Report

 

RAPID AND COST-EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS,  KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURS

PHASE 2

 

 

 

Submitted to

Privy Council Office (PCO)

 

Prepared by

Leger

 

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français

 

Contract number: 35035-200624/001/CY

POR #045-20

Awarded 2020-10-08

Contract Value: $245,047.28

 

 

Leger

507 Place d’Armes, Suite 700

Montréal, Québec

G1R 2K2

Phone: 514-982-2464

Fax: 514-987-1960

 

For more information on this report, please contact the Pivy Council Office at: por-rop@pco-bcp.gc.ca

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français.

 

 

 

 

 

 

RAPID AND COST-EFFECTIVE MONITORING OF PUBLIC PERCEPTIONS,  KNOWLEDGE AND BEHAVIOURS PHASE 2

 

Methodological Report

Prepared for Privy Council Office of Canada

Supplier Name: Leger

March 2022

 

This public opinion research methodological report presents the technical aspects of a web survey conducted by Leger Marketing Inc. on behalf of the Privy Council Office of Canada. The research was conducted with Canadians 18 and over who could understand and express themselves in either French or English.

 

Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre :  UNE SURVEILLANCE RAPIDE ET ÉCONOMIQUE DES PERCEPTIONS, DES CONNAISSANCES ET DES COMPORTEMENTS DU PUBLIC PHASE 2

 

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

 

Privy Council Office

Blackburn Building

Ottawa, ON K1A 0A3

 

Catalogue Number:

CP22-195/1-2022E-PDF

 

International Standard Book Number (ISBN):

978-0-660-42522-1

 

 

Related publications (registration number: POR 045-20):

Catalogue number: CP22-195/1-2022F-PDF / ISBN : 978-0-660-42523-8  (Final report, French) Surveillance rapide et économique des perceptions, des connaissances et des comportements du public - Phase 2

 

 

 

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada, as represented by the Privy Council Office of Canada, 2020.

Table of Contents

 

 

1. Executive Summary  4

1.1       Background and Objectives  4

1.2        Notes on The Interpretation of The Findings  5

1.3        Declaration of Political Neutrality and Contact Information   5

1.4        Methodology  6

1.5       Quotas  6

2. Details for Each Wave  7

2.1     Pretest  7

2.2     Data collection   9

2.3.    Participation rate  12

APPENDIX A - Detailed Research Methodology  18

APPENDIX B – SURVEY   27

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1. Executive Summary

 

Leger is pleased to present The Privy Council Office of Canada, as well as the Government of Canada, with this technical report describing the methodology used for the longitudinal study on public perceptions, knowledge and behaviours during the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

This report was prepared by Leger who was contracted by The Privy Council Office (contract number 35035-200624/001/CY awarded October 8^th, 2020). Phase 2 of this project covers waves 9 to 16. Details for the eight previous waves were published under the title: Implementation of the World Health Organization’s Behavioural Insights Covid-19 Survey Tool in the Canadian Context: Rapid and Cost-Effective Monitoring of Public Perceptions, Knowledge and Behaviours.

1.1 Background and Objectives

 

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Privy Council Office (PCO), the secretariat responsible for providing nonpartisan advice to the Prime Minister and coordinating the work of federal government departments and agencies, needed ongoing access to quantitative data describing the evolution of Canadians' perceptions, attitudes, knowledge, and behaviours in this uncertain context. The Behavioural Insight Tool (BI), developed by the World Health Organization (WHO), was used as the data collection tool for this study. At each survey wave, the collection tool was adjusted to reflect the evolution of the pandemic and the primary data needs of PCO. 

The main objectives of this study were to provide PCO and other government departments (e.g., Health Canada & Public Health Agency of Canada) with research-based information on Canadians’ perceptions, knowledge and behaviours relating to COVID-19.

This includes:

·       trust in health authorities, recommendations, and information;

·       risk perceptions;

·       acceptance of recommended behaviours;

·       knowledge;

·       barriers/drivers to recommended behaviours;

·       misperceptions;

·       and stigma.

 

The results of this public opinion study has been and will be put to various uses by PCO and other federal departments and agencies:

 

·       Track Canadians’ evolving perceptions, knowledge and behaviours relating to COVID-19, to better understand how public awareness campaigns and broader government response efforts have been affecting the population more holistically and to inform whole-of-government decision-making moving forward;

 

·       Compare data trends cross-nationally (i.e., with other allied countries that adopt the WHO BI protocol) in a standardized manner, facilitating a better understanding how the Canadian populace fares relative to other nations on an ongoing basis in their perceptions, attitudes, and knowledge; and

 

·       Enable the Government of Canada to further develop and refine COVID-19 response efforts to meet the specific needs of Canadians. This study was seen as an element of broader public engagement efforts in response to COVID-19 that intend to proactively and iteratively educate and encourage Canadians to play their part in sustained response efforts.

 

1.2      Notes on The Interpretation of The Findings

 

Since a sample drawn from an Internet panel is not probabilistic in nature, the margin of error cannot be calculated for this survey. Respondents for this survey were selected from among those who have volunteered to participate/registered to participate in online surveys. The results of such surveys cannot be described as statistically projectable to the target population. The data have been weighted to reflect the demographic composition of the target population. Because the sample is based on those who initially self-selected for participation, no estimates of sampling error can be calculated.

 

1.3      Declaration of Political Neutrality and Contact Information

 

I hereby certify, as chief agent of Leger, that the deliverables are in full compliance with the neutrality requirements of the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity and the Directive on the Management of Communications—Appendix C (Appendix C: Mandatory Procedures for Public Opinion Research).

Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, party positions, or the assessment of the performance of a political party or its leaders.

Signed by: 

Christian Bourque

Executive Vice President and Associate

Leger

507 Place d’Armes, Suite 700

Montréal, Quebec

H2Y 2W8

cbourque@leger360.com

 

1.4      Methodology

This study was conducted through a web-based survey of the Canadian population aged 18 and over who can speak English or French. The respondents were randomly selected through the Leo panel, our panel of Canadian Internet users comprising nearly half a million Internet users.

 

A total of sixteen waves of surveys were completed in two phases for this research project, with this report focusing on the second phase, covering waves nine to sixteen. A sample of approximately 2,000 respondents was collected each wave. Since this was a longitudinal study, the objective was to re-invite the 2,000 respondents from wave one in subsequent survey waves. Our goal was to maximize the number of respondents who respond to the maximum number of survey waves. Respondents who cease to participate in subsequent waves were replaced following the gender, age and regional quotas that were implemented in the project.

 

All respondents were contacted via email by Leger. All invitations were bilingual to ensure that no respondent gets a unilingual invitation in the wrong official language. Each respondent was provided with an invitation that includes preapproved information from PCO regarding the nature of the research (i.e. Government of Canada) including the required information for consent and the rights and obligations of respondents.

                                                                                                                          

Fieldwork for this project took place from November 2^nd, 2020 to November 22, 2021. Details of waves nine to sixteen are provided in the following sections.

 

1.5 Quotas

 

A series of quotas were implemented for this project. Quotas were cross-referenced by gender and age groups and were also imposed on the region of residence of respondents. The first quota is 50% men and 50% women for the gender sample. These gender quotas were also respected within the following age groups: 18-34, 35-54 and 55 and over. Those gender and age quotas had to be respected at the regional level. The Canadian regions were split as follows:

●           Atlantic Canada (Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick);

●           Quebec;

●           Ontario;

●           Manitoba/Saskatchewan/Nunavut;

●           Alberta/Northwest Territories;

●           British Columbia/Yukon.

