At the beginning of each group, participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days.  A wide range of announcements and initiatives were recalled, including the announcement of details related to the roll-out of the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), the hosting by the Government of Canada of a National Summit on Combatting Auto Theft, ongoing discussions related to the costs incurred during the development and implementation of the ArriveCan app, and the announcement by Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) that it would be setting an intake cap on international student study permit applications for a period of two years.

Participants also recalled activities related to the Government of Canada on the international stage.  These included the ongoing provision of humanitarian support to civilians in Israel, the Gaza Strip, and the West Bank as well as the recent visit by the Prime Minister and other federal officials to Kyiv, Ukraine to announce a commitment of $3 billion in financial and military assistance to Ukraine in 2024.  Asked an additional question as to how they felt about this additional support for Ukraine, all in the group comprised of members of the Ukrainian diaspora felt that this was an important action to take, while almost all in the Mauricie region of Quebec expressed concerns related to the potential negative financial impacts this action could have on Canadians and the cost of living.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (Southwestern Ontario, Alberta Concerned About the Energy Grid, Ontario Parents with Children in Child Care or Seeking Child Care, Quebec City, Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students, Mid-Size and Major Centres Saskatchewan Ukrainian Diaspora, Mauricie Region Quebec)

Seven groups took part in conversations related to the issues currently facing Canadians as well as their perspectives regarding the federal government’s management of these priorities.  Participants were asked to identify areas in which they felt the Government of Canada was performing well and areas where they felt there was room for improvement.  On a number of issues participants expressed a range of positive and negative views.  These included immigration, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and the level of assistance provided to countries such as Ukraine as well as to humanitarian initiatives in other parts of the world.

Participants also mentioned a number of areas where they felt that the Government of Canada had performed well, including the provision of benefits and supports for Canadians, the protection and promotion of diversity and multiculturalism, and the response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Additionally, participants identified a range of areas in which they believed the Government of Canada had room for improvement.  These included the perceived high cost of living at present, a lack of affordable housing in many parts of the country, issues related to health care, combatting and mitigating the impacts of climate change, and support for the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF).

Prompted to identify what they viewed as the most important priority areas for the Government of Canada to be focusing on, many reiterated the need for a greater emphasis to be placed on addressing issues related to inflation and the cost of living, health care, housing affordability, and mitigating the impacts of climate change.  Other important priority areas mentioned by participants included the need for further investments in education, stabilizing the rate of immigration, building new infrastructure (such as roadways and public transportation), and reducing federal spending. 

Electric Vehicle Manufacturing (Mauricie Region Quebec)

Participants in the Mauricie region of Quebec engaged in an additional discussion related to the federal government’s performance in supporting the electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing sector.  Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was headed in the right or wrong direction on this front, almost all felt that it was on the wrong track, while a smaller number were more undecided in their opinions.  Several believed that while investments had been made by the federal government towards the building of more EVs in Canada, these vehicles had remained prohibitively expensive for a large portion of Canadians and that far more needed to be done to make EVs more affordable for lower- and middle-income households.  A number also believed that increased investments needed to be made towards the construction of EV infrastructure such as charging stations as well as to strengthen the electricity grid to prepare for the increased demand wider EV use would likely place on it.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to supporting the clean energy sector, most were uncertain, with many feeling that they did not know enough about its activities on this front to provide a proper evaluation.  Among the smaller number who said that the federal government was on the right track, it was felt that investments in clean energy, such as hydroelectricity, had been effective in their region, and had also been beneficial for the environment.  

The Economy (Southwestern Ontario, Ontario Parents with Children in Child Care or Seeking Child Care, Mauricie Region Quebec)

Three groups engaged in discussions related to the Canadian economy, focusing on issues such as the employment market, the cost of living, and perspectives related to the Government of Canada’s management of the economy.

At the beginning of their conversations, participants in Southwestern Ontario and the Mauricie region of Quebec were asked how they would describe the state of the economy at present and whether they felt the federal government was headed in the right or wrong direction in its handling of the economy in recent years.  A roughly equal number felt that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track on this front as those who were more uncertain in their opinions.  No participants felt that it was on the right track. 

Discussing additional measures that they believed the Government of Canada should take related to the economy, participants suggested actions such as providing increased financial supports to lower-income households, taking further action to expedite the construction of new housing (including for vulnerable groups such as seniors), and placing an increased focus on modernizing the technology used in Canadian factories. 

Jobs (Southwestern Ontario) 

Participants in Southwestern Ontario were asked a series of questions related to the employment market in their respective communities and their expectations regarding how the job market in Canada would evolve in the next five to ten years.  Asked to identify the most important industries in their local areas, participants mentioned sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.  Discussing potential economic challenges in their area, some expressed concerns related to the continued viability of locally produced agriculture.  It was believed that many small farms were currently struggling financially, as well as facing challenges related to the impacts of climate change and the negative effect that this was believed to be having on crop yields.  

Asked what industries they expected would be prioritized in the Canadian economy in the future, most believed that there would be a continued focus on agriculture and automotive manufacturing.  It was also thought that there would likely be significant growth in the construction sector, with some of the impression that the building of more residential housing was an urgent priority for municipalities such as London.  

Focusing specifically on jobs, an equal number thought that the employment market was currently headed in the right direction as those who held a more mixed opinion.  Several expressed the view that while there were currently a large number of job opportunities available in their area, most of the applicants lacked the skills or experience required for these positions.  Discussing the types of skills that they expected would be in demand over the next decade, participants identified areas such as health care, information technology, software development, and artificial intelligence (AI). 

Cost of Living for Parents (Ontario Parents with Children in Child Care or Seeking Child Care)

Participants in the group comprised of parents in Ontario who either had children in child care or were in the process of finding child care took part in a conversation related to the cost of living and how it is currently impacting families with young children.  Asked how they would describe the Government of Canada’s management of the economy, almost all believed that it was currently headed in the wrong direction.  Several were of the impression that many households were currently struggling with challenges related to the high cost of living, a lack of affordable housing, and increasing debt loads, and a number believed that perceived high levels of federal spending had served to further exacerbate these challenges. 

Asked which economic issues concerned them the most as parents, many identified challenges related to inflation and the high cost of essentials such as groceries, clothing, and gasoline, and the increasing costs of education (including the cost of educational supports such as tutors as well as saving up for their children’s post-secondary studies). 

Providing examples of areas of their lives that had become less affordable in recent years, many reiterated the high cost of groceries and the increasing challenges they faced in providing nutritional food for their families.  Other areas mentioned included the cost of vision care and eyeglasses for their children, the perceived high cost of formula for infants, and challenges related to affording recreational and extracurricular activities for their families.  Several indicated having taken actions such as actively seeking out sales, purchasing off-brand groceries and clothing, and cutting down on dining at restaurants and travelling as ways of responding to the high cost of living at present.  

All were aware of the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), and most had heard about the creation of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB).  Many expressed the view that these benefits were very helpful to Canadian families, including their own.  Most, however, did not feel that these initiatives on their own would be sufficient to address the challenges related to affordability and the high cost of living, feeling that more urgent action would need to be taken by the Government of Canada to assist families going forward.

Housing (Southwestern Ontario, Mid-Size and Major Centres Ontario Identified Health Care as a Major Priority, Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in three groups took part in discussions related to housing.  Conversations in the two groups based in Ontario focused on measures the Government of Canada was taking to make housing more affordable, while those residing on Vancouver Island discussed the housing situation in their own communities as well as a recent joint federal/provincial initiative to build more homes across British Columbia (B.C.).

Housing Affordability Measures (Southwestern Ontario, Mid-Size and Major Centres Ontario Identified Health Care as a Top Priority)

Two groups engaged in conversations related to actions that the federal government was taking to make housing more affordable for Canadians.  Asked if they had recently seen, read, or heard, anything from the Government of Canada related to housing, participants recalled a number of initiatives.  These included the removal of the goods and services tax (GST) from the construction of new rental housing developments, the provision of increased funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund to assist municipalities in the building of new housing, the introduction of programs such as the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and measures such as temporarily banning non-Canadians from purchasing residential property. 

Asked what came to mind when they heard the phrase ‘unlocking housing’, most believed that this referred to the building of a greater number of affordable homes in Canadian communities.  Several associated this phrase with actions to reduce or remove municipal zoning regulations that determine where and what types of housing communities can build.  Discussing specific actions that could be taken on this front, participants believed that municipalities should consider adjusting zoning requirements to allow for increased densification, streamlining the building permitting process, and working to convert unused office and retail space into residential housing. 

Discussing the effectiveness of the actions that the Government of Canada had taken thus far to unlock housing, several were of the impression that little progress had been made on this front and that the housing supply in their community had remained mostly unchanged.  A number expressed the view that the effectiveness of these actions would be dependent on the cooperation of provincial and municipal governments and that it would take a concerted effort from all levels of government to make housing more affordable for Canadians going forward. 

