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

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

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

This report includes findings from 12 online focus groups which were conducted between October 3^rd, 2023, and October 25^th, 2023, in multiple locations across the country. Details concerning the locations, recruitment, and composition of the groups are provided in the section below.

The research for this cycle focused largely on the Government of Canada’s priorities and performance on a range of issues important to Canadians. Related to this, some groups took part in targeted discussions focusing on federal activities related to Indigenous peoples, Arab Canadians, immigration, and the Northwest Territories (NT). All discussed what they had seen, read, or heard about the federal government in recent days, with several groups engaging in extended conversations related to the sources they typically use to receive their news.

This research cycle also explored issues related to housing. Several groups engaged in conversations related to various measures recently introduced by the Government of Canada on this front, including those related to initiatives such as the Housing Accelerator Fund, supports for renters, and the housing situation in Canada’s North. A number of groups also discussed the perceived high cost of groceries at present as well as efforts by the federal government to stabilize grocery prices going forward. Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies, as well as those residing in NT and rural Ontario discussed health care in Canada, while other groups shared their perspectives on pharmacare, climate change, carbon pricing, and their expectations and concerns regarding life in Canada in the years to come. Heavy social media users residing in Winnipeg discussed their consumption of news media and their social media usage, while participants residing in London engaged in a conversation about local industries.

Other topics discussed this cycle included the Fall Economic Statement (FES), the Canada Pension Plan (CPP), community safety, and Employment Insurance (EI).

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

Methodology

Overview of Groups

Target audience

· Canadian residents, 18 and older.

· Groups were split primarily by location.

· Some groups focused on specific cohorts of the population, including Indigenous peoples, renters, Arab Canadians, heavy social media users, those concerned with the cost of living, and recent immigrants.

Detailed Approach

· Twelve groups across various regions in Canada.

· Six groups were conducted among the general population residing in London, Victoria and Nanaimo, PEI, Rural Ontario, the Northwest Territories, and Edmonton.

· The other six groups were conducted with key subgroups including:

o Indigenous peoples

o Renters

o Arab Canadians

o Heavy Social Media Users

o Cost of Living Concerned

o Recent Immigrants

· The two groups based in Quebec were conducted in French. All other groups were conducted in English.

· All groups for this cycle were conducted online.

· A total of 8 participants were recruited for each group, assuming 6 to 8 participants would attend.

· Across all locations, 83 participants attended, in total. Details on attendance numbers by group can be found below.

· Each participant received an honorarium of $125.

Group Locations and Composition

LOCATION	GROUP	LANGUAGE	DATE	TIME (EDT)	GROUP COMPOSITION	NUMBER OF PARTICIPANTS
London	1	EN	Tues, Oct 3^rd	6:00-8:00 PM	General Population	7
Urban Prairies	2	EN	Wed, Oct 4^th	8:00-10:00 PM	Indigenous	6
Victoria/Nanaimo	3	EN	Thurs, Oct 5^th	9:00-11:00 PM	General Population	8
Prince Edward Island	4	EN	Tues, Oct 10^th	5:00-7:00 PM	General Population	8
Greater Toronto Area	5	EN	Wed, Oct 11^th	6:00-8:00 PM	Renters	8
Montreal	6	FR	Thurs, Oct 12^th	6:00-8:00 PM	Arab Canadians	7
Rural Ontario	7	EN	Mon, Oct 16th	6:00-8:00 PM	General Population	7
Winnipeg	8	EN	Tues, Oct 17^th	7:00-9:00 PM	Heavy Social Media Users	7
Northwest Territories	9	EN	Wed, Oct 18^th	8:00-10:00 PM	General Population	5
Mid-Size & Major Centres Quebec	10	FR	Thurs, Oct 19^th	6:00-8:00 PM	Concerned with Cost of Living	8
Edmonton	11	EN	Tues, Oct 24^th	8:00-10:00 PM	General Population	5
Lower Mainland BC	12	EN	Wed, Oct 25^th	9:00-11:00 PM	Recent Immigrants	7
Total number of participants						83

Key Findings

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

At the beginning of each group, participants were asked what they had seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in recent days. A wide range of announcements and initiatives were recalled. These included announcements by the Government of Canada related to building more homes faster, meetings between federal officials and the heads of major grocers to discuss ways to stabilize grocery prices, the decision by the Supreme Court of Canada to overturn the Impact Assessment Act, a visit by the Prime Minister to Enterprise, Northwest Territories (NT) to assess the damage caused by largescale wildfires in the area, and an announcement by the Government of Alberta that it was considering exiting the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and establishing its own provincially operated Alberta Pension Plan.

Participants also recalled activities related to the Government of Canada on the international stage. These included a statement by the Government of Canada unequivocally condemning attacks perpetrated by the terrorist organization Hamas on Israeli civilians on October 7^th, 2023, as well as its pledging of humanitarian assistance towards Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Other issues cited included ongoing tensions between Canada and India following the announcement by the federal government that Canadian security agencies were in possession of intelligence potentially linking agents of the Government of India to the killing of a Canadian citizen in Surrey, B.C., the resignation of the Speaker of the House of Commons when it was revealed that an individual who had served in Ukraine under the command of Nazi Germany in World War II had been recognized in Parliament, and continued military and financial assistance to Ukraine in support of its efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasion of its territory. Some also recalled efforts to make it easier for migrants from the Americas to come to Canada, including an announcement by the federal government that it had been working to welcome up to 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from jurisdictions such as Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela.