 

The following table details the expected distribution of the sample across the provinces and territories for each wave.

The sample distribution was planned as follows:

 

 

As there were no respondents from Nunavut, the two planned respondents were replaced by respondents from Manitoba and Saskatchewan. As for any general population sample derived from a national survey, the final results were weighted by region, age groups, gender, education and the presence of children in the household to make the final samples representative of the actual population of Canada. Details on the weighting factors are presented in a subsequent section of this report.

 

2. Details for Each Wave

 

2.1 Pretest

To validate the programming of the questionnaire, a pretest was conducted before each wave of the project. The following table shows the details of those pretests. A validation of frequencies and databases was done after each pretest to ensure that the programming was accurate and functional.

 

Table 1. Pretest details for waves 9 through 16

 

 

2.2 Data collection

 

Data collection for this project began in November 2020 and was carried out over several waves until November 2021. Each wave lasted between seven and eight days in field. A minimum target of 2,000 respondents for each wave was established. Following the first wave, Léger conducted recontacts to maximize the number of respondents who participated in previous waves and replaced respondents who ceased to participate in subsequent waves following the gender, age and regional quotas. The first days of data collection were aimed at recontacting previous respondents, while the last days of data collection were aimed at replacing the non-returning respondents, due to attrition. The following table details the collection dates and the number of respondents and recontacts for each wave.

It should be noted that wave 15 has fewer than 2,000 respondents. This wave had to be ended before the scheduled end of the field because a federal election was called. The fieldwork had to be completed prematurely since no public opinion research may be conducted during an election campaign. 

 

Table 2. Data collection details for waves 9 through 16

 

 

2.3. Participation rate

 

Below is the calculation of the participation rate to the web survey for wave nine to sixteen. The participation rate is calculated using the following formula: Participation rate / response rate = R ÷ (U + IS + R). The table below provides details of the calculation. For wave nine to sixteen, the participation rate ranges between 15% and 41%.

 

Table 3. Participation rate for wave 9

 

 

Table 4. Participation rate for wave 10

 

Table 5. Participation rate for wave 11

 

Table 6. Participation rate for wave 12

 

Table 7. Participation rate for wave 13

 

Table 8. Participation rate for wave 14

 

 

Table 9. Participation rate for wave 15

 

 

Table 10. Participation rate for wave 16

 

 

 

 

 

 

APPENDIX A - Detailed Research Methodology

 

A.2     Quantitative Methodology

A.2.1  Methods

Quantitative research was conducted through online surveys, using Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI) technology. Leger adheres to the most stringent guidelines for quantitative research. The survey instrument was compliant with the Standards of Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research. Respondents were assured of the voluntary, confidential, and anonymous nature of this research. As with all research conducted by Leger, all information that could allow for the identification of participants was removed from the data, in accordance with the Privacy Act.

 

Computer Aided Web Interviewing (CAWI)

 

A panel-based Internet survey with a sample of Canadian adults from the general population (with different regional and age quotas and a 50%-50% men and women ratio within those quotas). Participant selection was made randomly from Leo’s online panel.

 

Leger owns and operates an Internet panel of more than 400,000 Canadians from coast to coast. An Internet panel is made up of web users profiled on different sociodemographic variables. The majority of Leger’s panel members (61%) have been recruited randomly over the phone over the past decade, making it highly similar to the actual Canadian population on many demographic characteristics.

 

All panelists received an incentive to participate in our surveys. The incentive to complete a 15-minute questionnaire was of $1.50.

 

The questionnaire for this project was provided by the Privy Council Office (PCO). The data collection has been conducted in accordance with the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research—Series A—Fieldwork and Data Tabulation for Online Surveys.

 

A.2.3  Unweighted and Weighted Samples

 

The tables below present the geographic distribution of respondents, their gender age and level of education before and after weighting for each wave.

 

We can see that the weighting adjusted some differences in geographic regions, notably for Prairies/Nunavut (over-represented) and Ontario (under-represented). The quotas placed on the different regions contributed to the need for regional adjustment. Also, for all the waves, the weighting corrected the weight of Canadians with a university degree who were over-represented in the sample. Since Internet panels tend to over-represent people with higher levels of education, it is normal that the most significant statistical adjustment is found with respect to the respondents' level of education. Adjustments for gender and age groups are minimal, as the samples were quite well balanced.

 

 

Table 11. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 9

 

 

Table 12. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 10

 

 

Table 13. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 11

 

 

Table 14. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 12

 

 

Table 15. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 13

 

 

Table 16. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 14

 

 

Table 17. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 15

 

 

 

Table 18. Unweighted and Weighted Samples for wave 16

 

There is no evidence from the data that having achieved a different age or gender distribution prior to weighting would have significantly changed the results for this study. The relatively small weight sizes and differences in responses between various subgroups suggest that data quality was not affected. The weight that was applied corrected the initial imbalance and no further manipulations were necessary.

 

A.2.4  Weighting Factors

 

Some subgroups are sometimes under- or overrepresented in a sample compared to the general population. The weighting of a sample makes it possible to correct those differences. The weighting factors are therefore the weight given to each respondent corresponding to a subgroup of the sample.

 

Results were weighted by region, gender, age, presence of children in the household, and education. The same weighting was applied for all sixteen waves.

 

Table 35. Weight by region*Gender* Age*

Label	Weight
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.0072
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.0109
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0102
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0117
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.0117
British Columbia, Yukon AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0141
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 18 and 24	0.0068
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 25 and 34	0.0111
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 35 and 44	0.0108
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 45 and 54	0.0125
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 55 and 64	0.0125
British Columbia, Yukon AND Female AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0162
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.0065
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.0116
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0106
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0099
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.009
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0083
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 18 and 24	0.0062
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 25 and 34	0.0114
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 35 and 44	0.0104
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 45 and 54	0.0098
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 55 and 64	0.0089
Alberta, Northwest Territories AND Female AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0096
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.004
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.0058
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0053
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0055
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.0055
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0059
Manitoba ,Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 18 and 24	0.0038
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 25 and 34	0.0058
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 35 and 44	0.0053
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 45 and 54	0.0055
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 55 and 64	0.0056
Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Nunavut AND Female AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0072
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.0223
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.0306
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0292
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0346
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.0316
Ontario AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0363
Ontario AND Female AND Between 18 and 24	0.0212
Ontario AND Female AND Between 25 and 34	0.0315
Ontario AND Female AND Between 35 and 44	0.0319
Ontario AND Female AND Between 45 and 54	0.0365
Ontario AND Female AND Between 55 and 64	0.0338
Ontario AND Female AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0441
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.0121
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.018
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0189
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0203
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.0211
Quebec AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0239
Quebec AND Female AND Between 18 and 24	0.0118
Quebec AND Female AND Between 25 and 34	0.0181
Quebec AND Female AND Between 35 and 44	0.0189
Quebec AND Female AND Between 45 and 54	0.0203
Quebec AND Female AND Between 55 and 64	0.0217
Quebec AND Female AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0295
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 18 and 24	0.0034
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 25 and 34	0.0046
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 35 and 44	0.0049
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 45 and 54	0.0061
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 55 and 64	0.0065
New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, Prince Edward Island AND Male, Gender diverse AND Between 65 and 74,75 or older	0.0076
Total	1.000

 

Table 36. Weight by Region

Label	Weight
British Columbia	0.135321
Alberta	0.111797
Saskatchewan	0.029936
Manitoba	0.035029
Ontario	0.38285
Québec	0.234007
New Brunswick	0.021775
Nova Scotia	0.027016
Prince Edward Island	0.004092
Newfoundland and Labrador	0.015257
Territories	0.00292
Total	1.000

 

Table 37. Weight by presence of children

Label	Weight
Yes Children	0.2767
No Children	0.7233
Total	1.000

 

Table 38. Weight by Education Level

Label	Weight
Not University	0.728
University	0.272
Total	1.000

 

APPENDIX B – SURVEY

[Note: The questionnaire presented below represents a simplified format of questions that were asked at various times throughout the life cycle of this survey. In some of the attribute lists presented, some items may have been asked in some waves and not in others.]