Housing Supply (Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in the group comprised of post-secondary students living on Vancouver Island engaged in a brief conversation related to the housing situation in their communities and actions that could be taken to increase the supply of housing.  All described the housing situation in their communities as very challenging at present, with a number viewing housing as having become prohibitively expensive in recent years, with few safe and affordable options available.  Securing housing was believed to be especially difficult for students, who were perceived as typically having less available income to spend on housing compared to other cohorts of society.  

Asked whether they had heard anything about the Government of Canada and the Government of B.C. working together to build more housing, none indicated that they had.  Informed that the federal government had committed to working with the Government of B.C. by providing financial support towards the construction of thousands of new affordable rental homes, while a few felt that this represented a step in the right direction, most did not believe that this action would have a significant impact on the housing situation.  Among participants, it was generally felt that until issues related to the unaffordability of housing were resolved, housing would remain out of reach for many lower- and middle-income Canadians. 

Discussing additional actions that they would like to see from the federal government related to housing, participants suggested measures such as introducing stricter regulations on how much landlords can charge for and/or raise rent, implementing increased financial penalties for homeowners who leave their homes vacant, and providing greater financial supports to Canadians struggling with the cost of housing in their communities.

Budget 2024 (Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students)

One group, comprised of post-secondary students residing on Vancouver Island, engaged in a conversation related to the federal government’s annual Budget, which was scheduled to be tabled on April 16 ^th , 2024.  Asked how they felt the Canadian economy was currently performing overall, all were of the impression that it was facing considerable challenges, with a large number expressing concerns related to areas such as inflation, the perceived high cost of living, and what they viewed as a lack of well-paying jobs available to Canadians.  Many thought that a greater emphasis needed to be placed by the Government of Canada on reducing the cost of living, increasing wages, and creating more full-time jobs in emerging sectors such as renewable energy production. 

Participants engaged in an exercise where they were presented with a list of potential priority areas for the federal government to focus on in its upcoming Budget and asked to select which they felt would be most impactful towards improving the lives of Canadians.  The priority of addressing affordability and the cost of living received the highest level of support among participants.  It was felt that this was one of the most fundamental challenges facing Canadians at present and that addressing this area would likely help the largest number of people.  Many also selected the goal of achieving long-term economic growth through investments in clean technology and energy and the initiative to make improvements to the health care system.  A smaller number selected the initiatives to provide more opportunities for good careers, support the middle class, unlock pathways to the middle class, maintain a responsible plan for public spending, and raise taxes on the wealthiest Canadians. 

Health Care (Mid-Size and Major Centres Ontario Identified Health Care as a Top Priority)

Participants in the group comprised of individuals residing in mid-size and major centres in Ontario engaged in a discussion related to the health care system as well as a recently announced plan by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario aimed at improving health care provision in the province.  Asked to describe the current state of the health care system in Canada, while many were of the impression that health care had remained relatively affordable and accessible for most Canadians, a number expressed concerns related to issues currently impacting the health care system in their area. These included the closures of emergency rooms in some communities, long wait times to receive emergency and primary care, a lack of available beds in hospitals, perceived widespread shortages of doctors and nurses, and difficulties in accessing appointments and/or procedures with specialists.

Describing their own experiences in accessing health care services, many reported having personally encountered long wait times and overcrowding at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics.  Asked how they believed the quality of health care in their local area compared to other regions and provinces, most felt that it was significantly higher relative to many parts of the country.  All, however, felt that major changes would be required to sustain the current level of care and to address the issues that they had identified earlier.  

Asked what they felt was the role of the Government of Canada when it came to health care, all were of the impression that it was primarily to provide funding to the provinces and territories to assist them in delivering health care within their jurisdictions.  A few believed that the federal government also worked to set national standards for the provinces and territories to follow to ensure that all Canadians were provided with a sufficient level of care.  Discussing whether they had recently seen, read, or heard anything about actions that the federal government had taken related to health care, only a small number indicated that they had.  Among these participants it was believed that agreements had been reached between the Government of Canada and the individual provinces and territories to increase the health care funding it provided so long as these additional funds were allocated towards certain priority areas.

Provided with information related to a recent agreement between the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario to improve health care in Ontario by allocating federal health care funding towards increasing access to family doctors, reducing wait times, and hiring more healthcare workers, most reacted positively.  Engaging in an exercise where they were shown a number of health care priority areas and asked which they felt would be most impactful towards improving health care in their region, the initiative to enhance access to primary care received the highest level of support among participants.  Many also selected expanding the health care work force and reducing wait times and backlogs as important priorities, while only a small number selected the initiatives related to boosting mental health supports, making it easier for health care professionals to practice in Ontario, and improving health information management.  

Asked whether they expected this plan would have a major, minor, or no impact on improving the quality of health care in Ontario, almost all felt that it would have a minor impact.  While all supported this plan from the Government of Canada, most believed that its success would primarily be determined by its implementation and how effectively these additional resources were allocated by provincial and territorial governments going forward.

Child Care (Ontario Parents with Children in Child Care or Seeking Child Care)

One group, comprised of participants residing in Ontario who either had children in child care or who were currently seeking child care, engaged in a conversation related to the Government of Canada’s recent work to lower the cost of child care.  Asked how much they currently paid for child care (or how much they anticipated it would cost) participant responses ranged from $350 to over $1100 per month.  All who had children enrolled in child care described it as representing a significant portion of their monthly household budget, with a number believing that they paid more for these services each month than they did towards other important areas such as groceries or their monthly car payments.  

All felt that affordability and availability represented the most significant challenges related to child care at present.  A large number of those who had secured child care spots (as well as those who were still searching) described the process as being very challenging, with a number reporting having been on waiting lists for over a year at some facilities. 

Many felt that the quality of child care in their area had been below their expectations.  It was felt by several that the quality and safety standards of many child care facilities had deteriorated in recent years, and that the provincial government had not been providing adequate oversight in this regard.  Others expressed concerns related to the operating hours of local child care programs, believing that many facilities that had initially shortened their hours during the COVID-19 pandemic had since made these changes permanent, making it increasingly difficult for parents to balance their work commitments with caring for their children.   

Informed that the Government of Canada had agreements in place with all provinces and territories to lower the cost of child care to an average of $10/day and create 250,000 child care spaces across Canada by 2025-2026, all reacted positively to this information.  Many, however, expressed uncertainty as to whether the Government of Canada would be able to fully implement this initiative by 2026, believing that this was too short a time frame for what they viewed as a complicated, and large-scale program.  Focusing on the positive aspects of this program, some believed that these actions would help enable parents (and mothers especially) to return to the workforce and earn additional income for their families.   

All felt that making investments towards lowering the cost of child care was an important action for the Government of Canada to take in its efforts to make the cost of living more affordable.  Several reported that due to the high cost of child care it had become difficult to save money and/or devote additional funds towards other aspects of their lives.  It was widely thought that taking this approach would have a positive impact on the economy as well as lead to job creation in the early childhood education (ECE) sector.

Energy Outlook (Alberta Concerned About the Energy Grid)

Participants residing in Alberta engaged in a discussion related to energy generation, the oil and gas sector, and concerns regarding the electricity grid in their province.  To begin, participants were asked how important they believed the oil and gas sector was to the Albertan economy.  All felt that oil and gas played an important role in their province’s economy, with many describing it as having been the primary economic driver in Alberta for many decades.  While most felt that there would be a continued economic role for oil and gas in the years to come, several thought that more needed to be done to transition the Albertan economy and energy grid to incorporate more renewable energy sources going forward. 

Describing what came to mind when they heard the phrase ‘sustainable jobs’, a number believed that this referred to jobs that did not rely on the consumption of non-renewable resources.  Related to the clean energy sector, most believed that sustainable jobs would likely be those involved in the building, maintenance, and operation of clean energy infrastructure.  Questioned whether they felt the creation of sustainable jobs in the clean energy sector would benefit the Albertan economy, participants expressed a range of opinions.  While some believed that this would have a positive impact on the provincial economy and would help increase the resilience of the electricity grid, a roughly equal number expressed uncertainty as to whether enough jobs would be created in the clean energy sector to accommodate the large number of Albertans currently working in the oil and gas sector. 

Asked whether their communities had experienced extreme cold in recent months, all reported that they had.  Discussing the potential impacts of this weather on their communities, all expressed concerns related to the provincial energy grid and whether it would be able to withstand extreme cold temperatures going forward.  Many believed that significant efforts needed to be taken to expand the province’s energy infrastructure to increase its capacity to meet the energy needs of its growing population.  Several also reiterated that a focus should be placed on diversifying the sources utilized for electricity in Alberta by incorporating a strategy that uses both renewable and non-renewable resources. 

While all thought that the federal government should be making investments towards clean energy and clean technology, several reiterated the view that support should be provided to the oil and gas sector and believed that non-renewable energy sources would continue to play a critical role in meeting the energy needs of Albertans.  Discussing what they viewed as the potential benefits of the Government of Canada encouraging investments in clean electricity and clean technology, participants believed this approach would assist in diversifying the provincial economy, expanding the energy sources available to Albertans, and aligning the province with what they perceived to be a trend towards renewable energy and sustainability.  Asked whether they felt that an increased focus on clean energy and clean technology would lead to more or fewer risks of power outages, most believed that investments into this area would bolster the capacity of the electricity grid and reduce the risks of large-scale outages. 

