were asked which issues they felt were most in need of further attention from the federal government. Areas mentioned included the environment and climate change, social welfare, housing insecurity and homelessness, healthcare, and the perceived rising cost of living at present.

Focusing more specifically on the issue of retirement, several participants expressed concerns regarding their future financial security, especially in light of the high rate of inflation at present. For those participants who were single, it was felt that retirement was a particularly difficult prospect, given that they had only one income to draw upon and did not have a partner to share expenses with. A small number reported having previously tried to retire, however increased medical and housing costs along with the general rise in the prices of essentials such as groceries and gasoline had caused them to return to work. A number of participants expressed uncertainty regarding their ability to survive solely on the fixed income of their pension(s) and benefits. A few were also concerned about losing benefits (such as dental care) that they currently received through their employer if they were to make the decision to retire. Most participants indicated that the rising cost of living had complicated their lives to at least some extent. Some reported having made the decision to drive less due to rising gasoline prices as well as potentially postponing their retirement plans for a number of years in order to acquire enough savings to adapt to rising expenses. A few were concerned they would never be able to retire and would have to continue working in some capacity for the rest of their lives.

Discussing the steps they had taken to prepare for their retirement, participants mentioned a range of activities. These included:

  • Long-term investments into equities, including through registered federal programs such as the Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP);
  • Increasing payment amounts in order to pay off their mortgages at a quicker rate;
  • Searching for live-in tenants as a way of earning additional income; and
  • Seeking out part-time employment (in addition to their current employment) to earn extra income.

Participants were next asked to share their perspectives regarding the importance of various federal government programs, such as the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) to their respective retirement plans. While most generally agreed these benefits were important, many were of the view that they would not be enough on their own to meet their financial needs in retirement. Also asked about RRSPs, many felt these to be very important, though several individuals felt the usefulness of these programs was highly dependant on the amount of extra income one was able to devote towards investing into them. Participants were next presented with additional information related to the OAS, GIS, and CPP benefits:

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension amount is payable to seniors 65 and over who have a minimum of 10 years of residence in Canada after age 18. It is considered taxable income and is subject to a recovery tax if your individual net annual income is higher than the net world income threshold set for the year ($79,845 for 2021).

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional non-taxable benefit payable to low-income OAS pensioners. A person’s entitlement is based on their marital status and level of income. The GIS is re-calculated each July based on your net income in the previous calendar year. Payments can increase, decrease, or even stop according to changes in your annual net income.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your work earnings income in retirement when you retire. The amount you receive each month is based on your average earnings throughout your working life, your contributions to the CPP, and the age you decide to start your CPP retirement pension. The earlier you apply, the less you will receive on a monthly basis. To receive a retirement pension, you must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP.

OAS, GIS, and CPP benefits are adjusted each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (OAS and GIS are reviewed in January, April, July and October; CPP rate increases are calculated once a year and come into effect each January) to ensure that they keep up with the cost of living.

Reactions to this information varied among participants. For some, it was felt that while it was a positive development that these benefits would now be adjusted each year to keep up with the cost of living, they would still likely not be enough to survive off of. A number of participants reported having been largely unaware of the GIS and were curious as to whether it would be accessible to them. A small number were curious as to how the net world income threshold amount was calculated while a few were critical of the CPP being a taxable benefit, believing this to be unfair given their impression that they had already paid tax on this income. Informed that an enhancement to the CPP had begun being phased-in in 2019 and that it would provide higher benefits in retirement in exchange for making higher CPP contributions. While some felt this may be beneficial, several thought it did little to address what they viewed to be the root issue in that many Canadians nearing retirement did not have additional income to devote to making higher contributions into this program. Participants were also informed that, as of July 2022, seniors who are 75 years old or older receive an automatic 10% increase of their Old Age Security pension. Most had heard about this and felt it would help seniors to some degree, though many thought this increase should be provided to all seniors 65 and older rather than setting the age threshold at 75.

Asked what more the federal government should do to help support those planning for retirement, suggestions from participants included:

  • Supporting younger Canadians to a greater degree and thereby allowing parents to devote more income to their own retirements rather than assisting their children;
  • Increasing taxation on large corporations and utilizing this tax revenue to support seniors through the provision of additional benefits; and
  • Further supports and financial investments into assisted living, including improvements to in-home and long-term care options.

Firearms (Western Canada Young Adults)

Participants in this group, comprised of young adults residing in Western Canada, took part in a brief discussion related to firearms and the planned federal buyback program for prohibited assault-style weapons in Canada. All participants felt that gun control was an important issue and needed to be a priority for the Government of Canada. Discussing current regulations concerning firearms, a roughly similar number of participants felt gun laws in Canada should be stricter as those who felt they were more or less at the right level. For those who felt further regulations should be introduced related to firearms, it was thought that gun crime in Canada was a growing issue and that there were few reasons for private citizens to own firearms and no reason that these weapons should not be prohibited to a higher degree. Among participants who believed the gun laws were sufficient at their present levels, it was commented that while firearm-related crimes were important to address, they did not wish to see any new measures introduced that would impact law-abiding gun owners and prevent them from partaking in activities such as hunting and/or recreational sport shooting. No participants thought that firearm regulations should be loosened by the Government of Canada.

Most felt the federal government was currently on the right track when it came to gun control, with many of the impression that there had been a number of new measures introduced in recent years to curb the rate of crimes involving firearms in Canada. Though few were aware of the specific details concerning these measures, a number of participants recalled seeing headlines regarding the recent national freeze on the buying, selling, and transferring of handguns as well as a previous ban on numerous types of assault-style firearms. While none felt the federal government was on the wrong track when it came to gun control, a few (including those who had been through the licencing process themselves) suggested that the certification requirements for firearms usage should be more stringent, believing it was too easy at present to obtain a firearms licence. A small number also voiced the need for more thorough mental health checks for prospective gun owners, ensuring that these individuals would not pose a threat to themselves or others if allowed to possess a firearm.

Focusing specifically on regulations concerning assault-style firearms, participants were informed that as of May 1st, 2020, the Government of Canada had prohibited over 1,500 models of assault-style weapons, including the AR-15. Sharing their reactions, a number of participants questioned the effectiveness of this initiative, given their impression that crimes involving firearms had largely continued unabated in the over two years since this announcement. Though some had seen headlines about an announced federal buyback program for prohibited assault-style firearms, few could recall any specific details. To clarify, participants were informed that the federal government would be launching a buyback program to ensure the safe and permanent removal of these weapons while also seeking to fairly compensate gun owners and firearms-related businesses that had been adversely financially impacted by this ban. Most believed that, so long as the amounts offered to gun owners and businesses represented a fair value for their property, this represented a positive step and would likely help to keep Canadians safer going forward. A few felt differently, believing that this action was unfair to law-abiding gun owners who had obtained all the necessary certifications and purchased these firearms legally. In addition to infringing on the personal property rights of firearm owners, it was felt by these participants that this action would be ineffective in addressing gun crime in that those seeking to obtain these weapons would still likely be able to do so via illegal channels.

Appendix A – Recruiting Scripts

English Recruiting Script

Privy Council Office

Recruiting Script – November 2022

English Groups

Recruitment Specifications Summary

  • Groups conducted online.
  • Each group is expected to last for two hours.
  • Recruit 8 participants.
  • Incentives will be $100 per person and will be sent to participants via e-transfer following the group.

Specifications for the focus groups are as follows:

Group Date Time (EDT/EST) Local Time Location Composition Moderator
1 Tues., November 1st 6:00-8:00 (EDT) 6:00-8:00 (EDT) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students TBW
2 Wed., November 2nd 5:00-7:00 (EDT) 6:00-8:00 (ADT) Prince Edward Island General Population MP
3 Tues., November 8th 6:00-8:00 (EST) 6:00-8:00 (EST)
7:00-9:00 (AST)
7:30-9:30 (NST)
Eastern Canada (Atlantic Region & ON) Young adults, aged 25-30 TBW
5 Thurs., November 10th 6:00-8:00 (EST) 6:00-8:00 (EST) City of Toronto Iranian Canadians DN
6 Tues., November 15th 9:00-11:00 (EST) 6:00-8:00 (PST) British Columbia People Nearing Retirement TBW
7 Wed., November 16th 8:00-10:00 (EST) 6:00-8:00 (MST) Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees DN
9 Tues., November 22nd 9:00-11:00 (EST) 6:00-8:00 (PST) Metro Vancouver – British Columbia Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine TBW
10 Wed., November 23rd 8:00-10:00 (EST) 7:00-9:00 (CST)
6:00-8:00 (MST)
5:00-7:00 (PST)
Western Canada (SK, MB, AB, BC) Young adults, aged 18-24 DN
12 Mon., November 28th 8:00-10:00 (EST) 7:00-9:00 (CST) Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers 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
Eastern Ontario Cities include (but are not limited to): Ottawa, Kingston, Belleville, Cornwall, Brockville, Prince Edward, Russell, Greater Napanee, Pembroke, Rockland, Hawkesbury, Smiths Falls, Embrun, Renfrew, Arnprior, Prescott, Perth.

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. NO MORE THAN TWO PER CITY. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 1
Prince Edward Island Cities could include (but are not limited to): Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford, Cornwall.

MAX 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM CHARLOTTETOWN. NO MORE THAN TWO PER OTHER CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 2
Eastern Canada (Atlantic Region & ON) 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. ON: Toronto, Ottawa-Gatineau, Hamilton, Kitchener, London, Oshawa, Thunder Bay, Sudbury, Peterborough, Belleville, Stratford, Bolton, Collingwood, Owen Sound, Brockville, Cobourg, Fort Erie, Simcoe.

ENSURE 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM ONTARIO. AT LEAST 1 PARTICIPANT FROM EACH ATLANTIC PROVINCE. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS BOTH REGIONS. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 3
City of Toronto City includes:

City of Toronto.

PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.
CONTINUE - GROUP 5
British Columbia Cities could include (but are not limited to): Vancouver, Surrey, Victoria, Richmond, Burnaby, Kelowna, Abbotsford, Nanaimo, Kamloops, White Rock, Chilliwack, Prince George, Vernon, Port Alberni, Squamish, Prince Rupert, Williams Lake, Kitimat, Smithers.

MAX 3 PARTICIPANTS FROM THE LOWER MAINLAND AND 1 FROM VANCOUVER ISLAND. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 6
Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Major population = 100,000+
Calgary, Edmonton.

Mid-size population = 50,000-99,999
Red Deer, Lethbridge, Wood Buffalo, Airdrie, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie.

ENSURE AT LEAST ONE EACH FROM CALGARY AND EDMONTON. NO MORE THAN TWO PER CITY. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 7
Metro Vancouver – British Columbia Cities/towns include: Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, Township of Langley, Delta, Maple Ridge, District of North Vancouver, New Westminster, Port Coquitlam, City of North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Port Moody, City of Langley, White Rock, Pitt Meadows, Bowen Island, Anmore, Lions Bay, Belcarra.

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES/TOWNS ACROSS THE REGION. NO MORE THAN 3 FROM CITY OF VANCOUVER & 1 PER OTHER CITY.
CONTINUE - GROUP 9
Western Canada (SK, MB, AB, BC) Cities include (but are not limited to):
Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, Prince Albert, Moose Jaw, Swift Current, Yorkton, North Battleford, Warman, Weyburn, Estevan.
Manitoba: Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Thompson, Selkirk, Morden.
Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Airdrie, Fort McMurray, Medicine Hat, Grande Prairie, Spruce Grove, Fort Saskatchewan, Chestermere, Beaumont, Camrose, Stony Plain, Sylvan Lake.
British Columbia: Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, Abbotsford, Surrey, Kamloops, Chilliwack, Prince George, Vernon, Penticton, Parksville, Duncan, Tsawwassen, Ladner, Squamish, Fort St. John.

ENSURE 2 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH PROVINCE. NO MORE THAN 1 FROM EACH CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.
CONTINUE - GROUP 10
Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Cities include:
Manitoba: Winnipeg, Brandon, Steinbach, Winkler, Portage la Prairie, Thompson.
Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina, 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 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

3. 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 WESTERN CANADA = GROUP 10
IF EASTERN CANADA = THANK AND END
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
25-30 IF EASTERN CANADA = GROUP 3
IF WESTERN CANADA = THANK AND END
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
31-40 IF EASTERN CANADA = THANK AND END
IF WESTERN CANADA = THANK AND END
ALL OTHER LOCATIONS, CONTINUE
41-50
51-64
65+
VOLUNTEERED
Prefer not to answer
THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF AGES WITHIN EACH GROUP WHERE APPLICABLE.
GROUP 1 MAY SKEW YOUNGER (18-30).
GROUP 6 MAY SKEW OLDER-MIDDLE AGED (50s/60s).
GROUP 9 MAY SKEW OLDER (60s).

4. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 1 Are you currently enrolled in a post-secondary program?

Yes CONTINUE TO Q.4a
No THANK AND END
Don’t know/Prefer not to answer

4a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 1 Which of the following post-secondary institutions are you enrolled in?

University – Undergraduate CONTINUE
University – Postgraduate
College
Technical/Trade School
Fine Arts School
VOLUNTEERED
Prefer not to answer
THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION.

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

Yes CONTINUE TO Q.5a

No THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

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

Yes CONTINUE = GROUP 5

No CONTINUE TO Q.5b

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BETWEEN THOSE NOT BORN IN CANADA AND THOSE BORN IN CANADA IF POSSIBLE.

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

Less than 5 years CONTINUE - GROUP 5
5 to 9 years
10 to 19 years
20 to 29 years
30 or more years
Don’t know/Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF YEARS LIVED IN CANADA FOR THOSE NOT BORN IN CANADA.

6. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 6 Which of the following categories best describes your current employment status?

Working full-time (35 hours or more per week) CONTINUE

Working part-time (less than 35 hours per week) CONTINUE

Self-employed CONTINUE

Unemployed THANK AND END

Student THANK AND END

Retired THANK AND END

Not in the workforce [Full-time homemaker, not looking for work] THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answe THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY THOSE WORKING FULL-TIME, PART-TIME, AND SELF-EMPLOYED.

6a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 6 Are you planning on retiring in the next 5 years?

Yes CONTINUE

No THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

7. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 7 Are you planning to purchase or lease a new vehicle in the next 5 years?

Yes CONTINUE TO Q.7a

No THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

7a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 7 Which of the following types of vehicles are you planning to purchase or lease in the next 5 years? (Please select all that apply).

IF CLARIFICATION IS REQUIRED: Plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) carry two types of fuel on board (gas or diesel and electrical energy stored in a battery), whereas battery electric vehicles (BEV) which are 100% electric.

Gasoline or diesel-powered vehicle CONTINUE

Plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) CONTINUE

Battery electric vehicle (BEV) CONTINUE

AT LEAST 2 PARTICIPANTS PLANNING TO PURCHASE/LEASE A BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLE (BEV) AND AT LEAST 2 PARTICIPANTS PLANNING TO PURCHASE/LEASE A (PHEV). ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY TYPE OF VEHICLE.

7b. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 7 And, when do you anticipate making this/these purchase(s)?

Within in the next year CONTINUER

Within the next 2-3 years CONTINUER

Within the next 4-5 years CONTINUER

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY ANTICIPATED PURCHASE TIMELINE.

8. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 9 Which of the following statements best describes your current COVID-19 vaccination status?

I have not received any doses of a COVID-19 vaccine yet THANK AND END

I have received my first dose of a COVID-19 vaccine THANK AND END

I have received two doses of a COVID-19 vaccine THANK AND END

I have only received three doses of a COVID-19 vaccineCONTINUE

I have received four doses or more of a COVID-19 vaccineTHANK AND END

Prefer not to answerTHANK AND END

8a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 9 Do you plan to get a fourth dose of COVID-19 vaccine?

Yes CONTINUE

No CONTINUE

Don’t know/not sure CONTINUE

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF THOSE PLANNING/NOT PLANNING TO GET 4TH DOSE.

9. ASK ALL GROUPS 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

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 THANK AND END IF GROUP 6 OR 12

Full Time Student THANK AND END IF GROUP 6 OR 12

Retired THANK AND END IF GROUP 6 OR 12

Other, please specify: ______________

CONTINUE FOR ALL (EXCEPTIONS FOR GROUP 6 & 12).
ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT FOR EACH GROUP. NO MORE THAN TWO PER SECTOR. NO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS.
FOR GROUP 12, AIM FOR PARTICIPANTS IN ANY OF THE FOLLOWING INDUSTRIES: CONSTRUCTION, MANUFACTURING, MINING/QUARRYING/OIL AND GAS EXTRACTION, TRANSPORTATION AND WAREHOUSING, UTILITIES.

10. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 12 Are you a mother of dependent children?

Yes CONTINUE TO Q.10a

No THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

10a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 12 How many children do you have?

1 CONTINUE

2 CONTINUE

3 or more CONTINUE

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

AIM FOR A GOOD MIX BY NUMBER OF CHILDREN.