Dear Participant,

In partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), the Government of Canada is conducting a research study on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Leger Marketing has been hired to administer this survey. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete and is voluntary and completely confidential.

Your responses will be identified by a subject number and the researchers will not know your identity or your personal information.

To view Leger Marketing’s privacy policy, click here.

The health and safety of Canadians is very important to us. The purpose of this study is to improve actions taken by the government in response to the coronavirus/COVID-19 pandemic. Your answers will thus be used for research purposes and to help improve the COVID-19 outbreak response.

We ask that you find the time to complete the survey in one sitting. Please close any other programs that you may have open (e.g. chat or email) to avoid distractions.

Further information about this study:

1. We’ve been releasing updated versions of this survey under the same study since April 2020, this is survey [INSERT WAVE NUMBER]. We have extended the study to a total of sixteen waves of data collection, so this is the [Nth] survey. If you have completed a previous survey in this study, we ask that you please consider participating again. Your continued participation allows us to track opinions and behaviours about COVID-19 among the same cohort of individuals as they evolve over time.

2. The data will be published for possible use later by other scientists. Conclusions about you or other persons are not possible, as all responses will be considered anonymous.

3. Your data will be treated in accordance with the provisions of the Government of Canada Privacy Policy.

4. Your participation in the study is voluntary and your responses will be kept entirely confidential. You may terminate the survey at any time and without giving reasons.

5. Your participation in the research does not expose you to any risk.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact  iiu-uii@pco-bcp.gc.ca.

 

[CONSENT] I agree to participate in this study and understand that all my answers will only be used for scientific purposes.

I agree to the processing of my personal data in accordance with the information provided here.

I am aware that the data will be published in anonymous form to promote transparency in science.

Row:

[r1] I agree to participate

[r2] No, I don't want to participate

Thank you for deciding to participate in this study. First, please provide us with some information about yourself.

 [Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS1] In what year were you born?

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[AGE] In which of the following age categories do you belong?

Row:

[r0] Under 18

[r1] Between 18 and 24

[r2] Between 25 and 34

[r3] Between 35 and 44

[r4] Between 45 and 54

[r5] Between 55 and 64

[r6] Between 65 and 74

[r7] 75 or older

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS2a] What best describes your gender?

Row:

[r1] Man

[r2] Woman

[r3] Transgender/two-spirit/non-binary

[r4] Other

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS3] What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

[r1] Grade 8 or less

[r2] Some high school

[r3] High school diploma or equivalent

[r4] Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma

[r5] Partial college/university education

[r6] College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

[r7] University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level

[r8] Bachelor's degree

[r9] Postgraduate degree above bachelor's level

[Only for the new respondents]

[QS4] Are you a health care provider (i.e., nurse, medical doctor, paramedic, first responder, nurse practitioner, pharmacist etc.)?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[Only for the new respondents after]

[QS5] Do you have a serious, long-term illness, like diabetes, emphysema, or high blood pressure?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r9] Don’t know

[Wave 14]

[QS26] Do you identify as a person with a disability? A person with a disability is a person who has a long-term or recurring impairment (such as vision, hearing, mobility, flexibility, dexterity, pain, learning, developmental, memory or mental health-related) which limits their daily activities inside or outside the home (such as at school, work, or in the community in general).

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r98] Don’t know

[r99] Prefer not to say

[Only for the new respondents after]

[QS6] What is the size of the community you live in?

Row:

[r1] Major metropolitan area with population of 1,000,000 or more

[r2] Large urban centre with population of 100,000 or more

[r3] Medium population centre with population of between 30,000 and 99,999

[r4] Small population centre with population between 1,000 and 29,999

[r5] Rural area with population of less than 1,000

[Only for the new respondents]

[QS4a] Are you a frontline worker (i.e., gas station attendant, grocery store clerk, etc.)?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS7] In which province or territory do you live?

SELECT ONE ONLY

Row:

[AB] Alberta

[BC] British Columbia

[MB] Manitoba

[NB] New Brunswick

[NF] Newfoundland and Labrador

[NT] Northwest Territories

[NS] Nova Scotia

[NU] Nunavut

[ON] Ontario

[PE] Prince Edward Island

[QC] Quebec

[SK] Saskatchewan

[YK] Yukon

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS8] Do you have or live with children under 18 years of age in your home?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS8A] How many children under 18 years of age live in your home?

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS8B] What are the ages of the children living in your home?

Select all that apply.

Row:

[r1] Under 6 years old

[r2] 6 to 11 years old

[r4] 4 years old and under

[r5] 5 to 11 years old

[r3] 12 to 17 years old

[Wave 9-10-11-12]

[QS9] Which of the following categories best describes your employment status prior to the COVID-19 pandemic?

Please select one only.

Row:

[r1] Working full-time, that is, 30 or more hours per week

[r2] Working part-time, that is, less than 30 hours per week

[r3] Self-employed

[r4] Unemployed

[r5] A student attending school full-time

[r6] Retired

[r7] Full-time homemaker

[r8] Other

[Wave 13-14-15-16]

[QS23A] Which of the following categories best describes your current employment status?

Please select one only

Row:

[r1] Working full-time, that is, 30 or more hours per week

[r2] Working part-time, that is, less than 30 hours per week

[r3] Self-employed

[r4] Unemployed

[r5] A student attending school full-time

[r6] Retired

[r7] Full-time homemaker

[r8] Other

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS10] Which of the following best describes the impact that COVID-19 has had on your employment?

Row:

[r1] You have temporarily lost your job

[r2] You have permanently lost your job

[r3] You have suffered a loss of income / reduced working hours

[r10] You have experienced increased working hours

[r4] Your job has not been impacted

[r5] You have lost your summer job

[r11] You have struggled to find employment

[r6] Not applicable – you do not have a job

[r9] I don't know / I prefer not to answer

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS14] Where were you born?

Row:

[r1] Born in Canada

[r96] Born outside Canada (please specify the country):

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS14a] In what year did you first move to Canada?

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS15] Of what country are you a citizen?

Row:

[r1] Canada

[r96] Other country (please specify)

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS23] Are you an Aboriginal person, that is, First Nations, Métis or Inuk (Inuit)? First Nations includes Status and Non–Status Indians.

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS16] You may belong to one or more racial or cultural groups on the following list. Are you...?

Row:

[r1] White

[r2] South Asian (e.g., East Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan, etc.)

[r3] Chinese

[r4] Black

[r5] Filipino

[r6] Latin American

[r7] Arab

[r8] Southeast Asian (e.g., Vietnamese, Cambodian, Malaysian, Thai, Laotian, etc.)

[r9] West Asian (e.g., Iranian, Afghan, etc.)