News Sources (Montreal Arab Canadians, Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users, Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Participants in three groups briefly discussed how they typically receive their news. Asked to share their primary sources for news, several mentioned televised outlets such as CBC, CTV, and BBC as well as legacy news organizations such as the Globe and Mail. A large number reported relying on social media for news, including platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. Discussing which sources they felt were most reliable, participants were largely of the opinion that mainstream news outlets were generally more trustworthy than news posted on social media or shared via word of mouth by friends and family.

Asked if they ever accessed news in languages other than English or from another country, several in the groups comprised of Arab Canadians residing in Montreal and recent immigrants from B.C.’s Lower Mainland indicated that they did. In addition to French-language news, a number in the group based in Montreal reported accessing news in Arabic from sources based in Qatar, Lebanon, and Tunisia. Participants residing in the Lower Mainland received news in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and French, from outlets located in China, Colombia, and France. Discussing where they would go if they were looking for news pertaining to the federal government, several indicated that they would likely utilize official websites operated by the Government of Canada.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (All Locations)

All 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 health care, climate change and the environment, reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, and immigration.

Participants also identified a number of areas where they felt that the federal government had performed well, including the protection and promotion of diversity and multiculturalism in Canada, the provision of supports for low-income households, its response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and its activities on the global stage.

Additionally, participants mentioned a range of areas in which they believed the Government of Canada had room for improvement. These included inflation and the cost of living, a perceived lack of affordable and accessible housing in Canadian communities, concerns regarding what was viewed as high federal spending at present, and national security, including the need for increased investments towards the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and national cybersecurity initiatives.

Indigenous Peoples (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

The group comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies engaged in a discussion related to reconciliation and the actions currently being taken by the Government of Canada to better support Indigenous peoples and communities. Asked to identify what they felt to be the top issues facing Indigenous peoples at present, a number mentioned housing, believing there to currently be a significant lack of safe and affordable housing in many Indigenous communities. Other issues mentioned included the need for additional culturally focused resources (such as healing lodges) to treat issues related to mental health and addiction, as well as actions taken to reduce perceived discrimination against Indigenous peoples by law enforcement. A number felt that there needed to be more attention placed on addressing the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), including a greater commitment by all levels of government to investigate and prevent violence against Indigenous women going forward.

Few felt that reconciliation had been a major priority for the Government of Canada in recent years. While a number were of the impression that there had been increased funding for Indigenous-focused initiatives and financial support for Indigenous communities, it was generally felt that these actions had done little to tangibly improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. Discussing initiatives such as the introduction of an annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, while some felt this to be a step in the right direction, it was generally thought that too much of this day was focused on ceremonies and events rather than educating Canadians about the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.

Arab Canadians (Montreal Arab Canadians)

Arab Canadians residing in Montreal took part in a discussion related to the Arab diaspora in Canada. Most felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to supporting Arab Canadians, with a number of the impression that they had been provided the same level of respect and opportunity as other Canadians. Asked to identify areas impacting Arab Canadians that they felt required greater attention from the federal government, a number believed that more needed to be done to make the immigration process more equitable for those from Arab countries, with a few of the view that it was currently more difficult for Arab individuals to immigrate to Canada and bring family members into the country compared to immigrants from other parts of the world.

Discussing ways that the federal government could more effectively engage with Arab Canadians, several believed that more could be done to reach out to and collaborate with Arabic cultural organizations and community centres across Canada. It was also thought that more could be done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process for Arab Canadians as well as to expand Arabic language accessibility for federal government services and programs.

Immigration (Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Participants residing in B.C.’s Lower Mainland discussed a range of issues related to immigration. All reported having recently immigrated to Canada within the past ten years. Asked to describe the current state of the Canadian immigration system, several felt that while the process was relatively straightforward it often took a considerable amount of time for an individual to become a Canadian citizen. Discussing their personal experiences with the immigration system, participants shared a number of perspectives. While several recalled that their own immigration process having been completed within a matter of months, most believed that this was primarily due to them having skilled work experience and/or having already been hired by a Canadian company. Among those who did not have employment upon their arrival in Canada and/or did not have an in-demand skillset at the time of their immigration, it was generally felt that the immigration process had been considerably slower.

Asked to describe ways that the Government of Canada could improve the immigration system, several believed that efforts could be taken to reduce processing times and the number of steps required to acquire citizenship. Discussing whether they felt it was important for the federal government to address issues related to the foreign credential recognition process, several believed that it was. Among these participants, it was felt that the process of becoming certified to work in one’s field of expertise in Canada was often lengthy and expensive and that more needed to be done to streamline this process for new immigrants.

