Timeline of December 2022 & January 2023 Announcements

To help place the focus group discussions within the context of key events which occurred during the two months, below is a brief synopsis for the months of December 2022 and January 2023.

• December 1-7
  • December 1. The Government of Canada announced the commitment of $107 million in funding to the greater Horn of Africa region. Specifically, $25 million will be provided to Ethiopia, $11 million to Kenya, $26 million to Somalia, $25 million to South Sudan, and $20 million to Sudan. The funding will aim to address hunger, acute malnutrition, and other urgent concerns of these countries’ populations.
  • December 2. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced an additional round of sanctions on the Iranian regime under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
  • December 2. The Government of Canada announced approximately $10 million in funding, provided through the Substance Use and Addictions Program (SUAP) to support 16 community-led projects across Canada. These projects aim to support Indigenous communities in their response to the overdose crises and address substance use-related harms.
  • December 2. Canada announced that as of December 5, 2022, the maximum price of seaborne Russian-origin crude oil will be US$60 per barrel, in an effort to weaken the Russian President’s ability to fund the illegal war against Ukraine.
  • December 5. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced an additional round of sanctions on the Haitian regime under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations.
  • December 6. The Government of Canada and partners from Nishnawbe Aski Nation (NAN) signed the NAN-Canada Education Reset Table Agreement to support education reform and First Nations leadership over First Nations education systems in the region.
  • Focus groups were held with the general population in the Chaudière-Appalaches region in Quebec (December 6) and union members in Ontario (December 7).
  • December 7. The Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion announced the creation of a Disability Inclusion Business Council (DIBC) to promote cultural change on disability inclusion in the workplace.
  • December 7. The Government of Canada announced the introduction of the Act to amend the Investment Canada Act, also known as the National Security Review of Investments Modernization Act.
• December 8-15
  • December 8. The Government of Canada announced almost $3 million in an investment from the Smart Renewables and Electrification Pathways program for Fraser Basin Council’s Energy Peers in Indigenous Communities (EPIC) Network to support Indigenous leadership in the renewable energy and electrification sectors in British Columbia.
  • December 8. The Government of Canada announced a combined investment of over $80 million over a five-year period from the federal government, the Government of Quebec, and provincial partners to ensure health research prioritizes patients’ needs through its SPOR SUPPORT Unit.
  • Focus group was held with heavy users of the healthcare system in Atlantic Canada (December 8).
  • December 9. Health Canada announced the authorization of the Pfizer-BioNTech Comirnaty Omicron BA.4/BA.5 bivalent-adapted booster vaccine for use in children 5-11 years of age.
  • December 13. The Government of Canada announced the transfer of $115 million in tariff revenues collected on imports from Russia and Belarus to repair Kyiv’s power grid due to repeated Russian attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure.
  • Focus groups were held with those who recently changed career paths, aged 40-55, in mid-size and major centres in Alberta (December 13) and seniors, aged 55+, who are heavy users of the healthcare system in mid-size and major centres in the Prairies (December 14).
  • December 14. The Minister of Indigenous Services announced the introduction of Bill C-38 which aims to address any remaining inequities in the registration and band membership provisions of the Indian Act.
  • December 14. The Government of Canada introduced a bill to amend the Department of Employment and Social Development Act and to ultimately enable the creation of a new Employment Insurance (EI) Board of Appeal.
  • Focus group was held with those experiencing financial pressures in Quebec (December 15).
  • December 15. The Government of Canada announced the reception of Royal Assent for Bill C-32, the Fall Economic Statement Implementation Act, 2022.
• December 16-23
  • December 16. The Government of Canada announced the disbursement of a $500 million loan through the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) multi-donor Administered Account for Ukraine.
  • December 19. The Government of Canada announced up to $31 million from the Universal Broadband Fund to fund high-speed Internet access to more than 4,700 households in the Municipality of Pictou County in Nova Scotia.
  • December 19. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced Canada’s seizure and pursuance of the forfeiture of US $26 million from Granite Capital Holdings Ltd., owned by a Russian oligarch who is sanctioned under the Special Economic Measures (Russia) Regulations.
  • December 20. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of additional sanctions under the Special Economic Measures (Haiti) Regulations to target 2 high-profile elites in Haiti.
  • December 20. The Government of Canada announced over $8 million in Federal Economic development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor) funding for three projects with the PARO Centre for Women’s Enterprise (PARO) to support women entrepreneurs across Northern Ontario.
  • December 20. The Government of Canada announced $16.5 million in an investment for research that will aim to address the current global outbreak of monkeypox disease (mpox), how to prevent future outbreaks, and improve patient care.
  • December 20. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations announced that Bill S-219, An Act Respecting a National Ribbon Skirt Day, received Royal Assent.
• December 24-31
  • December 31. The Government of Canada announced a temporary negative COVID-19 test requirement, taken no more than two days prior to departure, for travellers arriving from the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, or Macao.
• January 1-7
  • January 3. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced that the target of welcoming 431,645 new permanent residents in 2022 was achieved and is recognized as the largest number of people ever welcomed in a year in Canadian history.
  • January 3. The Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations announced that an Agreement-in-Principle has been reached in the Federal Indian Boarding Homes (Percival) class action.
  • Focus group was held with the general population in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (January 5).
• January 8-15
  • January 8. The Government of Canada marked the three-year anniversary of the downing, and the National Day of Remembrance for Victims of Air Disasters, to honour the victims of Flight PS752 and other victims of air disasters.
  • January 9. The Minister of Foreign Affairs announced the imposition of additional sanctions, targeting specific Iranian individuals and entities, under the Special Economic Measures (Iran) Regulations.
  • January 9. The Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship announced the opening of the International Experience Canada (IEC) season to international youth interested in gaining work and travel experience in Canada.
  • January 9. The Government of Canada announced approximately $7.5 million in an investment to support 31 projects in the Golden Horseshoe dedicated to improving community spaces and enhance tourism attractions.
  • January 10. The Government of Canada announced approximately $7 million in funding to support YMCA Canada to support the ‘Y Mind” and “Mind Medicine” programs which aim to support youth experiencing mild to moderate anxiety and/or depression.
  • January 10. The Government of Canada announced the purchase of a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), a short to medium range ground-based air defence system, and associated munitions from the United States to be donated to Ukraine.
  • Focus groups were held with young adults, aged 25-30, in Eastern Canada (specifically, the Atlantic region and Ontario) (January 10) and young adults, aged 18-24, in Western Canada (specifically, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia) (January 11).
  • January 11. The Governments of Canada and Saskatchewan announced $17.6 million in joint funding to support crop-related research in 2023.
  • January 11. The Government of Canada announced that the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) have airlifted Haitian-purchased armoured vehicles to Haiti to support the efforts of the Haitian National Police to combat gang violence against Haitian citizens.
  • Focus group was held with young adults, aged 18-30, in Quebec (January 12).
  • January 13. The Government of Canada announced the launch of Canada’s National Quantum Strategy, supported by a $360 million investment in Budget 2021, to extend Canada’s global leadership in quantum research and expand its quantum technologies, companies, and talent.
  • January 13. The Governments of Canada and Yukon announced the signing of an Agreement in Principle (AiP) under the 2 Billion Trees program to support the restoration of nature and the creation of healthy forest ecosystems.
• January 16-23
  • January 16. The Government of Canada announced up to $3.09 million, from the Building Safer Communities Fund, in funding to support the City of London in its efforts to prevent gun crime and gang violence in the city.
  • Focus groups were held with members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community in the City of Toronto & Montreal (January 17) and people of colour in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) (January 18).
  • January 18. The Government of Canada announced $23 million in funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) to establish the Canadian Pediatric Cancer Consortium (CPCC) and support pediatric cancer research.
  • Focus group was held with parents of children under 12 in the National Capital region of Quebec (January 19).
  • January 19. The Government of Canada announced over $25.5 million in funding through the Jobs and Growth Fund to support job creation and the growth of businesses in Calgary.
  • January 19. The Government of Canada announced $350 million in funding for the purchase of 350 zero-emission buses as well as the installation of related charging infrastructure for the City of Ottawa.
  • January 20. The Government of Canada announced the provision of $40 million, over a two-year period, to support the shellfish sector in Atlantic Canada by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA).
  • January 20. The Government of Canada announced the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s extension and expansion of their permanent residence pilot program. The program’s scope has been doubled from 500 out-of-status workers to 1,000 out-of-status construction workers in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).
  • January 21. The Government of Canada announced that a settlement of $2.8 billion was reached for Band class litigation for the collective harm caused by the residential school system.
  • January 23. The Government of Canada announced it met its Francophone immigration target for 2022.
  • January 23. The Government of Canada announced $67,653 in funding for the Community Sport for All Initiative, aimed at reducing barriers to sports in Black, Indigenous, and racialized communities, in addition to 2SLGBTQI+ groups, low-income peoples, new immigrants to Canada and persons with disabilities.
  • January 23. The Government of Canada announced $2.24 million from the Building Safer Communities Fund for the City of Coquitlam to address gun and gang violence in the city.
• January 24-31
  • January 24. The Government of Canada announced a $1,698,750 investment in three Halifax firms to create innovative healthcare solutions.
  • January 25. The Government of Canada announced $30.35 million in funding for the Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory to build a new Elder Care Home.
  • January 25. The Government of Canada announced $1.79 million from the Building Safer Communities Fund for the City of Saint John and the Kennebecasis Region to prevent gun and gang violence.
  • January 25. Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities announced $19.7 million for infrastructure projects across Saskatchewan, including facilities at the First Nations University of Canada’s Land-based Learning Centre in Regina.
  • Focus groups were held with Chinese diaspora in the City of Vancouver (January 24) and Indigenous peoples who own firearms in the Prairies (specifically, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Alberta) (January 25).
  • January 27. The Government of Canada announces $3.3 million in federal funding for energy efficient wellness hub in Winnipeg.
  • January 27. The Government of Canada joins the Americas Partnership for Economic Prosperity (APEP) to generate economic growth in and reduce economic inequality.
  • January 31. The Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario announced a $5.4 million investment to support companies in Ottawa’s Area X.O.