[r10] Korean

[r11] Japanese

[r96] Other - (Please specify)

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS17] Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

Row:

[r1] Under $20,000

[r2] $20,000 to just under $40,000

[r3] $40,000 to just under $60,000

[r4] $60,000 to just under $80,000

[r5] $80,000 to just under $100,000

[r6] $100,000 to just under $150,000

[r7] $150,000 to just under $200,000

[r8] $200,000 and above

[r98] I don't know

[r99] Prefer not to say

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS18] How many people live at your address, including yourself?

Enter number

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[QS21] What best describes your sexual orientation?

Row:

[r1] Heterosexual

[r4] Gay and/or lesbian

[r2] Homosexual

[r3] Bisexual

[r96] Other (please specify)

[r5] Prefer not to answer

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 12]

[S22] Do you consider yourself to be religious or spiritual?

Row:

[r1] I am not religious or spiritual

[r2] I am slightly religious or spiritual

[r3] I am moderately religious or spiritual

[r4] I am very religious or spiritual

[r98] Don’t know

[r99] Prefer not to say

[Wave 14-15-16]

[QS27] Are you currently pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or have you given birth within the last six months?

Row:

[r1] I am currently pregnant

[r2] I’m currently planning and/or trying to become pregnant (i.e. within the next 6 months)

[r3] I gave birth within the last six months

[r98] Don’t know

[r99] Prefer not to say

[r97] None of the above

 

 

Programming notes/Instructions for misinformation/disinformation exercise [CONDUCTED IN WAVE 15 ONLY] Following the demographic section, the survey will begin by randomly splitting the sample into 4 branches for an experimental exercise: ●       Branch 1 - Main Control Condition ●       Branch 2 - Accuracy Control Condition ●       Branch 3 - Accuracy Evaluation Condition ●       Branch 4 - Tips Condition Each Branch presents participants with the same 14 images, but different questions or prompts proceed or follow the images across groups.

 

BRANCH 1: Main Control Condition (MCC)

INFO - You will be presented with a series of news headlines (14 in total). We are interested in whether you would consider sharing these stories on social media (such as Facebook or Twitter). Note: the images may take a moment to load, and please do not consult outside information or leave the survey window. We understand that not everyone uses social media, so please provide us with your best judgement.

*RANDOMIZE PRESENTATION OF IMAGES

[MisMCC1] If you were to see the above article online (for example, through Facebook or Twitter), how likely would you be to share it?

Extremely unlikely (1)

Moderately unlikely (2)

Slightly unlikely (3)

Slightly likely (4)

Moderately likely (5)

Extremely likely (6)

 

End of Branch 1

BRANCH 2: Accuracy Evaluation Control Condition (AECC)

INFO - You will be presented with a series of news headlines (14 in total). We are interested in whether you think these headlines describe an event that actually happened in an accurate and unbiased way. Note: the images may take a moment to load, and please do not consult any outside information or leave this survey window.

RANDOMIZE PRESENTATION OF IMAGES

MisAECC1. To the best of your knowledge, is the claim in the above headline accurate?

Not at all accurate (1)

Not very accurate (2)

Somewhat accurate (3)

Very accurate (4)

 

End of BRANCH 2

BRANCH 3: Accuracy Evaluation Treatment Condition (AEC)

INFO - To begin, we are interested in whether you think the following news headline describes an event that actually happened in an accurate and unbiased way. Note: the image may take a moment to load, and please do not consult any outside information or leave this survey window.

MisAETC1. To the best of your knowledge, is the claim in the above headline accurate?

Not at all accurate (1)

Not very accurate (2)

Somewhat accurate (3)

Very accurate (4)

 

INFO - You will now be presented with a series of news headlines (14 in total). We are interested in whether you would consider sharing these stories on social media (such as Facebook or Twitter). Note: the images may take a moment to load, and again please do not consult any outside information or leave this survey window. We understand that not everyone uses social media, so please provide us with your best judgement.

RANDOMIZE PRESENTATION OF IMAGES

MisAETC2. If you were to see the above article online (for example, through Facebook or Twitter), how likely would you be to share it?

Extremely unlikely (1)

Moderately unlikely (2)

Slightly unlikely (3)

Slightly likely (4)

Moderately likely (5)

Extremely likely (6)

 

End of Branch 3

BRANCH 4: Tips Treatment Condition (TTC)

INFO - To begin, please read the list of media literacy tips below which are intended to help stop the spread of fake news online.

 

Be skeptical of headlines. False news stories often have catchy headlines in all caps with exclamation points. If shocking claims in the headline sound unbelievable, they probably are.

 

Investigate the source. Ensure that the story is written by a source that you trust with a reputation for accuracy. If the story comes from an unfamiliar organization, check their “About” section to learn more.

 

Watch for unusual formatting. Many false news sites have misspellings or awkward layouts. Read carefully if you see these signs.

 

Check the evidence. Check the author’s sources to confirm that they are accurate. Lack of evidence or reliance on unnamed experts may indicate a false news story.

 

Look at other reports. If no other news source is reporting the same story, it may indicate that the story is false. If the story is reported by multiple sources you trust, it’s more likely to be true.

 

MisTTC1. According to the tips you just read, which of these means an article is more likely to be true? 

 

Reported by multiple trusted sources (1)

Many experts quoted (2)

Use of hyperlinks and photographs (3)

Appears in Google (4)

 

INFO - You will now be presented with a series of news headlines (14 in total). We are interested in whether you would consider sharing these stories on social media (such as Facebook or Twitter). Note: the images may take a moment to load, and please do not consult any outside information or leave this survey window. We understand that not everyone uses social media, so please provide us with your best judgement.

 

RANDOMIZE PRESENTATION OF IMAGES

 

MisTTC2. If you were to see the above article online (for example, through Facebook or Twitter), how likely would you be to share it?

 

Extremely unlikely (1)

Moderately unlikely (2)

Slightly unlikely (3)

Slightly likely (4)

Moderately likely (5)

Extremely likely (6)

 

End of Branch 4

 

A)
B)
C)
D)
E)
F)
G)
H)
I)
J)
K)
L)
M)
N)

 

[MisFollowUp1] Did you have trouble seeing any of the news headline images in the previous exercise?

Yes - one or more of the news headline images did not appear on my screen (1)

No - all of the news headline images appeared on my screen (2)

 

[MisFollowUp2] Did you respond randomly and/or search the internet at any point during the exercise? Note: Please be honest! You will receive your compensation regardless of your response.

Yes (1)

No (2)

The following questions concern COVID-19, including your proximity to positive cases and your outlook on the pandemic.

[END OF MISINFORMATION/DISINFORMATION EXERCISE, CONDUCTED IN WAVE 15]

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[A3] Are you or have you been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

[r1] Yes I am currently infected and it is confirmed by a positive test

[r2] I am probably currently infected (based on contact or travel history), but not yet confirmed by a positive test

[r6] I am/was probably infected but do/did not have access to testing

[r3] Yes I have been infected, confirmed by a positive test, and I am now fully recovered

[r4] I have probably been infected (based on contact or travel history), but not confirmed by a positive test, and I am now fully recovered

[r5] No

[r98] Don’t know

[r91] Yes

[r92] No

[r93] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test)

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[A4] Do you know people in your immediate social network (i.e., friends or close family members) who are or have been infected with COVID-19?

Row:

[r1] Yes, confirmed by a positive test

[r2] Probably yes (based on contact or travel history), but not yet confirmed by a positive test

[r3] Yes, confirmed by a positive test, but they have since fully recovered

[r4] Probably yes (based on contact or travel history), not confirmed by a positive test, but have since fully recovered

[r5] No

[r98] Don’t know

[r91] Yes

[r92] No

[r93] I think so (not confirmed by a positive test)

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[A4A] Do you know anyone personally who has died of COVID-19?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-16]

[Test1] In the past four weeks, have you...