Most felt that the Government of Canada was on the wrong track when it came to immigration. Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada should increase, decrease, or maintain the rate of immigration at its current level, almost all believed that immigration should be decreased. A large number expressed concerns related to the availability of housing and employment opportunities at present and believed that continued increases in population would likely exacerbate these issues further. It was felt that by temporarily decreasing immigration in the short-term, the federal government would be better able to address the issues currently impacting those already living in Canada.

Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

Participants residing in NT took part in a short discussion related to their local region. Asked to identify the top issues facing their respective communities that required further prioritization from the federal government, participants mentioned challenges related to food security and the high cost of groceries in the North, a perceived lack of skilled workers across a range of sectors, and the need to build additional infrastructure (such as highways) to make it easier to transport goods into the region.

Asked to identify the most important sectors to their respective communities, participants mentioned areas such as mining, oil and gas exploration and extraction, and tourism. Questioned whether they felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to engaging with those residing in NT, most had a neutral impression, while a smaller number believed it to be headed in the wrong direction on this front. Discussing how the federal government could better engage with those in their region, several believed that there should be a greater presence of federal officials in NT communities. It was felt that this would provide the opportunity for more-in depth discussions regarding the challenges currently facing the North and the potential supports that the Government of Canada could provide.

Housing (London, Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria and Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Northwest Territories, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living)

Participants in eight groups took part in conversations related to housing. These discussions focused on participants’ reactions to housing-related measures recently announced by the Government of Canada, challenges facing renters, and the housing situation in Canada’s North.

Housing Initiatives (London, Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria and Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living)

Seven groups discussed a number of recent announcements from the Government of Canada related to housing, including those pertaining to the Housing Accelerator Fund. Asked whether they were aware of the Housing Accelerator Fund, few reported having heard of this initiative. Among those who had heard something, it was primarily believed that this program was focused on building new housing at a faster pace that would be affordable to lower- and middle-income Canadians.

Provided with information regarding the Housing Accelerator Fund and other actions the Government of Canada was taking related to housing, while most reacted positively to these initiatives and felt that they represented a step in the right direction, few expected they would have a significant impact on addressing the current challenges related to housing. Several expressed concerns that these issues did nothing to address the affordability of housing and believed that more steps needed to be taken to ensure that the housing built through the Housing Accelerator Fund would be accessible for lower- and middle-income Canadians.

Asked what impact they expected these initiatives would have on their communities, several were hopeful that increases in the housing supply would remove some pressure from the housing and rental markets and make housing more affordable in the long term. A small number expressed concerns regarding potential rapid increases in the population of their communities in the event that large new housing developments were built and questioned whether there was sufficient infrastructure and services in place to accommodate this influx of new residents.

Those in groups based in London and Victoria and Nanaimo were asked an additional question regarding whether they had heard the term ‘exclusionary zoning’ before. Very few were previously aware of this term. Asked how they felt about the Government of Canada asking local governments to end exclusionary zoning in exchange for funding for housing, participants were mixed in their opinions. While some felt that this would be an effective way to encourage the building of new housing, a larger number believed that funding for new housing should not be dependent on exclusionary zoning decisions. It was felt that in many municipalities exclusionary zoning laws had likely been implemented due to a range of considerations, including the impact of new housing on community services and the environment, and that it might not be feasible for communities to change these regulations.

All groups except Arab Canadians residing in Montreal were asked whether, having now discussed these measures, they felt the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing the housing situation. On balance, slightly more felt that the federal government was headed in the right direction on this front compared to those who felt otherwise.

Renters (GTA Renters)

Participants in one group, comprised of renters residing in the GTA, discussed issues related to housing in their community, with a particular focus on participants’ experiences as renters. All felt that the housing market in the GTA was very expensive at present, believing this to be the case both for renters as well as those looking to purchase a home. Several viewed these challenges as being primarily related to a perceived low supply of available housing in the GTA, which they believed had served to drive up housing costs for those looking to rent or purchase a home. Discussing additional factors that they felt had contributed to the perceived lack of available rental housing in their communities, participants cited a range of factors. These included homes being purchased as investments and left vacant, corporations purchasing large swaths of housing and increasing rental costs on these properties, and high levels of immigration in recent years which had further increased the demand for housing in their area.

Describing additional actions that the Government of Canada could take to better assist renters, a number felt that it should place a greater focus on the construction of publicly funded housing for lower- and middle-income Canadians as well as an increased emphasis on co-operative housing developments. It was also felt that actions should be taken to increase the financial penalties for those who decide to leave their properties vacant rather than placing them on the rental market.

While all aspired to be homeowners one day, only a small number believed that this was something that they could realistically achieve. Asked whether they felt the federal government was on the right or wrong track when it came to making home ownership more attainable for first-time home buyers, participants were mixed in their views. A number felt that while the Government of Canada was aware of the issues facing homebuyers and taking steps to address these challenges, little progress had been made on this front. Presented with information regarding the actions the federal government was taking to assist prospective home buyers, while several felt that these actions were a step in the right direction, a number were concerned that they would not be enough to address the issues related to the affordability of housing.