Government of Canada in the News (Chaudière-Appalaches Region Quebec, Ontario Union Members, Atlantic Canada Frequent Healthcare Users, Mid-Size and Major Centres Alberta Recently Changed Career Paths, Mid-Size and Major Centres Prairies Seniors Frequent Healthcare Users, Quebec Experiencing Financial Pressures, Lower Mainland British Columbia, Atlantic Canada and Ontario Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12, City of Vancouver Chinese Diaspora, Prairies Indigenous Peoples and Firearms Owners)

Participants in fourteen groups were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. A wide range of federal announcements and initiatives were recalled, including:

• The introduction of affordability measures to assist Canadians currently struggling with the cost of living. Initiatives mentioned by participants included the introduction of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) for children under 12 from families whose annual income is less than $90,000, a one-time $500 top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit (CHB) for low-income renters, and the indexing of financial supports such as the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) to the rate of inflation;
• Actions to address the high rate of inflation at present, including recent decisions by the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates by 0.50% on December 7^th, 2022, as well as an additional 0.25% on January 25^th, 2023;
• A recent announcement from the Government of Canada pledging to increasing immigration levels to Canada, with a goal of bringing in 500,000 immigrants per year by 2025;
• The deployment of Canadian Red Cross personnel to assist the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO) in handling recent surges of COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and seasonal influenza;
• Ongoing efforts by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to recoup Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) payments from those who had ineligibly received these supports over the course of the pandemic;
• 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. A number of participants indicated that they had been following this issue closely;
• A visit by the Prime Minister and other federal officials to Vancouver to celebrate the Lunar New Year on January 22^nd, 2023. Several from the group of Chinese Canadians residing in Vancouver reported being aware of this; and
• A recent class-action lawsuit launched by survivors of the Île-à-la-Crosse residential school against the Government of Canada and Government of Saskatchewan regarding the perceived physical, sexual, and emotional abuse they had faced while attending this school. A number in the group comprised of Indigenous peoples living in the Prairies had heard about this.

Participants also recalled actions and initiatives related to the Government of Canada on the international stage. These included:

• 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 the conflict;
• An announcement from the Government of Canada that it had finalized an agreement with the United States and Lockheed Martin for the acquisition of a new fleet of 88 F-35 fighter jets for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF); and
• The attendance of the Prime Minister at the North American Leaders’ Summit (NALS) which took place on January 10^th, 2023, in Mexico City, Mexico.

Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions by the federal government to strengthen firearm laws in Canada, a number in the Chaudière-Appalaches Region of Quebec and most among the group of union workers residing in Ontario indicated that they were. Most were of the understanding that these new regulations had prohibited a range of automatic and semi-automatic rifles and handguns. Several in the group from Ontario expressed criticism regarding this action, believing it unfairly impacted hunters and those who utilized firearms for recreational sport shooting.

Questioned whether they had recently heard anything about the federal price on carbon, several in the groups of heavy users of the healthcare system in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies said that they had. Discussing what they had heard, some recalled news related to the Climate Action Incentive (CAI) payments that Canadians in some provinces had begun receiving in 2022.

2022 Reflections and 2023 Forecast (Lower Mainland British Columbia, Atlantic Canada and Ontario Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults)

Participants in four groups reflected on the biggest issues from 2022 as well as their expectations regarding the challenges Canadians would face in 2023. Asked to identify what they felt to be the most important issues from the past year, participants mentioned a wide range of topics. These included: inflation and the rising cost of living, growing issues related to housing affordability, the removal of COVID-19 public health requirements, and perceived labour shortages in areas such as healthcare and education. Several also mentioned the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, including the Government of Canada’s provision of military and financial assistance in support of the Ukrainian defence effort.

Focusing on the biggest issues for the year ahead, many expected a continuation of challenges related to health worker shortages, housing affordability, and the rising cost of living. A few were worried about the impacts that rising interest rates would have on their ability to continue making their monthly mortgage payments. A number expected that climate change and the ongoing transition to renewable energy would also remain an important focus for the federal government. Asked what the Government of Canada should do to address these challenges, several felt that further efforts needed be taken to incentivize more Canadians to pursue careers in healthcare as well as making it easier for non-Canadian doctors and nurses to practice in Canada. Additional suggestions included tax relief for low and middle-income households, reducing federal spending with the aim of achieving a balanced budget, and ensuring all Canadians had access to safe and affordable housing. Regarding the transition to renewable energy sources, a few believed that more needed to be done to increase the affordability of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) and ensure that they would be able to operate under the extreme weather conditions experienced in the winter months in several regions of the country.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Chaudière-Appalaches Region Quebec, Ontario Union Members, Atlantic Canada Frequent Healthcare Users, Mid-Size and Major Centres Alberta Recently Changed Career Paths, Mid-Size and Major Centres Prairies Seniors Frequent Healthcare Users, Quebec Experiencing Financial Pressures, Lower Mainland British Columbia, Toronto and Montreal Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ Community, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12, City of Vancouver Chinese Diaspora, Prairies Indigenous Peoples and Firearms Owners)

Participants in twelve groups engaged in conversations related to key issues currently facing Canadians as well as their perspectives regarding the Government of Canada’s management of these priorities. Asked to identify the most important areas in need of further prioritization from the federal government, a wide range of issues were mentioned. These included:

• Healthcare – Many identified healthcare as an area of particular concern in their respective regions. Several believed there to be a widespread shortage of healthcare workers such as doctors and nurses at present and felt that this had greatly contributed to increasingly long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics. A number also pointed to issues such as a perceived lack of family doctors, widespread shortages of children’s medication at grocery stores and pharmacies, and a dearth of mental health resources as areas requiring greater attention from the Government of Canada;
• Inflation and the cost of living – A large number of participants shared concerns related to inflation and the perceived rising cost of living at present. It was widely believed that this had become a major issue for many Canadians. Several commented that they had been finding it increasingly difficult to make ends meet in recent months due to the increasing costs of essentials such as groceries and gasoline and expressed concern as to how long this issue may persist for. A few expressed the opinion that increased federal spending during the COVID-19 pandemic had contributed to the high rate of inflation at present;
• Housing – Several identified issues related to a perceived lack of affordable housing in their communities. Many were of the impression that housing prices in their respective areas had risen substantially in recent years and that this had drastically impacted the ability of individuals (and particularly those with lower incomes) to obtain adequate housing. Several were of the impression that this issue was widespread throughout Canada and had been impacting renters and prospective homebuyers alike. A number believed that these issues had contributed to a noticeable rise homelessness, addiction, and crime in their communities.
• Transportation and supply chain issues– Some believed that more needed to be done to address what they viewed as ongoing challenges related to the global supply chain and the ability to import goods into Canada as well as transport them throughout the country. It was believed that additional transportation costs had been a major contributing factor the high rate of inflation at present;
• Immigration – It was also felt that a greater focus needed to be placed on immigration and increasing the number of skilled workers arriving to live and work in Canada. A number of participants were of the impression that key sectors, including healthcare and education, were currently experiencing labour shortages and that by taking this action the federal government could assist in addressing this issue. It was also suggested that actions be taken to streamline the foreign credential recognition process and make it easier for those from outside Canada to practice in their fields of expertise;
• Climate change and the environment – Climate change was also identified as an important concern at present. A number felt that this issue would have a significant impact on future generations and believed that more urgent action needed to be taken towards mitigating the impacts of climate change going forward; and
• Reconciliation with Indigenous peoples – A number of participants felt that more could be done regarding the issue of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples living in Canada. It was widely thought that greater efforts needed to be taken to ensure all Indigenous communities had access to clean drinking water, safe and affordable housing, sufficient mental health resources, and the same level of access to federal services as the rest of Canadians. Additionally, it was felt that a larger focus needed to be placed on investigations into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG) and addressing perceived systemic violence against Indigenous women.

In addition to these broader issues, a number of participants also identified concerns specific to their local region and/or community. A large number residing in mid-size and major centres in Alberta felt that more needed to be done by the federal government to support the oil and gas sector. A few in this group were especially critical of the implementation of a federal price on carbon, believing this had unfairly impacted those working in the oil and gas sector. A few in the group from the Chaudière-Appalaches regions of Quebec thought that more should be done by the Government of Canada to protect and uphold the French language and its status as an official language. It was felt that the French language was currently under threat, both in the region and throughout Canada more broadly. A number of participants in the group comprised of Chinese Canadians commented that a greater focus should be placed on reducing anti-Asian attacks and discrimination, believing these had risen substantially over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing the issues most important to Canadians, most believed it to be headed in the wrong direction. A smaller number were more uncertain or mixed in their opinions, while very few had a positive view of the federal government’s current direction. Among those who believed that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track, it was widely felt that recent actions related to health worker shortages, housing affordability, and the rising cost of living had been insufficient towards addressing these issues. It was strongly believed that more attention needed to be paid to those currently struggling with the cost of living. Several specifically mentioned challenges faced by middle class Canadians who were believed to be facing considerable financial challenges at present yet were unable to access many of the benefits and supports available to those with lower incomes. A few were also of the opinion that the federal government was too reactive in its decision-making and believed that a greater focus needed to be placed on long-term planning regarding issues such as housing, immigration, and healthcare. For those who had a more mixed view of the Government of Canada’s performance, it was thought that while it had been successful in some areas such as climate change, encouraging diversity, and providing support to Ukraine, only minimal progress had been made on other important issues such as making life more affordable for Canadians and ensuring they had access to the services and supports they require.

Asked an additional question regarding whether their opinion of the federal government had improved or worsened in recent years, those in the groups of persons of colour living in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and parents of children under 12 residing in Quebec’s National Capital Region were varied in their opinions. Regionally, slightly more in the GTA felt that their opinion had worsened while roughly an equal number of those in Quebec said that their opinion had gotten better compared to those who felt more negatively. Among those whose opinion of the Government of Canada had improved as of late, several pointed to recent initiatives related to climate change and the transition to renewable energy, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and affordability measures such as increased benefits for low-income Canadians and new programs such as the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB). For those whose opinion had worsened, it was widely felt that life in Canada had become more difficult and unaffordable in recent years and that this downward trend seemed to be impacting Canadians in every part of the country. A few also mentioned what they perceived as a lack of well-paying jobs available at present, believing that the majority of positions currently being offered by employers did not pay a living wage.

Jobs and the Economy (Ontario Union Members)

Participants in the group comprised of union workers residing in Ontario engaged in an additional discussion related to the Canadian labour market and the Government of Canada’s management of economic issues in recent years. All thought that the economy and job creation should be among the top priorities for the federal government and many expressed concerns about perceived labour shortages in sectors such as healthcare and education. A few were also concerned about the country’s economic outlook in both the short and long-term, believing that the Canadian economy was at risk of entering into a recession at some point in 2023.