Column:

[c1] Yes

[c2] No

Row:

[r1] Been tested for COVID-19 at an assessment centre

[r2] Considered getting tested for COVID-19, but ultimately decided not to

[r4] Used a rapid test for COVID-19 at a location other than an assessment centre (e.g., home, work, school)

[r3] Tried to get tested for COVID-19, but encountered barriers that kept you from doing so

[Wave 9-10]

[Test2] Please explain why you got, considered, or tried getting tested for COVID-19.

Select all that apply.

Row:

[r1] I was in direct contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19.

[r2] I was in direct contact with someone who was in contact with someone else who tested positive for COVID-19.

[r3] I had symptoms of COVID-19.

[r4] I needed to get tested to attend work, school, or an appointment.

[r5] I wanted to get tested before attending a social gathering.

[r6] I wanted to get tested before travelling.

[r7] I am at high risk of complications.

[r8] I have close contact with someone who is high risk.

[r9] No concern of specific exposure or symptoms, but I wanted to get tested for my peace of mind.

[r10] No concern of specific exposure or symptoms, but getting tested is my civic duty - it is what you’re supposed to do.

[r11] I was advised to get tested by a healthcare provider or health line.

[r12] I was advised to get tested by a digital resource from the government, like the COVID Alert App or an online provincial screening tool

[r96] Other

[Wave 9-10-16]

[Test3] Please explain why you ultimately decided not to get tested for COVID-19, or the barriers you encountered that kept you from getting tested by selecting all that apply.

Row:

[r1] I did not have any symptoms or my symptoms went away

[r2] I could not find an appointment time at an assessment centre that was convenient for me

[r3] I could not find a testing site that was convenient for me

[r4] The thought of getting tested seemed like a hassle or too time-consuming

[r5] The person I had contact with tested negative

[r6] I was worried about being exposed to the virus while getting tested

[r7] I was advised not to get tested by a healthcare provider or health line

[r8] I don’t think the test results for COVID-19 are reliable

[r9] I didn’t want to know if I had COVID-19, or self-isolate if I tested positive

[r10] I was afraid the test would be painful

[r11] I was not able to access or purchase rapid in-home tests

[r12] I am already vaccinated against COVID-19

[r96] Other

[r97] Not applicable/I did get tested or will be getting tested soon

[Wave 16]

[Test4] If at-home, rapid COVID-19 tests were available to me, I would use them.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 16]

[Test5] In which of the following situations would you use an at-home, rapid COVID-19 test?

Select all that apply

Row:

[r1] If attending a large gathering (e.g. a social gathering, concert, sporting event, movie theatre, etc.)

[r2] If visiting with family/friends

[r3] If my children attended school

[r4] If I went to work

[r5] If travelling

[r6] If I interact with vulnerable persons (e.g., elderly, children, people with pre-existing health conditions)

[r7] If I interact with an unvaccinated person

[r96] Other

[Wave 16]

[Test6] Please state your level of agreement with the following statement: If my workplace decided to implement a COVID-19 rapid test screening program, I would support it.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[ch97] Not applicable

[Wave 9-10-16]

[Thksgvg6] Do you typically celebrate any holiday(s) in December by gathering in-person with family and/or friends (in addition to those living in your household)?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Sometimes

[Wave 16]

[Holiday1] Would any of the following scenarios make you more comfortable attending a December holiday gathering this year?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Knowing that everyone in attendance is vaccinated

[r2] Knowing that everyone in attendance took a rapid test prior to attending the gathering

[r3] Screening attendees for symptoms

[r4] I already feel comfortable without needing to know health information about guests

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[ch98] Don't know

[Wave 9-16]

[Thksgvg2] Did you gather with family and/or friends on Thanksgiving this year in-person (in addition to those living in your household)?

Row:

[r1] Yes, my in-person gathering took place indoors

[r2] Yes, my in-person gathering took place outdoors

[r3] No, my in-person gathering was cancelled this year for reasons related to COVID-19

[r4] No, I did not host or attend a gathering this year for reasons unrelated to COVID-19

[Wave 9-16]

[Thksgvg3] Prior to attending or hosting your Thanksgiving gathering(s), did you take any of the following actions?

Please select all that apply

Row:

[r1] Ensured everyone was vaccinated

[r2] Took a COVID-19 test

[r3] Screened yourself and/or other for symptoms of COVID-19

[r7] None of the above

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[A1] Do you think...

Row:

[r1] The worst of the crisis is behind us

[r2] We are currently experiencing the worst of the crisis

[r3] The worst of the crisis is yet to come

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 14-15-16]

[Return1] When do you expect that day-to-day life in Canada will resemble pre-pandemic times?

Row:

[r1] Day-to-day life already resembles pre-pandemic times

[r2] Within the next couple of months

[r3] Within three to six months

[r4] Longer than six months

[r5] Never

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[B9] Please indicate your answer on the following scale. The closer the number is to the adjective or statement, the more certain you are of your evaluation.

COVID-19 feels...

Column:

[c1] 1

[c2] 2

[c3] 3

[c4] 4

[c5] 5

[c6] 6

[c7] 7

Row:

[r1] Close to me

[r2] New

[r3] Like it is spreading slowly

[r4] Like something I think about all the time

[r5] Overblown

[r6] Worrisome

[r7] Like something that makes me feel helpless

[r8] Stressful

[r9] Like a problem that we all have to work together to solve

[r10] Harder to live with as time passes

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[A16] Please indicate your answer on the following scale.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] I’m worried about the idea of transmitting COVID-19 to people around me.

[r2] I’m worried about the spread of COVID-19 variants such as those that have originated in the UK, South Africa, Brazil and India.

[r3] I'm worried about a potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the winter

[r4] I’m worried that lockdowns and/or other restrictions may be reinstated this winter

[r5] I’m worried about the potential emergence of a vaccine-resistant variant of the COVID-19 virus

[r6] I'm worried about never returning to a life that resembles pre-pandemic times

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 14-15-16]

[Return3] The idea of returning to life that resembles pre-pandemic times makes me feel...

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Not at all excited

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Very excited

[Wave 14]

[Reflections2] I am confident that by 2022 I will be able to travel and socialize like I did before the COVID-19 pandemic started.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 6-11]

[E24] How much of a threat, if any, is the COVID-19 outbreak for...

Column:

[c1] Not a Threat

[c2] Minor Threat

[c3] Moderate Threat

[c4] Major Threat

[c98] Don’t know

Row:

[r1] Your personal health

[r2] The health of the Canadian population as a whole

[r3] Your personal financial safety

[r4] The Canadian economy

[r5] Day-to-day life in your local community

[r6] The rights and freedoms of the Canadian population as a whole

[r7] What it means to be Canadian

[r8] Canadian values and traditions

[r9] Canadian democracy

[r10] The maintenance of law and order in Canada

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[E8] Within the next year, how likely do you think it will be that you would...

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Eat in a restaurant

[r2] Take public transit

[r3] Fly on a plane

[r4] Go to a birthday party

[r5] Go to a large gathering (e.g., sporting event, concert, outdoor festivals)

[r6] Allow in-home renovations

[r7] Shop at the mall

[r8] Go to a bar, lounge, night club or pub

[r9] Go to the gym or other fitness facilities

[r10] Send my kids to school and/or daycare

[r11] Go to my place of worship

[r12] Stay in a hotel or resort

[r13] Go to a museum or art gallery

[r14] Go to a farmer’s market

[r15] Travel to the U.S.