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

Male CONTINUE
Female CONTINUE

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

12. ASK ALL GROUPS 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 CONTINUE

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END
CONTINUE ALL GROUPS.

ENSURE A GOOD MIX IN ALL GROUPS.

13. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 5 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.

14. 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.”

15. 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

16. 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 EITHER.

Participant has high-speed access to the Internet

Participant has a computer/webcam

17. Have you used online meeting software, such as Zoom, Webex, Microsoft Teams, Google Hangouts/Meet, etc., in the last two years?

YesCONTINUE

NoCONTINUE

18. 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

19. 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.

20. 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.24

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

Less than 6 months ago THANK AND END

More than 6 months ago CONTINUE

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

0-4 groups CONTINUE

5 or more groups THANK AND END

23. 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.

24. 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.
EDUCATION LEVEL WILL SKEW LOWER FOR GROUP 10.

25. 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 a 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 – novembre 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 9 novembre 18 h-20 h 18 h-20 h Québec Diaspora haïtienne MP
8 17 novembre 18 h-20 h 18 h-20 h Région de la Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec Jeunes adultes de 18 à 30 ans MP
11 24 novembre 18 h-20 h 18 h-20 h Région du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Population générale MP

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 est la première langue que vous avez apprise lorsque vous étiez enfant et que vous parlez toujours couramment aujourd’hui?

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
Québec Ces villes peuvent notamment comprendre :

Grandes villes = Population 100 000+
Pour les grandes villes : Montréal, Gatineau, Québec City, Saguenay, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saint-Jérôme, Chicoutimi – Jonquière.

Taille moyenne = Population 50 000-99 999
Pour les villes de taille moyenne : Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Chateauguay, Drummondville, Granby, Saint-Hyacinthe.

Petites villes = Population > 49 999
Pour les petites villes : Saint-Georges, Val-d’Or, Sept-Îles, Varennes, Alma.

ESSAYER DE RECRUTER AU MOINS DEUX RÉSIDENTS DANS CHAQUE CATÉGORIE DE VILLE (EN FONCTION DE LA TAILLE DE LA POPULATION). PAS PLUS D’UN PARTICIPANT PAR VILLE. ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DE LA PROVINCE. RECRUTER DES RÉSIDENTS DE GRANDES ET DE PETITES COLLECTIVITÉS.
CONTINUER - GROUPE 4
Région de la Mauricie et Centre-du-Québec Les villes peuvent notamment comprendre :
Mauricie : Trois-Rivières, Shawinigan, La Tuque, Louiseville, Saint-Tite, Saint-Luc-de-Vincennes
Centre-du-Québec : Drummondville, Victoriaville, Bécancour, Nicolet, Plessisville. Princeville, Warwick, Daveluyville, Kingsey Falls

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DE LA RÉGION. PAS PLUS DE DEUX PARTICIPANTS PAR VILLE.
CONTINUER - GROUPE 8
Région du Saguenay – Lac-Saint-Jean Les villes peuvent notamment comprendre :
Alma, Dolbeau-Mistassini, Normandin, Roberval, Saguenay, Saint-Ambroise, Saint-Félicien, Saint-Honoré

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES VILLES DE LA RÉGION. PAS PLUS DE TROIS PARTICIPANTS PAR VILLE. RECRUTER DES RÉSIDENTS DE GRANDES ET DE PETITES COLLECTIVITÉS.
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. Seriez-vous prêt/prête à m’indiquer votre tranche d’âge dans la liste suivante?

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 ans + RÉGION MAURICIE ET CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC = GROUPE 8
TOUS LES AUTRES LIEUX, CONTINUER
25 à 30 ans
31 à 44 ans + RÉGION MAURICIE ET CENTRE-DU-QUÉBEC = REMERCIER ET CONCLURE
TOUS LES AUTRES LIEUX, CONTINUER
45 à 54 ans
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.

5. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Est-ce que vous considérez que votre principal patrimoine culturel ou ethnique est haïtien?

OuiPOSER LA Q.5a

NonREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE Préfère ne pas répondreREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

5a. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Êtes-vous né(e) au Canada?

OuiPASSER À LA Q.6 = GROUPE 4

NonPOSER LA Q.5b

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE Préfère ne pas répondreREMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UN BON ÉQUILIBRE ENTRE LES RÉPONDANTS NÉS AU CANADA ET LES RÉPONDANTS NON NÉS AU CANADA, SI POSSIBLE.

5b. DEMANDER SEULEMENT POUR LE GROUPE 4 Depuis combien d’années habitez-vous au Canada?

Depuis moins de 5 ans CONTINUER – GROUPE 4
Depuis 5 à 9 ans
Depuis 10 à 19 ans
Depuis 20 à 29 ans
Depuis 30 ans ou plus
Ne sais pas/préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

POUR LES RÉPONDANTS NON NÉS AU CANADA, ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION EN FONCTION DU NOMBRE D’ANNÉES VÉCUES AU CANADA.

6. 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.

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

Homme

Femme

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

8. 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 ».

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. 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

13. 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.

14. 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.18

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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.

18. 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

Aux études à temps plein

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

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. PAS D’ÉTUDIANTS ÉTRANGERS. GROUPE 8 PAS PLUS DE TROIS RÉPONDANTS AUX ÉTUDES À TEMPS PLEIN.

19. DEMANDER À TOUS LES GROUPES SAUF AU GROUPE 4 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, thaïlandais)

    Coréen ou japonais

    Autochtone

    Autre groupe racial ou culturel (préciser)

    RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

    ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.

20. 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.

21. 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.

22. 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 NO 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 Moderator’s Guide

MODERATOR’S GUIDE – November 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.
  • Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians Inform participants that we will be discussing the [current] situation in [Haiti/Iran, as well as Flight 752]; emphasize that their participation is voluntary, and they can take a break or ask to move past a question if anything is triggering.

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA IN THE NEWS (5-30 minutes) All Locations

  • What have you seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in the last few days?
    • Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians Where did you hear it?
    • Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees Do you remember where you heard this news?
    • Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec IF NOT MENTIONED: What about any news about recent international summits?
    • Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec IF NOT MENTIONED: What about any news on the Government of Canada strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations?
    • Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec IF NOT MENTIONED: What about any news about the Francophonie Summit in Tunisia?

Ties with Southeast Asia British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec

  • British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine Have you seen, read, or heard anything recently about the Government of Canada strengthening ties with Southeast Asian nations? If yes, what have you heard?

British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine SHOW ON SCREEN:
The Government of Canada will enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations through Canada’s upcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy. The Indo-Pacific Strategy will focus on the following objectives:

    • Strengthening Canada’s role as a reliable and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific;
    • Ensuring resilience, peace, and security;
    • Expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience;
    • Investing in and connecting people; and
    • Building a sustainable and green future.
  • British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults What are your reactions to hearing these objectives?
    • How important, if at all, is enhancing engagement with Southeast Asia?
    • What impacts, if any, will this have in British Columbia?
      • AS NEEDED: What about for expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience?
  • British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults What other information would you like to have on the Indo-Pacific Strategy to help inform your opinion?
  • Generally speaking, would you say the Government of Canada is on the right track or wrong track on managing international relations? Why?
    • What impacts, if any, do international relations have on Canadians living in Canada?
  • Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec Do you have any [questions or] concerns about Canada increasing engagement with countries in Southeast Asia? If yes, what are your concerns?
    • What should the Government of Canada do to address these concerns?
  • Western Canada Young Adults, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec PROMPT: The Government of Canada will enhance engagement with Southeast Asian nations through Canada’s upcoming Indo-Pacific Strategy.
    • FOR MODERATOR’S REFERENCE IF PARTICIPANTS ASK: The Indo-Pacific Strategy will focus on…
      • Strengthening Canada’s role as a reliable and engaged partner to the Indo-Pacific;
      • Ensuring resilience, peace, and security;
      • Expanding trade, investment, and supply chain resilience;
      • Investing in and connecting people; and
      • Building a sustainable and green future.

DIRECTION OF THE COUNTRY (10 minutes) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island

  • In a general sense, by raise of hands, do you think that the country is going in the right or wrong direction? (NOTE: ALLOW PARTICIPANTS TO NOT RAISE HANDS FOR EITHER OPTION)
    • ASK FOR EACH: Very briefly, why do you feel the country is going in the [right/wrong] direction? (NOTE TO MODERATOR: This is a quick go around to get their thoughts. As necessary, you can let participants know that we will get into more details on how the Government of Canada is doing specifically shortly).
  • In the next few years, what do you hope your life will look like? Would it be similar to or different from today?
  • What about the country? What do you hope Canada will look like in the next few years?

PRIORITIES AND PERFORMANCE (10-40 minutes) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers

  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students In your opinion, what would you say the federal government is doing well? Why do you say that?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students What areas do you think the federal government needs to improve in? Why do you say that?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers In your opinion, what are the top issues [that the federal government/impacting Prince Edward Island that the Government of Canada/impacting British Columbians that the Government of Canada/Albertans are facing that the federal government/impacting Quebeckers that the Government of Canada/impacting mothers that the Government of Canada] should be prioritizing?
    • Prince Edward Island (NOTE: If Hurricane Fiona is mentioned, assure participants that we will be discussing the hurricane in depth later on in the group).
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students In your opinion, what are the top issues for students specifically that the federal government should be prioritizing?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees What news have you [ever] seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada’s [past] work on any of these issues?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students Where do you typically look for news?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students Thinking about Government of Canada information in general, including policies or measures it implements, do you actively seek out this kind of information?
    • IF YES: Where do you seek it out?
    • IF NO: Where would you think to look?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students Are you aware of any other work the Government of Canada has done, or is planning to do, to help students?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students On issues important to students, 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?
  • Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students When it comes to engaging with students, like listening and responding to their issues, 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 students?
  • Prince Edward Island, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers [Thinking about these priorities/On these priorities], is the [federal government/Government of Canada] generally on the right track or wrong track? [Why do you say that?/Why?]
    • For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the [federal government/Government of Canada] do to get on the right track?
  • Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees What work, if any, is the federal government planning to do on these files?

Healthcare British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers

  • [How important is health care, compared to the issue you mentioned earlier, regarding the issues the Government of Canada should be focusing on the most?/Thinking back on the issues you originally mentioned, how important is health care as the issue the Government of Canada should be focusing on the most?] Would you say health care is more important for the Government of Canada to focus on, just as important, or less important? Why?
  • Thinking about health care, would you say things in your area are generally getting better, getting worse, or staying the same? What makes you say that?
    • IF GETTING WORSE: What should the Government of Canada be doing to improve the situation, if anything?
  • What have you seen, read, or heard the federal government say or do on health care recently?
    • Where did you hear about it?
    • PROBE: Have you heard anything about negotiations between the federal and provincial governments regarding funding for health care? What did you hear? What were your impressions of the negotiations?
  • When it comes to health care, would you say that the Government of Canada is generally on the right track or wrong track? Why do you say that?
    • For those who say they are on the wrong track, what could the federal government do to get on the right track?

British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers SHOW ON SCREEN:
During these negotiations, the Government of Canada has said that it is ready to increase healthcare spending to the provinces and territories through the Canada Health Transfer.

However, the Government of Canada has said it would like agreement from the provinces and territories on a few key initiatives before proceeding.

A couple of areas of agreement the Government of Canada is seeking relate to:

  • Expanding the use of pan-Canadian indicators to measure progress on priority health areas
  • Building a high-quality health data system for Canada

The Government of Canada feels that this approach will tell a clearer story about access to care across the country, identify where there are gaps in services, and ensure Canadians can access their own health records.

  • British Columbia People Nearing Retirement, Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers What is your reaction to the Government of Canada’s position?
    • PROMPT AS NEEDED:
      • Is improving health data management something the Government of Canada should be prioritizing in these negotiations?
      • How important is it, if at all, for Canadians to be able to see where there are gaps in health care?
      • How important is it to you, if at all, to have access to your personal health information?

POST-SECONDARY ISSUES (30 minutes) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students

Now I’d like to focus on post-secondary issues specifically…

  • How did you go about choosing the type of post-secondary education you’re currently pursuing? What factors did you consider?
    • Did anyone help you make this decision? If so, who?
    • Where did you look for information on your post-secondary options?

POLL: I’m going to show you some things the Government of Canada could do related to post-secondary education. I’d like you to select any that you think stand out as being a really good initiative. You can select all of them, none of them, or anywhere in between.

  • Allow new parents to pause repayment of their federal student loans until their youngest child reaches the age of five
  • Continue scaling up youth and student skills and employment programming, opportunities, and initiatives for Canadian youth
  • Create a new stream of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy for Canadians with disabilities
  • Expand pathways to Permanent Residence for international students through the Express Entry system (used to manage immigration applications from skilled workers)
  • Increase the repayment assistance threshold to $50,000 for Canada Student Loan borrowers who are single and make appropriate adjustments to the thresholds for other family sizes
  • Permanently eliminate federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans

MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH SELECTIONS

  • Is there anything else that you think the Government of Canada should do related to post-secondary education?

ENTERING THE WORKFORCE (30 minutes) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students

  • What do you hope to do once you complete your post-secondary education? (PROMPT IF NECESSARY: Will you be looking for a job? Continuing your schooling?)
    • IF JOB HUNTING: What field would you like to work in?
      • Where and/or how do you search for job opportunities?
      • Are there enough job opportunities in your area? In other words, do you anticipate that you will have to move to find a job, or will you be able to find one where you live now?
  • What are the most important things you would look for before applying for or accepting a new job? (PROMPT IF NECESSARY: Other than wages, what would you look for?)
  • How important is it to you for a prospective employer to be environmentally responsible? (For example, having a plan to reduce their emissions, becoming more energy efficient, adopting 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 to you for a prospective employer to be socially responsible? (For example, investing in their communities, providing 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?

Now, I have two different terms I’d like you to consider:

  • A good job
  • A good career
  • What do each of these terms mean to you? How are they similar/different?

COVID-19 BOOSTERS (15 minutes) Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students, Prince Edward Island

I’d like to talk about COVID-19 now…

  • How concerned, if it all, are you about contracting COVID-19?
  • How many of you have been vaccinated against COVID-19? (SHOW OF HANDS)
    • Have you received any recent boosters? Why/why not?
      • IF YES: Do you know what kind of booster you’ve received? What kind?
  • Are you familiar with Health Canada’s newly approved “bivalent” boosters?
    • What do you know about them?

Eastern Ontario Post-Secondary Students CLARIFY AS NEEDED/SHOW ON SCREEN:
Early in September, Health Canada authorized an adapted version of a COVID-19 vaccine, which some of you may know as the Moderna “bivalent” vaccine, which targets the originals SARS-CoV-2 virus from 2019 and the Omicron (BA.1) variant and is authorized for use as a booster dose. In early October, it has since also approved a Pfizer bivalent vaccine, available for individuals aged 12 and up. These vaccines have a similar profile to the previously approved Moderna Spikevax booster and the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty vaccines with the same mild adverse reactions that quickly subside.

  • Do you have any concerns about these booster doses? If so, what are they?
    • What factors are stopping you from getting a booster dose? (PROBE FOR: Side effects, effectiveness, type of booster [such as the original versus the bivalent vaccine])
  • For those who have received a booster dose, do you plan on staying on top of your vaccinations with future booster doses?
  • Do you think that vaccinations are an effective way to protect families, communities, and yourselves against COVID-19?
  • What sort of impact do you think the new bivalent vaccines will have on families, communities, and yourselves?
    • What sort of impacts do you think it will have on the healthcare system?

Prince Edward Island CLARIFY AS NEEDED: Health Canada recently approved the use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose. These target the original virus as well as the Omicron (BA.1) variant or Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

HURRICANE FIONA (30 minutes) Prince Edward Island

  • Have you seen, read, or heard anything about the Government of Canada’s response to Hurricane Fiona?
    • Did they do or are they doing anything to help the affected provinces?
    • Based on what you’ve heard/read/seen, would you say the Government of Canada is on the right track or the wrong track when it comes to their response to Hurricane Fiona?

SHOW ON SCREEN:

In response to Hurricane Fiona, the Government of Canada did or is doing the following:

  • The Government Operations Centre worked with staff in the region and is coordinating the federal government’s response to tropical storm Fiona.
  • In response to Requests for Federal Assistance from Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, the Government of Canada provided support with recovery and clean up.
  • The Canadian Armed Forces mobilized resources and personnel to provide on-the-ground support to local authorities where needed.
  • The Government of Canada established a donation-matching program with the Canadian Red Cross to support Canadians impacted by Hurricane Fiona. Donations will support the range of emergency services the Red Cross is delivering to those in need including interim housing, clothing, food, and other essential supplies.
  • The Government of Canada created the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund. The Fund will provide up to an additional $300 million over two years, starting this year, to help those impacted by the storm and to support long-term recovery efforts.
  • What are your initial thoughts about these actions?
    • Are they doing enough to help the affected communities?
    • What else could they be doing?