Almost all had a negative opinion regarding the federal government’s management of the economy in recent years. Many felt that issues related to the rising cost of living, a lack of affordable housing, and low wages had been growing for many years and that the Government of Canada should have been better prepared to assist Canadians with these challenges. Several also believed that recent actions taken by the Bank of Canada to raise interest rates over the past year had been too reactive and believed that this process should have been taken more gradually. A number expressed concerns regrading the impacts that rising interest rates could potentially have on Canadian households, particularly those carrying heavy mortgage debts. While most believed that the federal government generally understood the economic challenges facing Canadians, several were of the view that not enough action had been taken towards addressing these concerns and that too much focus was being devoted to other priorities such as addressing gun violence and the situation in Ukraine. Discussing additional ways the Government of Canada could assist Canadians, participants provided a number of ideas. These included tax relief for renters and those with large mortgages, increasing the number of homes, hospitals, and schools being built throughout the country, and providing education grants for workers seeking to retrain and/or acquire skills to thrive in the economy going forward.

Healthcare (Atlantic Canada Frequent Healthcare Users, Mid-Size and Major Centres Prairies Seniors Frequent Healthcare Users)

Two groups discussed a number of issues related to healthcare. All participants identified as heavy users of the healthcare system and believed that healthcare needed to be a major priority for the federal government going forward. While most felt that they had adequate access to healthcare and described these services as typically being of exceptional quality, it was widely believed that this was not the case for all Canadians. The view was expressed that the healthcare system was beginning to become strained and that this had contributed to health worker shortages, long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, and months-long waiting lists to seek appointments with specialists. A few participants had personally faced challenges related to long wait times at emergency rooms and difficulties in finding a family doctor. While all residing in Atlantic Canada believed their respective communities had sufficient healthcare services available, several in the Prairies described having to routinely travel to lager cities such as Regina or Winnipeg for certain appointments or procedures. A few were of the impression that community access to healthcare was particularly difficult for those living in more rural regions, including many Indigenous communities in the North. While most felt that healthcare accessibility in their respective communities was at approximately the same level as other regions of the country, a few in Atlantic Canada believed that it was slightly worse. This was largely thought to be due to a perceived lower number of family doctors and specialists practicing in the region.

Asked whether their ability to access healthcare had changed in recent years, several felt that it had gotten somewhat worse. It was thought that increasing demand had led to the system becoming overburdened, leading to occasional delays in accessing service. Almost all expected these issues to persist and believed that the accessibility and quality of healthcare in their area would worsen in coming years. Several were concerned about the potential of increasing numbers of family doctors retiring in the next decade with not enough new physicians being trained to replace them. A few were also concerned about Canada’s aging population and questioned whether the system would be capable of meeting this increased demand. A large number believed that greater investments needed to be made towards recruiting and training more doctors and nurses as well as bringing in a larger number of health workers from outside of Canada. It was also felt that more hospitals and long-term care (LTC) facilities would need to be built to prepare for an increased number of seniors in coming years. A few felt that efforts should be taken to expand virtual care options, believing this could go a long way towards addressing healthcare needs for those unable to access in-person care.

Many were unsure as to what role the federal government should play in terms of healthcare. A large number were of the impression that healthcare provision was primarily a provincial/territorial responsibility and believed that the federal government’s role was mostly involved with providing Canada Health Transfer (CHT) payments and ensuring national standards were being met. Asked whether they felt that the Government of Canada understood the healthcare issues currently facing Canadians, the view was expressed that while it may have a broad understanding it was unlikely to have a comprehensive knowledge of the unique needs of every region. Questioned whether they were aware of any recent actions or initiatives taken by the federal government related to healthcare, while a small number believed that federal officials had been working to import an increased supply of pediatric medications from jurisdictions such as the United States, little else could be recalled. Only a few reported having heard about recent negotiations between the federal government and the provinces/territories related to healthcare. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information regarding the federal government’s position:

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; and
• 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.

Most felt that the federal government’s stance on these negotiations was reasonable and expected that it would be beneficial to establish measurable national indicators on priority health areas. A number, however, expected that it would be difficult for the Government of Canada to reach an agreement with every province and territory on this front, believing each had its own unique needs and perspectives related to healthcare provision. Focusing specifically on the federal government’s aim to improve health data management, while most felt that this would be useful (especially for those who need to access care in multiple regions/provinces) they did not believe it to be the most pressing healthcare priority at present. A few were concerned about the security of their health data under such a system and questioned who would have access to this information.

2SLGBTQI+ Community (Toronto and Montreal Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ Community)

Participants in the group comprised of members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community were asked a few additional questions pertaining to their unique perspectives and experiences. Asked to identify the most pressing issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, many mentioned mental health. It was thought that members of these communities struggled with mental health issues to a far greater degree relative to other Canadians and that they were often unable to access the resources they needed in times of crisis. It was believed that greater investments needed be made towards expanding mental health resources as well as developing programs and treatment options specifically tailored towards 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. A few also believed housing to be a significant issue for these individuals and were of the impression that 2SLGBTQI+ individuals faced a higher level of discrimination from prospective landlords and had less access to safe and affordable housing as a result.

All felt that the Government of Canada had a responsibility to address the issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Several believed that while the federal government had been positive in its intentions to improve the lives of 2SLGTQI+ individuals, little in the way of tangible impact had been made thus far. A few expressed that though steps such as the incorporation of pronouns in federal communications and legislation such as Bill C-4 (prohibiting conversion therapy) had been helpful, far more needed to be done to address the larger systemic issues facing these communities. These included perceived issues related to housing, a lack of employment opportunities, and the fears of many in 2SLGBTQI+ communities for their personal safety. A number were also of the view that a greater emphasis needed to be placed on ensuring existing laws related to protecting 2SLGBTQI+ individuals were being properly enforced in all parts of the country.

Public Mood (Lower Mainland British Columbia, Atlantic Canada and Ontario Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults, Toronto and Montreal Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ Community, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12)

Participants in seven groups engaged in conversations related to the public mood in Canada at present as well as the challenges currently facing the population as a whole. To begin, participants were asked to describe what they felt to be the best things about living in Canada. A wide range of responses were shared, including:

• A high standard of living – Many believed that Canadians enjoyed a higher standard of living relative to most other regions of the world. Participants cited numerous benefits which they felt improved the quality of life of Canadians, including the wide range of financial supports and programs available to Canadians, the country’s clean and well-maintained cities, and its publicly funded education and healthcare systems. Regarding the latter, it was expressed that even with the presence of occasional long wait times to access healthcare and perceived worker shortages, healthcare provision in Canada continued to rank among the best in the world;
• Diversity and multiculturalism – Several spoke positively of the diversity of the Canadian population and the country’s emphasis on multiculturalism as a core value. It was felt by many that this diversity benefitted the entire population by allowing for the incorporation and discovery of a multitude of different perspectives and cultures;
• Freedom of expression – A large number also mentioned the freedom of Canadians to express themselves and live life as they wish. It was felt that compared to many other jurisdictions throughout the world, Canadians were generally able to live free from discrimination and prejudice;
• Lower crime rate – It was thought by some that the crime rate in Canada was considerably lower compared to jurisdictions such as the United States. A number specifically mentioned the relative lack of gun violence as an additional benefit of living in Canada; and
• Celebration of Indigenous cultures and histories – A few cited what they felt to be an increased focus on Indigenous peoples and communities as of late. It was thought that the federal government had taken numerous actions in recent years to better support and acknowledge the histories and cultures of Indigenous peoples in Canada.

Asked to identify the areas where they felt Canadians generally agreed with one another, several spoke of the openness of Canadians to diversity and multiculturalism, shared views on the importance of social benefits and supports (such as universal healthcare, maternity leave, and supports for those living with disabilities), and a general respect and politeness towards one another. It was also thought that Canadians were generally quite patriotic and took pride in what they viewed as Canada’s strong reputation on the global stage.

Focusing next on what they believed to be the greatest challenges facing Canadians today, participants provided a number of responses:

• Cost of living – Many mentioned what they viewed as an increasing cost of living in recent years. Several expressed having been personally impacted by increasing costs related to housing, child care, and essentials such as groceries and gasoline. A few expressed concern related to the growing national debt and were worried this would eventually lead to higher taxes in the years to come;
• Climate change and the environment – Several expressed concerns related to climate change as well as what they viewed as an increasingly unstable environment. A number expected that extreme weather events such as the mass flooding in southwestern British Columbia in November 2021 and Hurricane Fiona in Atlantic Canada in September 2022, would occur with increasing frequency going forward. It was felt that this was a global issue and one that would have a significant impact on the lives of future generations of Canadians;
• Healthcare – A number of participants felt that healthcare provision in Canada had decreased in quality in recent years, pointing to increasing health worker shortages and long wait times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics. A few were also concerned about the capacity of the healthcare system to withstand future pandemics, given these perceived challenges at present;
• Reconciliation – It was also thought that more needed to be done to improve reconciliation with Indigenous peoples. A number of participants identified issues such as a lack of clean drinking water in some communities, limited access to healthcare, and the relatively high cost of living in remote and Northern communities as concerns requiring immediate attention from governments at the federal and provincial/territorial level; and
• Mental health and addiction – Several believed that issues related to mental health and substance use had increased significantly in the past few years and that there was currently a dearth of resources available to assist those dealing with these challenges. A few believed that this had contributed to a rise in crime in many communities, as individuals turned to increasing desperate acts in order to support their addictions.

The group from B.C.’s Lower Mainland as well as the three groups of young adults were asked a few additional questions regarding whether they were hopeful Canadians could work together to overcome these challenges. All three young adult groups were mostly optimistic, while the group residing in the Lower Mainland were more mixed in their expectations. Among those who were more optimistic, it was thought that with long-term planning and a concerted effort on the part of the federal and provincial/territorial governments that most of these challenges could be overcome. It was also felt by several that more needed to be done to find ways to promote unity among Canadians, with a number believing that a growing divide had emerged in recent years in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. A few expressed the view that while Canadians could likely work together to overcome many of these challenges, some issues, such as climate change, would require a global effort extending beyond Canada. Discussing how the federal government should go about addressing these challenges, it was felt that greater efforts needed to be taken to reduce the cost of living for low and middle-income Canadians while also increasing the level of regulation and taxation on large corporations and the ultra-rich. A number also believed that there needed to be a focus on limiting federal spending, believing that too much had been spent on pandemic supports such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and large quantities of vaccines and personal protective equipment (PPE) that were believed to have expired and/or gone unused. It was thought that more attention needed to be devoted towards ensuring that the needs of Canadians such as healthcare, affordable housing, and mental health treatment were being met. A few also believed that there should be greater investments by the federal government into research grants and funding towards addressing larger challenges such as climate change and the transition to renewable energy sources.