Climate Change (Southwestern Ontario, Alberta Concerned About the Energy Grid, Quebec City, Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students, Mauricie Region Quebec)

Participants in five groups engaged in conversations related to climate change and the actions that the Government of Canada was currently taking to mitigate its impacts.  To begin, participants in the groups based in Alberta, Quebec City, and Vancouver Island were asked to what degree, if at all, they were concerned about climate change.  Most reported that they were very concerned, believing that climate change represented a significant threat to current and future generations and that its impacts were being felt with increasing frequency with each passing year. 

Discussing the potential impacts of climate change, many in these three groups expressed the view that changing weather patterns had been a contributing factor to what they perceived as an increase in the frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires, windstorms, and large-scale flooding.  A number worried that more unpredictable weather patterns and extreme temperatures could ultimately result in the destabilization of food production in Canada, leading to food shortages in the decades to come. 

Asked whether they were worried about the impacts of climate change on their own communities, a large number indicated that they were.  Several described being especially concerned about warmer temperatures leading to an increase in wildfires, as well as potential water restrictions in their communities due to what they perceived as below average rainfall and snow in recent years.  A number also worried about the potential of climate change to impact the cost of living, believing this could lead to higher food and energy costs, as well as require homeowners to spend more on retrofitting their homes to make them more sustainable and climate-resilient going forward. 

Those in the groups based in Southwestern Ontario, Vancouver Island, and the Mauricie region of Quebec were asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing climate change.  A larger number felt that it was headed in the wrong direction compared to those who felt otherwise.  Among the few who believed that the federal government was on the right track, it was felt that some actions had been taken to address and adapt to climate change, but noted this was a long-term process and one that would not be quickly accomplished.  For those who felt it was on the wrong track, many believed that the actions being taken by the federal government did not reflect the urgency of this problem and that far more needed to be done to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change. 

Discussing additional actions that they believed the Government of Canada should take to address climate change, participants suggested measures such as further investing in the protection of natural ecosystems and wildlife, increasing the affordability of EVs, and instituting more comprehensive, federally managed recycling initiatives.

Hydrogen-Based Energy (Mauricie Region Quebec)

Participants residing in the Mauricie region of Quebec engaged in a brief discussion related to hydrogen-based energy.  Very few reported having previously heard about this type of energy.  Provided with information related to the use of hydrogen as a potential energy source, most believed that investments in this area could have a positive impact on reducing emissions.  A number, however, expressed concerns regarding the potential consequences of taking this approach, with some especially concerned about the safety of working with hydrogen, given their impression that hydrogen was a highly combustible element.

Asked how many jobs, if any, they felt could be created in the clean hydrogen sector, participant estimates ranged from 5,000 to 100,000 new positions.  Discussing the types of jobs that could be created, it was expected that these could include positions related to constructing and maintaining clean hydrogen infrastructure, managing and ensuring the safety of hydrogen energy production facilities, and the pursuit of further research related to this type of energy and its potential applications. 

Discussing the extent to which they felt the Government of Canada should be prioritizing investments towards hydrogen-based energy compared to other renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, and hydroelectricity), participants were mixed in their opinions.  While some felt that this type of energy should receive the same prioritization as other renewable energy sources, others were worried about the potential expenses of taking this approach and questioned whether hydrogen-based energy could be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Immigration (Quebec City)

Participants residing in Quebec City took part in a conversation related to immigration.  Asked whether they had recently seen, read, or heard about any actions or initiatives from the Government of Canada on this front, several recalled having heard that it had taken steps to place a temporary cap on the number of international student study permits it would be issuing in 2024.  Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to its management of the immigration system, participants expressed a range of opinions, with a roughly equal number believing it was headed in the right direction as those who felt otherwise. 

Describing the potential benefits of immigration to Canada, several felt that the continued arrival of new immigrants would help to bolster the employment market and would lead to increased economic productivity across the country.  A small number expressed the opinion that a continued high rate of immigration would be critical in ensuring that there would be enough workers to support an aging population in the years to come. 

Discussing potential challenges related to welcoming new immigrants, a large number expressed concerns regarding the ability of new immigrants to integrate into Canada’s Francophone culture.  Related to this, a number expressed concerns about the potential impact that high immigration to their province might have on Quebecois culture and identity.  Describing potential actions that the federal government could take to address these concerns, several suggested that it should allocate increased funding towards integrating new immigrants into Canada, including providing them with access to employment opportunities and language training resources. 

Asked if the Government of Canada should seek to increase, decrease, or maintain the current rate of immigration, all felt that the current level should be maintained.  Maintaining the current level of immigration was widely viewed as the best way to address issues such as labour shortages and an aging population, without exacerbating concerns related to increasing demand on area such as housing, health care, and other important infrastructure and services. 

Ukraine (Mid-Size and Major Centres Saskatchewan Ukrainian Diaspora)

Participants in the group comprised of members of the Ukrainian diaspora residing in Saskatchewan engaged in a conversation related to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia following the Russian invasion of its territory in February 2022.  All indicated having followed this conflict closely since it began two years ago, with many reporting that they would seek out news related to the war on a daily basis.

Asked what aspects of the war concerned them the most, many described the human cost of this conflict, including the large number of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians that had been injured or killed over the past two years.  Several worried about the potential permanent loss of Ukrainian territory that had been invaded by Russian forces and expressed concerns regarding whether it would be feasible or possible for Ukraine to regain control of this territory.  Some also shared concerns regarding the condition of the Ukrainian military, with a number of the impression that it was currently facing shortages related to personnel, equipment, and weapons and ammunition. 

Discussing how, if at all, the conflict had influenced their view of the world and Canada’s place in it, several reported feeling that the world was now a much less safe place than they had believed it to be prior to the Russian invasion.  Asked how they felt that Russia’s war with Ukraine had impacted the world, a number believed that this conflict had prompted many countries around the world to invest more heavily in their militaries and defence budgets.  The view was expressed that this conflict had served to erode the peaceful international order that they believed had existed prior to the conflict, and some worried that this might lead to other countries pursuing similar militaristic objectives in the future.  

All felt that it was important for the Government of Canada to continue to support Ukraine.  It was widely thought that this assistance was critical, not just in terms of protecting Ukraine, but for preserving the sovereignty of other nations and preventing Russia from engaging in similar incursions in the future.  Questioned whether they thought the federal government was on the right track when it came to assisting Ukraine, almost all felt that it was.  Several were of the view that Canada had been a strong supporter of Ukraine from the outset of this conflict and had been among the most vocal countries in its opposition to the Russian invasion.  Discussing the types of support that were most important towards assisting Ukraine, many reiterated the need for continued financial and military support to ensure that Ukraine had the resources it required to repel the Russian invasion. 

Questioned whether they were aware of any humanitarian aid that the Government of Canada had provided to Ukraine, participants recalled hearing about actions such as the provision of food, medical supplies, clothing, and other essentials.  A number were also of the impression that some Canadians had travelled to Ukraine and/or the surrounding region to assist those who had been displaced by the conflict.  All were aware of the Government of Canada’s commitment to bringing in and accommodating Ukrainians who had been displaced by the conflict.  Several reported having personally worked with organizations that assisted these individuals with acclimatizing to life in Canada.  

All knew people who had arrived in their communities through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program.  Most expressed support for this initiative, believing that it was an important way of assisting those whose homes had been destroyed and/or who may encounter difficulties in returning to Ukraine in the future.  Discussing additional supports that they felt were important in assisting the Ukrainians who had arrived in Canada, participants mentioned areas such as language training in English or French, the provision of safe and affordable housing, opportunities for employment, and child care spaces for those with young children. 

All reacted positively to the announcement of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA) with several of the opinion that this agreement would be instrumental in assisting Ukraine with its economic recovery following the war.  It was felt that this action would also benefit the Ukrainian diaspora living in Canada, making it easier and more affordable for them to import Ukrainian goods and cultural items.  Discussing the types of supports they expected Ukraine would require after the conflict is resolved, participants mentioned initiatives such as rebuilding damaged or destroyed infrastructure, assisting Ukrainian businesses, and providing mental and physical health care supports to Ukrainian soldiers. 

Asked whether they had ever encountered any information related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that they believed to be false or misleading, all indicated that they had.  It was felt that, especially in the initial months of the conflict, this misinformation had portrayed the Russian military as liberators, and conveyed the false narrative that this invasion had been largely welcomed by the Ukrainian people.  While none, given their close connection to Ukraine, expected that this type of false information would impact their own perspectives regarding the war, several were concerned that the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation by Russia had been negatively shaping the attitudes of some Canadians against providing additional support for Ukraine.

Post-Secondary Issues (Vancouver Island Post-Secondary Students)

Participants in one group, comprised of post-secondary students residing on Vancouver Island, engaged in a discussion related to the challenges currently being faced by students in Canada.  Asked whether they felt the federal government had been making an effort to reach out to students, all felt that it had been mostly ineffective in this area.  Asked if they were aware of any work that the Government of Canada had done to make post-secondary education more affordable, while a few were of the impression that it had removed interest on federal student loans and had provided financial supports to students during the COVID-19 pandemic, no additional actions could be recalled. 