Northern Housing (Northwest Territories)

Participants residing in NT briefly discussed the housing situation in their region. All viewed housing as a major issue in their communities at present. Describing the biggest challenges related to housing in the North, participants mentioned issues such as a lack of affordability, limited supply, and a perceived shortage of construction materials and workers required to build new housing. A number described the quality of housing in NT as an issue, believing many homes in their communities were in poor condition, unsuitable for extreme cold temperatures, and in need of significant repairs. All expected that these problems would persist in the coming years unless there was significant action taken to increase the housing supply.

Most felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the wrong track when it came to addressing the housing situation in the North. Asked what more could be done by the federal government on this front, participants suggested actions such as increasing funding towards the construction of new housing in the North, the development of housing specifically for at-risk or marginalized populations (such as Indigenous peoples) and stronger regulations regarding the amounts landlords can charge for rent.

Groceries (Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living, Edmonton)

Participants residing in Edmonton and Quebec discussed the strategies that they had been using to help save money on their grocery expenses. Many reported that they were now preparing more meals for themselves at home rather than dining at restaurants or ordering takeout. Several had begun utilizing coupons and price matching to reduce grocery costs as well as shopping at stores where food prices were generally cheaper. Asked whether they would be likely to turn to the Government of Canada for information regarding strategies to save money on groceries, few indicated that they would.

All groups were asked whether they had seen, read, or heard anything from the Government of Canada regarding the actions it was taking to address the cost of groceries. While most had not heard anything, a small number recalled actions such as the provision of a one-time Grocery Rebate to eligible lower-income Canadians who were struggling with the cost of groceries as well as recent meetings between federal officials and the heads of major grocery chains to discuss ways to make groceries more affordable. Provided with information regarding the actions the federal government was taking on this front, most reacted positively. Many, however, believed that the effectiveness of these measures would largely be dependent on their implementation as well as whether major grocery chains would follow through on their commitments to stabilize grocery prices. Several spoke positively regarding the proposal to amend the Competition Act to empower the Competition Bureau to take actions to make the grocery sector more competitive, including removing barriers for smaller competitors looking to enter this sector.

Almost all felt that, if properly implemented, these measures would have an impact on lowering the cost of groceries. Though a number reported feeling more optimistic now that they knew the federal government was pursuing these measures, several questioned why action had not been taken sooner and with greater urgency. Among these participants, it was felt that rising food costs had been an evident issue for a number of years and that more proactive measures should have been taken by the Government of Canada to prevent this situation from escalating into what, in their opinion, could now be considered a crisis. Asked whether they expected these actions would have a major, minor, or no impact, most believed that these measures would have at least a minor impact on making groceries more affordable.

Fall Economic Statement (Montreal Arab Canadians)

Asked to identify the top issues that the federal government should be prioritizing as it prepares for its upcoming FES, participants mentioned areas such as health care, housing, and the ability of Canadians to access employment that pays a living wage. Other issues also viewed as important by participants included actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, increased financial supports for lower- and middle-income households, improving and expanding public transportation infrastructure, and making recreational activities more affordable for families and youth.

Canada Pension Plan (Edmonton)

Participants residing in Edmonton engaged in a conversation related to the Canadian economy, as well as their perspectives related to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Asked how they would describe the Government of Canada’s management of the economy, almost all believed that there was room for improvement. Several felt that federal spending had increased substantially in recent years and that this had served to exacerbate the perceived high rate of inflation and challenges related to the cost of living. Discussing what they viewed as the most important economic issues at present, several mentioned the difficulties that they believed many Canadians were currently facing in meeting basic needs such as affording groceries and securing safe and accessible housing.

All were familiar with the CPP. Asked if they had heard about any recent news related to the CPP, a small number were aware of a recent proposal by the Government of Alberta to withdraw from the CPP and create a provincially operated Alberta Pension Plan. Concerns were expressed that if the Government of Alberta were to take this action it could greatly diminish CPP payments for other Canadians and could also lead to financial uncertainty for Albertans, especially seniors and individuals nearing retirement. All were of the view that this issue should be addressed by the Government of Canada with a great deal of care, caution, and consideration, as it had the potential to weaken the pensions of all Canadians if not handled correctly.

Health Care (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Rural Ontario, Northwest Territories)

Three groups took part in conversations related to health care. These discussions focused on participant perspectives related to health care provision in their communities, actions the Government of Canada could take to improve the health care system, and the unique experiences of Indigenous peoples in accessing health care.

Health Care Perspectives (Rural Ontario, Northwest Territories)

All felt that improvements could be made related to health care provision in Canada, with a larger number believing that major changes were necessary compared to those who felt that minor chances would likely suffice. Discussing the types of changes that they felt were necessary, a number believed that more needed to be done to incentivize young Canadians to enter the health care field, expand the number of seats available in health care education programs, and make this process more affordable for those from lower- and middle-income backgrounds.

Indigenous Health Care (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

Asked whether they felt that Indigenous peoples experienced a different level of care compared to non-Indigenous peoples, most believed this to be the case. A number believed that Indigenous individuals frequently faced discrimination when attempting to access health care, including encountering stigma related to the perception that Indigenous health problems were often connected to addiction and substance use. Describing additional barriers faced by their community, several identified the high proportion of Indigenous peoples residing in rural or remote areas and the difficulties these individuals faced in accessing health care within their own communities.