[r16] Go to a small outdoor gathering with friends/family

[r17] Go to a theatre

[r18] Take a taxi or use a ride sharing service (like Uber or Lyft)

[r19] Go to an indoor gathering with ten or more people

[r20] Go to a small indoor gathering with fewer than ten people

Choice:

[ch1] 1Extremely unlikely

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely likely

[ch98] Don't know

[ch95] Does not apply

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[E8A] Where do you think you will likely fly within the next year?

Select all that apply.

Row:

[r1] Somewhere within Canada

[r2] Somewhere within the US

[r3] Somewhere outside of North America

Condition: 0

[r4] Somewhere outside of Canada or the US

[Wave 16]

[E8D] Please state your level of agreement with the following statement: Knowing that proof of vaccination is required for travellers departing from Canadian airports influenced my opinion about flying.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 11-12-13-14]

[E8B] When is the earliest that you expect to fly?

Row:

[r1] Within three months (i.e. before October 2021)

[r2] Within six months (i.e. before January 2022)

[r3] Six months from now, or later (i.e. January 2022 or later)

[Wave 11]

[CdnReturn] To limit the risk of bringing new cases of the virus into the country, some requirements are in place or are being considered for people entering Canada. To what extent do you think the following requirements would be effective in reducing this risk among Canadian travellers returning to Canada from another country?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] A requirement to self-isolate in designated facilities (e.g. a hotel) upon arrival with expenses paid by the traveller

[r2] A requirement to show proof of COVID-19 immunization upon arrival

[r3] A requirement to take a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival

Choice:

[ch1] 1Not effective at all

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely effective

[ch98] Don't know

[Wave 11]

[ForeignReturn] To limit the risk of bringing new cases of the virus into the country, some requirements are in place or are being considered for people entering Canada. To what extent do you think the following requirements would be effective in reducing this risk among foreign travellers entering Canada from another country?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] A requirement to self-isolate in designated facilities (e.g. a hotel) upon arrival with expenses paid by the traveller

[r2] A requirement to show proof of COVID-19 immunization upon arrival

[r3] A requirement to take a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival

Choice:

[ch1] 1Not effective at all

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely effective

[ch98] Don't know

[Wave 12-13-14-15-16]

[GeneralReturn2] To limit the risk of bringing new cases of the virus into the country, some requirements are in place or have been discussed for people entering Canada. To what extent do you think the following requirements would be effective in reducing this risk among travellers entering Canada?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r4] A requirement to quarantine upon arrival for travellers without proof of COVID-19 immunization

[r5] A requirement to quarantine in designated facilities (e.g. a hotel) for 14 days upon arrival with expenses paid by the traveller

[r1] A requirement to self-isolate in designated facilities (e.g. a hotel) upon arrival with expenses paid by the traveller

[r2] A requirement to show proof of COVID-19 immunization upon arrival

[r3] A requirement to take a COVID-19 test at the airport upon arrival

[r6] Pausing flights and/or limiting travel from countries with a high number of cases and/or potential new variants of concern

[r7] High fines for not complying with quarantine rules

[r8] A requirement to show proof of immunization and a negative COVID-19 test on arrival

[r9] A requirement to show proof of immunization with no testing requirements

Choice:

[ch1] 1Not effective at all

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely effective

[ch98] Don't know

[Wave 14]

[Reopening1] As you may know, measures are currently in place to limit non-essential travel into/out of Canada (e.g., individuals cannot enter Canada from the US or abroad for leisure or other optional reasons, and returning Canadians are required to comply with measures such as testing and quarantine). These travel restrictions should be eased primarily:

Please select only one option after reading all of the options.

Row:

[r1] Based on Canada's vaccination rates (i.e., when a high percentage of Canadians have been vaccinated, restrictions should lift)

[r2] Based on international vaccination rates (i.e., when a high percentage of citizens in other countries have been vaccinated, restrictions should lift)

[r3] On a country-specific basis (i.e., if case counts are low and vaccinations rates are high in specific countries)

[r4] Based on Canada's COVID-19 case count (i.e., when case numbers are low in Canada, restrictions should lift)

[r5] Based on International COVID-19 case counts (i.e., when case numbers are low in other countries, restrictions should lift)

[r6] Based on a specific deadline, regardless of vaccination rates and case counts

[r7] Restrictions should end immediately (i.e. no need to consider case counts or vaccination rates in Canada or other countries)

Next, we would like to know about your own practices related to COVID-19, and your thoughts about vaccination.

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14]

[B2] For me, avoiding getting sick with COVID-19 in the current situation is...

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Extremely difficult

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely easy

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[B7] How often have you used the following measures to keep from getting sick with COVID-19?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Frequent hand washing with soap for 20 seconds

[r2] Avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth

[r3] Use hand sanitizer to clean hands when soap and water is not available

[r4] Staying home when you are sick or when you have a cold

[r5] Avoiding travel

[r6] Avoiding public transportation

[r7] Using homeopathic remedies (i.e., herbal supplements, vitamins, drinking ginger tea)

[r8] Covering your mouth with your elbow when you cough or sneeze

[r9] Eating a balanced diet

[r10] Avoiding close contact with someone who is or may be infected

[r11] Using caution when opening mail or packages

[r12] Getting the flu shot

[r13] Exercising regularly

[r14] Wearing a face mask while out in public

[r15] Avoiding public places and events

[r16] Using antibiotics

[r17] Working from home

[r18] Physical distancing (i.e., staying at least 2 meters from others)

[r19] Self-quarantine (i.e., not leaving your home)

[r20] Wearing a face mask while out in public prevents against the spread of COVID-19

[r21] Wearing a face mask when out in public and physical distancing is not possible

[r22] Supplementing with vitamin D

[r96] Another preventive measure, please specify

Choice:

[ch1] 1Never

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Always

[ch95] Does not apply

[Wave 16]

[Masks1] How effective do you believe face masks are at reducing the spread of respiratory illnesses, such as the cold and flu?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Not effective

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Very effective

[ch98] Don't know

[Wave 16]

[Masks2] When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, I will continue to wear a face mask to reduce the spread of other respiratory illnesses, such as the cold and flu.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 16]

[Masks3] When the COVID-19 pandemic is over, people will continue to wear a face mask to reduce the spread of other respiratory illnesses, such as the cold and flu.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 11]

[Motivation] You’ve indicated that you regularly practice one or more of the measures that are considered highly effective in preventing the spread of the virus, including washing or sanitizing your hands, staying home, physically distancing, and/or wearing a mask. We are interested in what continues to motivate you to follow this/these measure(s). Please select up to three reasons from the options below.

Row:

[r1] To follow the recommendations of public health experts, scientists, and/or the government

[r2] To follow the recommendations of my friends, family, and/or other trusted peers

[r3] To avoid penalties for breaking the rules

[r4] To avoid judgement from others

[r5] To be recognized as a caring and responsible person by those in my community

[r6] To protect myself from catching COVID-19 - I am concerned about my health outcomes and/or am scared of the virus

[r7] To protect my household, my loved ones, and/or my community from catching COVID-19

[r8] To help reopen the economy and/or get back to ‘normal’ life

[r9] To help reduce the load on the healthcare system and/or to save lives

[r96] Other (please specify)

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 9-10-11-12-13-14-15-16]

[B11] In the past two weeks, have you...