A few groups were also asked additional questions specifically pertaining to their unique backgrounds and experiences. Questioned whether they believed that Canada is a place where everyone is free to be who they are and love who they love, several in the group comprised of members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community had mixed views. It was thought that while there had been a number of laws enacted to protect these communities as well as outspoken support for 2SLGBTQI+ lifestyles from the federal government, discrimination towards these communities still persisted in some parts of the country. Discussing whether they felt Canada is a country where everyone can live free from discrimination, participants in the group made up of people of colour residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), mostly believed that it was. A few, however, felt that discrimination still continued in some ways, with some specifically mentioning perceived anti-Asian sentiments that had arisen during the COVID-19 pandemic. Those in the group comprised of parents of children under 12 residing in Quebec’s National Capital Region were also asked whether they were optimistic about their children’s future in Canada. Most indicated that they were and viewed Canada as a safe and accepting place with a relatively strong education and healthcare system. A few, however, expressed concerns regarding their children’s ability to one day purchase a home as well as the potential impacts of climate change on future generations.

The Economy (Ontario Union Members, Mid-Size and Major Centres Alberta Recently Changed Career Paths, Quebec Experiencing Financial Pressures, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12)

Participants in five groups engaged in conversations related to the economy and the Canadian labour market. Discussions focused on the impact of inflation and the rising cost of living, the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on Canadian workers, and challenges related to changing career paths.

Cost of Living (Quebec Experiencing Financial Pressures, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12)

Three groups shared their perspectives regarding the cost of living and the most pressing financial challenges facing Canadians at present. Almost all believed that rising inflation had impacted a large number of households over the past year and had particularly affected lower and middle-income Canadians, seniors living on fixed incomes, and post-secondary students. While some expected that the rate of inflation would slow in the next few years, several were concerned that costs would continue to rise in the interim, especially for essentials such as groceries, electricity, and gasoline. A number of participants predicted that unless wages kept pace with the rate of inflation a large number of families would experience significant financial struggles in the years to come. Though most were optimistic that the cost of living could eventually be made more affordable for Canadians, it was believed this would likely take many years to achieve. Asked what they felt had contributed to rising inflation, many believed it to be a global issue and had at least in part been related to the COVID-19 pandemic and disruptions caused by conflicts such as that between Ukraine and Russia. A number of participants were also of the impression that fuel costs had risen substantially in recent years and that this had made the transportation of goods more expensive, further driving up costs for consumers.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada understood the financial pressures Canadians were experiencing at present most felt that it did. Several, however, believed that not enough was being done to address these challenges and most thought that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track when it came to alleviating the financial pressures currently impacting Canadian households. A number of participants felt that the federal government needed to better educate Canadians regarding the numerous benefits and supports currently available to those with lower incomes, believing many were largely unaware of these programs. Asked if they could identify any federal programs aimed at assisting those struggling financially, participants mentioned the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) credit, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), Canada Dental Benefit (CDB), and work-related benefits such as Employment Insurance (EI). Discussing additional actions that the Government of Canada could take to address these challenges, a number of participants thought that more could be done to provide tax relief for low and middle-income Canadians while increase taxation on large corporations (such as major grocers) who were believed to have profited immensely during the pandemic.

The group comprised of participants residing in Quebec who had experienced financial pressures discussed the specific challenges they were facing at present. While the primary difficulties for some related to challenges accruing enough savings to afford to purchase a home, others struggled with issues related to living with a chronic illness or relying upon a fixed income after retiring. Identifying the areas where they had been most impacted by inflation, participants mentioned issues such as rising rent and fuel costs, increasing credit card debt, and a loss of their personal time due to having to work more hours and/or take on additional employment in recent months. A number reported having cut back on pastimes such as dining at restaurants, recreational activities, and travelling to keep up with rising costs. Additionally, a few reported having rented out space in their home or moved in with family members in order to reduce expenses. Questioned whether they felt the cost of living was different in Quebec compared to other provinces/territories, most in this group believed it to be relatively the same. A small number felt that the cost of living was somewhat higher in Quebec due to their impression that Quebeckers face higher provincial tax rates compared to other regions of the country.

This group also engaged in a brief exercise where they were presented with information regarding a number of affordability measures recently announced by the Government of Canada and asked which they felt would be most helpful to those currently facing financial challenges. These included:

• A new dental care program for families with an income of less than $90,000 annually, starting with children under 12 in 2022;
• A new one-time top-up to the Canada Housing Benefit. This benefit is a one-time payment of $500 to eligible lower-income renters ($20,000 for individuals or $35,000 for families) experiencing housing affordability challenges;
• Doubling the GST credit amount eligible individuals and families receive for a six-month period, with single Canadians receiving up to $234 and families receiving up to $628;
• Increasing benefits to match inflation (indexing) (benefits include things like the Canada Child Benefit, the GST Credit, the Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security, and the Guaranteed Income Supplement);
• Increasing the amount that eligible Canadians may receive through the Canada Workers Benefit (low-income single individuals can receive up to $1,395 for the basic amount; low-income families can receive up to $2,403); and
• Providing a 50% reduction in average parent fees for licensed early learning and child care by the end of 2022.

The initiative to index benefits to the rate of inflation received the most support from participants, with many believing that this represented the most effective way to assist Canadian households, especially those on fixed incomes, with the rising cost of living. The introduction of the CDB as well as increases to the amount that eligible Canadians may receive through the Canada Workers Benefit (CWB) also received a moderate level of support. Participants were largely of the opinion that all of the measures listed were worth pursuing and many expected that they would personally benefit from them.

The group comprised of parents of young children in Quebec’s National Capital Region were also asked a few additional questions related to their perspectives as parents under the present economic circumstances. Prompted to identify the most pressing economic challenges faced by parents, several mentioned the perceived general lack of affordability of housing, energy, and essential goods. A number also expressed having faced difficulties in recent years balancing the need to save for their own retirement while also working to ensure that their children would have the financial support that they need. Discussing the benefits available to Canadian families, most indicated awareness of both the CCB and CDB. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with additional details regarding these benefits:

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 CCB is indexed to inflation. Additionally, the Government of Canada is also implementing the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000.

Several believed that these benefits would be of considerable help to parents, and many commented that the CCB in particular had already been crucial in assisting them with their monthly expenses. Asked what more could be done to support parents, it was hoped that programs such as the CDB could be expanded to more families and wider age ranges and that other aspects of healthcare, such as optical care, would become more accessible to Canadian families in the years to come.

Pandemic Impact (Ontario Union Members)

Participants in the group of Ontario union members took part in a discussion regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on workers and industries. To begin, participants were asked to share how their type of work had changed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Comments focused on a number of sectors, including:

• Healthcare - Those working in healthcare reported that their sector had become increasingly stressful in recent years. It was felt that existing health worker shortages had been further exacerbated by the pandemic, causing significant rates of burnout among the workers who remained. It was thought that these staffing shortages had become increasingly unsustainable and had begun to impact the level of care provided at hospitals and other medical facilities;
• Education - Those working in education also believed that the COVID-19 pandemic had made their professions more difficult to manage. Staffing shortages were viewed as a significant issue, with several of the opinion that these shortages had negatively impacted their ability to deliver high-quality education. A number felt that the transition to online learning had resulted in a loss of learning for students and were worried that this would leave them unprepared for more advanced curricula. The view was expressed that this had also placed increased pressure on teachers who were now required to spend more time re-teaching past concepts; and
• Construction - Those working in construction felt that their industry had become more uncertain as a result of the pandemic. Several were of the impression that many construction projects had been cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19, leaving workers in this sector with limited opportunities to earn income.

In addition to the pandemic, all participants believed that inflation had impacted their sector in some fashion. Those in construction commented that there had been a widespread increase in the cost of building materials over the past year and that this had caused further uncertainty in the industry. Participants working in education shared that they had noticed an increase in the cost of teaching resources, such as books and school supplies. Those in healthcare likewise felt that the cost of supplies in their sector had risen in recent years. Asked to identify the most significant challenges facing workers in their respective sectors, almost all felt burnout to be an issue of considerable concern, with several personally reporting feeling exhausted or overwhelmed by their jobs. Many identified ongoing worker shortages as a growing challenge in their industries, making it more difficult to deliver high-quality services such as healthcare or education. A small number felt that wages were also an area of concern and believed that employers needed to provide higher compensation for those taking on increased workloads amidst these perceived worker shortages.

None were aware of any recent actions or initiatives from the federal government to better support workers in their sector. Several believed that the federal government was largely unaware of the challenges they were facing and thought that this had led to a lack of tangible support on these fronts. Discussing ways the federal government could assist workers in their industry moving forward, participants offered a wide range of suggestions. These included, increasing mental health supports for workers facing anxiety or burnout, improving health and safety standards in sectors such as construction, and incentivizing employers to offer full-time positions that paid workers a living wage.

Changing Career Paths (Mid-Size and Major Centres Alberta Recently Changed Career Paths)

Participants residing in Alberta who had recently changed careers engaged in a discussion related to the current labour market and their experiences in switching career paths. Asked to describe the state of the Canadian job market in a single word many responded with words related to uncertainty including ‘stressful’ and ‘challenging’. Asked to describe the quality and availability of jobs in their region, several were of the impression that wages had stagnated or decreased in recent years while the cost of living had risen substantially. Almost all had observed worker shortages in their respective areas, particularly concerning tradespeople, teachers, and heavy equipment operators. Several also believed housing to be an issue in their communities and that many lower-income workers were struggling to acquire safe and affordable housing. Focusing on how these issues might progress going forward, many were worried about the potential of a greater portion of Canada’s aging population retiring in the next decade, further exacerbating worker shortages. A number, however, expected that the Government of Canada would take steps to address the issue of worker shortages. It was thought that this would likely involve increasing immigration levels as a way to bolster the labour force.