Informed that the federal government had permanently eliminated federal interest on Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, increased Canada Student Grants by 40 per cent, and made improvements to the student loan repayment assistance plan, participants were mixed in their responses.  While most felt that these measures represented a step in the right direction, few expected that they would be enough to have a tangible impact on making post-secondary education more affordable. 

Asked if there was anything else that the federal government could do to support students, some suggested that greater investments be made towards expanding public transportation services in communities with large student populations as well as providing subsidized fares to those currently enrolled in a post-secondary program.  A few suggested that the federal government should consider taking action to cancel existing federal student loan debt as well as work to reduce post-secondary tuition throughout Canada.

Auto Theft (Mid-Size and Major Centres Ontario Identified Health Care as a Top Priority)

Participants in one group briefly discussed auto theft and the actions that the Government of Canada was taking to address this issue.  Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions that the federal government had taken to combat auto theft, few indicated that they were.  Among those who had heard something, participants were of the impression that the federal government had recently held a summit to discuss how best to respond to this issue. 

Provided with information related a to a range of actions and initiatives the Government of Canada was taking to combat auto theft, all reacted positively, with many believing that this type of multifaceted approach would be critical towards addressing this issue and reducing instances of auto theft in Canadian communities.  A large number expressed support for the measure to improve information sharing between local police and railway police.  It was felt that ineffective communications between different law enforcement bodies had been a major contributing factor to perceived increases in auto theft across the country.  Several also felt it was very important for the federal government to increase the capacity of the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to conduct more investigations and examinations of stolen vehicles, particularly at Canadian ports where it was believed that many stolen vehicles were being illegally exported.  A number believed that the imposition of greater legal penalties for this type of illegal activity would also serve as an effective deterrent for those individuals who may consider engaging in auto theft. 

Discussing the potential impact of these measures on combatting auto theft, a slightly larger number believed that these actions would have a minor impact as those who thought it would have a major impact.  Asked whether, having now seen this information, they supported the Government of Canada’s plan to combat auto theft, all indicated that they did. 

Community Challenges (Quebec City, Mauricie Region Quebec)

Two groups, comprised of participants residing in Quebec City and the Mauricie region of Quebec respectively, took part in conversations related to their local communities.  Asked to identify the top issues facing their communities that required greater prioritization from the federal government, participants in Quebec City mentioned challenges related to a perceived lack of affordable housing, the need to build more infrastructure (such as schools, hospitals, and public transportation), and the need for stronger protection and promotion of diversity and multiculturalism within the province.  A few in this group also believed that there needed to be a focus on providing funding towards specific projects in their area such as the Third Link highway project.  Those in the Mauricie region identified issues related to the high cost of living as well as a perceived shortage of health workers such as doctors and nurses as pressing issues facing their communities.

Asked to describe what they viewed as the most important industries in their communities, participants in both groups mentioned agriculture, technology, and tourism as being among the most important .  A number from Quebec City also identified the cultural sector as playing a major economic role in their community, while those from the Mauricie region described manufacturing, forestry, health care, and education as key industries. 

Questioned whether there were currently labour shortages in their area, almost all in both groups believed that there were.  Several were of the impression that this was a particular issue in key sectors such as health care and education and believed that this was having a negative impact on the availability of services in these areas.  Discussing what they viewed as being potential causes behind these perceived shortages, participants mentioned a range of factors including the COVID-19 pandemic, a greater number of individuals entering retirement, and a lack of well-paying jobs being offered by employers.  Describing potential solutions that the federal government could take to address this issue, participants suggested measures such as working to increase wages for Canadians, offering incentives for individuals to work in sectors facing labour shortages, and streamlining the foreign credential recognition process to make it easier for new immigrants to work in their fields of expertise.

Three groups engaged in discussions related to the Canadian economy, focusing on issues such as the employment market, the cost of living, and perspectives related to the Government of Canada’s management of the economy as of late. 

At the beginning of their conversations, participants in Southwestern Ontario and the Mauricie region of Quebec were asked how they would describe the state of the economy at present and whether they felt the federal government was headed in the right or wrong direction in its handling of the economy in recent years.  A roughly equal number felt that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track on this front as those who were more uncertain in their opinions.  No participants felt it was on the right track.  Among those who held more mixed opinions, it was thought that while some areas of the economy such as housing and the cost of living had become increasingly unaffordable, a number of these issues (such as high inflation) were being felt on a global scale and the federal government was doing its best to manage these challenges.  Among those who believed that the Government of Canada was headed in the wrong direction in its management of the economy, it was felt that many lower- and middle-income households were facing difficulties in making ends meet and that these issues seemed to be worsening rather than getting better.  A number expressed concerns that a growing number of Canadians were taking on increasing personal debt to keep pace with the cost of living, while a few were worried that people may begin to leave Canada if the economic situation did not improve.

Asked an additional question as to whether they could recall any actions or initiatives that the federal government had taken to address the economic challenges facing Canadians, participants in the Mauricie region of Quebec recalled a range of measures.  These included the provision of a one-time Grocery Rebate to eligible Canadians, the initiative to provide additional funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund to communities that commit to removing red tape and fast-tracking the construction of new homes, and financial supports provided during the COVID-19 pandemic such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).  Discussing additional measures that they believed the Government of Canada should take related to the economy, participants suggested actions such as the provision of increased financial supports to lower-income households, further actions to expedite the construction of new housing (including for vulnerable groups such as seniors) and an increased focus on modernizing the technology used in Canadian factories.

Jobs (Southwestern Ontario)

Participants in Southwestern Ontario were asked a series of questions related to the employment market in their respective communities and their expectations regarding how the job market in Canada would evolve in the next five to ten years.  Asked to identify the most important industries in their local areas, participants mentioned sectors such as automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and transportation.  A number residing in or around London identified the area’s Amazon fulfillment centre as well as the electric vehicle (EV) battery cell factory that was currently being built in St. Thomas as major employers in their region.  Discussing potential economic challenges in their area, some expressed concerns related to the continued viability of locally produced agriculture.  It was believed that many small farms were currently struggling financially, as well as facing challenges related to the growing impacts of climate change and the negative effect that this was believed to be having on crop yields. 

Asked what industries they expected would be prioritized in the Canadian economy in the future, most believed that there would be a continued focus on agriculture and automotive manufacturing.  It was also thought that there would likely be significant growth in the construction sector, with some of the impression that the building of more residential housing was an urgent priority for municipalities such as London. 

Focusing specifically on jobs, an equal number thought that the employment market was currently headed in the right direction as those who held a more mixed opinion.  Several expressed the view that while there were currently a large number of job opportunities available in their area, most of the applicants lacked the skills or experience required for these positions.  Asked whether they felt the job market would get better, worsen, or remain the same, several thought that it would likely improve, while others expected that the number of jobs in certain industries, such as those dependent on non-renewable energy, could potentially decrease.  Discussing the types of skills that they expected would be in demand over the next decade, participants identified areas such as health care, information technology, software development, and artificial intelligence (AI).  While most felt confident that they would continue to have a good job in the years to come, a few believed that they would likely have to pursue further education and/or training to obtain employment in an in-demand field.

Asked whether they felt that the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to ensuring that workers were able to receive the training that they need to stay competitive in the workforce, all were uncertain, with most expressing that they did not know enough about this issue to provide a proper evaluation.  Likewise, almost all were uncertain when asked if the federal government was headed in the right direction when it came to creating good jobs for Canadians.  A number thought that more should be done by the federal government to advertise the supports and education/training grants that were available to Canadians, believing that many were currently unaware of these programs.

Cost of Living for Parents (Ontario Parents with Children in Child Care or Seeking Child Care)

Participants in the group comprised of parents in Ontario who either had children in child care or were in the process of finding child care took part in a conversation related to the cost of living and how it is currently impacting families with young children.  Asked how they would describe the Government of Canada’s management of the economy, almost all believed that it was currently headed in the wrong direction.  Several were of the impression that many households were currently struggling with challenges related to the high cost of living, a lack of affordable housing, and increasing debt loads, and a number believed that perceived high levels of federal spending had served to further exacerbate these challenges.  Among the small number who felt that the federal government was on the right track, it was thought that it had performed well in providing supports for those who were struggling financially, including by introducing programs such as the Canada Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and by providing financial assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic through initiatives such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). 

Asked which economic issues concerned them the most as parents, many identified challenges related to inflation and the high cost of essentials such as groceries, clothing, and gasoline, and the increasing costs of education (including the cost of educational supports such as tutors as well as saving up for their children’s post-secondary studies).  A roughly equal number believed that the Government of Canada understood the challenges facing parents as those who felt otherwise.  Among those who thought the federal government was aware of these challenges, it was believed that while it was taking steps to address these issues, these actions had brought little in the way of tangible progress thus far.  For those who felt that the Government of Canada did not understand, it was thought that many federal officials did not have first-hand experience in managing these challenges and, as a result, did not comprehend the size and scope of these issues or have an understanding as to how to solve them.