Column:

[c1] Yes

[c2] No

[c8] Don’t know

[c95] Does not apply

Row:

[r1] Chosen not to go to work

[r2] Had difficulty booking a medical appointment

[r3] Had to begin homeschooling my child(ren)

[r4] Had to start caring for an elderly family member or friend

[r5] Had a hard time finding essential food items (for example, milk and flour)

[r6] Been unable to do your work from home

[r7] Visited friends or family more often

[r8] Had a backyard gathering with friends or family

[r9] Let your kids play with their friends

[r10] Visited indoors with friends and family that are not part of your household

[r11] Sat on a restaurant patio

[r12] Shopped at a mall

[r13] Had a haircut or other salon/spa service

[r14] Travelled to another province or territory

[r15] Travelled to another country

[r16] Let your kids play with their friends indoors

[r17] Let your kids play with their friends outdoors

[r18] Sat inside a bar or restaurant

[r19] Had a difficult time finding or buying a non-medical mask or face covering

[r20] Visited with friends or family outdoors

[r21] Travelled to another region within your province or territory

[Wave 15-16]

[Fatigue7] In the future, if some public health measures (e.g. gathering limits) had to be reintroduced to prevent a widespread outbreak, I would be willing to follow them.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 10-13-14-16]

[Fatigue1] To what extent are you getting tired of performing each of the following measures recommended by public health officials to avoid getting/spreading COVID-19?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Frequent hand washing or sanitizing

[r2] Physical distancing

[r3] Wearing a mask

[r4] Avoiding indoor gatherings with loved ones

[r5] Limiting social gatherings

Choice:

[ch1] 1I’m getting very tired of doing this

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7I’m not at all tired of doing this

[ch97] Does not apply -I have not been performing this behaviour

[Wave 14]

[Fatigue6] You have indicated you are somewhat or very tired in performing various health measures. Does this fatigue mean that you intend to stop engaging in the following behaviours:

Column:

[c1] I intend to stop immediately

[c2] I intend to stop soon

[c3] I have already stopped doing this

[c4] I never performed this behaviour

[c5] I do not intend to stop while it is still a recommended behaviour

Row:

[r1] Frequent hand washing or sanitizing

[r2] Physical distancing

[r3] Wearing a mask

[r4] Avoiding indoor gatherings with loved ones

[Wave 10]

[Fatigue2] And realistically, how much longer do you feel you can continue to adhere to each of the following measures, if they remain recommended by public health officials to avoid getting/spreading COVID-19?

Column:

[c1] A month (or less)

[c2] A few months

[c3] 6 months

[c4] 12 months (or more)

[c97] Does not apply - I have not been performing this behaviour

Row:

[r1] Frequent hand washing or sanitizing

[r2] Physical distancing

[r3] Wearing a mask

[r4] Avoiding gatherings with loved ones

[Wave 10]

[Fatigue3] I feel as though it is hard to follow these recommended measures (i.e., hand washing, physical distancing, mask wearing, avoiding gatherings) because they do not take into account my individual needs and reality.

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[Wave 9]

[Thksgvg1] Do you typically celebrate Thanksgiving by gathering in-person with family and/or friends (in addition to those living in your household)?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Sometimes

[Wave 9]

[Thksgvg4] How difficult or easy was your experience finding clear information about the gathering limits for your area?

Column:

[c1] 1Extremely difficult

[c2] 2

[c3] 3

[c4] 4

[c5] 5

[c6] 6

[c7] 7Extremely easy

[Wave 9]

[Thksgvg5] To what extent was physical distancing practiced at your in-person gathering? (i.e., all guests maintaining at least 2m apart)

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Choice:

[ch1] 1Never

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7The entire time

[Wave 9-10]

[Thksgvg7] Would you be prepared to cancel your in-person December holiday gathering(s) this year if recommended by public health officials in response to COVID-19?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Maybe

[r98] Don’t Know

[Wave 10]

[December1] Will you (or any of your guests from outside your household, if you are the host) need to travel to attend your December holiday gathering(s) this year? Please read the options carefully.

Row:

[r1] No major travel, myself and my guest(s) live in the same town/city.

[r2] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling within the same province/territory.

[r3] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling across provincial/territorial borders.

[r4] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling to a different country.

[r97] Does not apply

[Wave 10]

[December2] On average, to what extent do you expect the following measures will be practiced at your in-person December holiday gathering(s) this year?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Physical distancing (all guests maintaining at least 2m apart)

[r2] Mask wearing (if/when physical distancing is difficult)

[r3] Gathering only in spaces with good ventilation

Choice:

[ch1] 1Never

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7The entire time

[ch97] Does not apply

[Wave 10]

[NewYears1] Do you typically celebrate New Year’s Eve by gathering in-person with family and/or friends (in addition to those living in your household)?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Sometimes

[Wave 10]

[NewYears2] Would you be prepared to cancel your in-person New Year’s Eve gathering(s) this year if recommended or prohibited by public health officials in response to COVID-19?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Maybe

[r98] Don't know

[Wave 10]

[NewYears3] Will you (or any of your guests from outside your household, if you are the host) need to travel to attend your New Year’s Eve holiday gathering(s) this year? Please read the options carefully

Row:

[r1] No major travel, myself and my guest(s) live in the same town/city.

[r2] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling within the same province/territory.

[r3] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling across provincial/territorial borders.

[r4] Yes, myself or my guest(s) will be travelling to a different country.

[r97] Does not apply

[Wave 10]

[NewYears4] On average, to what extent do you expect the following measures will be practiced at your in-person New Year’s Eve gathering(s) this year?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Physical distancing (all guests maintaining at least 2m apart)

[r2] Mask wearing (if/when physical distancing is difficult)

[r3] Gathering only in spaces with good ventilation

Choice:

[ch1] 1Never

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7The entire time

[ch97] Does not apply

[Wave 11]

[DecemberRev] Did you gather in-person with family and/or friends (in addition to those living in your household) this past December?

Row:

[r1] Yes, my in-person gathering took place indoors

[r2] Yes, my in-person gathering took place outdoors

[r3] No, my in-person gathering was cancelled this year for reasons related to COVID-19

[r4] No, my in-person gathering was cancelled this year for reasons unrelated to COVID-19

[Wave 11]

[December1Rev] Did you (or any of your guests from outside your household, if you are the host) travel to attend your December holiday gathering(s)? Please read the options carefully.

Row:

[r1] No major travel, myself and my guest(s) live in the same town/city

[r2] Yes, myself or my guest(s) travelled within the same province/territory

[r3] Yes, myself or my guest(s) travelled across provincial/territorial borders

[r4] Yes, myself or my guest(s) travelled to a different country

[r97] Does not apply

[Wave 11]

[December2Rev] On average, to what extent were the following measures practiced at your in-person December holiday gathering(s) last year?

Row:

[r1] Physical distancing (all guests maintaining at least 2 metres apart)

[r2] Mask wearing (if/when physical distancing was difficult)

[r3] Gathering only in spaces with good ventilation

Choice:

[ch1] 1Never

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7The entire time

[ch97] Does not apply

[Wave 11]

[SpringTravel1] Are you planning to take an overnight trip(s) for March/Spring break this year?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] Uncertain

[Wave 11]

[SpringTravel2] Where do you plan to travel for this trip(s)?

Select all that apply.

Row:

[r1] In Canada within my current province/territory

[r2] In Canada across provincial/territorial borders

[r3] To a different country

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 11]

[SpringTravel3] Do you plan to take this trip(s) with other people?

Select all that apply.