Asked why they had decided to change career paths, many stated that they had been dissatisfied with their previous jobs and had wanted to pursue a career that made them feel happy and fulfilled. Other motivating factors mentioned by participants included the ability to better support their families, increasing their earning potential, and learning new skills to become more valuable in the current job market. A small number reported having been compelled to switch career paths following the closure of oil and gas facilities in their region. Several mentioned facing challenges related to changing their career paths. These included the difficulty of learning new skills, long periods of study required to obtain necessary certifications, and anxiety about foregoing a stable income by pursuing further education. Financial insecurity was identified by many as their biggest concern when changing career paths.

Very few recalled receiving any financial or employment support during their career transitions. While a few mentioned having sought help online, from family members, or through a staffing agency, none felt these actions had been particularly useful. Asked whether they had accessed federal resources or financial support while changing career paths, almost none had. While several reported having researched what support the federal government could provide, most were of the impression that they would not qualify for these programs. A small number reported having taken out a federal student loan in recent years and/or had accessed Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Those who reported receiving EI expressed positive views about the program, stating that they had received a prompt response upon applying for support. Asked if the support from EI was enough, it was widely felt that the program needed to provide higher payments to recipients in order to reflect the rising cost of living. No participants indicated awareness of other supports offered by the federal government, such as Canada Apprentice Loans, apprenticeship grants, or resources and supports for skills training.

Asked how best the federal government could support workers interested in changing careers, many expressed that the eligibility criteria for existing federal programs and supports was too restrictive. It was suggested that the Government of Canada should loosen these requirements in order to allow more individuals to qualify. Others felt that more could be done to inform Canadians about the many resources that were available to them. A small number felt that increasing access to affordable childcare would also be a helpful measure, providing parents with increased flexibility to pursue necessary education and/or training related to their new career paths.

Income Taxes and the Canada Revenue Agency (Ontario and Atlantic Canada Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults)

Three groups, all comprised of young adults, took part in discussions related to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and the filing of their annual income taxes. On balance, a smaller number reported filing their income taxes online compared to those who used other methods such as a personal accountant, tax preparation firms such as H&R Block, or having them prepared by a friend or family member. For those who typically filed their taxes online, most cited the convenience and relatively low cost of services such as TurboTax as their primary reasons for doing so. Asked to share their primary reasons for filing their income taxes, several believed it was their legal responsibility to do so and did not wish to incur any financial penalties for not filing their taxes on time. A smaller number identified the potential of receiving an income tax rebate as an additional incentive for filing their taxes. While most residing in Quebec believed that they had a relatively strong awareness of the benefits and credits they may potentially qualify for by filing their taxes, only a small number in the groups from Atlantic Canada and Ontario and Western Canada felt the same. Among the benefits and credits mentioned were the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax (GST/HST) rebate, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and tax deductions for those who work from home.

Asked to identify any barriers or challenges that they may face when filing their income taxes, a large number expressed a general lack of knowledge regarding how to prepare their taxes. It was expressed that this process could often feel overwhelming and was the source of considerable anxiety for some. Discussing where they would likely turn to for information regarding filing their taxes, most indicated that they would seek out advice from professional accountants, family members who were familiar with filing taxes, and/or the CRA website. Focusing on ways that the CRA could make filing income taxes easier, many believed that greater resources could be placed into educating and assisting Canadians (and especially younger individuals) in preparing their taxes. Additional actions suggested included simplifying federal tax forms to make them easier to complete, as well as developing an online chat function where those with questions could quickly reach out to CRA representatives for assistance. A few also recommended providing Canadians with the ability to prepare and file their taxes directly through the CRA website rather than having to do so via a third-party.

Healthcare (Atlantic Canada Frequent Healthcare Users, Mid-Size and Major Centres Prairies Seniors Frequent Healthcare Users, Atlantic Canada and Ontario Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults, GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12)

Participants in seven groups engaged in conversations related to healthcare. These discussions focused on participants’ perspectives regarding healthcare in their communities, healthcare priority areas for the federal government, and trust in public health authorities.

Healthcare Perspectives (GTA People of Colour, National Capital Region Quebec Parents of Children under 12)

Two groups shared their views regarding the healthcare system at present and the challenges currently facing their respective communities. All viewed healthcare as a major priority and one in need of further attention from the federal government. Asked to describe the quality of healthcare in their region, participants were varied in their opinions. While most residing in Quebec’s National Capital Region felt that healthcare in their area was generally of a high quality, several in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) felt otherwise. Among these participants it was believed that much of the healthcare infrastructure in the GTA was aging and/or in poor condition and was no longer able to accommodate the needs of the region’s growing population. Most identified accessibility to healthcare as a major issue in their areas, citing challenges related to long wait-times at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics, months-long waiting lists for appointments with specialists, and difficulty in accessing preventative tests and procedures (such as blood tests) in a timely manner. Several cited perceived worker shortages as a significant challenge in their area. It was believed that there were not enough healthcare professionals at present and that this had led to increasing rates of burnout among the doctors and nurses forced to take on higher workloads as a result.

Almost all felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the wrong track when it came to healthcare. Several believed that while this issue had been discussed a great deal at the federal level over the past few years, this had not led to any measurable improvements related to healthcare provision in their communities. A number expressed the need for further investments towards improving healthcare infrastructure as well as increasing the number of doctors and nurses practicing in Canada. Asked whether they were aware of recent actions by Health Canada to secure additional supplies of children’s medications, several in the group comprised of parents of young children were, though few could recall any details. Most were of the impression that this issue had begun to improve in recent weeks and that these shortages were no longer as pronounced as they had previously been.

Healthcare Priority Areas (Atlantic Canada Frequent Healthcare Users, Mid-Size and Major Centres Prairies Seniors Frequent Healthcare Users, GTA People of Colour)

Participants in three groups engaged in discussions related to healthcare priority areas recently announced by the Government of Canada. Asked if they were aware of any recent actions or initiatives from the federal government related to healthcare, few were. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada had recently announced five priority areas related to healthcare:

• Addressing health worker shortages and reducing wait times;
• Increasing access to family health services;
• Improving long term care and home care;
• Addressing mental health and substance use; and
• Modernizing health data management and virtual care.

Reactions to this list were largely positive among participants, with many believing it represented a strong plan to address the issues currently facing the healthcare system. Several identified the priority of addressing healthcare worker shortages and reducing wait times as being especially important, with many believing this to be the top issue facing healthcare in their region at present. Participants also spoke positively regarding the goals of expanding resources for mental healthcare, increasing access to family health services, and greater use of virtual care. Though believing it to be important in the long-term, a small number questioned whether modernizing health data management should be a top priority, believing this to be a less pressing concern compared to the other issues. Asked if learning about these priorities impacted how they felt about the federal government, most were encouraged by the comprehensiveness of the list. A number, however, expressed that while the identification of these priorities represented a step in the right direction, their evaluation of the federal government would likely depend on how successful it was in addressing these areas in the years to come. Asked what actions they hoped to see from the federal government in the coming year related to healthcare, a large number reiterated the need to recruit and train additional health professionals, as well as the need for increased Canada Health Transfer (CHT) payments to the provinces and territories.

Sharing their expectations related to these priorities as well as the specific actions they expected the Government of Canada would take towards addressing them, participants provided a wide range of responses. Regarding addressing health worker shortages and reducing wait times, several believed that the federal government should work to recruit more healthcare professionals from outside of Canada as well as find ways to streamline the foreign credential recognition process, making it easier for these individuals to practice in Canada. A number also proposed offering tuition assistance and other financial incentives to those considering careers in the healthcare sector, believing this would further bolster the number of healthcare workers across Canada. Almost all felt that this needed to be a top priority for the Government of Canada, and many expected that addressing this issue would have a positive impact on their own lives going forward.

Focusing on expanding access to family health services, a large number felt that actions needed to be taken to increase the number of family doctors practicing in Canada, believing there were not nearly enough physicians at present to meet the current level of demand. This was felt to be an especially challenging issue for those residing in rural or remote communities who, in some cases, may live hours away from the nearest doctor or nurse practitioner. It was thought that actions could be taken by the federal government to encourage more physicians to open family practices, as well as provide additional incentives to doctors and nurses to practice in rural communities and regions currently lacking adequate healthcare support. A number also believed that more could be done to expand the hours of operation of family health services, making them more accessible to those who work atypical schedules and may not be able to consult a physician during normal business hours.

Many also identified the priority of improving long-term and in-home care as highly important. It was widely thought that a greater emphasis needed to be placed by the federal government on constructing additional long-term care (LTC) facilities as well as recruiting and training the workers required to staff them. The view was added that efforts should be made to increase compensation for those working in this field, believing that LTC and home care workers were currently paid considerably less than other healthcare workers. Some also thought that further investments could be made into creating solutions for seniors to stay in their own homes longer. It was felt this would have a positive impact on the physical and mental health of seniors as well as reducing the level of stress experienced by their loved ones. A number of participants, particularly those in the group comprised of seniors residing in Alberta, expected that they would personally benefit from improvements to LTC and in-home care in their communities.

Several identified a lack of affordability and accessibility to treatment as a key driver of issues related to mental health and substance use. Many believed that these issues had risen substantially over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic and that far more needed to be done by the federal government to increase the number of mental health professionals and treatment facilities across the country. A number of participants viewed mental health and substance abuse as being directly related, feeling that many turned to using illicit substances in an effort to reduce the mental and physical pain they may be experiencing. Focusing specifically on substance use and addiction, a few recommended increased oversight of physicians prescribing substances such as painkillers and opioids. It was believed that many who became addicted to these drugs often did so inadvertently after having them prescribed by a physician without understanding the potential risks. A small number in the group based in the Prairies expressed criticism towards safe supply and/or safe injection site programs, believing these did little to address the root problem of addiction and only served to prolong substance use in the long term.

A large number spoke positively about the potential benefits of expanding virtual care for Canadians. It was felt that this would be especially helpful for those living in rural or remote communities as well as those with mobility issues who may not be able to visit a doctor in person. A few of those in the group from Atlantic Canada identified a similar program at the provincial level in New Brunswick (eVisitNB), believing this had been successful in providing access to virtual care and was an initiative that could be readily applied to other provinces and territories. Focusing on modernizing data management, a number expected that taking this action could help the federal government identify and address potential gaps in the healthcare system with greater ease. It was also expected that a digital healthcare database would foster a more straightforward process for individuals requiring care from multiple healthcare practitioners, providing them with the ability to have their health information in a centralized, readily accessible location.