Discussing the availability of traditional Indigenous medicines and health practices in their communities, most believed that these were relatively easy to access. Participants were mixed in their perspectives regarding the importance of traditional medicines and practices, with a roughly equal number reporting relying upon these regularly as those who had rarely or never accessed them. Identifying ways the federal government could improve health care provision for Indigenous peoples, participants mentioned potential actions such as expanded cultural sensitivity training for all health care providers, a greater emphasis on doctors and nurses spending time in Indigenous communities during their training, and increased incentives and encouragement for Indigenous individuals to work in the health care sector.

Pharmacare (GTA Renters, Rural Ontario)

Two groups engaged in discussions related to the potential implementation of a national pharmacare program. All believed that this should be a top priority for the Government of Canada. Asked what factors the Government of Canada should keep in mind when planning the next steps of a national pharmacare plan, many felt that it was most important to prioritize ensuring all Canadians were able to access prescription drugs that had life-saving properties. Others highlighted the importance of ensuring that the same program with the same benefits was available across Canada, rather than having different levels of coverage dependent on one’s province/territory.

Almost all residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) expressed a preference for a universal public approach to pharmacare, believing that providing equal coverage to all Canadians represented the fairest way of delivering this type of program. Those in the group based in rural Ontario felt differently, with many favouring a ‘close the gaps’ approach, primarily as a way of minimizing the potential costs of this program. Asked if a national pharmacare program would make life more affordable, most in the GTA felt that it would, especially for those facing financial challenges. Almost all residing in rural Ontario, however, believed that the financial costs of creating and operating this program would require increased taxation and lead to life being less affordable as a result.

Climate Change (Northwest Territories, Victoria and Nanaimo)

Participants in two groups engaged in discussions related to climate change and its potential impacts. Those residing in the Northwest Territories began their discussion by focusing on issues related to climate change that they believed were having a particular impact on communities in Canada’s North. Asked if they felt that climate change was having a major or minor impact in the North at present, most felt that the impact had been relatively minor. Several, however, expected that while minor at present, these impacts would likely increase in severity as time went on. Discussing whether they had noticed any environmental changes that they believed had been caused by climate change, several identified issues such as reduced snowfall, lower water levels, and elevated solar intensity in recent years.

Participants residing in Victoria and Nanaimo were asked how important a priority they felt climate change should be for the Government of Canada. Almost all believed that climate change needed to be one of the federal government’s highest priorities, expressing concerns that if immediate action was not taken, it may be too late to reverse its future impacts. Discussing what came to mind when thinking about the potential impacts of climate change, participants identified a number of challenges, including flooding, wildfires, drought, a greater frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters, rising sea levels, the thawing of permafrost in the North, higher temperatures, and an increased likelihood of contagious disease outbreaks and global pandemics.

Participants in both groups were asked if they felt that their communities were prepared to handle the potential impacts of climate change. Most did not believe that they would be ready to do so. Discussing what actions, if any, that their households had taken to prepare, many in Victoria and Nanaimo reported installing air conditioning units and/or purchasing fans to cope with increasing temperatures during the summer months. A number reported that they had begun to grow their own food as well as stockpile food supplies, drinking water, and gasoline due to concerns regarding potential shortages or natural disasters in the future.

Few in NT reported having taken any measures to prepare their household for climate change. Discussing how the Government of Canada could support communities in the North with preparing for these impacts, many in this group expressed a desire for the federal government to purchase and supply response equipment which could be stored in local communities, as well as to fund and support the training of individuals to operate this equipment in the event of a natural disaster. Several also suggested long-term support, including continued investments in renewable energy and upgrades to increase the climate resilience of vital infrastructure such as roadways and bridges.

Carbon Pricing (Prince Edward Island, Rural Ontario)

Provided with information related to the carbon pricing system, many in PEI reacted positively to this information, believing that this system would incentivize more people to use renewable sources of energy, which in turn would reduce overall carbon emissions. All of those in rural Ontario reacted negatively, believing that this system was inefficient and would not have a tangible impact on reducing emissions or mitigating the impacts of climate change.

A large number stated that they felt the system was unfair to people living in rural communities, as these individuals often needed to drive long distances each day and did not have access to alternative modes of transportation such as public transit. Informed that those living in rural communities would be receiving a 10 per cent supplemental top-up to the CAIPs they received, none indicated that this information had changed their opinion of carbon pricing in Canada. Asked whether they felt that this approach to carbon pricing was fair to those living in rural and smaller communities, almost all believed that it was not.

Community Safety (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

One group, comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies, shared their perspectives regarding the safety of their respective communities. Many reported feeling less safe in their communities as of late, with several of the impression that crimes such as assaults, property thefts, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and gang activity had been occurring with increasing frequency in recent years.

Discussing what further actions the federal government could take related to reducing crime, a number believed that more should be done to address the mental health issues that they believed many Canadians were currently facing. It was thought that taking this step would address what participants viewed as one of the key drivers behind the perceived recent rise in crime in their communities.