Now, I’d like to talk about the Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund in a bit more detail.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
The Hurricane Fiona Recovery Fund (HFRF) was set up to support recovery efforts such as:

  • Helping local communities and businesses rebuild and recover more quickly from the impacts of Hurricane Fiona.
  • Restoring the economic activity that local communities depend on by beginning to repair and rebuild critical infrastructure, including fishing wharves and small craft harbours that were damaged or destroyed by the storm. Repairs will ensure that the infrastructure is better able to withstand any future damage.
  • Ensuring the safety of navigation and protecting marine wildlife.
  • After hearing more about the Fund, what are your thoughts about it?
    • In your view, are these the right initiatives to prioritize?
    • What else would you like to see the Government of Canada do?

CLIMATE CHANGE IMPACTS & ADAPTATION (30 minutes) Prince Edward Island

  • Would you say climate change is having a major, minor or no impact on your community?
    • IF YES: What have you noticed?
      • Have these changes impacted your daily life?
  • In the future, do you think climate change will have a major, minor or no impact on your community?
    • IF YES: What impacts are you most concerned about? (PROBE FOR: More extreme weather events, impacts on housing, economy, health)
  • When you hear the statement that “climate change is leading to more extreme weather, like Hurricane Fiona,” would you say you agree or disagree with it?
  • Is your community prepared to deal with the impacts of climate change? What about your household?
    • What have you or your community done to prepare?
  • What would you like to see your community do to prepare for the impacts of climate change that has not been done yet?
  • Is it important for the federal government to help communities prepare for the impacts of climate change?
    • Before this evening, had you heard of anything the federal government is doing?
      • What would you want them to do?

FALL ECONOMIC STATEMENT (30 minutes) Eastern Canada Young Adults, Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults

  • Has anyone heard anything about the Government of Canada’s Fall Economic Statement (FES)?
    • IF YES, PROBE IN-DEPTH:
      • What did you hear?
      • What are your overall impressions of the Fall Economic Statement?
      • What do you think the overall focus of the Fall Economic Statement is?
      • What specific initiatives are in it?
      • Is there anything in there you like?
        • IF YES, PROBE:
          • What do others think about (ITEMS MENTIONED)?
      • Anything you don’t like?
        • IF YES, PROBE:
          • What do others think about (ITEMS MENTIONED)?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:

Last week, the Government of Canada released its Fall Economic Statement. As some of you may know, the federal government typically issues an annual budget, but it’s normally preceded in the fall with an economic update, known as the Fall Economic Statement. I’m going to show you some measures included in the FES.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
The following are some of the measures included in the Fall Economic Statement:

  • Permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans;
  • Creating a new, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit with automatic advance payments so workers get their refund in chunks throughout the year, rather than as a lump sum after filing their taxes (the Canada Workers Benefit is a refundable tax credit to help individuals and families who are working and earning a low income);
  • Delivering on a plan to make housing more affordable, including the creation of a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account, a doubling of the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit, and ensuring that property flippers pay their fair share;
  • Lowering credit card transaction fees for small business; and
  • Creating a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, which will help workers upgrade or gain new skills for jobs in a low-carbon economy. The Centre would focus on specific areas in high demand, starting with the sustainable battery industry and low-carbon building and retrofits.

POLL: Now I’d like you to select which one of these measures is the most important. Please select just one; if you don’t think any of these are important, don’t select any.

  • Permanently eliminating interest on federal student and apprentice loans;
  • Creating a new, quarterly Canada Workers Benefit with automatic advance payments;
  • Delivering on a plan to make housing more affordable (includes new TFFHSA; doubling FTHBTC; ensuring property flippers pay their fair share);
  • Lowering credit card transaction fees for small business; and
  • Creating a Sustainable Jobs Training Centre, which will focus on specific areas in high demand.

MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH SELECTIONS

  • Do you have any questions about any of these measures? If so, what are they?
  • Overall, what is your reaction to these measures?
    • Do you feel that these are the sorts of things the Government of Canada should be doing right now, or not? What makes you say that?
  • Now that we’ve discussed it for a bit, how would you describe the Fall Economic Statement in a sentence to someone who hadn’t heard about it? What do you think the overall focus of the Fall Economic Statement is?
  • Taken together, what do the proposed measures in the Fall Economic Statement tell you about the Government of Canada’s priorities?

FEDERAL IDENTITY PROGRAM (20 minutes) Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees

  • When you notice information from the Government of Canada (e.g., online, on paper, on billboards, on TV, etc.), how do you know it is from the Government of Canada?
    • PROBE: Is it clear to you that this is information that comes from the Government of Canada? Why? Why not?
    • IF NOT, PROBE: Can you give me an example of an instance when you weren’t sure?
  • When you hear information, on the radio for instance, how do you know it’s from the Government of Canada?
    • PROBE: Where do you hear this? Radio? TV?
    • PROBE: Are there specific statements or sounds that are used to identify information from the Government of Canada?

SHOW “CANADA” WORDMARK ON SCREEN

  • Have you seen this symbol before? If so, where?
  • What does this symbol mean in general?
    • IF NOT MENTIONED, PROBE: Do you think that the symbol represents the Government of Canada? Why? Why not?
  • What does it mean to you personally?
    • PROBE IF NECESSARY: What are you most likely to associate this symbol with? How does it make you feel? Why?
    • Does the symbol represent positive or negative feelings/ideas? Why?
  • Why do you think the Government of Canada uses this symbol in its communications and information?
  • Where do you expect this symbol to be displayed?
  • IF TRUST/CREDIBILITY/CONFIDENCE NOT MENTIONED YET, ASK: When you notice this symbol, do you trust the information that comes along with it? Do you have confidence that the information is credible? Why? Why not?

TECH SUPPORT TO PLAY O-CANADA MUSICAL SIGNATURE

  • Have you heard this jingle before? If so, where?
  • The Government of Canada uses this jingle in its communications. Why do you think they do that?

MISINFORMATION (45 minutes) Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults

In this next section, I’m going to ask you some questions about social media use and the information you’re likely to encounter online…

  • Which social media websites or apps do you use? How frequently do you use them?
    • Which of these social media, websites or apps do you use to answer health-related questions?
    • FOR THOSE WHO USE SPECIFIC APPS: Why do you prefer to use these apps to answer your health-related questions over your other apps?
  • How often do you come across information online that you’re not sure about, in terms of whether it is true or false?
    • Can you share an example?
      • Where did you see this information? Do you remember where the information came from?
      • Did you take any steps to find out whether it was true or not? What steps did you take?
        • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults IF SAY USE PEER-REVIEWED SOURCES: What do you mean when you say, “peer-reviewed sources”?
  • When I say “misinformation,” what comes to mind?

Now, I’m going to show you four different headlines. Imagine you encountered them online. For each of these statements, I would like you to rate them on a scale from True to False, where 1 is false, 3 is neutral or unsure, and 5 is true. NOTE TO MODERATOR: WATCH FOR PARTICIPANTS CHECKING ACCURACY OF STATEMENTS ONLINE AND UNDERSCORE THAT THIS IS MEANT TO BE A SPONTANEOUS, NOT RESEARCHED, EXERCISE. IT IS NOT A TEST OF THEIR KNOWLEDGE.

  • MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH TRUE/FALSE RATING. AFTER EACH STATEMENT/SHARE POLL RESULTS AND ASK:
    • What are your general reactions to this statement? Did you find this statement believable?
    • What made them believable or not?
    • If you had to guess, what do you think the original sources were for these posts?

SHOW ON SCREEN:

New evidence shows that monkeypox is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.

POLL:
Now I would like you to rate this statement on a scale from True to False, where 1 is false, 3 is neutral or unsure, and 5 is true.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
Genetically modified foods are less safe than traditional varieties.

POLL:
Now I would like you to rate this statement on a scale from True to False, where 1 is false, 3 is neutral or unsure, and 5 is true.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
Mental health disorders can be traced to changes in brain [activity/chemistry].

POLL:
Now I would like you to rate this statement on a scale from True to False, where 1 is false, 3 is neutral or unsure, and 5 is true.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the cold and flu.

POLL:
Now I would like you to rate this statement on a scale from True to False, where 1 is false, 3 is neutral or unsure, and 5 is true.

  • Can you describe your thought process as you decided whether the statement was true or false?
    • What sources of information or people would you likely turn to in order to help you make your decision?
    • Do you think that the social media platform [on which you read this statement] would affect your initial true/false judgement?
      • PROMPT: For instance, do you judge headlines like these differently depending on if you read them on Facebook, Reddit, Twitter, or any other social media you use?
        • IF USE OTHER SOCIAL MEDIA: What other platforms do you use?
  • How certain are you about your true/false evaluation? Why?
    • [Is there anything that might change how you evaluated the credibility of the statement?] What, if anything, would change your sense of your accuracy?
  • Let’s look again at the first statement: “New evidence shows that monkeypox is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.” If you were asked to verify whether this statement was true or false, how would you go about doing it?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
Generally, misinformation is information that is proven to be false or inaccurate, regardless of whether it was intended to cause harm or not.

  • Are you concerned about the spread of misinformation online? What makes you say that?

Debrief on Statements

  • [In line with everything we’ve discussed, I will briefly go through some of the statements we mentioned earlier to describe which ones are considered to be supported by evidence by the scientific community and which ones are considered to be false or unverified./I’d like to debrief quickly on the statements you just reviewed. First, I’d like to acknowledge that there are various ways in which these statements could be interpreted, so we encourage you to conduct your research if you are unsure about what follows. But, secondly, general headlines like these have either been confirmed or debunked by various, reputable sources. I’m going to show you which ones have been confirmed or debunked, along with a brief explanation. We will follow up with each of you by email tomorrow with this information, along with links to sources cited and information about each of these sources.]

SHOW ON SCREEN:
“New evidence shows that monkeypox is a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccines.”

  • This is false.
  • Doctors, health professionals, and medical researchers say monkeypox cannot be contracted via COVID-19 vaccination.
  • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults According to l'Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM, which is the national agency for the safety of medicines and health products in France), the AstraZeneca vaccine was developed from a chimpanzee adenovirus encoding the SARS-CoV-2 Spike protein. However, this adenovirus and the monkeypox virus have nothing to do with each other.
  • Western Canada Young Adults According to the AFP, a leading global fact-checking organisation, the virus is not a side effect of the shot.

“Genetically modified foods are less safe than traditional varieties.”

  • This is false.
  • Eastern Canada Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults [According to the Alliance for Science,] Genetically Modified (GMO) foods have a long and safe track record during their more than 20 years on the market. Eating GMO foods has the same level of risk as eating the same non-GMO food with ingredients from plants modified by older plant breeding techniques.
  • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults According to a Quebec government website which provides information on genetically modified organisms, not all GMOs developed and possibly approved end up on the market as each GMO must comply with a number of laws and regulations before it can be marketed. In Canada, the approval process put in place by the federal government can take up to ten years.

“Mental health disorders can be traced to changes in brain [activity/chemistry].”

  • This is true.
  • Eastern Canada Young Adults Many factors contribute to mental health problems, including brain chemistry.
  • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults According to a Canadian study published in JAMA Psychiatry, depressive individuals suffer from brain inflammation.
  • Western Canada Young Adults According to the Mayo Clinic, many factors contribute to mental health problems, including brain chemistry.

“Antibiotics cannot be used to treat the cold and flu.”

  • This is true.
  • Eastern Canada Young Adults When it comes to viruses—such those that cause COVID-19, colds, or influenza (flu), and other viral illnesses— antibiotic medicines don’t work.
  • Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults According to le ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé est l’administration française (the French Ministry of Solidarity and Health), antibiotics are not active against viruses. For example, they have no effect on the common cold or the flu.
  • Western Canada Young Adults According to John Hopkins Medicine, when it comes to viruses—such those that cause COVID-19, colds or influenza (flu), and other viral illnesses— antibiotic medicines don’t work.
  • Do you have any comments on the information/clarification that I have just provided to you?

SITUATION IN HAITI (45 minutes) Quebec Haitian Diaspora

  • What is the most recent information, if any, that you have heard about the situation in Haiti?
    • Where have you been getting news about the developments in Haiti?

MODERATOR SHOULD FEEL FREE TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS THE TIME THEY NEED TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES HERE

  • What, if anything, have you heard the Government of Canada say about the situation?
  • To the best of your knowledge, what has the Government of Canada done in response to the situation in Haiti?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
Haiti is facing a humanitarian crisis which has been worsened by gang violence. Gangs recently blocked the main fuel terminal road as well as the seaports. There has also been increased looting and gun battles between gangs and police.

SHOW ON SCREEN:
The following are some of the measures the Government of Canada has taken in response to the situation:

  • Conducting an assessment mission in Haiti to consult with stakeholders on options to support Haitian people in resolving the humanitarian and security crises and how Canada can contribute to the international response.
  • Contributed $10 million to the new United Nations Development Program (UNDP) multi-donor fund to improve security in Haiti. This is in addition to $22.5 million Canada has already committed (2021 to 2026) to Haiti’s security sector.
  • Coordinated delivery of Haitian National Police Equipment (in partnership with the United States), including tactical and armoured vehicles, and supplies (purchased by Haiti).
  • Imposed targeted sanctions against 2 Haitian political elites who provide illicit financial and operational support to armed gangs.
  • Has anyone heard of these measures?
    • Will they be helpful to people in Haiti?
  • Are these the sorts of measures the Government of Canada should be taking?
  • Is there more the federal government should do in response to the situation in Haiti?
    • IF YES: What specifically?
    • IF NO: Why do you feel that way?
  • Do you feel personally impacted by the recent events in Haiti? If yes, in which ways?
  • In your opinion, what are some of the long-term impacts of this crisis? What do you expect to see happen?

IMMIGRATION (15-40 minutes) Quebec Haitian Diaspora, Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec

  • Quebec Haitian Diaspora In general, is the Government of Canada generally on the right track or wrong track on immigration? What makes you say that?
  • Quebec Haitian Diaspora Last week, the Government of Canada announced that it plans to increase the number of immigrants admitted to Canada, aiming to admit roughly 500,000 immigrants annually by the year 2025. Do you feel that this would be too many, too few, or just about the right amount of immigrants coming to Canada? What makes you say that?
  • Quebec Haitian Diaspora Do you have any questions or concerns about the immigration system? What are they?
    • IF HAVE CONCERNS: What would you like to see the Government of Canada do to address your concerns about the immigration system?

Federal Government Immigration Efforts Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine, Saguenay and Lac-Saint-Jean Region Quebec

  • How would you describe the current state of the immigration system in Canada?
    • Would you say the Government of Canada is generally on the right track or wrong track when it comes to immigration?
  • What are some of the benefits that welcoming new immigrants has for Canada?
  • Does anyone have any concerns about welcoming new immigrants? If yes, what are these concerns?
    • Are you concerned at all about the impact of immigration on the health care system? What about on the housing/rental market?
  • Do you think the Government of Canada should increase, decrease, or keep the rate of immigration at about the same level? Why?
    • IF INCREASE OR DECREASE: What impacts would this have in Canada, either socially or economically?
  • What have you seen, read, or heard recently about Canada’s immigration levels?
    • PROMPT: The Government of Canada has recently announced it will increase the number of new immigrants from 405,000 in 2021 to 465,000 in 2023; increasing gradually until reaching 500,000 new immigrants in 2025.
  • What are your reactions to this news?
    • Do you think these numbers are too high, too low, or sound about right?
    • Does hearing these numbers change the way you see the impacts of welcoming new immigrants into Canada?
    • Would you feel differently knowing that the immigration rate will continue to be roughly 1% of Canada’s total population? Why?
  • Thinking now about the economy, how big of an issue, if at all, are labour shortages? Why?
  • To what extent do you agree of disagree with the following statement: “Canada needs to welcome more new immigrants in order to fill job vacancies and grow the economy.”

PROMPT: Employers across all sectors in Canada were actively seeking to fill nearly one million vacant positions in the second quarter, the highest quarterly number on record.

  • What are your reactions to this?
  • Does knowing this change the way you see the increase in the number of new immigrants welcomed into Canada?

SITUATION IN IRAN (85 minutes) City of Toronto Iranian Canadians

  • What is the most recent news you have heard, if anything, about what is happening in Iran?
    • Where do you typically get news about Iran?

MODERATOR SHOULD FEEL FREE TO GIVE PARTICIPANTS THE TIME THEY NEED TO EXPRESS THEMSELVES HERE.

  • What, if anything, have you heard the Government of Canada say or do about Iran in recent weeks?

PROVIDE OVERVIEW:
Recently, protests have been taking place nationwide in Iran since September 16, 2022, following the death of Mahsa Zhina Amini, a 22-year-old woman arrested by police in Tehran on September 13 for allegedly violating Iran's rules requiring women to cover their hair with a hijab, or headscarf. Security forces have used force to disperse crowds which has resulted in numerous deaths and injuries.