Confidence in Public Health Authorities (Atlantic Canada and Ontario Young Adults, Western Canada Young Adults, Quebec Young Adults)

Participants in three groups, all comprised of young adults, engaged in discussions related to their confidence in public health authorities, officials, and health-related information emanating from the federal government. To begin, participants were asked how they would typically determine whether information they encounter online is trustworthy. Most indicated that they would generally confirm any health-related information they found on social media by consulting official sources such as websites run by the federal or provincial government, public health authorities, and academic experts. A large number of participants indicated that they would be more inclined to trust those authorities and organizations with long-standing reputations regarding the quality of their research and a demonstrated lack of bias in how they present information. Organizations and institutions identified by participants as being particularly trustworthy included Statistics Canada, the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), the University Health Network (UHN), and the Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids). A number expressed skepticism regarding other sources such as those in the media. It was believed that these outlets often presented information in the most attention-grabbing manner possible, and were less focused on providing accurate, unbiased medical guidance.

Focusing on health-related information from specific individuals, most identified factors such as academic and professional credentials, research background, and personal reputation as things they would consider when determining whether they were trustworthy. Several were familiar with the term ‘peer-reviewed’ and indicated that they would likely view an expert with published peer-reviewed research as being more credible. Discussing whether individual spokespersons tended to impact their perceptions of health-related organizations, most believed this was highly dependent on the individual and the organization in question and something they would determine on a case-by-case basis. Speaking generally, several expected that they would respond better to spokespersons whose expertise and background aligned with that of the organization compared to celebrities or other public figures with no connection to health and medicine.

Participants were next asked to identify the qualities they would hope to see in public health officials. To aid in conversation, each group was informed that the term ‘public health’ referred to issues affecting the entire population rather than on an individual level. These responsibilities included preventing diseases and injuries, responding to public health threats such as COVID-19 and/or other communicable viruses, and promoting strong physical and mental health through informed decision-making. With this in mind, most indicated that they would expect public health experts to have a strong educational background, first-hand experience working in healthcare (including directly with patients), and would consider all Canadians, including marginalized populations, in their decision-making. Values such as transparency, compassion, and relatability were also identified as important qualities for public health experts to possess.

Participants next engaged in an exercise where they were asked to identify which levels of government (federal, provincial/territorial, and regional/municipal) they believed were responsible for public health in Canada. Across all groups, provincial and territorial governments were identified as bearing the most responsibility for public health decision-making. Most expressed that their response had been informed by their understanding that provincial and territorial governments were primarily responsible for healthcare provision in their jurisdictions. It was thought that this had been evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where individual provinces and territories had engaged in a wide range of strategies related to mitigating the impacts of the virus. A significant number, however, also felt that the federal government had at least some responsibility regarding public health. It was thought that through its provision of healthcare funding through the Canada Health Transfer (CHT) and the work of agencies such as PHAC, the Government of Canada had a significant impact on public healthcare throughout the country. A few were of the impression that public health officials at the provincial and territorial level often took guidance from Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer into account when making health-related decisions. Few felt that municipal governments had much of an impact on public health, believing they typically aligned their policies with the strategies set out by the provinces and territories. Asked whether they would likely turn to government sources (federal or provincial/territorial) for health-related information, several felt that they would. A number, however, expressed a greater level of trust in public agencies such as PHAC and Statistics Canada compared to elected officials, whom they believed may also be influenced by public opinion.

Taking part in another exercise, participants were next asked to rate their level of trust in the Government of Canada as a source of health information. On balance, most participants indicated that they either ‘somewhat trusted’ or ‘neither trusted nor distrusted’ health information emanating from the Government of Canada. Regionally, levels of trust were slightly higher among those residing in Western Canada compared to participants in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, and Quebec. No participants expressed a strong level of distrust. Describing their viewpoints, several felt that while health information from the federal government was likely to be factual, they may not necessarily always agree with the conclusions reached by public health officials. A few commented that even though they generally viewed the federal government as trustworthy, they would still want to independently verify federal health information and guidance through other trusted sources. Discussing factors that may cause them to lose trust in the federal government as a source for health information, participants identified a lack of transparency, inconsistent guidance, and the reputation of the officials presenting the information as potential ways by which their trust may be weakened.

Only a small number of participants expressed familiarity with individual public health officers at the federal and/or provincial/territorial level. Informed that these officials are typically responsible for providing advice related to the protection and improvement of healthcare for people and their communities, are non-political, and are appointed for a fixed term, participants were asked if they would generally trust these individuals. Most believed that they would and were of the impression that these officials were typically experts in their fields, had acquired decades of medical experience, and presented advice and guidance based in science and verifiable fact. A small number in the group from Quebec were somewhat less trustful. Among these individuals it was thought that even experts could be incorrect in their conclusions and that it was the responsibility of all Canadians as individuals to determine the best path forward regarding their personal health and wellness, regardless of public health advice. Asked what more could be done to increase the level of trust among younger Canadians regarding public health information, several reiterated the need for greater consistency, increased transparency, and a more open dialogue as to how and why public decisions are made.

Canada Wordmark (Chaudière-Appalaches Region Quebec, Ontario Union Members)

Two groups engaged in discussions regarding how they would typically recognize information and messages emanating from the federal government across various channels, including television, social media, print, and radio. Asked how they would typically recognize this type of information many described a logo or official letterhead that typically accompanied correspondence from the federal government. A number also commented that this type of information usually explicitly stated that it was from the federal government, making it easier to recognize. While a few commented that it was at times difficult to discern whether the information they encountered on social media was legitimately from the Government of Canada, most believed this could easily be verified by consulting official federal websites. Asked how they would determine whether information they hear on mediums such as radio was from the federal government, several recalled a jingle that typically accompanied federal messaging as well as a distinct female voice stating that it had been a message from the Government of Canada.

Participants were next shown an image of the Canada wordmark:

All participants recognized this symbol, with a number identifying it as the logo they had been describing earlier. Many recalled having seen the wordmark on federal buildings, correspondence, and advertisements in print and on television. Asked to describe what the wordmark symbolized, most believed that its primary function was to designate information and correspondence as being officially from the Government of Canada. It was commented that the consistent use of the wordmark over many years had been effective in providing Canadians with an easily recognizable symbol to represent the federal government. Most expected to see this symbol on all federal correspondence and buildings, with some specifically associating it with annual tasks such as the preparation of their personal income taxes. Discussing whether they had any personal feelings towards the wordmark, a number of participants in the group based in Quebec associated the symbol with security and safety, national pride, and the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF). A small number in this group felt differently, feeling that for them the wordmark served as a reminder of what they perceived as a distant relationship between the Government of Canada and Quebec. Among those in the group comprised of union workers from Ontario, a number were somewhat more negative in their opinions towards the wordmark, expressing a general lack of trust in the federal government at present.

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

All expressed familiarity with the jingle with several recalling hearing it on the radio, television, and on content posted on social media. Asked why they felt that the Government of Canada used this musical signature, most believed it served as a memorable and easily recognizable audible cue that the information it accompanied was from the Government of Canada and was important to pay attention to.

2SLGBTQI+ Issues (Toronto and Montreal Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ Community)

One group, comprised of participants identifying as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community, discussed a number of issues faced by 2SLGBTQI+ individuals as well as recent actions taken by the Government of Canada to address these challenges. Asked to describe the historic relationship between 2SLGBTQI+ communities and the Government of Canada, participants shared a range of perspectives. A number felt that Canada had historically shown leadership on 2SLGBTQI+ issues, pointing to initiatives such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in 2005, which took place many years before other countries such as the United States. A few were more pessimistic in their views, believing that 2SLGBTQI+ communities had historically been neglected by the federal government. This was thought to especially be the case for transgender, non-binary, and two-spirited (2S) individuals, who it was felt had been excluded from most federal initiatives and policymaking until very recently. While most believed that there had been increased efforts on the part of the federal government in recent years to include and protect 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians, it was widely felt that significant room for improvement still remained. A number were of the impression that even with additional actions from the federal government, members of these communities continued to face considerable challenges related to attaining equal parental rights, medical treatment, and protection from discrimination.

None agreed with the statement that the Government of Canada listens, cares, and responds to the needs of folks within the 2SLGBTQI+ community. The view was expressed that while actions such as the addition of a third gender identifier on Canadian passports had been a small step in the right direction, many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals continued to struggle for broader inclusiveness and equality. On balance, most felt that little in the way of tangible progress had been made by the Government of Canada on the issues most important to 2SLGBTQI+ communities. Asked whether they believed that the situation had improved for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals in Canada in recent years, an equal number of participants felt that things were better now as those who felt their daily lives had remained mostly unchanged. No participants thought that the situation had worsened. For those who felt things had improved, it was thought that the federal government had placed a greater focus on 2SLGBTQI+ issues in recent years and that progress was gradually being made on furthering inclusivity and protecting the rights of these individuals. It was widely felt, however, that there was much work still to be done on these issues. Among participants who felt things had mostly remained the same, it was said that while some positive actions were being taken at the federal level, many 2SLGBTQI+ individuals continued to face significant struggles. A number of participants specifically cited concerns related to the mental health of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals as well as their perceived inability to access reproductive services such as surrogacy options in some parts of Canada. Discussing ways that the Government of Canada could further assist these communities, several believed that a greater emphasis needed to be placed on education-focused initiatives. It was believed that many of the misconceptions regarding 2SLGBTQI+ individuals were the result of a lack of understanding and education about them. It was felt this would be beneficial both for younger Canadians as well as the parents of 2SLGBTQI+ youth who may not fully understand the challenges their children are facing. A number of participants also expressed the need for further federal resources for queer-led community initiatives as well as scholarships and grants for 2SLGBTQI+ individuals pursuing higher education.

No participants were aware of any recent actions from the Government of Canada related to 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. Asked specifically whether they had heard anything about Health Canada lifting the ban on blood donations from men who have sex with men (MSM), a small number indicated that they had, though were of the opinion that some rules still in place concerning blood donation (such as excluding MSM donors who were sexually active) continued to stigmatize some 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. Asked whether they were aware of Bill C-4: An Act to amend the Criminal Code (conversion therapy) and/or the federal government’s 2SLGBTQI+ Action Plan, no participants were familiar with either initiative. To aid in discussion, participants were presented with a number of recent actions and initiatives from the Government of Canada related to 2SLGBTQI+ which it had developed in consultation with members of these communities. These included:

• Prioritizing and sustaining 2SLGBTQI+ community action by supporting 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations in advocating for and serving the communities they represent;
• Continuing to advance and strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ rights at home and abroad including by building on the criminalization of conversion therapy and launching consultations on additional criminal law reforms, as well as continuing to invest in projects abroad through Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy;
• Supporting Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ resilience and resurgence including by continuing to fund Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ community organizations, and creating a dedicated Two-Spirit Senior Advisor position within the Government of Canada’s 2SLGBTQI+ Secretariat;
• Engaging everyone in Canada in fostering a more inclusive future by investing in awareness campaigns to improve their understanding of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and issues;
• Strengthening 2SLGBTQI+ data and evidence-based policy making by improving data collection, analysis, research, and knowledge on 2SLGBTQI+ communities and the barriers they face in Canada; and
• Embedding 2SLGBTQI+ issues in the work of the Government of Canada. In other words, make it easier to advance 2SLGBTQI+ issues within the Government of Canada and make sure various parts of the federal government have a coordinated response to community priorities.