News Media (Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users)

Participants residing in Winnipeg engaged in a conversation related to the news industry in Canada. All identified as heavy users of social media. Asked to describe the ways in which they felt that the news media industry had changed over the last decade, a number believed that the news had shifted to a more global perspective. Several were of the impression that there had been a significant transition towards digitally based news over the past decade, including an increased prevalence of news items being conveyed through short-form videos and text posts on social media.

All felt that Canadians had more ways to access the news today relative to previous decades. Several, however, shared concerns that this increase in accessibility had also been accompanied by an increased proliferation of misinformation and disinformation, making it difficult in some circumstances to determine whether the news one was reading was trustworthy. Asked whether they felt there was a wide variety of coverage of news and events in their local community, few believed this to be the case, with most reporting that the news they received was primarily focused on national and/or global events.

Most expected that there were far more news outlets at present compared to ten years ago, with several of the impression that this increase had been connected to the growth of social media as well as the relative ease in establishing an online news outlet compared to creating a television channel or starting a newspaper. Almost all, however, thought that there were fewer jobs in journalism today compared to ten years ago. Informed that journalism jobs and the number of news outlets operating in Canada had decreased considerably over the past decade a number expected it to be due to a larger number of Canadians now preferring to access their news primarily through social media and/or other digital platforms.

While concerned about the state of news media in Canada, very few believed that this should be a top priority for the federal government at present. Several were of the perspective that as long as Canadians had the ability to access trustworthy news coverage from unbiased sources, there was no need for the Government of Canada to provide financial support to those outlets that were currently struggling. Provided with information related to a recent law that the federal government had passed related to better protecting Canadian news outlets and journalists, most were of the view that the intent of this law appeared reasonable and felt that it was important that news outlets and journalists be compensated fairly. A large number, however, believed that the implementation of this legislation had resulted in negative consequences for Canadians. A number reported that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms had been their primary source for news and that, due to Meta’s decision to block news content for Canadians on its platforms, they no longer consumed any news at all.

Social Media (Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users)

Participants in the group comprised of heavy social media users residing in the City of Winnipeg engaged in a discussion regarding their social media usage as well as their perspectives regarding the presence of misinformation on social media channels. Asked what social media platforms they use most frequently, many identified YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, with a smaller number mentioning X (formerly Twitter). Discussing the aspects of these platforms that appealed to them most, several spoke positively of the ability of social media to provide them with online connections to friends and family, as well as the entertainment they derived from the content posted on these platforms.

Discussing their experiences with misinformation on social media, all reported that they frequently came across online content that they felt might be inaccurate or misleading. Many were familiar with the term ‘misinformation,’ while fewer had heard the term ‘disinformation.’ Asked what they believed these terms referred to and how they differed, most believed that misinformation was information that was incorrect, while disinformation was information that was intentionally designed to mislead.

All indicated that they were concerned about the spread of misinformation and disinformation online. While misinformation was viewed as more prevalent, disinformation was thought to be more dangerous, given the perceived nefarious intentions of those who produce and disseminate it. Discussing what should be done to limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation online, several believed that credible news sources should be prioritized by social media algorithms over those with questionable motivations and/or with a historical record of publishing inaccurate information. Others felt that there should be a zero-tolerance policy for accounts that post misinformation and disinformation on social media, and that all accounts engaging in this activity should be removed.

Questioned whether they felt that Government of Canada had a role in combatting misinformation and disinformation, participants were mixed in their views. Several stated that while the federal government should continue to regulate the content of traditional media outlets, attempting to regulate the content generated by individual users of social media platforms would be inappropriate.

Public Sentiment (Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Two groups, comprised of Arab Canadians in Montreal and recent immigrants residing in British Columbia (B.C.)’s Lower Mainland respectively, shared their perspectives regarding their futures in Canada, as well as the inclusiveness of Canadian society. Sharing what made them feel optimistic about their future in Canada, many identified such factors as freedom, safety, opportunity, and peace. Other factors included what they viewed as the widespread accessibility of Canadians to health care, arts and culture, and natural spaces. Asked what concerned them regarding life in Canada going forward, several mentioned the high cost of living, inflation, a perceived lack of competitive wages, difficulties in affording housing, and the impacts of climate change in the years to come. A number were worried about retirement and life in their senior years, with some indicating that they were considering moving back to their countries of origin due to concerns that they would not be able to afford to retire in Canada.

Discussing the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canada, many expressed positive views. It was thought that Canada was a highly diverse country and one that typically placed a high priority on multiculturalism compared to other jurisdictions throughout the world. Asked if they felt that Canadian society was welcoming and respectful of different cultures, beliefs, and values, almost all felt that it was. A few in the group comprised of recent immigrants shared a more nuanced perspective, expressing the view that while Canada promoted multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusivity, most immigrants continued to seek social connections within their own diaspora groups rather than among Canadians more broadly.

Employment Insurance (Prince Edward Island)

Participants residing in Prince Edward Island (PEI) took part in a brief discussion related to Employment Insurance (EI). Almost all were familiar with this program, and a number had previously accessed it themselves or had known someone who had done so. Asked whether they thought EI was a valuable program for Canadians, most believed that it was. Among those who had previously accessed EI or knew of someone who had, however, all felt that the program did not meet Canadians’ needs. Questioned whether they would be willing to pay higher EI premiums in order to receive more generous benefits, however, none indicated that they would. Describing their reasoning, participants mentioned concerns related to the potential misuse of this program and the concern that higher benefit payments might encourage the dependence of some Canadians on this program rather than seeking new employment.