Providing examples of areas of their lives that had become less affordable in recent years, many reiterated the high cost of groceries and the increasing challenges they faced in providing nutritional food for their families.  Other areas mentioned included the cost of vision care and eyeglasses for their children, the perceived high cost of formula for infants, and challenges related to affording recreational and extracurricular activities for their families.  Several indicated having taken actions such as actively seeking out sales, purchasing off-brand groceries and clothing, and cutting down on dining at restaurants and travelling as ways of responding to the high cost of living at present.

Questioned whether they were aware of any Government of Canada policies, programs, services, or benefits that support parents, participants recalled a range of actions and initiatives.  In addition to the CDCP, programs mentioned included the Canada Child Benefit (CCB), the establishment of agreements with provinces/territories to reduce the cost of child care to an average of $10 a day, per child, initiatives to assist first-time home buyers such as the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), and the indexing of federal benefits to the rate of inflation.  Asked about their awareness of specific initiatives, all reported being aware of the CCB, and most had heard about the creation of the Canada Dental Benefit (CDB).  To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following additional information regarding these programs:

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.

The Government of Canada has a Canada Dental Benefit (CDB) to help lower dental costs for eligible families earning less than $90,000 a year. 

All reacted positively to this information, and many expressed that these benefits were very helpful to Canadian families, including their own.  Most, however, did not feel that these initiatives on their own would be sufficient to address the challenges related to affordability and the high cost of living and that more urgent action would need to be taken by the Government of Canada to assist families going forward.

One group, comprised of post-secondary students residing on Vancouver Island, engaged in a conversation related to the federal government’s annual Budget, which was scheduled to be tabled on April 16^th, 2024.  Asked how they felt the Canadian economy was currently performing overall, all were of the impression that it was facing considerable challenges, with a large number expressing concerns related to areas such as inflation, the perceived high cost of living, and what they viewed as a lack of well-paying jobs available to Canadians.  Many thought that a greater emphasis needed to be placed by the Government of Canada on reducing the cost of living, increasing wages, and creating more full-time jobs in emerging sectors such as renewable energy production.  Several also believed that more should be done to increase domestic production and manufacturing within Canada, with a number of the opinion that the Canadian economy was too reliant at present on the importation of goods from other jurisdictions.

Participants next engaged in an exercise where they were presented with a list of potential priority areas for the federal government to focus on in its upcoming Budget and asked to select which three they felt would be most impactful towards improving the lives of Canadians.  These included:

• Affordability/Cost of living;
• Supporting the middle class;
• Unlocking pathways to the middle class;
• Growing the housing supply;
• More opportunities for good careers;
• Long-term economic growth through clean tech and energy;
• Helping Canadians save for retirement;
• Protecting seniors’ benefits;
• Fighting climate change;
• Maintaining a responsible plan for government spending;
• Improving the healthcare system; and
• Raising taxes on the wealthiest Canadians

The priority of addressing affordability and the cost of living received the highest level of support among participants.  It was felt that this was one of the most fundamental challenges facing Canadians at present and that addressing this area would likely help the largest number of people.  A large number selected the goal of achieving long-term economic growth through investments in clean technology and energy.  Among these participants, it was believed that this would provide economic stimulus to the Canadian economy, make its energy sector more resilient, and would align energy production in Canada with what was viewed as a growing global trend towards renewable energy.  Several also selected the initiative to make improvements to the health care system.  It was widely thought that an increasing number of Canadians were facing difficulties related to an inability to find a family doctor in their community, long wait times for emergency and primary care, and what was viewed as a growing shortage of health workers such as doctors and nurses.  A small number selected the initiatives to provide more opportunities for good careers, support the middle class, unlock pathways to the middle class, maintain a responsible plan for public spending, and raise taxes on the wealthiest Canadians.  None chose the priority areas related to growing the housing supply, helping Canadians save for retirement, protecting seniors’ benefits, or fighting climate change.

Participants were next presented with specific phrases or terms from this list of potential Budget priorities and prompted to share what came to mind when they heard them.  Asked what they thought of when they heard the term wealthiest Canadians, participants mentioned individuals such as those who own large businesses, housing developers, those with significant investment portfolios, and families with generational wealth.  Asked how much they believed the wealthiest Canadians made annually, on average, participant estimates ranged from $150,000 to upwards of $10 million per year.  A few expressed the opinion that wealth was a somewhat subjective term and believed that whether one was considered wealthy might vary depending on where in the country they resided.

Asked whether they viewed themselves as part of the middle class, a large number indicated that they did.  Describing what they felt it meant to be middle class, some believed this meant a lifestyle in which one was not living pay cheque to pay cheque and had enough left over at the end of each month to devote to savings and/or discretionary spending.  A number, however, were of the impression that a many middle-class households were also struggling with the cost of living at present and that this term no longer meant that one was relatively comfortable financially. 

Questioned what they believed was meant by the phrase unlocking pathways to the middle class, most viewed it as actions related to making it easier for individuals to receive the training and education they need to obtain a well-paying job as well as creating a greater number of employment opportunities for Canadians.  A few felt that this term could also refer to initiatives focusing on providing more opportunities to certain segments of the population (such as persons living with disabilities) who may face additional barriers to joining the middle class.  All thought that the federal government was currently performing poorly when it came to supporting the middle class.  Asked what actions they felt should be taken on this front, participants believed that a greater focus needed to be placed on making life more affordable for Canadians, ensuring that all individuals had sufficient access to housing, and making it easier for individuals to obtain education and skills training without having to incur high levels of financial debt.

Asked whether they viewed a good job as being the same as a good career, most believed that while the terms were connected, there were some differences between them.  On balance, participants felt that a good career referred to a career path in which one had the opportunity to grow, advance, and work in over a longer period of time.  In contrast, a good job was viewed as being a position that likely paid well and was enjoyable but might not necessarily reflect the type of work one wanted to do for the long term.

Discussing what came to mind when they heard the terms clean technology and clean energy, participants mentioned areas such as carbon capture technology, the development of renewable energy sources including solar, wind, hydroelectricity, innovations related to the production of nuclear energy, and new technology such as electric vehicles (EVs).  All believed that the Government of Canada should be increasing its investments towards clean technology and energy, with many of the opinion that there were economic as well as environmental benefits to taking this approach.  The view was reiterated that the clean energy and technology sector would be increasingly important in the years to come and would likely provide for the creation of a large number of new jobs and businesses in Canada.  It was felt that by making these investments now, the Government of Canada could position itself as a global leader in these areas.

Participants in the group comprised of individuals residing in mid-size and major centres in Ontario engaged in a discussion related to the health care system as well as a recently announced plan by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario aimed at improving health care provision in the province.  All participants had identified health care as a top priority prior to participating in this discussion.  Asked to describe the current state of the health care system in Canada, while many were of the impression that health care had remained relatively affordable and accessible for most Canadians, a number expressed concerns related to issues currently impacting the health care system in their area.  These included the closures of emergency rooms in some communities, long wait times to receive emergency and primary care, a lack of available beds in hospitals, perceived widespread shortages of doctors and nurses, and difficulties in accessing appointments and/or procedures with specialists.  Concerns were also expressed among participants that private companies had become increasingly involved in the health care sector in Ontario.  It was felt that if this trend were allowed to continue, it would ultimately lead to a diminished public health care system in Canada.  A few also expressed concerns regarding the potential for doctors and other health care workers to leave Canada in search of higher salaries and more favourable working conditions in countries such as the United States (U.S.).

Describing their own experiences in accessing health care services, many reported having personally encountered long wait times and overcrowding at emergency rooms and walk-in clinics.  A few expressed the opinion that the health care system had become overly complicated, recalling instances in which they had been required to attend appointments with several different doctors in order to receive an appointment with a specialist.  Asked how they believed the quality of health care in their local area compared to other regions and provinces, most felt that it was significantly higher relative to many parts of the country.  All, however, felt that major changes would be required to sustain the current level of care and to address the issues that they had identified earlier.

Asked what they felt was the role of the Government of Canada when it came to health care, all were of the impression that it was primarily to provide funding to the provinces/territories to assist them in delivering health care within their jurisdictions.  A few believed that the federal government also worked to set national standards for the provinces and territories to follow to ensure that all Canadians were provided with a sufficient level of care.  Questioned whether they believed that the Government of Canada was aware of the health care challenges they were most concerned about, a roughly equal number felt that it was compared to those who thought otherwise.  Very few, however, believed that sufficient action had been taken to address these concerns.  Discussing whether they had recently seen, read, or heard anything about actions that the federal government had taken related to health care, only a small number indicated that they had.  Among these participants, it was believed that agreements had been reached between the Government of Canada and the individual provinces and territories to increase the health care funding it provided so long as these additional funds were allocated towards certain priority areas.  To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

The Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario recently announced a new $3.1 billion agreement to improve healthcare in Ontario.  Under this agreement, Ontario will allocate federal healthcare funding to help increase access to family doctors, reduce wait times, and hire more healthcare workers.