  • IF NOT MENTIONED BEFORE: What have you heard or seen the Government of Canada do in response to this situation?

PROVIDE OVERVIEW:
In response to the situation in Iran, the Government of Canada has imposed sanctions on individuals and entities, including members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and the regime’s security, intelligence, and economic apparatus. These sanctions prohibit dealings with the listed individuals and entities, effectively freezing any assets they may hold in Canada. Individuals listed in response to gross and systematic violations of human rights are also rendered inadmissible to Canada under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The Government of Canada also intends to strengthen Canada’s capacity to implement sanctions and ensure it can move more quickly to freeze and seize sanctioned individuals’ assets.

  • Has anyone heard of these measures?
  • Are these the sorts of measures the Government of Canada should be taking?
  • Is there more the federal government should do in response to the situation in Iran?
  • Do you feel personally impacted by the recent events in Iran? If yes, in which ways?
  • In your opinion, what are some of the long-term impacts of these recent events? What do you expect to see happen?

Turning now to a slightly different topic, but still related to Iran…

As you may know, on January 8, 2020, Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 was shot down minutes after taking off from Tehran, Iran, by an Iranian surface-to-air missile. 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents were among the 176 people killed. 138 had ties to Canada.

  • In the years since this tragedy, have you heard, read, or seen anything about the Government of Canada’s response?
    • IF AWARE: What did you think about these measures? Are you satisfied or dissatisfied with the Government of Canada’s response to date?

SHOW ON SCREEN:
The following are some of the measures the Government of Canada has taken specifically in response to the downing of Flight 752:

  • Creating a coordination group with countries that lost citizens in the downing of Flight 752 and working to hold Iran accountable for its violations of international law, demanding that it provides a full, transparent, and credible explanation of the downing of Flight 752;
  • Called for accountability for those responsible for the Flight 752 tragedy;
  • Establishing the Safer Skies Initiative which brings together the global civil aviation community to work toward enhancing the safety and security of aviation operations in higher-risk areas and to prevent future tragedies like PS752 from ever happening again; and
  • Providing regular updates to families and loved ones of the victims via calls, emails, and updates to an online portal. The Government of Canada also provided mental-health and post-traumatic-stress counselling services after the tragedy to help families.
  • Has anyone heard of these measures?
  • Are these the sorts of measures the Government of Canada should have taken?
  • Is there more the federal government could have done or should do?

NEARING RETIREMENT ISSUES (40 minutes) British Columbia People Nearing Retirement

Moving on to a different topic…

  • What is the most important issue for you personally that you think the Government of Canada should be focusing on the most? What makes you say that?
  • And what’s the most important issue facing those nearing retirement more broadly right now that the Government of Canada should be paying more attention to? What makes you say that?
  • When thinking about retirement, what are your biggest concerns?
    • What about the cost of living?
      • How much of an impact, if at all, does the cost of living have on your retirement plans? If it has an impact, where are you noticing these impacts the most?
  • How big of a priority, if at all, is retirement planning in your daily life? What, if anything, are you doing to prepare for your retirement?
  • How important, if at all, are government programs like the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Old Age Security (OAS), and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) in your retirement plans?

SHOW ON SCREEN:
Canada Pension Plan (CPP)
Old Age Security (OAS)
Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

  • What about Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)?
  • How familiar, if at all, are you with each of these programs?

CLARIFY EACH PROGRAM/SHOW ON SCREEN:
The Old Age Security (OAS) pension amount is payable to seniors 65 and over who have a minimum of 10 years of residence in Canada after age 18. It is considered taxable income and is subject to a recovery tax if your individual net annual income is higher than the net world income threshold set for the year ($79,845 for 2021).

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) is an additional non-taxable benefit payable to low-income OAS pensioners. A person’s entitlement is based on their marital status and level of income. The GIS is re-calculated each July based on your net income in the previous calendar year. Payments can increase, decrease, or even stop according to changes in your annual net income.

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your work earnings income in retirement when you retire. The amount you receive each month is based on your average earnings throughout your working life, your contributions to the CPP, and the age you decide to start your CPP retirement pension. The earlier you apply, the less you will receive on a monthly basis. To receive a retirement pension, you must be at least 60 years old and have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP.

OAS, GIS, and CPP benefits are adjusted each year to reflect changes in the Consumer Price Index (OAS and GIS are reviewed in January, April, July, and October; CPP rate increases are calculated once a year and come into effect each January) to ensure that they keep up with the cost of living.

  • What are your reactions to this? Is there any information that you were unaware of before today?

Over the last few years, there have been some changes to these programs. We will review two of these now.

SHOW ON SCREEN ONE AT A TIME:
The CPP enhancement began being phased-in in 2019. It will provide higher benefits in retirement in exchange for making higher CPP contributions.

As of July 2022, seniors who are 75 years old or older receive an automatic 10% increase of their Old Age Security pension.

MODERATOR TO GO THROUGH EACH AND ASK:

    • What is your reaction to this?
    • Does this change impact you in any way? If so, how?
  • Do you think that programs like the CPP, OAS, and GIS will help you live comfortably in retirement?
  • What else should the Government of Canada do to help support those planning for retirement?

PLANNING TO PURCHASE A VEHICLE (15 minutes) Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees

  • What are your current means of transportation? For you, for your family?
    • Probe for transportation used most frequently on a day-to-day basis (e.g., personal vehicle, public transit, bicycle/e-bike, etc.)
  • Do you have access to any other means of transportation? If so, what are they?

I understand that everyone in this group may be looking to purchase or lease a new vehicle sometime in the next 5 years.

  • What are your main reasons for wanting to purchase or lease a vehicle?
  • When you are looking to purchase or lease this vehicle, what are your main considerations? (e.g., price, model, etc.)
    • NOTE TO MODERATOR: Allow time to explore in some detail.
  • How important, if at all, is fuel efficiency to you? Are current gas prices impacting your decision in any way? If yes, how so?
  • How big of a concern are gas prices in your community? What’s causing the recent increases in gas prices?
    • What do you expect the future of gas prices to be?
    • What can be done in response to rising gas costs?

ZERO-EMISSION VEHICLES (35 minutes) Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees

  • Does anyone know what zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) are? Can you provide a brief description?
    • Does anyone currently own or lease a ZEV?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED:
A ZEV is a vehicle that has the potential to produce no tailpipe emissions. They can still have a conventional internal combustion engine, but they are also able to operate without using it. Examples of ZEVs include battery-electric, plug-in hybrid electric and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles. So essentially, an electric vehicle is a type of ZEV; hydrogen fuel cell is another type of ZEV.

  • IF NOT RAISED EARLIER: Is anyone considering or looking to purchase or lease a ZEV, such as an electric vehicle that is either fully electric, hybrid or plug-in hybrid? What are your main reasons for doing so?
    • Does the rising cost of gas make you more interested or less interested in purchasing or leasing a ZEV?

FOR THOSE NOT CONSIDERING:

  • Do you see yourselves ever buying or leasing a ZEV?
    • IF YES: When do you think you would make this purchase? In 5 years, 10 years, longer?
    • IF NOT: What is holding you back?
    • What are the most important things that would sway you to consider buying a zero-emission vehicle?
  • What are the biggest barriers to purchasing a ZEV?
    • PROMPT AS NEEDED: Are ZEVs affordable? Is there the charging infrastructure to support ZEVs? Is there a good selection of ZEV makes/models to choose from? Do you think they are reliable given the weather/climate in your area?
    • What, if anything, should the GC be doing to make ZEVs more accessible to Canadians like you?
  • How important is it that ZEVs and/or ZEV parts be made in Canada?
    • Is ‘made-in-Canada’ an important attribute when making this type of purchase?
    • What impacts would it have if ZEVs and/or ZEV parts were made in Canada?
      • PROMPT AS NEEDED: For example, on cost, on jobs, etc.
    • Should the federal government be prioritizing ZEVs and the manufacturing of ZEVs in Canada? Why/why not?

COVID-19 OUTLOOK/VACCINES (30 minutes) Metro Vancouver BC Not Received 4th Dose of COVID-19 Vaccine

When we invited you to this group, all of you indicated you had received 3 doses of a COVID-19 vaccine.

  • Is that still the case?
    • IF NO: Have you since gotten a 4th dose?
  • What made you decide to get vaccinated?
  • Overall, are you comfortable with your decision to be vaccinated with 3 doses? What makes you say that?
  • Do any of you have an appointment to get a fourth dose of the COVID-19 vaccine?
    • IF YES: Why did you decide to get a 4th dose?
    • IF NOT: Do you plan to get a 4th dose, or not?
      • IF YES: When do you plan on getting a 4th dose? Is there a reason why you are holding off/haven’t booked your appointment yet?
      • IF NO: What hesitations do you have about getting a 4th dose?
  • For those of you who are holding off or are hesitant about getting a 4th dose, are there questions about COVID-19 vaccines in general, or about your next booster dose specifically, that you would like answers to?
    • What other information, if any, do you need to help you decide about getting a 4th dose?
  • Are you familiar with Health Canada’s newly approved “bivalent” COVID-19 booster doses?
    • What do you know about them?

CLARIFY AS NEEDED: Health Canada recently approved the use of bivalent COVID-19 vaccines as a booster dose. These target the original virus as well as the Omicron (BA.1) variant or Omicron BA.4 and BA.5 subvariants.

  • Do you have any concerns about these booster doses? If so, what are they?
  • Are you concerned about the potential long-term impacts of vaccines?
    • PROBE FOR: What concerns you the most?
  • Do you think that vaccinations are an effective way to protect families, communities, and yourselves against COVID-19? Why do you say that?
  • What sort of impact do you think the new bivalent vaccines will have on families, communities, and yourselves?
    • What sort of impacts do you think it will have on the healthcare system?

Moving to a slightly different topic, have you heard, read, or seen anything about flu season in Canada this year?

  • Have you received a flu shot this year?
    • IF NOT: Do you intend to get a flu shot? Why/why not?
    • IF YES: What made you decide to get one?

SERVICE DELIVERY (15 minutes) Western Canada Young Adults

  • What are the most important services the Government of Canada delivers to Canadians?
  • How would you describe the Government of Canada’s current ability to deliver these services?
    • IF NOT MENTIONED: What about when it comes to passport services, managing airports, and processing immigration applications?
    • Has the Government of Canada gotten better, worse, or been consistent in terms of delivering any of these services? Why?
  • How confident are you, if at all, that the Government of Canada can improve its service delivery?
    • IF NOT CONFIDENT: What would you like to see the Government of Canada do to improve service delivery?

BUYBACK PROGRAM (20 minutes) Western Canada Young Adults

  • How important of an issue, if at all, is gun control?
  • When it comes to gun control in Canada, should the Government of Canada make laws more strict, less strict, or should they stay about the same?
  • Would you say the Government of Canada is generally on the right track or wrong track when it comes to gun control? Why?
  • What have you seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada and gun control?
    • IF NEEDED: What about the Government of Canada banning over 1,500 different models of assault-style rifles?

PROMPT: As of May 1, 2020, the Government of Canada has prohibited over 1,500 models of assault-style firearms, including the AR-15.

  • What is your reaction to this ban? What impact do you expect this ban to have on gun crime in Canada?
  • Who has seen, read, or heard anything about the Government of Canada’s plan to buyback these banned assault-style rifles from their current owners?
    • IF AWARE: What have you heard about the buyback program?

PROMPT: The Government will launch a buyback program to ensure these weapons are safely and permanently removed and will provide compensation to owners and businesses impacted by the May 1, 2020 ban.

  • What is your reaction to the buyback program? What impact do you expect this buyback program to have?
  • Does anyone have any questions or concerns about this program? If yes, what are you most concerned about?
  • Are there any other measures you’d like to see alongside the buyback program?

PARENTS – COST OF LIVING (40 minutes) Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers

  • In one word, how would you describe the Canadian economy of today?
  • How do you think the economy will be in the next few years? Do you think things will get better, worse, or stay about the same by next year? What about in five years? Why?
    • How would you know if things were getting better or worse? What are the signs?
  • Generally, how would you describe the Government of Canada’s management of the economy? Are they generally on the right track or the wrong track? Why?
  • As a parent, which economic issues are you most worried about and impacted by?
    • Does the Government of Canada understand the economic issues you’re most worried about and impacted by? Why/why not?
      • PROMPT AS NEEDED: What about on affordability and the cost of living?
  • What is the Government of Canada doing to address the rising cost of living?
  • What are examples of things that have become less affordable in your day-to-day life?
    • PROMPT AS NEEDED: What about when it comes to groceries or gas?
    • Have you changed any of your day-to-day habits in response to the rising cost of living?
  • What do you think is causing prices to go up?
  • Is the increase in the cost of living a “made in Canada” problem or is it a global problem? How do you know?
    • What can the Government do about the rising cost of living?
  • Are you aware of any Government of Canada policies, programs, services, or benefits that benefit parents?
  • IF THERE IS ENOUGH TIME:
    • Who here is aware of the Canada Child Benefit, $10 a Day Childcare, or the Canada Dental Benefit?
      • PROMPT AS NEEDED: The Canada Child Benefit (CCB) is a means-tested income support program for Canadian families. It is delivered as a tax-free monthly payment available to eligible Canadian families to help with the cost of raising children.
      • PROMPT AS NEEDED: The Government of Canada is working with provinces and territories to make progress towards a Canada-wide Early Learning and Child Care system that will reduce costs to families, reducing fees by 50% this year and bringing fees down to on average $10 a day by 2026.
      • PROMPT AS NEEDED: The Government of Canada is implementing a Dental Benefit to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 starting this year.
      • When it comes to affordability and the cost of living, how big of an impact, if any, will these programs have on you and your family?
        • Would you consider the Canada Child Benefit, $10 a Day Child Care, and the Canada Dental Benefit as important affordability measures for parents? Why/why not?
  • What else should the Government of Canada do to help support parents?

CARBON PRICING (15 minutes) Mid-size and Major Centres Prairies Working Mothers

  • Have you heard anything about the Government of Canada’s Climate Action Incentive? What can you tell me about it?
    • Whether you’ve heard about the Climate Action Incentive or not, what do you think of when hearing the phrase “Climate Action Incentive”?

CLARIFY/SHOW ON SCREEN:
In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a plan to ensure a price on carbon pollution across the country, giving each province and territory the flexibility to develop a system that works for their circumstances, provided it meets the federal standard. In the four provinces that currently do not meet this standard – Ontario, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta – the federal pricing system is in place. As of July 2023, it will also come into effect in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island.

All proceeds collected from the federal system in a province stay in that province – using Alberta as an example – 90% of proceeds are returned directly to residents in the form of the Climate Action Incentive payment, with a typical household receiving about $1,544. Since July 2022, individuals receive these payments quarterly.

  • What do you think about this plan?
  • To the best of your knowledge, have you received the Climate Action Incentive?
    • IF YES: How did you receive it?

CONCLUSION (5-10 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.

Quebec Haitian Diaspora, City of Toronto Iranian Canadians NOTE TO MODERATOR: Take a few minutes to decompress with participants before letting them go.

French Moderator’s Guide

GUIDE DU MODÉRATEUR — NOVEMBRE 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.
  • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto Informer les participantes et participants que nous allons discuter de la situation [actuelle] en [Haïti/Iran ainsi que le vol 752] ; insister sur le fait que leur participation est volontaire, et qu’elles ou qu’ils peuvent prendre une pause ou demander à ce qu’on passe à une autre question si quelque chose constitue un élément déclencheur.

LE GOUVERNEMENT DU CANADA DANS L’ACTUALITÉ (5-30 minutes) Tous les lieux

  • Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu au sujet du gouvernement du Canada au cours des derniers jours ?
    • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto Où l’avez-vous entendu ?
    • Potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta Vous souvenez-vous où vous avez entendu cette nouvelle ?
    • Personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de nouvelles en lien avec les récents sommets internationaux ?
    • Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de nouvelles concernant le renforcement des liens entre le gouvernement du Canada et les nations de l’Asie du Sud-Est ?
    • Région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il de nouvelles en lien avec le Sommet de la Francophonie en Tunisie ?

Liens avec l’Asie du Sud-Est Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

  • Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B. Avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu quelque chose au sujet du renforcement des liens entre le gouvernement du Canada et les nations du Sud-Est asiatique ? Si oui, qu’avez-vous entendu ?

Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B. AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Le gouvernement du Canada va intensifier son engagement avec les nations de l’Asie du Sud-Est dans le cadre de sa Stratégie pour l’Indopacifique qu’il dévoilera prochainement. La Stratégie pour l’Indopacifique s’articulera autour des objectifs suivants :

    • Renforcer le rôle du Canada en tant que partenaire fiable et engagé dans la région indopacifique ;
    • Assurer la résilience, la paix et la sécurité ;
    • Accroître le commerce, l’investissement et la résilience de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ;
    • Investir dans les gens et les rapprocher ;
    • Bâtir un avenir durable et vert.
  • Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien Quelles sont vos réactions après avoir entendu ces objectifs ?
    • Quelle est l’importance, le cas échéant, d’intensifier notre engagement avec l’Asie du Sud-Est ?
    • Quels impacts, le cas échéant, cela aura-t-il en Colombie-Britannique ?
      • AU BESOIN : Qu’en est-il pour ce qui est de l’accroissement des échanges commerciaux, des investissements et de la résilience des chaînes d’approvisionnement ?
  • Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien Quelles autres informations souhaiteriez-vous obtenir sur la Stratégie pour l’Indo-Pacifique afin d’éclairer votre opinion ?
  • De manière générale, diriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada est sur la bonne voie ou la mauvaise voie en ce qui concerne la gestion des relations internationales ? Pourquoi ?
    • Quels impacts, le cas échéant, les relations internationales ont-elles pour les Canadiennes et les Canadiens vivant au Canada ?
  • Personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean Avez-vous des [questions ou des] préoccupations quant à l’intention du Canada d’accroître son engagement auprès des pays de l’Asie du Sud-Est ? Si oui, quelles sont vos préoccupations ?
    • Que devrait faire le gouvernement du Canada pour répondre à ces préoccupations ?
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean MENTIONNER : Le gouvernement du Canada va intensifier son engagement avec les nations de l’Asie du Sud-Est dans le cadre de sa Stratégie pour l’Indopacifique qu’il dévoilera prochainement.
    • À TITRE DE RÉFÉRENCE POUR LE MODÉRATEUR SI LES PARTICIPANT(E)S POSENT LA QUESTION : La Stratégie pour l’Indopacifique s’articulera autour des objectifs suivants…
      • Renforcer le rôle du Canada en tant que partenaire fiable et engagé dans la région indopacifique ;
      • Assurer la résilience, la paix et la sécurité ;
      • Accroître le commerce, l’investissement et la résilience de la chaîne d’approvisionnement ;
      • Investir dans les gens et les rapprocher ;
      • Bâtir un avenir durable et vert.

ORIENTATION QUE PREND LE PAYS (10 minutes) Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien, l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard

  • De manière générale, en levant la main, pensez-vous que le pays se dirige dans la bonne ou dans la mauvaise direction ? (NOTE : PERMETTRE AUX PARTICIPANT[E]S DE NE PAS LEVER LA MAIN POUR L’UNE OU L’AUTRE DES OPTIONS)
    • DEMANDER À CHAQUE PERSONNE : Très brièvement, pourquoi estimez-vous que le pays se dirige dans la [bonne/mauvaise] direction ? (NOTE AU MODÉRATEUR : Il s’agit d’un tour de table rapide pour recueillir leurs avis. Au besoin, faire savoir aux participant[e]s que nous allons bientôt examiner plus en détail la performance comme telle du gouvernement du Canada.)
  • Dans les quelques prochaines années, à quoi souhaitez-vous que votre vie ressemble ? Serait-elle similaire ou différente de celle que vous avez aujourd’hui ?
  • Qu’en est-il du pays ? À quoi souhaitez-vous que le Canada ressemble dans quelques années ?

PRIORITÉS ET PERFORMANCE (10-40 minutes) Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien, l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto, personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies

  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien À votre avis, que fait de bien le gouvernement fédéral ? Pourquoi dites-vous cela ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien Selon vous, sur quels plans le gouvernement fédéral doit-il s’améliorer ? Pourquoi dites-vous cela ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien, l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto, personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta, région québécoise du Saguenay—Lac-Saint-Jean, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies À votre avis, quels sont les principaux enjeux [auxquels le gouvernement fédéral/qui ont un impact sur l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard et auxquels le gouvernement du Canada/qui ont un impact sur la population britanno-colombienne et auxquels le gouvernement du Canada/auxquels la population albertaine est confrontée et auxquels le gouvernement fédéral/qui ont un impact sur la population québécoise et auxquels le gouvernement du Canada/qui ont un impact sur les mères et auxquels le gouvernement du Canada devrait accorder la priorité ?
    • L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard (NOTE : Si l’on mentionne l’ouragan Fiona, assurez les participantes et les participants que nous discuterons de l’ouragan de manière approfondie plus tard dans le groupe).
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien À votre avis, quels sont les principaux enjeux qui concernent spécifiquement les étudiantes et les étudiants et auxquels le gouvernement fédéral devrait accorder la priorité ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien, diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta 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 ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarienOù cherchez-vous habituellement pour obtenir les actualités ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien En ce qui concerne l’information relative au gouvernement du Canada en général, y compris les politiques ou les mesures qu’il met en œuvre, cherchez-vous activement ce genre d’information ?
    • SI OUI : Où cherchez-vous pour trouver ce genre d’information ?
    • SI NON : Où penseriez-vous chercher ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien Êtes-vous au courant de tout autre travail que le gouvernement du Canada a fait ou prévoit de faire pour aider les étudiantes et étudiants ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien En ce qui concerne les enjeux qui sont importants pour les étudiantes et étudiants, le gouvernement fédéral est-il 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 fédéral pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
  • Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien Pour ce qui est d’échanger avec la population étudiante, c’est-à-dire d’écouter et de traiter les enjeux qui la concerne, diriez-vous que le gouvernement fédéral est généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ?
    • Quelles sont de meilleures façons pour le gouvernement fédéral d’échanger avec la population étudiante ?
  • L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard, diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto, personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies [En ce qui concerne ces priorités/Pour ce qui est de ces priorités], le gouvernement [fédéral/du Canada] est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? [Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?/Pourquoi ?]
    • Pour les personnes qui affirment qu’il est sur la mauvaise voie, que pourrait faire le gouvernement [fédéral/du Canada] pour se mettre sur la bonne voie ?
  • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta Quel travail, le cas échéant, le gouvernement fédéral prévoit-il de faire dans ces dossiers ?

Soins de santé Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies

  • [Quelle est l’importance des soins de santé, par rapport à l’enjeu que vous avez mentionné plus tôt, relativement aux enjeux sur lesquels le gouvernement du Canada devrait se concentrer le plus ?/Si l’on revient sur les enjeux que vous avez mentionnés initialement, quelle est l’importance des soins de santé comme enjeu sur lequel le gouvernement du Canada devrait se concentrer le plus ?] Diriez-vous que c’est un enjeu plus important, tout aussi important ou moins important sur lequel le gouvernement fédéral devrait se concentrer ? Pourquoi ?
  • En ce qui concerne les soins de santé, diriez-vous que les choses dans votre région, de manière générale, s’améliorent, se détériorent ou restent les mêmes ? Pourquoi ?
    • SI « SE DÉTÉRIORENT » : Que devrait faire le gouvernement fédéral pour améliorer la situation, le cas échéant ?
  • Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu le gouvernement du Canada dire ou faire en matière de soins de santé récemment ?
    • Où en avez-vous entendu parler ?
    • SONDER : Avez-vous entendu quelque chose au sujet de négociations entre le gouvernement fédéral et les gouvernements provinciaux sur le financement des soins de santé ? Qu’avez-vous entendu ? Quelles ont été vos impressions de ces négociations ?
  • En ce qui concerne les soins de santé, direz-vous que le gouvernement fédéral est généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi dîtes-vous cela ?
    • 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 ?

Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Au cours de ces négociations, le gouvernement du Canada a déclaré qu’il était prêt à augmenter les investissements en soins de santé versés aux provinces et aux territoires dans le cadre du Transfert canadien en matière de santé.

Toutefois, le gouvernement du Canada a dit souhaiter obtenir l’accord des provinces et des territoires sur quelques initiatives clés avant d’aller de l’avant.

Voici quelques domaines pour lesquels le gouvernement du Canada souhaite parvenir à un accord :

  • Élargir l’usage d’indicateurs pancanadiens pour mesurer les progrès dans des domaines prioritaires de la santé
  • Mettre sur pied un système de données sur la santé de haute qualité pour le Canada

Le gouvernement du Canada estime que cette approche permettra de dresser un portrait plus clair de l’accès aux soins dans l’ensemble du pays, d’identifier les lacunes dans les services, et de faire en sorte que les Canadiens puissent accéder à leurs propres dossiers de santé.

  • Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique, mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies Quelle est votre réaction à l’égard de la position du gouvernement du Canada ?
    • DEMANDER AU BESOIN :
      • Est-ce que l’amélioration de la gestion des données en santé devrait être une priorité pour le gouvernement du Canada dans ces négociations ?
      • Dans quelle mesure est-il important, le cas échéant, que les Canadiennes et les Canadiens puissent voir où se trouvent les lacunes dans les soins de santé ?
      • Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour vous, le cas échéant, d’avoir accès à vos renseignements personnels sur la santé ?

ENJEUX POSTSECONDAIRES (30 minutes) Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien

Maintenant, je voudrais qu’on se concentre plus particulièrement sur les enjeux postsecondaires…

  • Comment vous y êtes-vous pris ou prise pour choisir le type d’études postsecondaires que vous poursuivez actuellement ? Quels sont les facteurs que vous avez pris en compte ?
    • Avez-vous obtenu l’aide de quelqu’un pour prendre cette décision ? Si oui, qui ?
    • Où avez-vous cherché pour obtenir des informations sur vos options d’études postsecondaires ?

SONDAGE : Je vais vous montrer certaines choses que le gouvernement du Canada pourrait faire en lien avec l’éducation postsecondaire. J’aimerais que vous choisissiez celles qui, selon vous, se démarquent comme étant de très bonnes initiatives. Vous pouvez les sélectionner toutes, aucune, ou un nombre qui se situe entre ces deux extrêmes.

  • Permettre aux nouveaux parents de suspendre le remboursement de leurs prêts étudiants jusqu’à ce que leur plus jeune enfant ait cinq ans
  • Continuer à élargir les initiatives, les occasions et les programmes axés sur les compétences et l’emploi qui sont destinés aux jeunes et aux étudiants canadiens
  • Créer un nouveau volet de la Stratégie emploi et compétences jeunesse pour les Canadiens en situation de handicap
  • Élargir les voies d’accès à la résidence permanente pour les étudiants internationaux au moyen du système Entrée express (utilisé pour gérer les demandes d’immigration présentées par des travailleurs qualifiés)
  • Faire passer à 50 000 $ le seuil du Programme d’aide au remboursement pour les étudiants emprunteurs qui sont célibataires et apporter les modifications appropriées aux seuils pour les familles de diverses tailles
  • Éliminer définitivement les intérêts sur les prêts d’études canadiens et les prêts canadiens aux apprentis

LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE LES CHOIX

  • Y a-t-il autre chose que le gouvernement du Canada devrait faire, selon vous, en lien avec l’éducation postsecondaire ?

L’ENTRÉE DANS LA VIE ACTIVE (30 minutes) Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien

  • Qu’espérez-vous faire une fois vos études postsecondaires terminées ? (DEMANDER SI NÉCESSAIRE : Allez-vous chercher un emploi ? Poursuivre vos études ?)
    • SI À LA RECHERCHE D’UN EMPLOI : Dans quel domaine aimeriez-vous travailler ?
      • Où et comment faites-vous des recherches pour identifier les possibilités d’emploi ?
      • Existe-t-il suffisamment de possibilités d’emploi dans votre région ? En d’autres termes, anticipez-vous devoir déménager pour trouver un emploi, ou pourrez-vous en trouver un là où vous habitez actuellement ?
  • Quelles sont les choses les plus importantes que vous rechercheriez avant de poser votre candidature ou d’accepter un nouvel emploi ? (DEMANDER SI NÉCESSAIRE : À part le salaire, que rechercheriez-vous ?)
  • Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour vous qu’un employeur potentiel soit respectueux de l’environnement ? (Par exemple, avoir un plan pour réduire ses émissions, devenir plus écoénergétique, adopter des pratiques plus durables, etc.)
    • Si une entreprise n’avait aucun plan visant à devenir plus respectueuse de l’environnement, cela vous empêcherait-il de poser votre candidature ou d’accepter un poste au sein de celle-ci ?
  • Dans quelle mesure est-il important pour vous qu’un employeur potentiel soit responsable sur le plan social ? (Par exemple, investir dans sa collectivité, offrir une gamme complète d’avantages sociaux à son personnel, etc.)
    • Si une entreprise n’avait aucune forme d’engagement sur le plan de la responsabilité sociale, cela vous empêcherait-il de poser votre candidature ou d’accepter un poste au sein de celle-ci ?

Maintenant, j’aimerais que vous considériez les deux différents termes suivants :

  • Un bon emploi
  • Une bonne carrière
  • Que signifie chacun de ces termes pour vous ? En quoi sont-ils similaires ou différents ?

VACCINATION DE RAPPEL CONTRE LA COVID-19 (15 minutes) Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien, l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard

Je souhaite maintenant de parler de la COVID-19…

  • Dans quelle mesure la possibilité de contracter la COVID-19 vous préoccupe-t-elle, le cas échéant ?
  • Combien d’entre vous ont été vaccinés contre la COVID-19 ? (À MAIN LEVÉE)
    • Avez-vous récemment reçu des doses de rappel ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
      • SI OUI : Savez-vous quel type de dose de rappel vous avez reçue ? Quel type ?
  • Êtes-vous au fait des doses de rappel des vaccins bivalents contre la COVID-19 récemment approuvés par Santé Canada ?
    • Qu’en savez-vous ?

Étudiantes et étudiants de l’Est ontarien CLARIFIER AU BESOIN/AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Au début septembre, Santé Canada a autorisé une version adaptée d’un vaccin contre la COVID-19 que vous connaissez peut-être comme le vaccin (dit « bivalent ») de Moderna, qui cible le virus original du SRAS CoV 2 de 2019 et le variant Omicron (BA.1), et son utilisation est autorisée comme dose de rappel. Au début octobre, Santé Canada a depuis également approuvé un vaccin bivalent Pfizer, destiné aux personnes âgées de 12 ans et plus. Ceux-ci ont un profil similaire au vaccin de rappel Spikevax de Moderna précédemment approuvé et aux vaccins Comirnaty de Pfizer-BioNTech, avec les mêmes effets indésirables légers qui disparaissent rapidement.

  • Avez-vous des préoccupations au sujet de ces doses de rappel ? Si oui, quelles sont-elles ?
    • Quels sont les facteurs qui vous empêchent de recevoir une dose de rappel ? (SONDER POUR : Effets secondaires, efficacité, type de rappel [comme le vaccin original par rapport au vaccin bivalent])
  • Pour les personnes qui ont reçu une dose de rappel, prévoyez-vous de rester à jour dans vos vaccinations et de recevoir des doses de rappel à l’avenir ?
  • Pensez-vous que la vaccination est un moyen efficace de protéger les familles, les collectivités et vous-mêmes contre la COVID-19 ? Pourquoi dites-vous cela ?
  • Quel genre d’impact pensez-vous que les nouveaux vaccins bivalents auront sur les familles, les collectivités et vous-mêmes ?
    • Quel genre d’impact pensez-vous qu’ils auront sur le système de santé ?

L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN : Santé Canada a récemment approuvé l’utilisation des vaccins bivalents contre la COVID-19 comme dose de rappel. Ceux-ci ciblent le virus original ainsi que le variant Omicron (BA.1) ou les sous-variants Omicron BA.4 et BA.5.

L’OURAGN FIONA (30 minutes) L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard

  • Avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu quelque chose sur la réponse du gouvernement du Canada à l’ouragan Fiona ?
    • Qu’a-t-il fait ou que fait-il pour aider les provinces touchées par l’ouragan ?
    • D’après ce que vous avez vu, lu ou entendu, diriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada est sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie en ce qui concerne sa réponse à l’ouragan Fiona ?

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Voici ce que le gouvernement du Canada fait en réponse à l’ouragan Fiona :

  • Le Centre des opérations du gouvernement travaille avec le personnel de la région et coordonne l’intervention fédérale à la tempête tropicale Fiona.
  • En réponse aux demandes d’aide fédérale de la Nouvelle-Écosse, de l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard et de Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, le gouvernement du Canada fournit un soutien pour le rétablissement et le nettoyage.
  • Les Forces armées canadiennes ont mobilisé des ressources et du personnel afin de fournir un soutien sur le terrain aux autorités locales là où elles en ont besoin.
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a établi un programme de jumelage de dons avec la Croix-Rouge canadienne pour aider les Canadiennes et Canadiens touchés par l’ouragan Fiona. Les dons appuieront la gamme de services d’urgence que la Croix-Rouge offre aux personnes qui en ont besoin, y compris du logement provisoire, des vêtements, de la nourriture et d’autres fournitures essentielles.
  • Le gouvernement du Canada a créé le Fonds de rétablissement de l’ouragan Fiona. Le Fonds servira à verser jusqu’à 300 millions de dollars de plus sur deux ans, à compter de cette année, pour aider les gens touchés par la tempête et soutenir les efforts de rétablissement à long terme.
  • Quelles sont vos premières impressions quant à ces actions ?
    • En fait-il assez pour aider les collectivités touchées par l’ouragan ?
    • Que pourrait-il faire d’autre ?