Discussing potential barriers individuals may face when re-entering the workforce, participants identified concerns related to anxiety over beginning a new job, costs associated with training and recertification, as well one’s ability to relocate to areas where there was a higher demand for workers in their field of expertise. Asked how the EI program could better assist Canadians when it comes to re-entering the workforce a few suggested that EI payments should continue for the initial weeks after an individual finds new employment. It was felt that this supplemental income would go a long way towards reducing the financial and mental stress they felt was often associated with starting a new job.

Local Industries (London)

Participants residing in London, Ontario engaged in a brief discussion related to local industries and the current state of the employment market in their area. Asked how they would rate the quality of the job market in London at present, participants were mixed in their responses. While it was generally believed that there were numerous jobs available, several were of the impression that many of these positions did not offer a living wage and/or were physically intensive and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities and others who were less physically able. Sharing their perspectives regarding what the local job market would look like five years from now, most were hopeful that it would improve, with a number believing that there would likely be job growth in areas such as post-secondary education, health care, and manufacturing. Several, however, expressed concerns related to the ability of wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living as well as the potential negative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the employment market going forward.

Asked to identify the most important industries in their local region, participants mentioned sectors such as agriculture, health care, post-secondary education, and manufacturing. Questioned whether they felt that auto manufacturing specifically would be an important industry in London over the next five to ten years, a number expected that it would. Discussing whether they had seen, read, or heard anything in the last few months related to the Government of Canada and a new EV battery plant being built in their area by Volkswagen, very few reported being aware of this project. Most reacted positively to this news, believing this to be a step in the right direction towards bolstering the local economy and increasing the number of high-paying jobs available to local workers. Several thought that this project would have a positive impact on the local economy in the long term and believed that, if successful, it could encourage other foreign companies to make similar investments towards expanding their operations in Canada.

Informed that the Government of Canada had agreed to provide Volkswagen with up to $13 billion in subsidies over 10 years, several expressed concerns regarding what they viewed as the significant cost of these subsidies. A number felt that the financial cost of these subsidies far exceeded the potential economic benefits and job creation related to this project. Among these participants, it was believed that these investments by the federal government could be better spent towards improvements in other areas such as health care, which they felt required increased funding at present.

MORE INFORMATION

The Strategic Counsel
Contract number: CW2241412
Contract award date: December 19, 2022
Contract value: $ 814,741.30

Detailed Findings

Timeline of October 2023 Announcements

To help place the focus group discussions within the context of key events which occurred during the month, below is a brief synopsis for the month of October 2023.

· October 1-7

o October 3. The Government of Canada and Government of Saskatchewan announced an investment of $5 million for the Saskatchewan Food Development Centre in Saskatoon to increase agri-food exports in the province.

o Focus group was held with the general population in London (October 3^rd).

o October 4. The Government of Canada announced that it will be investing $12.5 million from the Environmental Damages Fund’s Climate Action and Awareness Fund towards new collaboration with philanthropic organizations to support environmental literacy projects across Canada.

o Focus group was held with Indigenous peoples in the Urban Prairies (October 4^th).

o October 5. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $49 million through the Strategic Innovation Fund to support the creation of the conscience-led open science drug discovery network, a project that aims to streamline drug production using collaborative practices amongst stakeholders in the scientific community and artificial intelligence (AI).

o October 5. The Government of Canada announced measures to stabilize grocery prices after a meeting with leaders of the five largest grocery chains in Canada.

o October 5. The Government of Canada announced that the Department of Finance will be implementing several new measures aimed at protecting Canadian consumers and growing the clean economy, such as mitigating predatory lending and engaging in consultations on potential tax credits.

o Focus group was held with the general population in Victoria and Nanaimo (October 5^th).

o October 6. The Government of Canada through Pacific Economic Development Canada (PacifiCan) announced an investment of $1.4 million in funding to support six projects throughout Lower Mainland British Columbia (B.C.) to upgrade infrastructure and enhance tourism.

o October 7. The terrorist organization Hamas committed a series of attacks against Israel, resulting in over a thousand civilian deaths and the kidnapping of hundreds of others. Following these attacks, Israel declared war on Hamas. The Government of Canada unequivocally condemned these attacks and reaffirmed its support for Israel’s right to defend itself in accordance with international law.

· October 8-14

o October 10. The Government of Canada announced a $1.2 billion (over three years) bilateral agreement with the Government of B.C. to improve health care provision in the province.

o Focus group was held with the general population in Prince Edward Island (PEI) (October 10^th).

o October 11. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $16.5 million under the Skills for Success program to improve skills training opportunities for Canadians throughout the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

o Focus group was held with renters in the GTA (October 11^th).

o October 12. The Government of Canada announced an initial investment of $10 million in humanitarian funding to provide food and water, as well as protection services and emergency medical aid to victims in Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip.

o Focus group was held with Arab Canadians in Montreal (October 12^th).