Most reacted positively to this information, believing that these investments would help to improve issues such as health worker shortages, long wait times, and limited access to family doctors.  Participants were next shown information regarding the specific aims of this plan:

• Expand the healthcare workforce by adding new positions for physicians, nurses, and support workers, and increasing healthcare education enrollments;
• Enhance access to primary care by creating teams of family doctors, nurse practitioners, and other health professionals, particularly in underserved areas;
• Reduce wait times and surgery backlogs with more healthcare workers and improved care access;
• Make it easier for health professionals to practice in Ontario by removing barriers to foreign credential recognition and simplifying licensing processes;
• Improve health information management and sharing; and
• Boost mental health support by adding Youth Wellness Hubs and expanding psychotherapy programs.

Reactions to this information were mixed among participants.  While some spoke positively of actions such as removing barriers to foreign credential recognition, bolstering mental health supports, and expanding the health care workforce, a number expressed concerns related to the feasibility of these goals.  Among these participants, it was felt that issues such as health worker shortages and long wait times had been long-standing concerns and would likely be difficult to solve in a short period of time.

Participants next engaged in an exercise where they were prompted to select which two of these priorities they felt would be most impactful towards improving health care in their area.  The initiative to enhance access to primary care received the highest level of support among participants.  It was felt that addressing this aspect of the health care system would help the largest number of people and could also lead to improvements being made to other areas of the health care system.  Many also selected expanding the health care work force and reducing wait times and backlogs as important priorities.  A number were of the impression that these two priorities were closely linked and believed that increasing the number of doctors and other health care workers would be the most effective way to reduce wait times and backlogs.  Only a small number selected the initiatives related to boosting mental health supports, making it easier for health care professionals to practice in Ontario, and improving health information management.

Asked whether they expected this plan would have a major, minor, or no impact on improving the quality of health care in Ontario, almost all felt that it would have a minor impact.  While all supported this plan from the Government of Canada, most believed that its success would primarily be determined by its implementation and how effectively these additional resources are allocated by provincial/territorial governments going forward.

One group, comprised of participants residing in Ontario who either had children in child care or who were currently seeking child care, engaged in a conversation related to the Government of Canada’s recent work to lower the cost of child care.  A slightly larger number reported that they were currently seeking child care relative to those who had already enrolled their children in a child care program.  Asked how much they currently paid for child care (or how much they anticipated it would cost) participant responses ranged from $350 to over $1100 per month.  All who had children enrolled in child care described it as representing a significant portion of their monthly household budget, with a number believing that they paid more for these services each month than they did towards other important areas such as groceries or their monthly car payments.  

All felt that affordability and availability represented the most significant challenges related to child care at present.  A large number of those who had secured child care spots (as well as those who were still searching) described the process as being very challenging, with a number reporting having been on waiting lists for over a year at some facilities.  A few had been unable to find full-time child care, and had instead enrolled in a part-time program, necessitating them to balance their work schedules with caring for their children.  While a smaller number reported feeling that it had been relatively easy for them to find child care, in most cases these participants believed that this was likely due to them opting for a more-expensive, private facility in which spots were more readily available.

Many felt that the quality of child care in their area had been below their expectations.  Several believed that the quality and safety standards of many child care facilities had deteriorated in recent years, and that the provincial government had not been providing adequate oversight in this regard.  Others expressed concerns related to the operating hours of local child care programs, believing that many facilities that had initially shortened their hours during the COVID-19 pandemic had since made these changes permanent, making it increasingly difficult for parents to balance their work commitments with caring for their children. 

Asked if they had recently seen, read, or heard about any actions from the Government of Canada related to child care, no participants indicated that they had.  To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following clarification:

The Government of Canada has agreements in place with provinces and territories to lower the cost of childcare to an average of $10/day and create 250,000 childcare spaces across Canada by 2025-2026.  In Ontario, the average parent’s fees for regulated and funded childcare for children under the age of 6 have been reduced by 50 per cent since December 2022.  This agreement will deliver on average $10-a-day childcare for Ontario families by the end of March 2026.  

While all reacted positively to this information, many were uncertain as to whether the Government of Canada would be able to fully implement this initiative by 2026, believing that this was too short a time frame for what they viewed as a complicated, and large-scale program.  A number also expressed concern as to whether this action would result in increased taxation for Canadians.  Focusing on the positive aspects of this program, some believed that these actions would help enable parents (and mothers especially) to return to the workforce and earn additional income for their families.  While many expected that this program would have a positive impact on families with young children, most believed that their own children were too old for them to fully benefit from this initiative.

All felt that making investments towards lowering the cost of child care was an important action for the Government of Canada to take in its efforts to make the cost of living more affordable.  Several reported that due to the high cost of child care, it had become difficult to save money and/or devote additional funds towards other aspects of their lives.  It was widely thought that taking this approach would have a positive impact on the economy as well as lead to job creation in the early childhood education (ECE) sector.  A few were of the opinion that more should be done to increase the wages of child care workers, believing that these individuals played a very important role and that higher wages would likely attract more talented individuals to pursue careers in this sector.  A small number suggested that the federal government should take a more active role in the provision of child care and open its own publicly operated child care centres.  It was felt that this would likely have a positive impact on increasing the affordability and availability of child care in Canada.

Participants residing in Alberta engaged in a discussion related to energy generation, the oil and gas sector, and concerns regarding the electricity grid in their province.  To begin, participants were asked how important they believed the oil and gas sector was to the Albertan economy.  All felt that oil and gas played an important role in their province’s economy, with many describing it as having been the primary economic driver in Alberta for many decades.  A few expressed the opinion that the oil and gas sector had been unfairly criticized as being environmentally damaging and believed that Alberta’s production standards on this front were among the cleanest in the world.  While most felt that there would be a continued economic role for oil and gas in the years to come, several thought that more needed to be done to transition the Albertan economy and energy grid to incorporate more renewable energy sources going forward.  A number believed that a transition to renewable energy would be critical to the future economic health of the province.  It was also felt that establishing a more diversified economy outside of the energy sector would be an important goal for the Government of Alberta to focus on going forward.  Discussing the sectors that they felt would be most important to the future of the Albertan economy, participants mentioned renewable energy production (including solar, wind, and nuclear power), information technology, agriculture, forestry, and tourism.

Describing what came to mind when they heard the phrase ‘sustainable jobs’, a number believed that this referred to jobs that did not rely on the consumption of non-renewable resources.  Related to the clean energy sector, most believed that sustainable jobs would likely be those involved in the building, maintenance, and operation of clean energy infrastructure.  Questioned whether they felt the creation of sustainable jobs in the clean energy sector would benefit the Albertan economy, participants expressed a range of opinions.  While some believed that this would have a positive impact on the provincial economy and would help increase the resilience of the electricity grid, a roughly equal number expressed uncertainty as to whether enough jobs would be created in the clean energy sector to accommodate the large number of Albertans currently working in the oil and gas sector.  Among these participants, it was felt that the majority of jobs created in this sector would be primarily focused on building new infrastructure and, once these projects were completed, many of these jobs would disappear.  A few also expressed concerns as to whether renewable sources such as wind and solar would be sufficient to meet the energy needs of Albertans, especially in the colder winter months.

Asked whether their communities had experienced extreme cold in recent months, all reported that they had.  Discussing the potential impacts of this weather on their communities, all expressed concerns related to the provincial energy grid and whether it would be able to withstand extreme cold temperatures going forward.  A few were also worried about the impact that increasingly cold temperatures would have on those in their communities who were experiencing homelessness and did not have access to a safe and warm shelter.  To aid in discussion, participants were provided with the following information:

Last month, the Alberta Emergency Management Agency issued an Alberta Emergency Alert indicating that extreme cold resulting in high power demand had placed the Alberta energy grid at a high risk of rotating power outages.  The alert asked Albertans to limit their electricity use to essentials only, such as turning off unnecessary electrical appliances, minimizing the use of space heaters, and cooking with a microwave instead of a stove.

Discussing how this type of a situation could be avoided in the future, many believed that significant efforts needed to be taken to expand the province’s energy infrastructure to increase its capacity to meet the energy needs of its growing population.  Several also believed that a focus should be placed on diversifying the sources utilized for electricity in Alberta by incorporating a strategy that uses both renewable and non-renewable resources.  A few expressed the opinion that nuclear power sources, such as small modular reactors (SMRs), could be especially effective in this regard.  Asked whether there was anything that the Government of Canada could do to support the reliability of the electricity grid, several believed that it should primarily focus on providing increased funding for the building of new energy infrastructure.  It was felt that this should be done both by providing increased funding to provincial governments as well as offering financial supports to private companies in this sector to assist them in expanding their energy production capacity. 