J’aimerais maintenant vous parler du Fonds de rétablissement de l’ouragan Fiona de manière un peu plus détaillée.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :

Le Fonds de rétablissement de l’ouragan Fiona (FROF) a été constitué pour appuyer notamment les mesures de rétablissement suivantes :

  • Aide aux communautés et aux entreprises locales pour leur permettre de rebâtir et de se remettre plus rapidement des conséquences de l’ouragan Fiona.
  • Relance de l’activité économique dont dépendent les communautés locales en commençant à réparer et à reconstruire les infrastructures essentielles qui ont été endommagées ou détruites par la tempête, notamment les quais de pêche et les ports pour petits bateaux. Les infrastructures seront réparées de manière à mieux résister aux futurs dommages.
  • Assurance de la sécurité de la navigation et protection de la faune marine.
  • Après en avoir entendu davantage sur le Fonds, qu’en pensez-vous ?
    • À votre avis, est-ce les bonnes initiatives auxquelles il faut accorder la priorité ?
    • Que souhaiteriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada fasse d’autre ?

IMPACTS ET ADAPTATION AU CHANGEMENT CLIMATIQUE (30 minutes) L’Île-du-Prince-Édouard

  • Diriez-vous que le changement climatique a actuellement un impact majeur, mineur ou aucun impact sur votre collectivité ?
    • SI OUI : Qu’avez-vous remarqué ?
      • Ces changements ont-ils eu un impact sur votre vie quotidienne ?
  • Dans le futur, pensez-vous que le changement climatique aura un impact majeur, mineur ou aucun impact sur votre collectivité ?
    • SI OUI : Quels sont les impacts qui vous préoccupent le plus ? (SONDER : Impacts sur le logement, l’économie, la santé)
  • Lorsque vous entendez l’affirmation selon laquelle « le changement climatique entraîne une augmentation des phénomènes météorologiques extrêmes, comme l’ouragan Fiona », diriez-vous que vous êtes en accord ou en désaccord avec cette cela ?
  • Votre collectivité est-elle prête à faire face aux impacts du changement climatique ? Qu’en est-il de votre ménage ?
    • Qu’est-ce que vous ou votre collectivité avez fait pour vous préparer ?
  • Qu’est-ce que vous souhaiteriez voir votre collectivité faire pour se préparer aux impacts du changement climatique qui n’a pas encore été fait ?
  • Est-il important que le gouvernement fédéral aide les collectivités à se préparer aux impacts du changement climatique ?
    • Avez-vous entendu parler de ce que fait le gouvernement fédéral à cet égard ?
      • Que voudriez-vous qu’il fasse ?

ÉNONCÉ ÉCONOMIQUE DE L’AUTOMNE (30 minutes) Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien, diaspora haïtienne québécoise, jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec

  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu quelque chose au sujet de l’Énoncé économique de l’automne (ÉÉA) du gouvernement du Canada ?
    • SI OUI, SONDER DE MANIÈRE APPROFONDIE :
      • Qu’avez-vous entendu ?
      • Quelles sont vos impressions globales de l’Énoncé économique de l’automne ?
      • Que pensez-vous de l’orientation globale de l’Énoncé économique de l’automne ?
      • Quelles mesures précises contient-il ?
      • Contient-il des choses qui vous plaisent ?
        • SI OUI, SONDER :
          • Qu’en pensent les autres (DES ÉLÉMENTS MENTIONNÉS) ?
      • Y a-t-il des choses qui vous déplaisent ?
        • SI OUI, SONDER :
          • Qu’en pensent les autres (DES ÉLÉMENTS MENTIONNÉS) ?

PRÉCISER SI NÉCESSAIRE :
La semaine dernière, le gouvernement du Canada a publié son Énoncé économique de l’automne. Comme certains d’entre vous le savent peut-être, le gouvernement fédéral présente généralement un budget annuel, mais celui-ci est habituellement précédé à l’automne d’une mise à jour économique, connue sous le nom d’Énoncé économique de l’automne. Je vais vous montrer quelques mesures contenues dans l’ÉÉA.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Voici quelques-unes des mesures qui figurent dans l’Énoncé économique de l’automne :

  • Éliminer les intérêts sur les prêts fédéraux aux étudiants et aux apprentis de façon permanente ;
  • Créer une nouvelle Allocation canadienne pour les travailleurs trimestrielle pourvue de paiements anticipés automatiques afin que les travailleurs reçoivent leur remboursement par tranches tout au long de l’année, plutôt qu’en un versement unique après avoir produit leur déclaration de revenus (l’Allocation canadienne pour les travailleurs est un crédit d’impôt remboursable offert aux personnes et aux familles qui travaillent, mais qui gagnent un revenu faible) ;
  • Donner suite au plan visant à rendre le logement plus abordable, y compris la création d’un nouveau compte d’épargne libre d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première propriété (CÉLIAPP), le doublement du crédit d’impôt pour l’achat d’une première habitation (CIAPH) et l’assurance que ceux qui procèdent à la revente précipitée de propriétés paient leur juste part ;
  • Réduire les frais de transactions liés aux cartes de crédit pour les petites entreprises ;
  • Créer le Centre de formation pour les emplois durables, qui permettra d’aider des travailleurs à améliorer leurs compétences ou à en acquérir de nouvelles en vue d’occuper un emploi dans une économie à faibles émissions de carbone. Le Centre se concentrera sur des secteurs précis recherchés, à commencer par l’industrie des batteries durables et la construction et les rénovations à faibles émissions de carbone.

SONDAGE : Maintenant, j’aimerais que vous choisissiez la mesure la plus importante. Veuillez n’en choisir qu’une ; n’en sélectionnez pas si vous pensez qu’aucune n’est importante.

  • Éliminer les intérêts sur les prêts fédéraux aux étudiants et aux apprentis de façon permanente ;
  • Créer une nouvelle Allocation canadienne pour les travailleurs trimestrielle pourvue de paiements anticipés automatiques ;
  • Donner suite au plan visant à rendre le logement plus abordable (y compris le nouveau CÉLIAPP ; le doublement du CIAPH ; l’assurance que ceux qui procèdent à la revente précipitée de propriétés paient leur juste part) ;
  • Réduire les frais de transactions liés aux cartes de crédit pour les petites entreprises ;
  • Créer le Centre de formation pour les emplois durables, qui se concentrera sur des secteurs précis recherchés.

LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE LES CHOIX

  • Avez-vous des questions concernant l’une de ces mesures ? Si oui, quelles sont-elles ?
  • Dans l’ensemble, quelle est votre réaction à ces mesures ?
    • Êtes-vous d’avis que c’est le genre de choses que le gouvernement du Canada devrait faire en ce moment, ou non ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Maintenant que nous en avons discuté un peu, comment décririez-vous l’Énoncé économique de l’automne en une phrase à quelqu’un qui n’en avait pas entendu parler ? Que pensez-vous de l’orientation globale de l’Énoncé économique de l’automne ?
  • Prises dans leur ensemble, que vous disent les mesures proposées dans l’Énoncé économique de l’automne sur les priorités du gouvernement du Canada ?

PROGRAMME FÉDÉRAL DE L’IMAGE DE MARQUE (20 minutes) Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien, jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec, potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta

  • Lorsque vous voyez de l’information du gouvernement du Canada (p. ex. en ligne, sur papier, sur des panneaux d’affichage, à la télévision, etc.), comment savez-vous qu’elle provient du gouvernement du Canada ?
    • SONDER : Est-il clair pour vous qu’il s’agit d’une information qui provient du gouvernement du Canada ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi pas ?
    • SI NON, SONDER : Pouvez-vous me donner un exemple d’un cas où vous n’aviez pas la certitude ?
  • Lorsque vous entendez de l’information, à la radio par exemple, comment savez-vous qu’elle provient du gouvernement du Canada ?
    • SONDER : Où l’entendez-vous ? À la radio ? À la télévision ?
    • SONDER : Y a-t-il des phrases ou des sons spécifiques qui servent à identifier l’information provenant du gouvernement du Canada ?

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN LE MOT-SYMBOLE « CANADA »

  • Avez-vous déjà vu ce symbole auparavant ? Si oui, où ?
  • Que signifie ce symbole de manière générale ?
    • SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ, SONDER : Pensez-vous que ce symbole représente le gouvernement du Canada ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi pas ?
  • Que signifie-t-il pour vous personnellement ?
    • SONDER SI NÉCESSAIRE : À quoi est-il le plus probable que vous associiez ce symbole ? Que vous fait-il ressentir ? Pourquoi ?
    • Le symbole représente-t-il des idées ou des sentiments positifs ou négatifs ? Pourquoi ?
  • Pourquoi pensez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada utilise ce symbole dans ses communications et informations ?
  • Où vous attendez-vous à voir ce symbole affiché ?
  • SI L’ON A TOUJOURS PAS MENTIONNÉ LA CONFIANCE/LA CRÉDIBILITÉ/LA CERTITUDE, DEMANDER : Lorsque vous apercevez ce symbole, faites-vous confiance aux informations qui l’accompagnent ? Avez-vous la certitude que l’information est crédible ? Pourquoi ? Pourquoi pas ?

LA PERSONNE RESPONSABLE DU SOUTIEN TECHNIQUE FERA JOUER LA SIGNATURE MUSICALE « Ô Canada »

  • Avez-vous déjà entendu cet indicatif sonore ? Si oui, où ?
  • Le gouvernement du Canada utilise cet indicatif sonore dans ces communications. Pourquoi pensez-vous qu’il le fait ?

LA MÉSINFORMATION (45 minutes) Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien, jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec, jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien

Dans la section qui suit, je vais vous poser quelques questions sur l’utilisation des médias sociaux et les informations que vous êtes susceptible de rencontrer en ligne…

  • Quels sites ou applications de médias sociaux utilisez-vous ? À quelle fréquence les utilisez-vous ?
    • Lesquels de ces médias sociaux, sites web ou applications utilisez-vous pour répondre à des questions liées à la santé ?
    • POUR LES PERSONNES QUI UTILISENT DES APPLICATIONS SPÉCIFIQUES : Pourquoi préférez-vous utiliser ces applications pour répondre à vos questions liées à la santé plutôt que d’autres applications ?
  • Combien de fois tombez-vous sur des informations en ligne dont vous n’avez pas la certitude qu’elles sont vraies ou fausses ?
    • Pouvez-vous nous donner un exemple ?
      • Où avez-vous vu cette information ? Vous souvenez-vous d’où provenait l’information ?
      • Avez-vous employé des moyens pour savoir si elle était véridique ou non ? Quels moyens avez-vous employés ?
        • Jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec, jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien SI L’ON DIT AVOIR RECOURS À DES SOURCES ÉVALUÉES PAR DES PAIRS : Qu’entendez-vous par « sources évaluées par des pairs » ?
  • Lorsque je dis « mésinformation », qu’est-ce qui vous vient à l’esprit ?

Maintenant, je vais vous montrer quatre grands titres différents. Pour chacune de ces affirmations, je voudrais que vous les évaluiez à l’aide d’une échelle allant de vrai à faux, où 1 est faux, 3 est neutre ou incertain, et 5 est vrai. NOTE AU MODÉRATEUR : SURVEILLER SI LES PARTICIPANTES ET PARTICIPANTS VÉRIFIENT L’EXACTITUDE DES AFFIRMATIONS EN LIGNE ET INSISTER SUR LE FAIT QU’IL S’AGIT D’UN EXERCICE SPONTANÉ ET NON DE RECHERCHE. CE N’EST PAS UN TEST DE LEURS CONNAISSANCES.

  • LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE LES ÉVALUATIONS « VRAI-FAUX ». APRÈS CHACUNE DES AFFIRMATIONS DEMANDER/AFFICHER LES RÉSULTATS DU SONDAGE ET DEMANDER :
    • Quelles sont vos réactions générales à cette affirmation ? Avez-vous trouvé cette affirmation crédible ?
    • Qu’est-ce qui le rendait crédible ou non ?
    • Si vous deviez deviner, quelle était, selon vous, la source originale de cette publication ?

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
De nouvelles preuves montrent que la variole simienne est un effet secondaire des vaccins contre la COVID-19.

SONDAGE :
Maintenant, je voudrais que vous évaluiez cette affirmation à l’aide d’une échelle allant de vrai à faux, où 1 signifie faux, 3 signifie neutre ou incertain et 5 signifie vrai.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Les aliments génétiquement modifiés sont moins sûrs que les variétés traditionnelles.

SONDAGE :
Maintenant, je voudrais que vous évaluiez cette affirmation à l’aide d’une échelle allant de vrai à faux, où 1 signifie faux, 3 signifie neutre ou incertain et 5 signifie vrai.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Les troubles de santé mentale peuvent être attribués à des modifications [de la chimie/de l’activité] du cerveau.

SONDAGE :
Maintenant, je voudrais que vous évaluiez cette affirmation à l’aide d’une échelle allant de vrai à faux, où 1 signifie faux, 3 signifie neutre ou incertain et 5 signifie vrai.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Les antibiotiques ne peuvent pas être utilisés pour traiter le rhume et la grippe.

SONDAGE :
Maintenant, je voudrais que vous évaluiez cette affirmation à l’aide d’une échelle allant de vrai à faux, où 1 signifie faux, 3 signifie neutre ou incertain et 5 signifie vrai.

  • Pouvez-vous décrire votre processus de réflexion qui vous a permis de décider si l’affirmation était vraie ou fausse ?
    • Vers quelles sources d’information ou vers quelles personnes vous tourneriez-vous pour vous aider à prendre votre décision ?
    • Pensez-vous que la plateforme de médias sociaux [sur laquelle vous avez lu cette affirmation] affecterait votre évaluation initiale du point de vue vrai-faux ?
      • DEMANDER : Par exemple, évaluez-vous différemment les grands titres comme ceux-ci selon que vous les lisez sur Facebook, Reddit, Twitter ou tout autre média social que vous utilisez ?
        • SI L’ON UTILISE D’AUTRES MÉDIAS SOCIAUX : Quelles autres plateformes utilisez-vous ?
  • Quel est votre degré de certitude quant à votre évaluation vrai-faux ? Pourquoi ?
    • [Y a-t-il quelque chose qui pourrait changer la façon dont vous avez évalué la crédibilité de l’affirmation ?] Qu’est-ce qui, le cas échéant, changerait votre sentiment d’exactitude ?
  • Revoyons la première affirmation : « De nouvelles preuves montrent que la variole simienne est un effet secondaire des vaccins contre la COVID-19. » Si l’on vous demandait de vérifier si cette affirmation est vraie ou fausse, comment vous y prendriez-vous ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Généralement, les fausses informations sont des informations qui ont été prouvées comme étant fausses ou inexactes, sans égard à l’intention de causer du tort ou non.

  • La diffusion de fausses informations en ligne vous préoccupe-t-elle ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?

Débreffage sur les affirmations

  • [J’aimerais faire un débreffage rapide sur les affirmations que vous venez de passer en revue. Tout d’abord, j’aimerais reconnaître que ces affirmations peuvent être interprétées de différentes façons et nous vous encourageons donc à effectuer vos recherches si vous doutez de ce qui suit. Mais, deuxièmement, de grands titres comme ceux-ci ont été soit confirmés soit déboulonnés par diverses sources fiables. Je vais vous montrer lesquels ont été confirmés ou déboulonnés, accompagné d’une brève explication. Nous vous ferons parvenir ces mêmes informations, ainsi que des liens vers les sources citées et des informations sur chacune de ces sources par courriel demain.]

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
« De nouvelles preuves montrent que la variole simienne est un effet secondaire des vaccins contre la COVID-19. »

  • Ceci est faux.
  • Les médecins, les professionnels de la santé et les chercheurs en médecine affirment que la variole simienne ne peut pas être contractée par le biais de la vaccination contre la COVID-19.
  • Jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec Selon l’Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM), le vaccin d’AstraZeneca est constitué d’un adénovirus de chimpanzé codant pour la glycoprotéine Spike du SARS-CoV-2. Il ne contient pas le virus lui-même et ne peut pas provoquer la COVID-19.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien Selon l’AFP, un chef de file mondial en matière de vérification des faits, le virus n’est pas un effet secondaire de la vaccination.

« Les aliments génétiquement modifiés sont moins sûrs que les variétés traditionnelles. »

  • Ceci est faux.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien, jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien [Selon l’organisation Alliance for Science,] Les aliments génétiquement modifiés (OGM) ont fait leurs preuves, y compris en matière de sécurité, après plus de 20 ans de présence sur le marché. Consommer des aliments OGM présente le même niveau de risque que de consommer le même aliment non OGM dont les ingrédients proviennent de plantes modifiées par des techniques de sélection végétale plus anciennes.
  • Jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec Selon un site officiel du gouvernement du Québec qui contient de l’information sur les organismes génétiquement modifiés, tous les OGM développés et éventuellement approuvés ne se retrouvent pas sur le marché. En effet, chaque OGM doit satisfaire à un certain nombre de lois et de règlements avant de pouvoir être commercialisé. Au Canada, le processus d’approbation mis en place par le gouvernement fédéral peut s’échelonner sur une dizaine d’années.