Asked to share their initial reactions, most were of the view that these priorities successfully encompassed a significant number of the issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ individuals at present. A number were especially positive in their reactions to the inclusion of 2S individuals as part of these priorities, believing this community had historically been underrepresented by the federal government. Several, however, wished to know more about the specific actions that would be taken to implement these priorities and felt that without this information they were unable to properly evaluate this list. A few believed that the language used to describe these priorities was somewhat vague and wished to see further information regarding the federal government’s timeline and expectations related to implementing these goals. A small number questioned why this process to normalize, protect, and include 2SLGBTQI+ communities was not moving faster, believing there needed to be greater urgency on the part of the federal government towards addressing these issues. The view was also expressed that these priorities needed to be implemented across all regions of the country (including in rural communities) and not just in major urban centres which they believed already had a significant number of 2SLGBTQI+ resources available.

Asked to identify which priorities they felt to be of the greatest importance, the initiative to support Indigenous 2SLGBTQI+ resilience and resurgence received the broadest level of support among participants. Several felt that more needed to be done for Indigenous peoples in general, including actions to ensure that all Indigenous communities had access to safe drinking water, affordable housing, and the same level of federal services as the rest of Canadians. It was thought that greater representation of Indigenous and 2S voices within all levels of government would go a long way towards addressing these priorities. The view was expressed that there needed to be a particular emphasis on increasing the visibility of 2S individuals, with several of the impression that a large portion of Canadians did not understand what this term represented.

The initiatives to strengthen 2SLGBTQI+ data and evidence-based policy making and to prioritize and sustain 2SLGBTQI+ community action also received a strong level of support. Regarding the former, a number felt that obtaining clearer scientific data regarding these communities could potentially provide further clarity and confidence to those individuals who may not understand or relate to the challenges 2SLGBTQI+ individuals face. The view was also added, however, that a large component of 2SLGBTQI+ is based around the unique experience of the individual and that as a result there may be no clear-cut answers to be found even if comprehensive data was gathered. Regarding sustaining 2SLGBTQI+ community action, many felt this initiative could be helpful in promoting queer-led grassroots initiatives in individual communities. The opinion was reiterated that these resources needed to be made available to all communities, including those in regions that may be less understanding of 2SLGBTQI+ issues at present. A few also suggested that action be taken to reduce or rescind existing federal grants from any community organizations that were currently unaccepting of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals.

A smaller number of participants also expressed support for the initiatives to engage all Canadians in fostering a more inclusive future and embed 2SLGBTQI+ issues in the work of the Government of Canada. Regarding these priorities, a number felt that more could be done by the federal government to enforce existing laws related to 2SLGBTQI+ individuals. A few specifically mentioned the recent ban on conversion therapy and were of the impression that this practice still persisted in some parts of the country. The need for greater representation of 2SLGBTQI+ individuals within high-level positions in the federal government was also identified as an important way to further these priorities. Regarding the priority to continue to advance 2SLGBTQI+ rights at home and abroad, while most felt this was an important goal, a number questioned whether it was the responsibility of the Government of Canada to attempt to influence other jurisdictions regarding social matters such as this. The view was expressed that the federal government should focus on addressing the issues facing 2SLGBTQI+ individuals within Canada before seeking to advance these rights in other countries.

All participants felt that these priorities, if achieved, would go a long way towards improving the lives of 2SLGBTQI+ Canadians. Asked what more could be done by the federal government, a few suggested actions specifically targeting homelessness and substance abuse within these communities. The view was expressed that 2SLGBTQI+ individuals often found themselves marginalized to begin with and that those experiencing homelessness and addiction would likely have less resources to turn to than other Canadians. While several were optimistic about these priorities, a number reiterated the need for greater urgency and hoped to see immediate action from the federal government going forward.

Firearms (Prairies Indigenous Peoples and Firearms Owners)

This group was comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in the Prairies. Most participants were firearms owners and they discussed recent measures announced by the federal government to strengthen gun laws in Canada. A large number identified gun crime as a serious problem and were of the impression that it had risen in recent years, especially among younger Canadians. Participants cited gang activity and a lack of employment opportunities in Indigenous communities as being key factors driving this perceived increase in firearms-related crimes in their respective regions. Asked whether they felt firearms regulations in Canada were too loose, too strict, or at about the right level, a roughly equal number said existing laws were sufficient as those who believed they should be tightened. While generally supportive of strong gun regulations, a number expressed concerns that their own firearms (such as hunting rifles), might be subject to recently announced prohibitions by the Government of Canada. A few feared that without these firearms they would be limited in their ability to provide food for their families and communities. The view was expressed that recently proposed firearms regulations had lacked a proper consultation process with Indigenous communities and that these laws were being imposed onto them without their consent.

To aid in conversation, participants were provided with information regarding a number of firearms-related measures announced by the federal government. These included:

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

The proposed measures received varying levels of support among participants. Several spoke positively regarding increased regulations for those involved in acts of domestic violence, criminal harassment, and stalking. Similarly, a large number expressed support for the proposal to address intimate partner violence, gender-based violence, and self-harm involving firearms. Participants were also largely in favour of the initiative to increase resources to fight gun smuggling and trafficking, believing this had been a key driver of crimes involving firearms. The proposed national freeze on the buying and selling of handguns was met with mixed reactions. While some felt the goal of reducing the number of handguns in Canada to be important in increasing the safety of Canadians, a number believed that licenced, law-abiding firearm owners should continue to be allowed to possess handguns. A few were of the view that these were often useful for personal protection, especially in remote communities situated hours away from the nearest Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) branch. A number reacted negatively to the initiative to limit long gun magazines to be able to carry no more than five rounds. It was felt that this measure was particularly restrictive to hunters as many hunting rifles would need to be modified or replaced in order to adhere to these restrictions.

Participants next were provided with information related to the prohibition of assault-style firearms:

In addition to these new measures, since May 1^st, 2020, the Government of Canada has prohibited over 2,000 models of assault-style firearms. The Government has committed to implementing a program to compensate owners for their prohibited firearms. An Amnesty Order was put in place (currently set to expire on October 30, 2023) to give existing owners time to come into compliance with the law. The Order also provides a temporary exception for Indigenous persons exercising section 35 Constitutional rights to hunt, and to allow for continued use of newly prohibited firearms (if previously non-restricted) until a suitable replacement can be found.

While some thought these actions would be helpful towards addressing gun violence and represented a step in the right direction, a number felt otherwise. Among these participants, it was expected that rather than prohibiting more firearms, a greater emphasis should be placed on educating prospective hunters and firearms users regarding how to responsibly operate these weapons. A few interpreted these measures as the federal government seeking to impose further control on their communities and believed that it was not the responsibility of the federal government to determine which types of firearms Indigenous peoples were permitted to own.

Housing (Lower Mainland British Columbia)

One group, based in the Lower Mainland region of British Columbia (B.C.), discussed a number of housing initiatives recently announced by the Government of Canada. Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions from the federal government related to housing, while several were of the impression that steps had been taken to temporarily prohibit non-Canadians from purchasing residential housing, no other initiatives could be recalled. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada had designed a comprehensive plan to address issues related to housing, with a focus on building more homes, helping to make housing more affordable, and protecting Canadians in the housing market.

Engaging in an exercise, participants were shown a number of new housing initiatives and asked to select which they felt would have the most positive impact on the housing market in Canada. These included:

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

Of these initiatives, the introduction of new taxation rules to deter house flipping and the two-year ban on all non-Canadians from buying residential properties in Canada received the highest level of support among participants. The initiatives to end blind bidding, create taxation penalties to prevent landlords from ‘renovicting’ tenants, and making assignment sales of new and renovated housing taxable also received a moderate level of support. All participants felt this list of initiatives was a step in the right direction and worth pursuing by the federal government. Asked if any of these initiatives would personally benefit them, a number of participants expected that they would, with some specifically mentioning the positive impact they expected a ban on non-Canadian buyers would have on the housing market. It was thought that this measure could be effective in stabilizing or lowering housing prices, especially in markets such as Vancouver which were perceived as having a high degree of foreign ownership at present. Several were of the opinion that the ban should be extended to a greater length than two years, with a small number believing it should remain in place for the foreseeable future. A few expressed concerns regarding this initiative, hoping that those individuals who had immigrated to Canada and were pursuing becoming permanent residents (and eventually Canadian citizens) would still be eligible to purchase homes within Canada. Asked what more the Government of Canada could do related to housing, participants suggested a number of actions. These included greater regulation of developers and realtors, further assistance for first-time home buyers, and financial supports for renters, who were also seen as struggling under the current housing market.

Immigration (Chaudière-Appalaches Region Quebec)

Participants in the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec discussed a number of topics related to immigration. Asked to describe the current state of the immigration system in Canada, almost all were of the impression that the process had become overly complicated and time-consuming. Many recalled having heard personal accounts from individuals who had applied for Canadian citizenship or permanent residency and had been frustrated by what they viewed as significant wait times in the processing of their applications and recognition of their professional credentials. A few also commented on the family reunification process, believing this was typically a long and challenging undertaking for those looking to bring family members into Canada. Discussing the potential benefits of welcoming new immigrants, many focused on the economic advantages this could bring, including bolstering the workforce and increasing productivity across a number of sectors. A number also felt that immigration was beneficial through its ability to increase the diversity of cultural backgrounds and perspectives among Canadians, fostering a stronger and more inclusive population as a result. Sharing their potential concerns related to immigration, a number were worried that there would not be enough affordable housing options for new arrivals and that higher immigration may serve to exacerbate the perceived housing crisis at present. A few also questioned the impact that an influx of non-French speaking immigrants to Quebec would have on the continued prominence of the French in the province, believing this could further diminish the language. Related to this, a small number questioned whether Quebeckers would be welcoming of new immigrants, given this perceived threat to the province’s Francophone culture.