Questioned whether the federal government was on the right or wrong track when it came to supporting the electricity grid, many expressed uncertainty.  Several were of the impression that this was primarily a provincial area of responsibility and did not know how much involvement the Government of Canada had on this front.  Informed that the federal government was making investments towards clean energy and clean technologies to help reduce emissions, participants were asked what they believed these terms to mean.  Most viewed the phrases ‘clean energy’ and ‘clean technology’ as referring to energy sources and technologies that utilized renewable energy and promoted greater environmental stability in the long term.  To clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

This approach could include investments towards building power grids that use clean energy sources (like wind, solar, and hydroelectric), and providing incentives for the adoption and manufacturing of clean technologies (like solar panels and wind turbines), among others.

While all thought that the federal government should be making investments towards these areas, several reiterated the view that support should also be provided to the oil and gas sector and believed that non-renewable energy sources would continue to play a critical role in meeting the energy needs of Albertans.  Discussing what they viewed as the potential benefits of the Government of Canada encouraging investments in clean electricity and clean technology, participants believed this approach would assist in diversifying the provincial economy, expanding the energy sources available to Albertans, and aligning the province with what they perceived to be a trend towards renewable energy and sustainability.  A number believed that these investments should primarily be directed towards Canadian companies and did not wish to see this increased spending going to foreign owned competitors. 

Asked whether they felt that an increased focus on clean energy and clean technology would lead to more or fewer risks of power outages, most believed that investments into this area would bolster the capacity of the electricity grid and reduce the risks of large-scale outages.  A few clarified, however, that they did not believe that an electricity grid that was fully reliant on renewable energy would be sufficient to meet the energy needs of Albertans in the winter months.  Questioned whether they expected that a greater focus on developing the clean energy sector would have a positive impact on Albertan workers, a number felt that this would largely depend on how this is implemented and whether there was a focus on creating long-term (rather than temporary) jobs and career paths in this sector.

Participants in five groups engaged in conversations related to climate change and the actions that the Government of Canada was currently taking to mitigate its impacts.  To begin, participants in the groups based in Alberta, Quebec City, and Vancouver Island were asked to what degree, if at all, they were concerned about climate change.  Most reported that they were very concerned, believing that climate change represented a significant threat to current and future generations and that its impacts were being felt with increasing frequency with each passing year.  A small number were less concerned, believing that while the Earth’s weather patterns were likely changing to some degree, this was part of a natural cycle rather than the result of human activity. 

Discussing the potential impacts of climate change, many in these three groups expressed the view that changing weather patterns had been a contributing factor to what they perceived as an increase in the frequency of natural disasters such as wildfires, windstorms, and large-scale flooding.  A number worried that more unpredictable weather patterns and extreme temperatures could ultimately result in the destabilization of food production in Canada, leading to food shortages in the decades to come.  A few also worried about the potential of climate change to cause a refugee crisis in some parts of the world as certain areas become uninhabitable due to factors such as drought, extreme heat, and rising sea levels. 

Asked whether they were worried about the impacts of climate change on their own communities, a large number indicated that they were.  Several described being especially concerned about warmer temperatures leading to an increase in wildfires, as well as potential water restrictions in their communities due to what they perceived as below average rainfall and snow in recent years.  A number also worried about the potential of climate change to impact the cost of living, believing this could lead to higher food and energy costs, as well as require homeowners to spend more on retrofitting their homes to make them more sustainable and climate-resilient going forward.

Those in the groups based in Southwestern Ontario, Vancouver Island, and the Mauricie region of Quebec were asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing climate change.  A larger number felt that it was headed in the wrong direction compared to those who felt otherwise.  Among the few who believed that the federal government was on the right track, it was felt that addressing and adapting to climate change was a long-term process and one that would not be quickly accomplished.  It was thought that by taking actions such as implementing a price on carbon and making investments towards renewable energy the Government of Canada was doing the best that it could to encourage greater sustainability among Canadian households and businesses.  For those who felt it was on the wrong track, many believed that the actions being taken by the federal government did not reflect the urgency of this problem and that far more needed to be done to prepare for and mitigate the impacts of climate change.  A few expressed the opinion that the measures that had been taken on this front, such as the federal price on carbon and incentivizing Canadians to switch to electric vehicles (EVs), had been relatively ineffective in reducing emissions and had also made life more unaffordable for many households. 

Discussing additional actions that they believed the Government of Canada should take to address climate change, participants suggested measures such as investing further towards the protections of natural ecosystems and wildlife, increasing the affordability of EVs, and instituting more comprehensive, federally managed recycling initiatives.

Participants residing in the Mauricie region of Quebec engaged in a brief discussion related to hydrogen-based energy.  While few reported having previously heard about clean hydrogen, a small number were of the impression that research had been conducted related to this type of energy at the University of Quebec at Trois Rivières.  To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

Clean electricity (electricity generated from sources like hydroelectricity, wind, and solar), and other sources of renewable energy can be converted into hydrogen with little or no emissions.

Once produced, hydrogen can be used as a sustainable energy source for a variety of industrial processes, like steel manufacturing.  It can also be converted to electricity, which can be used in a wide range of applications, like powering vehicles, power plants, and buildings.

While most felt that investments towards hydrogen-based energy could have a positive impact on reducing emissions, a number expressed concerns regarding the potential consequences of using this energy source.  Some were specifically concerned about the safety of this approach, especially given their impression that hydrogen was a highly combustible element.  Asked how many jobs, if any, they felt could be created in the clean hydrogen sector, participant estimates ranged from 5,000 to 100,000 new positions.  Discussing the types of jobs that could be created, it was expected that these could include positions related to constructing and maintaining clean hydrogen infrastructure, managing and ensuring the safety of hydrogen energy production facilities, and the pursuit of further research related to this type of energy and its potential applications. 

Asked to what extent they felt the Government of Canada should be prioritizing investments towards hydrogen-based energy compared to other renewable energy sources (such as solar, wind, and hydroelectricity), participants were mixed in their opinions.  While some felt that this type of energy should receive the same prioritization as other renewable energy sources, others were worried about the potential expenses of taking this approach and questioned whether hydrogen-based energy could be produced in a cost-effective manner.

Participants residing in Quebec City took part in a conversation related to immigration.  Asked whether they had recently seen, read, or heard about any actions or initiatives from the Government of Canada on this front, several recalled having heard that it had taken steps to place a temporary cap on the number of international student study permits it would be issuing in 2024.  To aid in discussion, participants were provided with the following information: 

The Government of Canada has announced a temporary 2-year cap on new international student study permits.  With this cap, the Government of Canada is expecting 364,000 approved study permits in 2024.

While viewing this as a step in the right direction, many believed that the expected number of 364,000 study permits in 2024 was still too high and that this cap should be reduced further.  Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right or wrong track when it came to its management of the immigration system, participants expressed a range of opinions, with a roughly equal number believing it was headed in the right direction as those who felt otherwise.  Among those who thought that the federal government was on the right track, it was felt that high immigration in recent years had contributed to the rising cost of living and that this action would help to make life more affordable for Canadians and reduce demand in key areas such as housing.  Among those who felt the federal government was headed in the wrong direction, participants expressed concerns related to what they perceived as a lack of collaboration between the Government of Canada and Government of Quebec on this issue, challenges in integrating new immigrants into Canadian society, and issues faced by immigrants in having their credentials recognized and becoming certified to work in their chosen fields.

Describing the potential benefits of immigration to Canada, several felt that the continued arrival of new immigrants would help to bolster the employment market and would lead to increased economic productivity across the country.  A small number expressed the opinion that a continued high rate of immigration was critical to ensuring that there would be enough workers to support an aging population in the years to come. 

Questioned whether they agreed or disagreed with the statement that Canada needs to welcome more new immigrants to fill labour shortages and grow the economy, an equal number of participants agreed as those who held a different view.  Among those who agreed, it was thought that immigrants represented a vital component of the future of the Canadian workforce and that continued immigration would be key to the country’s economic prosperity going forward.  For those who disagreed, it was felt that there were already a large number of immigrants who came to Canada who had been unable to put their skills to use due to issues related to having their qualifications recognized.  It was felt that until this issue was addressed, it would be difficult for many immigrants to utilize their skills and training to benefit the Canadian economy.

Discussing potential challenges related to welcoming new immigrants, a large number expressed concerns regarding the ability of new immigrants to integrate into Canada’s Francophone culture.  Related to this, a number expressed concerns regarding the potential impact that high immigration to their province might have on Quebecois culture and identity.  A few believed that a greater focus should be placed on monitoring and potentially capping the number of individuals claiming asylum when arriving in Canada.  It was thought that a high number of asylum seekers in recent years had led to many communities being unable to sufficiently accommodate these new arrivals, leading to a higher demand being placed on services such as shelters and food banks.  Describing potential actions that the federal government could take to address these concerns, several suggested that it should allocate increased funding towards integrating new immigrants into Canada, including providing them with access to employment opportunities and language training resources. 

Asked if the Government of Canada should seek to increase, decrease, or maintain the current rate of immigration, all felt that the current level should be maintained.  Maintaining the current level of immigration was widely viewed as the best way to address issues such as labour shortages and an aging population, without exacerbating concerns related to increasing demand on area such as housing, health care, and other important infrastructure and services.  A small number believed that action should be taken by the federal government to create a more targeted immigration strategy that was primarily focused on bringing in skilled immigrants to work in sectors experiencing labour shortages.