« Les troubles de santé mentale peuvent être attribués à des modifications de la chimie du cerveau. »

  • Ceci est vrai.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien De nombreux facteurs contribuent aux problèmes de santé mentale, y compris la chimie du cerveau.
  • Jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec Selon une étude canadienne publiée dans le JAMA Psychiatry, les personnes dépressives souffrent d’une inflammation cérébrale.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien Selon la Mayo Clinic, de nombreux facteurs contribuent aux problèmes de santé mentale, y compris la chimie du cerveau.

« Les antibiotiques ne peuvent pas être utilisés pour traiter le rhume et la grippe. »

  • Ceci est vrai.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Est canadien Lorsqu’il s’agit de virus — comme ceux qui causent la COVID-19, le rhume ou la grippe, et d’autres maladies virales —, les antibiotiques ne fonctionnent pas.
  • Jeunes adultes des régions de la Mauricie et du Centre-du-Québec Selon le ministère des Solidarités et de la Santé du gouvernement de France, les antibiotiques ne sont pas actifs contre les virus. À titre d’exemple, ils n’ont pas d’effet sur le rhume ou sur la grippe.
  • Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien Selon John Hopkins Medicine, Lorsqu’il s’agit de virus — comme ceux qui causent la COVID-19, le rhume ou la grippe, et d’autres maladies virales —, les antibiotiques ne fonctionnent pas.
  • Avez-vous des commentaires sur les informations ou les clarifications que je viens de vous fournir ?

LA SITUATION EN HAÏTI (45 minutes) Diaspora haïtienne québécoise

  • Quelle est l’information la plus récente, le cas échéant, que vous ayez entendue sur la situation en Haïti ?
    • Où obtenez-vous des nouvelles sur l’évolution de la situation en Haïti ?

LE MODÉRATEUR DOIT SE SENTIR LIBRE DE DONNER AUX PARTICIPANTES ET AUX PARTICIPANTS LE TEMPS NÉCESSAIRE POUR S’EXPRIMER À CE STADE-CI.

  • Qu’avez-vous entendu le gouvernement du Canada dire, le cas échéant, à propos de la situation ?
  • Au meilleur de vos connaissances, qu’a fait le gouvernement du Canada en réponse à la situation en Haïti ?

PRÉCISER SI NÉCESSAIRE :
Haïti est confronté à une crise humanitaire qui a été aggravée par la violence des gangs. Les gangs ont récemment bloqué la route principale menant au terminal de carburant ainsi que les ports maritimes. Il y a également eu une augmentation des actes de pillage et des échanges de coups de feu entre les gangs et la police.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Voici quelques-unes des mesures prises par le gouvernement du Canada en réponse à la situation :

  • Mène une mission d’évaluation en Haïti pour consulter les intervenants afin d’explorer différents moyens d’aider le peuple haïtien à résoudre les crises humanitaires et de sécurité, ainsi que déterminer de quelle façon le Canada peut contribuer à la réponse internationale.
  • A contribué 10 millions de dollars au nouveau fonds multidonateurs du Programme des Nations Unies pour le développement (PNUD) pour améliorer la sécurité en Haïti. Cette somme s’ajoute aux 22,5 millions de dollars que le Canada a déjà engagés (de 2021 à 2026) pour le secteur de la sécurité en Haïti.
  • A coordonné la livraison d’équipement à la Police nationale d’Haïti ( en partenariat avec les États-Unis), y compris des véhicules tactiques et blindés, ainsi que des provisions (achetés par Haïti).
  • A imposé des sanctions ciblées visant deux élites politiques haïtiennes qui fournissent un soutien financier et opérationnel illicite aux gangs armés.
  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de ces mesures ?
    • Aideront-elles la population haïtienne ?
  • Est-ce le genre de mesures que le gouvernement du Canada devrait être en train de prendre ?
  • Que pourrait faire de plus le gouvernement fédéral en réponse à la situation en Haïti ?
    • SI OUI : Quoi en particulier ?
    • SI NON : Pourquoi êtes-vous de cet avis ?
  • Vous sentez-vous touché(e) personnellement par les événements récents en Haïti ? Si oui, de quelle manière ?
  • À votre avis, quels sont les impacts à long terme de cette crise ? Que se produira-t-il, selon vous ?

L’IMMIGRATION (15-40 minutes) Diaspora haïtienne québécoise, personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

  • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise Dans l’ensemble, le gouvernement du Canada est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie en ce qui concerne l’immigration ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise La semaine dernière, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé qu’il prévoyait d’augmenter le nombre d’immigrants admis au Canada, dans le but d’accueillir environ 500 000 immigrants par an d’ici 2025. Pensez-vous qu’il s’agirait d’un nombre trop élevé, trop faible ou à peu près juste d’immigrants arrivant au Canada ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Diaspora haïtienne québécoise Avez-vous des questions ou des préoccupations concernant le système d’immigration ? Quelles sont-elles ?
    • SI L’ON A DES PRÉOCCUPATIONS : Que souhaiteriez-vous voir le gouvernement du Canada faire pour répondre à vos préoccupations relatives au système d’immigration ?

Efforts du gouvernement fédéral en matière d’immigration Personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B., région québécoise du Saguenay–Lac-Saint-Jean

  • Comment décririez-vous l’état actuel du système d’immigration au Canada ?
    • Dans l’ensemble, le gouvernement du Canada est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie en ce qui concerne l’immigration ?
  • Quels sont certains des avantages pour le Canada d’accueillir de nouveaux immigrants ?
  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a des préoccupations concernant l’accueil de nouveaux immigrants ? Si oui, quelles sont ces préoccupations ?
    • L’impact de l’immigration sur le système de santé vous préoccupe-t-il du tout ? Qu’en est-il du marché du logement ou de la location ?
  • Pensez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada devrait augmenter, réduire ou maintenir le taux d’immigration à peu près au même niveau ? Pourquoi ?
    • SI AUGMENTER OU RÉDUIRE : Quels impacts cela aurait-il au Canada, que ce soit sur le plan social ou économique ?
  • Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu récemment au sujet des niveaux d’immigration du Canada ?
    • MENTIONNER : Le gouvernement du Canada a récemment annoncé qu’il allait faire passer le nombre de nouveaux immigrants de 405 000 en 2021 à 465 000 en 2023, puis l’augmenter progressivement jusqu’à ce qu’il atteigne 500 000 nouveaux immigrants en 2025.
  • Quelles sont vos réactions à cette nouvelle ?
    • Pensez-vous que ces nombres sont trop élevés, trop faibles ou vous semblent-ils à peu près justes ?
    • Le fait d’entendre ces chiffres change-t-il votre façon de voir les impacts liés à l’accueil de nouveaux immigrants au Canada ?
    • Seriez-vous d’un avis différent si vous saviez que le taux d’immigration va continuer à représenter environ 1 % de la population totale du Canada ? Pourquoi ?
  • Si l’on pense maintenant à l’économie, quelle est l’importance des pénuries de main-d’œuvre en tant qu’enjeu, le cas échéant ? Pourquoi ?
  • À quel point êtes-vous d’accord ou en désaccord avec l’énoncé suivant : « Le Canada doit accueillir davantage de nouveaux immigrants afin de combler les emplois vacants et de faire croître l’économie. »

MENTIONNER : Les employeurs de tous les secteurs au Canada cherchaient activement à pourvoir près d’un million de postes vacants au deuxième trimestre, le nombre trimestriel le plus élevé jamais enregistré.

  • Quelles sont vos réactions à cela ?
  • Le fait de savoir cela change-t-il votre façon de percevoir l’augmentation du nombre de nouveaux immigrants accueillis au Canada ?

LA SITUATION EN IRAN (85 minutes) Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto

  • Quelles sont les plus récentes nouvelles que vous ayez entendues, le cas échéant, au sujet de ce qui se passe en Iran ?
    • Où obtenez-vous habituellement les actualités sur l’Iran ?

LE MODÉRATEUR DEVRAIT SE SENTIR LIBRE DE DONNER AUX PARTICIPANTS ET AUX PARTICIPANTES LE TEMPS NÉCESSAIRE POUR LEUR PERMETTRE DE S’EXPRIMER À CE STADE.

  • Qu’avez-vous entendu, le cas échéant, le gouvernement du Canada dire ou faire concernant l’Iran au cours des dernières semaines ?

FOURNIR L’APERÇU SUIVANT :
Récemment, des manifestations ont lieu à travers l’Iran depuis le 16 septembre 2022, à la suite de la mort de Mahsa Zhina Amini, une femme de 22 ans arrêtée par la police à Téhéran le 13 septembre pour avoir prétendument contrevenu aux règles iraniennes exigeant que les femmes couvrent leurs cheveux avec un hijab, ou foulard. Les forces de sécurité ont fait usage de la force pour disperser les foules, entraînant de nombreux morts et blessés.

  • SI CELA N’A PAS ÉTÉ MENTIONNÉ AVANT : Qu’avez-vous vu ou entendu au sujet de ce que le gouvernement du Canada a fait en réponse à cette situation ?

PRÉSENTER L’APERÇU SUIVANT :
En réponse à la situation en Iran, le gouvernement du Canada a imposé des sanctions à des individus et à des entités, y compris des membres du Corps des gardiens de la révolution islamique (CGRI) et l’appareil économique, de sécurité et de renseignement du régime. Ces sanctions imposent une interdiction des transactions avec les personnes et les entités figurant sur la liste, gelant ainsi tous les avoirs qu’elles pourraient détenir au Canada. Les personnes inscrites sur la liste en raison de violations graves et systématiques des droits de la personne sont également interdites de territoire au Canada au titre de la Loi sur l’immigration et la protection des réfugiés. Le gouvernement du Canada a aussi l’intention de renforcer la capacité du Canada à instaurer des sanctions et à agir plus rapidement pour geler et saisir des biens de personnes faisant l’objet de sanctions.

  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de ces mesures ?
  • Est-ce le genre de mesures que le gouvernement du Canada devrait adopter ?
  • Que pourrait faire de plus le gouvernement fédéral en réponse à la situation en Iran ?
  • Diriez-vous que les récents événements en Iran vous affectent personnellement ? Si oui, de quelles manières ?
  • À votre avis, quels sont certains des impacts à long terme de ces récents événements ? Que se produira-t-il, selon vous ?

Passons maintenant à un sujet légèrement différent, mais toujours lié à l’Iran…

Comme vous le savez peut-être, le 8 janvier 2020, le vol 752 d’Ukraine International Airlines a été abattu par un missile sol-air iranien quelques minutes après avoir décollé de Téhéran, Iran. Il y avait 55 citoyens canadiens et 30 résidents permanents parmi les 176 personnes qui sont mortes, 138 avaient des liens avec le Canada.

  • Dans les années qui ont suivi cette tragédie, avez-vous entendu, lu ou vu quelque chose au sujet de la réponse du gouvernement du Canada ?
    • SI AU COURANT : Qu’avez-vous pensé de ces mesures ? Êtes-vous satisfait(e) ou insatisfait(e) de la réponse du gouvernement du Canada à ce jour ?

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Voici quelques-unes des mesures que le gouvernement du Canada a prises spécifiquement en réponse à l’écrasement du vol 752 qui a été abattu :

  • Création d’un groupe de coordination avec des pays qui ont perdu des citoyens dans l’écrasement du vol 752 qui a été abattu et travaille afin que l’Iran soit tenu responsable de sa violation du droit international, exigeant que l’Iran fournisse une explication exhaustive, transparente et crédible de la destruction du vol 752 ;
  • Formulation d’une demande qui vise à ce que les responsables de la tragédie du vol 752 rendent des comptes ;
  • Mise sur pied de l’Initiative sur la sécurité aérienne, qui rassemble la communauté mondiale de l’aviation civile pour travailler à l’amélioration de la sécurité et de la sûreté des opérations aériennes dans les régions comportant des risques plus élevés et pour empêcher que des tragédies comme celle du vol PS752 ne se reproduisent
  • Notifications régulières au moyen d’appels, de courriels et de mises à jour, par l’entremise d’un portail en ligne pour les familles des victimes. Le gouvernement du Canada a également proposé des services de counselling en matière de santé mentale et de stress post-traumatique après la tragédie pour aider les familles.
  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a entendu parler de ces mesures ?
  • Sont-elles le genre de mesures que le gouvernement du Canada aurait dû prendre ?
  • Y a-t-il d’autres mesures que le gouvernement fédéral aurait pu ou devrait prendre ?

ENJEUX À L’APPROCHE DE LA RETRAITE (40 minutes) Personnes qui approchent de la retraite de la Colombie-Britannique

Passons à un autre sujet…

  • Quel est l’enjeu le plus important pour vous personnellement et celui sur lequel, selon vous, le gouvernement du Canada devrait se concentrer le plus ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Et quel est l’enjeu le plus important auquel sont confrontées les personnes qui approchent de la retraite plus largement à l’heure actuelle et auquel le gouvernement du Canada devrait accorder plus d’attention ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Lorsque vous pensez à la retraite quelles sont vos plus grandes préoccupations ?
    • Qu’en est-il du coût de la vie ?
      • Dans quelle mesure le coût de la vie a-t-il un impact, le cas échéant, sur vos plans de retraite ? Dans quelle mesure le coût de la vie a-t-il un impact, le cas échéant, sur vos plans de retraite ? Si cela a un impact, où le remarquez-vous le plus ?
  • Dans quelle mesure la planification de la retraite est-elle une priorité, le cas échéant, dans votre vie quotidienne ? Que faites-vous, le cas échéant, pour préparer votre retraite ?
  • Quelle est l’importance, le cas échéant, des programmes gouvernementaux comme le Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC), la pension de la Sécurité de la vieillesse (SV) et le Supplément de revenu garanti (SRG) dans vos plans de retraite ?

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC)
La pension de la Sécurité de la vieillesse (SV)
Supplément de revenu garanti (SRG)

  • Qu’en est-il des régimes enregistrés d’épargne-retraite (REER) ?
  • Dans quelle mesure ces programmes vous sont-ils familiers, le cas échéant ?

ÉCLAIRCIR CHAQUE PROGRAMME/AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN :
Le montant de la pension de la Sécurité de la vieillesse (SV) est payable aux personnes âgées de 65 ans et plus qui ont résidé au Canada pendant au moins 10 ans depuis l’âge de 18 ans. Ce revenu est imposable et est assujetti à un impôt de récupération si le revenu annuel net est supérieur au seuil du revenu net de toutes provenances fixé pour l’année en question (79 845 $ pour 2021).

Le Supplément de revenu garanti (SRG) est une prestation supplémentaire non imposable payable aux pensionnés de la SV à faible revenu. Le montant de l’Allocation qu’une personne recevra est établi en fonction de son état matrimonial et de son revenu. Le SRG est recalculé chaque année en juillet en fonction de son revenu net de l’année civile précédente. Les paiements peuvent augmenter, diminuer ou même cesser en fonction de la variation de son revenu net annuel.

La pension de retraite du Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC) est une prestation mensuelle imposable qui assure un remplacement partiel du revenu au moment de la retraite. Le montant de vos prestations mensuelles est établi en fonction de la moyenne des revenus tout au long de votre vie active, de vos cotisations au RPC, et de l’âge auquel vous décidez de commencer à recevoir votre pension de retraite du RPC. Plus tôt vous faites votre demande, moins vous recevrez mensuellement. Pour recevoir une pension de retraite, vous devez avoir au moins 60 ans et avoir versé au moins une cotisation valide au RPC.

Les prestations de la SV, du SRG et du RPC sont ajustées chaque année en fonction des variations dans l’indice des prix à la consommation (la SV et le SRG sont révisés en janvier, avril, juillet et octobre ; les augmentations des taux des prestations du Régime de pensions du Canada (RPC) sont calculées une fois par année et entrent en vigueur en janvier) afin de s’assurer qu’elles suivent le coût de la vie.

  • Quelles sont vos réactions à cela ? Y a-t-il des informations dont vous n’étiez pas au courant avant aujourd’hui ?

Au cours des dernières années, certains changements ont été apportés à ces programmes. Nous allons maintenant en passer deux en revue.

AFFICHER À L’ÉCRAN UN À LA FOIS :
La mise en œuvre progressive du RPC bonifié a commencé en 2019. Elle entraînera le versement de prestations plus élevées à la retraite en contrepartie de cotisations plus élevées au RPC.

À compter de juillet 2022, les personnes âgées de 75 ans et plus verront une augmentation automatique de 10 % de leur pension de la Sécurité de la vieillesse.