A slightly larger number believed that the Government of Canada was currently headed in the right direction regarding immigration than those who felt otherwise. For those who felt the federal government was on the right track, it was believed that there were many supports in place for new immigrants to Canada and that the federal government had been successful in increasing immigration levels in recent years. Among participants who believed that immigration was headed in the wrong direction, it was thought that there were not nearly enough resources in place to accommodate the current level of immigration to Canada and that significant investments would need to be made into this area. Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada should raise, decrease, or keep immigration levels the same, a roughly similar number of participants expressed support for each of the three options. For those who felt immigration levels should be maintained at their current rate, it was thought that while immigration was an important priority, there was too much of a backlog of applications and not enough resources to increase the number of new arrivals at this juncture. Among participants who believed an increase was needed, a number cited perceived labour shortages in key sectors such as healthcare and education, believing additional immigration could help address these challenges. For those who thought immigration should decrease, it was felt that until concerns related to the housing supply and the ability to accommodate an influx of new immigrants were addressed, the Government of Canada should consider limiting the number of immigrants it accepts.

Focusing on the plans for immigration going forward, while a few were of the impression that the Government of Canada was currently seeking to increase immigration levels, none could recall any specific details related to this. To aid in conversation participants were informed that the Government of Canada had recently announced it would be increasing 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. Most reacted positively to this information, believing that this represented a reasonable goal on the part of the federal government and would be beneficial to Canada in the long run. A few felt somewhat differently, questioning whether there would be sufficient housing, language, and employment resources in place to handle this increase.

While all believed that labour shortages were currently an issue in their respective communities, opinions were mixed as to whether increased immigration was the primary solution to this challenge. With this in mind, a roughly similar number disagreed with the statement that Canada needs to welcome more new immigrants in order to fill job vacancies and grow the economy as those who agreed. A few believed that more emphasis should be placed on recruiting and training those already living in Canada to fill these vacancies. Informed that 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, participants were again mixed in their reactions. While some found this number to be somewhat concerning, several questioned whether these positions were remaining unfilled due to employers not offering sufficient compensation and/or benefits rather than a lack of available workers and doubted whether increasing immigration would provide an effective solution to this issue.

Opioids (Lower Mainland British Columbia, City of Vancouver Chinese Diaspora)

Participants in two groups based in British Columbia engaged in conversations concerning opioid addiction in the province. Almost all believed that addiction and illicit substance use was a major issue at present. While most in the group from the Lower Mainland believed this issue had neither decreased nor increased in severity in recent years, almost all in Vancouver felt it had gotten worse. Almost all participants were pessimistic about this issue going forward, believing that addiction and overdoses would continue to rise unless substantial action was taken. Asked if they could recall any activities from the federal government related to this issue, few could. A small number mentioned having heard of federal investments into mental health and addictions treatment facilities as well as its support for the use of supervised injection sites.

The group based in the City of Vancouver were asked a few additional questions regarding the recent exemption to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act granted by the Government of Canada to remove criminal penalties for possession of up to 2.5 grams of certain illegal substances in British Columbia. Participants expressed a wide range of reactions to this policy. Several felt positively about this initiative, believing it would be helpful towards freeing up additional resources for the criminal justice system and that there was little to be gained by repeatedly arresting individuals for small amounts of drugs. A number, however, were concerned that this could lead to further levels of addiction and substance use now that these criminal penalties had been removed. It was expressed that in order for this initiative to be successful, it would have to be combined with increased resources for mental health and addictions treatment and with the eventual goal of getting these individuals to stop using illicit substances altogether. Asked whether they supported diverting individuals arrested for the possession of drugs to addictions treatment centres rather than incarcerating them, most did. Several, however, believed that there should be a screening process in place to ensure dangerous individuals were not being sent to facilities where they could cause harm to other patients.

Asked whether they were familiar with the terms ‘safer supply’ and ‘supervised consumption sites’ most indicated that they were. To aid in discussion, participants were provided with definitions for each term:

• Safer supply refers to providing prescribed medications as a safer alternative to the toxic illegal drug supply to people who are at high risk of overdose; and
• Supervised consumption sites provide a safe and clean space for people to bring their own drugs to use in the presence of trained staff. They also offer a range of harm reduction services.

Most expressed support for these programs. While a few thought that these approaches may enable further drug addiction, several believed it would be immensely beneficial in preventing overdoses and relieving pressure from emergency medical services (EMS) and hospitals. Several thought that preventing substance use and addiction needed to be a responsibility for both the federal and provincial governments, and that each had a role to play in addressing this issue.

Energy Outlook (Mid-Size and Major Centres Alberta Recently Changed Career Paths)

Participants residing in Alberta took part in a discussion regarding their outlook for the future of the province’s energy sector. Asked to describe the importance of the oil and gas sector to the Albertan economy, all felt it to be crucial to the province’s overall economic health. Additionally, several were of the understanding that revenues from the oil and gas sector were used to support many other important sectors in the province, including healthcare, education, and construction. A number also pointed to the importance of oil and gas as a source of well-paying jobs for Albertans. Asked to describe the current state of Alberta’s oil and gas sector, many believed it had been performing poorly in recent years. Several stated that many communities which had previously relied on oil and gas production for their economic survival had been abandoned as a result of reduced activity in this sector. Concerns were also expressed about the perceived prevalence of foreign-owned oil and gas companies operating in Canada, believing these had been supplanting their domestic competitors.

All felt that it was of critical importance for Alberta to diversify its economy and become less reliant on oil and gas. Suggestions for potential areas of economic diversification included technology, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing, and agriculture. Several, however, believed that the provincial government would need support from the Government in Canada in order to carry out this economic transformation. Asked whether the renewable energy sector might be an important area of future economic activity in Alberta, a number expressed skepticism. Many believed that clean energy sources were not capable of producing enough energy to meet the province’s energy needs and that a large-scale transition to renewable energy was not realistic at this juncture. Additionally, it was felt by some that clean energy was too expensive to produce compared to non-renewable energy sources.

Discussing the future of Alberta’s clean energy sector, participants were largely pessimistic in their expectations. Many did not believe that the province would experience much economic growth over the next decade. Several also expressed concerns that a large-scale transition away from oil and gas would lead to a significant increase in the price of energy. Focusing on the changes that would likely be required in order to facilitate a transition to clean energy, a number expected that there would need to be a considerable amount of new infrastructure built to support these new energy systems. Asked how the Government of Canada could support Alberta in further developing the province’s clean energy sector, many expressed a strong desire for the province to carry out this transition without any support from the federal government. A small number were of the opinion that there were many experts in the province’s energy sector who would be capable of facilitating this transition without assistance from the federal government.

Relationship With China (City of Vancouver Chinese Diaspora)

One group, comprised of Chinese Canadians residing in the City of Vancouver, discussed the Government of Canada’s current relationship with China. All believed that this relationship had deteriorated in recent decades and even more so in recent years. It was thought by many that this had at least in part been due to China’s rise as a larger economic and geopolitical power and its perceived ability to be more assertive in its foreign policy as a result. Participants also cited a number of events and issues that they felt had served to further impact this relationship. These included the 2018 arrest and detention of Huawei Technologies’ Chief Financial Officer in Canada, Canada’s close ties to the United States (who had also experienced increased tensions with China), and the Government of Canada’s outspoken criticism of human rights abuses in China as factors that had negatively impacted this relationship. A few believed that this issue had been further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, where strict public health requirements in China had led to an interruption in trade activity between the two countries.

Discussing whether the Government of Canada was headed in the right direction in terms of its relationship with China, participants expressed a great deal of uncertainty. For many, it was unclear as to whether the Government of Canada was aiming to improve its relationship with China or was satisfied with the situation as it was at present. Several described what they viewed as a lack of direction on the Government of Canada’s part related to China and felt that its actions had been mostly reactive regarding this relationship in recent years. A small number expressed disappointment in how this relationship had evolved, believing that Canadians could no longer feel safe travelling to China. Asked what the Government of Canada had done well regarding its relationship with China, a number spoke positively of its commitment to human rights and Canadian values, including outspoken criticism of China regarding human rights abuses within its borders. Focusing on what could be done by the Government of Canada to improve its relationship with China, many believed that there needed to be greater representation of Chinese Canadians at the federal level. Additionally, several felt that there needed to be increased efforts to understand the unique perspectives of Chinese Canadians as well as a greater focus on acknowledging the many different groups that comprised the Chinese diaspora. A few hoped to see greater independence from the Government of Canada on the global stage, believing at present its actions were almost always in alignment with those of the United States.

Asked how they hoped this relationship would evolve in the years to come, several expressed the need for a clearer, long-term strategy from the federal government outlining its intentions and expectations regarding China going forward. While also believing it prudent to maintain an ongoing trade relationship with China, many hoped to see a greater emphasis from the Government of Canada towards diversifying its trading relationships with other Asian countries and ensuring it had multiple trading partners in the region. This was felt to be especially important given participants’ concerns that China may become militarily engaged with Taiwan in the near future, an event they believed would significantly harm the trading relationship between Canada and China. A number of participants felt that going forward the federal government should primarily focus on finding ways for it to mutually benefit with China (such as trade, immigration, and tourism) while not compromising its commitment to upholding and defending human rights.

Community Challenges (Chaudière-Appalaches Region Quebec)

Participants in the group from the Chaudière-Appalaches region of Quebec engaged in a brief discussion related to the various challenges faced by their community. Asked to identify areas in need of greater focus from the federal government participants identified a wide range of issues. These included the province’s aging population, a perceived lack of access to affordable housing, ongoing shortages of skilled workers, and limited access to healthcare (and primary care in particular)

Discussing the most important sectors and industries in their community, several mentioned the local petroleum refinery. Manufacturing was also viewed as an essential sector, with several identifying metal production and furniture manufacturing as important industries within the region. Focusing on the future, several felt that sectors such as agriculture and food production needed to be prioritized to a far greater extent by the Government of Canada going forward. It was thought that by increasing localized food production, residents of the region would be able to obtain lower food prices while also ensuring a more secure supply of food in the long-term.

Asked whether healthcare was a specific concern in their respective communities, many reiterated concerns related to accessibility, especially in terms of accessing emergency care or finding a family doctor. No participants were aware of any recent efforts undertaken by the federal government to support the healthcare sector in their region.