Participants in the group comprised of members of the Ukrainian diaspora residing in Saskatchewan engaged in a conversation related to Ukraine’s ongoing conflict with Russia following the Russian invasion of its territory in February 2022.  All indicated having followed this conflict closely since it began two years ago, with many reporting that they would seek out news related to the war on a daily basis.  Several mentioned being in frequent contact with family and friends in Ukraine to receive updates on the conflict and ensure that they were still safe. 

Asked what aspects of the war concerned them the most, many described the human cost of this conflict, including the large number of Ukrainian military personnel and civilians that had been injured or killed over the past two years.  Several worried about the potential permanent loss of Ukrainian territory that had been invaded by Russian forces and expressed concerns regarding whether it would be feasible or possible for Ukraine to regain control of this territory.  Some also shared concerns regarding the condition of the Ukrainian military, with a number of the impression that it was currently facing shortages related to personnel, equipment, and weapons and ammunition.  All reported having been personally impacted by this conflict.  A number had friends or relatives who had been injured in the fighting or who had been forced to flee their homes as a result of the conflict.  Several who had previously spent time living in Ukraine and had formed a personal connection to the country were deeply distressed to see it under attack and expressed concern for those still living there.

Discussing how, if at all, the conflict had influenced their view of the world and Canada’s place in it, several reported feeling that the world was now a much less safe place than they had believed it to be prior to the Russian invasion.  A few commented that, prior to this war taking place, they had not believed it possible that a conflict of this nature could still occur.  A number also mentioned that the conflict had made them feel less safe in Canada, especially given the close proximity of Russia to Canada’s North.  Asked how they felt that Russia’s war with Ukraine had impacted the world, many believed that this conflict had prompted many countries around the world to invest more heavily in their militaries and defence budgets.  The view was expressed that this conflict had served to erode the peaceful international order that they believed had previously existed, and some worried that this might lead to other countries pursuing similar militaristic objectives in the future. 

All felt that it was important for the Government of Canada to continue to support Ukraine.  It was widely thought that this assistance was critical, not just in terms of protecting Ukraine, but for preserving the sovereignty of other nations and preventing Russia from engaging in similar incursions in the future.  Engaging in an exercise where they were asked to select a word to describe the federal government’s approach to the war in Ukraine, most chose words with positive connotations such as ‘strong’, ‘trust’, and ‘support’.  A small number selected words such as ‘hesitant’, believing that more could be done by the Government of Canada to provide financial and military assistance to Ukraine.  Questioned whether they thought the federal government was on the right track when it came to assisting Ukraine, almost all felt that it was.  Several were of the view that Canada had been a strong supporter of Ukraine from the outset of this conflict and had been among the most vocal countries in its opposition to the Russian invasion.  However, a small number believed that while the Government of Canada had been generous in its financial support, it could have done more to provide Ukraine with higher calibre weaponry and ammunition to protect its territory.

Asked whether they thought the Government of Canada should be doing more or less in response to the war in Ukraine, all believed that it should be doing more.  Discussing the types of support that were most important towards assisting Ukraine, many reiterated the need for continued financial and military support to ensure that Ukraine had the resources it required to repel the Russian invasion.  A number also believed that the Government of Canada should continue to provide diplomatic support towards resolving this conflict, working with its allies and others in the global community to end the fighting and to lift blockades on critical Ukrainian exports (such as grain) that they believed had been put in place by Russia. 

Questioned whether they were aware of any humanitarian aid that the Government of Canada had provided to Ukraine, participants recalled hearing about actions such as the provision of food, medical supplies, clothing, and other essentials.  A number were also of the impression that some Canadians had travelled to Ukraine and/or the surrounding region to assist those who had been displaced by the conflict.  Asked whether they had seen, read, or heard anything about sanctions placed by the federal government on Russian individuals or entities, most reported that they had.  While believing these sanctions would likely have some impact in the long-term, most felt that they would not be effective in deterring Russia or bringing the conflict to the end.  A few believed that additional sanctions should be imposed, including stricter visa requirements or a potential ban on Russian citizens travelling to Canada as well as a complete prohibition of the import and sale of Russian-made products in Canada.

All were aware of the Government of Canada’s commitment to bringing in and accommodating Ukrainians who had been displaced by the conflict.  Several reported having personally worked with organizations that assisted these individuals with acclimatizing to life in Canada.  On balance, most believed that it was important for the Government of Canada to assist as many Ukrainians as possible in fleeing the conflict.  A number, however, expressed concerns regarding the impact that this could have on Ukraine’s population in the future, especially if a large number of these individuals decided to stay in Canada for the long-term.  A few were of the opinion that greater efforts needed to be taken to differentiate between those who were using this program due to being displaced by the conflict and those who were using their Ukrainian citizenship (and who may not even live in Ukraine) as an opportunity to come and live in Canada.  To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

The Government of Canada created the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) to help Ukrainians and their family members come to Canada as quickly as possible and to provide them with the ability to work and study while in Canada.

For Ukrainian nationals outside Canada, the CUAET gave them a visitor visa to come to Canada temporarily, until it is safe to return to Ukraine.  This visitor visa also offered them the option to apply for a work permit at the same time or to be given status as a student if they are under 18 and want to study in Canada.  March 31 ^st , 2024, is the last day to enter Canada under the CUAET special measures.  Those who have arrived before this date, can apply to extend their stay for up to 3 years at a time or until their passport expires.

All participants knew people who had arrived in their communities through the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel (CUAET) program.  Most expressed support for this program, believing it was important for those whose homes had been destroyed and/or who may encounter difficulties in returning to Ukraine to have a pathway to stay in Canada permanently.  A number believed that this action would also likely have a positive impact on the Canadian economy, putting to use the expertise and skillsets of those who had arrived under the CUAET program.  A few held more mixed opinions.  Among these participants, it was felt that while it was important for Canada to be offering a path to permanent residency for these individuals, they did not wish to see Ukrainians prioritized over those living in Canada who had also been displaced by conflicts in other parts of the world.  Discussing additional supports that they felt were important in assisting the Ukrainians who had arrived in Canada, participants mentioned areas such as language training in English or French, the provision of safe and affordable housing, opportunities for employment, and child care spaces for those with young children.  A number also thought that mental health supports should be made widely available to those who had fled the conflict, believing that many of these individuals were likely dealing with some form of trauma.

Participants were next provided with the following information related to commitments that the Government of Canada had made to Ukraine regarding military support:

During the Ukrainian President’s visit to Canada in September 2023, the Government of Canada committed to providing $650 million in financial and military aid over three years, which includes supplying Ukraine with 50 armored vehicles made in Canada.  This comes in addition to Canada’s ongoing military support to Ukraine through training Ukrainian soldiers and personnel, providing equipment and supplies, and providing weapons and ammunitions.

All reiterated the view that this type of military support was critical to Ukraine’s ability to continue to defend its territory.  A number believed that a priority should be placed by the Government of Canada on providing this assistance as soon as possible, given their perception that the Ukrainian military was currently facing shortages of weaponry and ammunition. 

While a large number had heard about the announcement of the Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement (CUFTA), few could recall any specific details.  To clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

The Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement is designed to improve the business relationship between Canada and Ukraine.  It does this by giving special treatment to goods traded between the two countries and by setting up new rules for trading services and investment.  The agreement now has added sections that focus on fair trade, which includes support for smaller businesses, ensuring trade benefits both men and women equally, and benefits Indigenous Peoples.  This agreement is intended to support Ukraine as it rebuilds its economy after the invasion by Russia.

All reacted positively to this initiative, with several of the opinion that this agreement would be instrumental in assisting Ukraine with its economic recovery following the war.  It was felt that this action would also benefit the Ukrainian diaspora living in Canada, making it easier and more affordable for them to import Ukrainian goods and cultural items.  Discussing the types of supports they expected Ukraine would require after the conflict is resolved, participants mentioned initiatives such as rebuilding damaged or destroyed infrastructure, assisting Ukrainian businesses, and providing mental and physical health care supports to Ukrainian soldiers.  It was widely felt that it was very important for the Government of Canada to continue to support Ukraine following the war.  It was thought that this would be beneficial not just for Ukrainians, but also for the many countries who they believed depended on Ukrainian agricultural exports as a significant portion of their food supply.

Asked whether they had ever encountered any information related to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine that they believed to be false or misleading, all indicated that they had.  Many had encountered this type of information online or through Russian-based broadcasters, such as RT.  It was felt that, especially in the initial months of the conflict, this misinformation had portrayed the Russian military as liberators, and conveyed the false narrative that this invasion had been largely welcomed by the Ukrainian people.  While none, given their close connection to Ukraine, expected that this type of false information would impact their own perspectives regarding the war, several were concerned that the dissemination of misinformation and disinformation by Russia had been negatively shaping the attitudes of some Canadians against providing additional support for Ukraine.  Related to this, a number spoke positively of the decision by the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to ban outlets such as RT in Canada and hoped that more would be done to combat misinformation and disinformation going forward.