Row:

[r1] I plan to travel alone

[r2] I plan to travel with other people that live in my household

[r3] I plan to travel with others including people who live outside my household

[r98] Don’t know

The next question(s) are about ‘COVID Alert’, a free app for smartphones that is designed to inform users if they have been exposed to COVID-19.

[Wave 9]

[Alert1] Had you heard about the COVID Alert app before?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[Wave 9]

[Alert2] Have you downloaded COVID Alert? Please read the options carefully.

Row:

[r1] No, and I do not intend to

[r2] Not yet, but I intend to

[r3] Not yet, but I may after learning more

[r4] I tried, but was not able to

[r5] Yes, and I am using it (i.e., exposure logging and notifications are on)

[r6] Yes, but I am not using it (e.g., didn’t complete profile, or exposure logging and notifications are off)

[r7] I did, but then I deleted it

[r97] Does not apply, I do not have a smartphone

[Wave 9]

[Alert3] How come you are not interested in - or not using - COVID Alert?

[Wave 9]

[Alert4] Below are some statements about the COVID Alert app. Please indicate whether you think the statements are true or not.

Column:

[c1] Definitely false

[c2] Probably false

[c3] Probably true

[c4] Definitely true

[c98] Don’t know

Row:

[r1] The app tracks users’ location with GPS

[r2] The app collects personal information about users (e.g., name, phone number)

[r3] The app will make a significant contribution to stopping the spread of COVID-19 in Canada

[r4] The app is easy for me to install

[r5] The app causes performance issues on some phones (e.g., drains battery quickly)

[r6] Installing the app allows me to protect myself from COVID-19

[r7] Installing the app allows me to protect others from COVID-19

[r8] Exposure notifications from the app have helped people avoid spreading COVID-19

[r9] The app doesn’t work on buses and trains

[r10] The more Canadians that use the app, the more effective it is

[Wave 9]

[Alert6] Here is a bit more information about COVID Alert from the Government of Canada’s website for your awareness.

The new COVID Alert app is designed to help limit the spread of COVID-19 by letting Canadians know whether they may have been exposed to COVID-19. The app uses Bluetooth signals to exchange random codes with nearby phones. Your privacy is protected, and has no way of knowing your name, address, location, the place or time you were near someone, or your health information.

If someone you’ve come in close contact with later tests positive for COVID-19, the app notifies you about this potential exposure.

If you test positive, you will receive a one-time key to enter into the app, which then notifies other app users that they have been exposed. Your identity is not revealed.

Based on the information you just read, how likely is it that you will download COVID Alert?

Column:

[c1] 1Extremely Unlikely

[c2] 2

[c3] 3

[c4] 4

[c5] 5

[c6] 6

[c7] 7Extremely Likely

[Wave 9]

[Alert5] How likely are you to engage in the following behaviours?

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] Directly encourage friends and family to install the app

[r2] Share messages on social media encouraging people to install the app

[r3] Share messages on social media discouraging people to install the app

[r4] Share my unique code into the app if I test positive for COVID-19

[r5] Use the app to notify others if I test positive for COVID-19 by entering a unique code received from public health

Choice:

[ch1] 1Extremely Unlikely

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Extremely likely

[Wave 16]

[FluShot] Do you usually get an annual flu shot?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r8] Sometimes

[Wave 16]

[FluShot2] Are you planning to get a flu shot this year?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No

[r3] I already got a flu shot this year

[r8] Don’t know

[Wave 11-12-13-14-15-16]

[VaxStatus1] Have you received a COVID-19 vaccine?

Row:

[r1] Yes, one dose

[r2] Yes, two doses

[r3] Yes, three doses

[r4] No

[Wave 11-12-13-14-15]

[VaxStatus2] Which COVID-19 vaccine(s) have you received?

Row:

[r1] Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - one dose

[r2] Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine - both doses

[r3] Moderna vaccine - one dose

[r4] Moderna vaccine - both doses

[r5] AstraZeneca vaccine (COVISHIELD) - one dose

[r6] AstraZeneca vaccine (COVISHIELD) - both doses

[r9] I received two doses, but not the same brand

[r7] Don’t know - one dose

[r8] Don’t know - two doses

[r98] Don’t know

[r97] Does not apply - I have not received a vaccine

[Wave 14]

[VaxStatus2b] You claim you received two different vaccines. Which ones did you receive?

Row:

[r1] Pfizer first dose, Moderna second dose

[r2] Moderna first dose, Pfizer second dose

[r3] AstraZeneca first dose, Pfizer second dose

[r4] AstraZeneca first dose, Moderna second dose

[r5] Another combination

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 14-16]

[E1DV_2] What was your top reason for getting a COVID-19 vaccine? Please select 1 option from the list below.

Row:

[r1] To follow the recommendations of public health experts, scientists, and/or the government

[r2] To follow the recommendations of my friends, family, and/or other trusted peers

[r3] To be allowed to take part in something that requires (or may require) proof of vaccination (e.g. going to work, travelling, dining indoors at a restaurant)

[r4] To avoid judgement from others

[r5] Most of my friends/family got vaccinated

[r6] To protect myself from catching COVID-19

[r7] To protect my household, my loved ones, and/or my community from catching COVID-19

[r8] To help reopen the economy and/or get back to ‘normal’ life

[r9] To help reduce the load on the healthcare system and/or to save lives

[r10] To be more comfortable seeing friends and loved ones

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 16]

[VaxMotivation1] Did the introduction of vaccine requirements to engage in certain activities (e.g. indoor dining, going to the gym, flying on a plane, going to work, etc.) motivate you to get a COVID-19 vaccine?

Row:

[r1] Yes

[r2] No, I was already vaccinated or planned to be vaccinated when the requirements were introduced

[r8] Don’t know

[Wave 12]

[Vaccinated1] What made you eligible to receive a vaccine?

Row:

[r1] My age

[r2] I have a health condition(s) that puts me at high risk of severe illness or mortality from COVID-19

[r3] I share a household with (or provide care to) someone with a health condition(s) that puts them at high risk of severe illness or mortality from COVID-19

[r4] I am a healthcare worker

[r5] I am a frontline essential worker (outside of healthcare)

[r6] I am an Indigenous (First Nations, Métis, Inuit) person

[r7] I live in an area with high COVID-19 rates

[r96] Other (please specify)

[r98] Don’t know

[Wave 12-13-14-15-16]

[Vaccinated2] Please indicate the extent to which you agree with the following statements:

Drag the slider to a point on the scale.

Row:

[r1] I've felt a sense of relief since getting the vaccine

[r2] I feel guilty for getting vaccinated before other people who may need it more than me

[r3] I feel more comfortable going out in public (e.g. to stores, eating in restaurants) since getting the vaccine

[r4] I feel concerned that I might develop long-term side effects from the vaccine

[r5] I regret getting the vaccine

[r6] I would recommend that others get the vaccine when it is available to them

[r7] I experienced unpleasant side effects after receiving the vaccine

[r8] Getting vaccinated was a simple and easy experience

[r9] I have a clear understanding of what I should or should not do now that I have received a vaccine

[r10] I encountered obstacles or had concerns during the process to get vaccinated

[r11] I feel more comfortable gathering with family and friends like we did before COVID-19

[r12] I do not have to adhere to public health measures now that I have been vaccinated

[r13] I feel like I got an inferior vaccine

[r14] I believe that the best vaccine is the first one that was available to me

Choice:

[ch1] 1Strongly disagree

[ch2] 2

[ch3] 3

[ch4] 4

[ch5] 5

[ch6] 6

[ch7] 7Strongly agree

[ch98] Don't know