LE MODÉRATEUR PASSERA EN REVUE CHAQUE ÉLÉMENT ET DEMANDERA :

    • Quelle est votre réaction à cela ?
    • Ce changement a-t-il un quelconque impact sur vous ? Si oui, comment ?
  • Pensez-vous que des programmes comme le RPC, la SV et le SRG vous aideront à vivre confortablement à la retraite ?
  • Que devrait faire d’autre le gouvernement du Canada pour apporter un soutien aux personnes qui planifient leur retraite ?

PROJET D’ACHAT D’UN VÉHICULE (15 minutes) Potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta

  • Quels moyens de transport utilisez-vous actuellement ? Pour vous-même, pour votre famille ?
    • Sondez pour le moyen de transport utilisé le plus fréquemment au quotidien (par exemple, véhicule personnel, transports en commun, vélo ou vélo électrique, etc.).
  • Avez-vous accès à d’autres moyens de transport ? Si oui, quels sont-ils ?

Je comprends que tout le monde dans ce groupe envisage l’achat ou la location d’un véhicule neuf d’ici cinq ans.

  • Quelles sont les principales raisons pour lesquelles vous souhaitez faire l’achat ou la location d’un véhicule ?
  • Lorsque vous envisagez l’achat ou la location de ce véhicule, quelles sont vos principales considérations ? (par exemple, le prix, le modèle, etc.)
    • NOTE AU MODÉRATEUR : Prévoir suffisamment de temps pour explorer la question en détail.
  • Dans quelle mesure le rendement énergétique est-il important pour vous, le cas échéant ? Le prix actuel de l’essence a-t-il un impact quelconque sur votre décision ? Si oui, comment ?
  • Dans quelle mesure le prix de l’essence est-il un sujet de préoccupation dans votre collectivité ? Quelle est la cause des récentes hausses des prix de l’essence ?
    • Selon vous, quel sera l’avenir du prix de l’essence ?
    • Que peut-on faire en réaction à la hausse des prix de l’essence ?

VÉHICULES ZÉRO ÉMISSION (35 minutes) Potentiels acheteurs et acheteuses ou locataires à long terme de véhicules des centres de taille moyenne et grande de l’Alberta

  • Est-ce que quelqu’un sait ce que sont les VZE ? Pouvez-vous nous donner une brève description ? Pouvez-vous en donner une brève description ?
    • Est-ce que quelqu’un est propriétaire d’un VZE ou en loue un actuellement ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN :
Un VZE est un véhicule qui a la capacité de ne produire aucune émission d’échappement. Il peut être équipé d’un moteur à combustion interne conventionnel, mais il doit pouvoir fonctionner sans ce moteur. Des exemples de VZE incluent les véhicules électriques à batterie, les véhicules hybrides électriques rechargeables et les véhicules à pile à hydrogène. Donc, en gros, un véhicule électrique est un type de VZE ; un véhicule à pile à hydrogène est un autre type de VZE.

  • SI CELA N’A PAS DÉJÀ ÉTÉ SOULEVÉ : Est-ce que quelqu’un envisage ou cherche à acheter ou à louer un VZE, tel qu’un véhicule électrique qui est entièrement électrique, ou bien hybride ou encore hybride rechargeable ? Quelles sont les principales raisons qui vous motivent à le faire ?
    • L’augmentation du prix de l’essence fait-elle en sorte que vous avez plus d’intérêt ou moins d’intérêt pour l’achat ou la location d’un VZE ?

POUR LES PERSONNES QUI NE L’ENVISAGE PAS :

  • Vous voyez-vous un jour acheter ou bien louer un VZE ?
    • SI OUI : Quand pensez-vous faire cet achat ? Dans cinq ans, dans dix ans, plus longtemps ?
    • SI NON : Qu’est-ce qui vous retient ?
    • Quelles sont les choses les plus importantes qui vous inciteraient à envisager l’achat d’un véhicule zéro émission ?
  • Quels sont les principaux obstacles à l’achat d’un VZE ?
    • DEMANDER AU BESOIN : Les VZE sont-ils abordables ? Existe-t-il l’infrastructure de recharge nécessaire pour les VZE ? Existe-t-il une bonne sélection de marques et de modèles de véhicules VZE parmi lesquels choisir ? Pensez-vous qu’ils sont fiables compte tenu des conditions météorologiques et climatiques de votre région ?
    • Qu’est-ce que le gouvernement du Canada devrait faire, le cas échéant, pour rendre les VZE plus accessibles pour les Canadiennes et les Canadiens comme vous ?
  • Dans quelle mesure est-il important que les VZE ou les pièces de VZE soient fabriqués au Canada ?
    • La mention « fabriqué au Canada » est-elle un attribut important lorsqu’on fait ce type d’achat ?
    • Quels en seraient les impacts si les VZE ou les pièces de VZE étaient fabriqués au Canada ?
      • SONDER AU BESOIN : Par exemple, sur le coût, sur les emplois, etc.
    • Le gouvernement fédéral devrait-il faire une priorité des VZE et de la fabrication des VZE au Canada ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?

PERSPECTIVES LIÉES À LA COVID-19 ET VACCINS CONTRE LA COVID-19 (30 minutes) Personnes n’ayant pas reçu une 4e dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 de la région métropolitaine de Vancouver en C.-B.

Au moment de vous inviter à participer à ce groupe, vous avez toutes et tous indiqué avoir reçu trois doses de vaccin contre la COVID-19.

  • Est-ce toujours le cas ?
    • SI NON : Avez-vous reçu une quatrième dose depuis ?
  • Qu’est-ce qui a fait que vous avez décidé de vous faire vacciner ?
  • Dans l’ensemble, êtes-vous à l’aise avec votre décision de vous faire vacciner avec trois doses ? Qu’est-ce qui vous fait dire cela ?
  • Y en a-t-il parmi vous qui ont pris un rendez-vous pour recevoir une troisième dose de vaccin contre la COVID-19 ?
    • SI OUI : Pourquoi avez-vous décidé de recevoir une quatrième dose ?
    • SI NON : Prévoyez-vous de recevoir une quatrième dose ou non ?
      • SI OUI : Quand prévoyez-vous de recevoir la quatrième dose ? Y a-t-il une raison pour laquelle vous attendez/n’avez pas encore pris de rendez-vous ?
      • SI NON : Quelles sont vos hésitations quant à recevoir une quatrième dose ?
  • Pour celles et ceux d’entre vous qui attendent ou qui hésitent à recevoir une quatrième dose, y a-t-il des questions liées aux vaccins contre la COVID-19 en général, ou à votre prochaine dose de rappel en particulier, auxquelles vous aimeriez obtenir des réponses ?
    • De quelles autres informations avez-vous besoin pour vous aider dans votre décision quant à recevoir une troisième dose ?
  • Êtes-vous au fait des doses de rappel des vaccins bivalents contre la COVID-19 récemment approuvés par Santé Canada ?
    • Qu’en savez-vous ?

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT AU BESOIN : Santé Canada a récemment approuvé l’utilisation des vaccins bivalents contre la COVID-19 comme dose de rappel. Ceux-ci ciblent le virus original ainsi que le variant Omicron (BA.1) ou les sous-variants Omicron BA.4 et BA.5.

  • Avez-vous des préoccupations concernant ces doses de rappel ? Le cas échéant, quelles sont-elles ?
  • Les possibles effets à long terme des vaccins vous préoccupent-ils ?
    • SONDER POUR : Qu’est-ce qui vous préoccupe le plus ?
  • Pensez-vous que la vaccination est un moyen efficace de protéger les familles, les collectivités et vous-mêmes contre la COVID-19 ? Pourquoi dites-vous cela ?
  • Quel genre d’impact pensez-vous que les nouveaux vaccins bivalents auront sur les familles, les collectivités et vous-mêmes ?
    • Quel genre d’impact pensez-vous qu’ils auront sur le système de santé ?

Sur un sujet légèrement différent, avez-vous entendu, lu ou vu quelque chose au sujet de la saison grippale au Canada cette année ?

  • Avez-vous reçu un vaccin contre la grippe cette année ?
    • SI NON : Avez-vous l’intention de vous faire vacciner contre la grippe ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
    • SI OUI : Qu’est-ce qui vous a fait décider de vous faire vacciner ?

PRESTATION DES SERVICES (15 minutes) Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien

  • Quels sont les services les plus importants que le gouvernement du Canada fournit aux Canadiennes et aux Canadiens ?
  • Comment décririez-vous la capacité actuelle du gouvernement du Canada à fournir ces services ?
    • SI CE N’EST PAS MENTIONNÉ : Qu’en est-il des services de passeport, de la gestion des aéroports et du traitement des demandes d’immigration ?
    • Le gouvernement du Canada s’est-il amélioré, détérioré ou a-t-il été constant dans la prestation de l’un ou l’autre de ces services ? Pourquoi ?
  • Dans quelle mesure avez-vous confiance, le cas échéant, que le gouvernement du Canada peut améliorer sa prestation de services ?
    • SI « PAS CONFIANCE » : Que souhaiteriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada fasse pour améliorer la prestation de services ?

PROGRAMME DE RACHAT (20 minutes) Jeunes adultes de l’Ouest canadien

  • Quelle est l’importance, le cas échéant, de l’enjeu du contrôle des armes à feu ?
  • En matière de contrôle des armes à feu au Canada, le gouvernement du Canada devrait-il rendre les lois plus strictes, moins strictes ou devraient-elles rester à peu près les mêmes ?
  • Diriez-vous que le gouvernement du Canada est généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie en ce qui concerne le contrôle des armes à feu ? Pourquoi ?
  • Qu’avez-vous vu, lu ou entendu au sujet du gouvernement du Canada et du contrôle des armes à feu ?
    • AU BESOIN : Qu’en est-il du gouvernement du Canada et de son interdiction de plus de 1 500 modèles différents d’armes à feu de type assaut ?

MENTIONNER : En date du 1er mai 2020, plus de 1500 modèles d’armes à feu de type assaut ont été classés comme prohibés, y compris l’AR-15.

  • Que pensez-vous de cette interdiction ? Quel impact cette interdiction aura-t-elle, selon vous, sur les crimes commis avec des armes à feu ?
  • Qui a vu, lu ou entendu quelque chose au sujet du gouvernement du Canada qui prévoit de racheter à leurs propriétaires actuels ces armes à feu de style arme d’assaut devenues interdites ?
    • SI AU COURANT : Qu’avez-vous entendu au sujet du programme de rachat ?

MENTIONNER : Le gouvernement lancera un programme de rachat pour s’assurer que ces armes à feu de style arme d’assaut soient retirées de façon sécuritaire et permanente, et pour offrir une indemnisation aux propriétaires et aux entreprises touchés par l’interdiction du 1er mai 2020.

  • Que pensez-vous de ce programme de rachat ? Quel sera l’impact, selon vous, de ce programme de rachat ?
  • Est-ce que quelqu’un a des questions ou des préoccupations au sujet de ce programme ? Si oui, qu’est-ce qui vous préoccupe le plus ?
  • Y a-t-il d’autres mesures que vous souhaiteriez voir s’ajouter au programme de rachat ?

PARENTS — COÛT DE LA VIE (40 minutes) Mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies

  • En un mot, comment décririez-vous l’économie canadienne d’aujourd’hui ?
  • À votre avis, à quoi ressemblera l’économie au cours des quelques prochaines années ? Pensez-vous que les choses vont s’améliorer, se détériorer ou qu’elles resteront à peu près les mêmes d’ici l’année prochaine ? Et dans cinq ans ? Pourquoi ?
    • Qu’est-ce qui vous permettrait de savoir si les choses s’améliorent ou se détériorent ? Quels sont les signes ?
  • De manière générale, comment décririez-vous la gestion de l’économie par le gouvernement du Canada ? Est-il généralement sur la bonne voie ou sur la mauvaise voie ? Pourquoi ?
  • En tant que parents, quels enjeux économiques vous préoccupent le plus et ont le plus d’impact sur vous ?
    • Le gouvernement du Canada comprend-il les enjeux économiques qui vous préoccupent le plus et qui ont le plus d’impact sur vous ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
      • DEMANDER AU BESOIN : Qu’en est-il de l’accessibilité et du coût de la vie ?
  • Que fait le gouvernement du Canada face à l’augmentation du coût de la vie ?
  • Pouvez-vous me donner des exemples de choses qui sont devenues moins abordables dans votre vie de tous les jours ?
    • DEMANDER AU BESOIN : Qu’en est-il des épiceries et de l’essence ?
    • Avez-vous modifié certaines de vos habitudes quotidiennes en réaction à l’augmentation du coût de la vie ?
  • À votre avis, qu’est-ce qui provoque l’augmentation des prix ?
  • L’augmentation du coût de la vie est-ce un problème « fait au Canada » ou un problème mondial ? Comment le savez-vous ?
    • Que peut faire le gouvernement face à l’augmentation du coût de la vie ?
  • Êtes-vous au courant de quelconques politiques, programmes, services, prestations ou allocations du gouvernement du Canada qui profitent aux parents ?
  • SI LE TEMPS LE PERMET :
    • Qui dans le groupe est au courant de l’Allocation canadienne pour enfants, des services de garde d’enfants à 10 $ par jour ou de la Prestation dentaire canadienne ?
      • MENTIONNER AU BESOIN : L’Allocation canadienne pour enfants (ACE) est un programme de soutien du revenu pour les familles canadiennes, calculé en fonction des moyens financiers. Il s’agit d’un versement mensuel non imposable fait aux familles admissibles pour les aider à subvenir aux besoins de leurs enfants.
      • MENTIONNER AU BESOIN : Le gouvernement du Canada collabore avec les provinces et les territoires pour progresser vers un système pancanadien d’apprentissage et de garde des jeunes enfants qui réduira les coûts pour les familles, en réduisant les frais de 50 % cette année et en les ramenant à 10 $ par jour en moyenne d’ici 2026.
      • MENTIONNER AU BESOIN : Le gouvernement du Canada met en place une prestation dentaire pour aider à réduire les coûts des soins dentaires pour les familles admissibles qui gagnent moins de 90 000 $ à compter de cette année.
      • Sur le plan de l’abordabilité et du coût de la vie, quel impact, le cas échéant, ces programmes auront-ils sur vous et votre famille ?
        • Diriez-vous que l’Allocation canadienne pour enfants, les services de garde d’enfants à 10 $ par jour et la Prestation dentaire canadienne sont des mesures importantes quant à rendre la vie plus abordable pour les parents ? Pourquoi ou pourquoi pas ?
  • Que devrait faire d’autre le gouvernement du Canada pour aider à soutenir les parents ?

TARIFICATION DU CARBONE (15 minutes) Mères au travail des centres de taille moyenne et grande des Prairies

  • Avez-vous entendu quelque chose au sujet de l’Incitatif à agir pour le climat du gouvernement du Canada ? Que pouvez-vous m’en dire ?
    • Que vous ayez entendu parler de l’Incitatif à agir pour le climat ou non, à quoi pensez-vous lorsque vous entendez l’expression « Incitatif à agir pour le climat » ?

CLARIFIER/AFFICHER À l’ÉCRAN :
En 2016, le gouvernement du Canada a annoncé un plan visant à assurer la tarification de la pollution par le carbone dans l’ensemble du pays, en donnant à chaque province et territoire la souplesse nécessaire pour élaborer un système qui convient à leur situation, pour autant qu’il respecte la norme fédérale. Dans les quatre provinces qui ne satisfont pas aujourd’hui à cette norme — l’Ontario, la Saskatchewan, le Manitoba, et l’Alberta —, le système de tarification fédéral est actuellement en place. À partir de juillet 2023, elle entrera également en vigueur à Terre-Neuve-et-Labrador, en Nouvelle-Écosse et à l’Île-du-Prince-Édouard.

Les produits issus du système fédéral restent dans la province dans laquelle ils ont été perçus. — En prenant l’exemple de l’Alberta — 90 p. cent des produits sont reversés directement aux résidentes et résidents sous la forme du paiement de l’Incitatif à agir pour le climat, un ménage typique recevrait environ 1 544 $. Depuis juillet 2022, les particuliers reçoivent ces paiements tous les trois mois.

  • Que pensez-vous de ce plan ?
  • À votre connaissance, avez-vous reçu l’Incitatif à agir pour le climat ?
    • SI OUI : Comment l’avez-vous reçu ?

CONCLUSION (5-10 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.

Diaspora haïtienne québécoise, Irano-Canadien(ne)s de la ville de Toronto NOTE AU MODÉRATEUR : Prendre quelques minutes pour décompresser avec les participantes et les participants avant de les laisser partir.

Appendix C – Advertising Concepts

Government of Canada Wordmark (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)

In the above image, the word ‘Canada’ is written in black font over a white background. Over the final ‘a’ there is a coloured, red and white, Canadian flag.

Government of Canada Musical Signature (Eastern Canada Young Adults, Mid-size and Major Centres Alberta Prospective Vehicle Buyers/Lessees, Mauricie and Centre-du-Québec Region Young Adults)

Above is a short, two-second, audio clip featuring the opening notes of the Canadian national anthem.