· October 15-21

o October 16. The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, announced over $3 million in funding towards four projects that will support small and medium-sized businesses in B.C. and help workers in improving their technical skills.

o October 16. The Government of Canada announced the finalization of its agreement with Umicore to build a rechargeable battery materials plant in eastern Ontario. Umicore announced an initial investment of $2.1 billion for the first stage of the project.

o Focus group was held with the general population in Rural Ontario (October 16^th).

o October 17. The Government of Canada introduced a new Canada-Ukraine Free Trade Agreement in the House of Commons that, if adopted, will provide preferential market access for merchandise trade with the aim of aiding Ukraine in its economic reconstruction in the aftermath of the Russian invasion.

o October 17. The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, announced an investment of $3.6 million to support B.C. Indigenous company, Ketselas Geothermal, in harnessing geothermal energy for commercial use, and fostering economic growth for Ketselas First Nation and the surrounding region.

o October 17. The Government of Canada announced the introduction of several new measures to protect Canadians from rising mortgage fees, improve low-cost financing options, and lower non-sufficient fund (NSF) fees, with the aim of ensuring that Canadians are treated fairly by their banks.

o Focus group was held with heavy social media users in Winnipeg (October 17^th).

o October 18. The Government of Canada and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) announced an investment of $13.5 million towards five communities in Alberta to develop energy retrofit financing programs for Albertans who are seeking to make their homes more energy efficient.

o Focus group was held with the general population in the Northwest Territories (NT) (October 18^th).

o October 19. The Government of Canada announced the introduction of CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program designed to bring skilled workers from the Philippines to Canada more efficiently, to work in key sectors such as health care, construction, and agri-food.

o October 19. The Government of Canada confirmed the safe removal of 41 Canadian diplomats formerly residing in India after the Indian government communicated its formal intention to remove their immunities.

o Focus group was held with those concerned with the cost of living in Quebec (October 19^th).

o October 20. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $26 million from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research to address high-priority health challenges such as providing health access to rural and remote areas, supporting mental health for equity-deserving communities, and better coordinating care for those experiencing long-term illnesses.

o October 20. The Government of Canada announced an investment of over $219 million to support farmers and ranchers as they recover from droughts and wildfires which had occurred in recent months throughout western Canada.

o October 20. The Government of Canada, through PacifiCan, announced an investment of $9.9 million to grow the Integrated Marketplace, a platform for technology companies in B.C. to innovate, address business challenges, and advance climate action in the region.

o October 21. The Government of Canada announced an additional $50 million in humanitarian funding to address the acute needs of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and neighbouring areas.

· October 22-28

o October 24. The Government of Canada and Government of Saskatchewan announced a joint investment of $6.9 million to support nine water infrastructure projects across the province.

o October 24. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $15 million that has since been matched by the Nature Conservatory of Canada to advance efforts to meet its goal of protecting 30 per cent of lands and waters by 2030.

o October 24. The Federal Court of Canada approved a $23.34 billion settlement agreement to compensate Indigenous children and families who were harmed by discriminatory funding under the First Nations Child and Family Services (FNCFS) program.

o Focus group was held with the general population in Edmonton (October 24^th).

o October 25. The Government of Canada announced an investment of $90 million through the Canada Growth Fund to support Alberta company, Eavor Technologies Inc., in creating jobs and improving geothermal energy production.

o Focus group was held with recent immigrants in Interior B.C. (October 25^th).

o October 26. The Government of Canada announced the adoption of Bill S-12 into law. Bill S-12 clarifies and strengthens regulations surrounding the National Sex Offender Registry to protect victims under the Criminal Code of Canada.

o October 26. The Government of Canada announced new measures to lower energy and heating bills for Canadians by temporarily pausing the fuel charge on deliveries of heating oil and doubling the rural top up for pollution pricing rebates, among other measures.

o October 27. The Government of Canada announced changes to the International Student Program to protect prospective international students from receiving fraudulent letters of acceptance sent by nefarious actors for financial gain.

o October 27. The Government of Canada announced that it would be matching donations made to the Gaza Humanitarian Emergency Appeal. It was announced that every donation made by individuals to the Humanitarian Coalition and its members retroactively from October 7^th, 2023, until November 12^th, 2023, would be matched, up to a maximum of $10 million.

o October 27. In response to the October 7^th terrorist attacks perpetrated against Israel by Hamas, Israel launched a large-scale ground incursion into Northern Gaza.

· October 29-31

o October 30. Health Canada announced an investment of $21 million to support organizations addressing substance abuse-related harms across the country.

o October 30. The Government of Canada announced details of its $102.3 million investment to support public transit infrastructure improvements across B.C.

o October 31. The Government of Canada announced a report entitled An Immigration System for Canada’s Future, which outlined several measures for strengthening immigration and economic growth in Canada such as planning for health care, housing, and infrastructure.

o October 31. The Government of Canada announced the launch of a $1.5 billion infrastructure fund to address gaps in obtaining sustainable critical minerals for sectors such as electric vehicle (EV) battery manufacturing.

Government of Canada in the News (All Locations)

· Announcements by the Government of Canada related to increasing the housing supply across the country. These included investments towards the building of new homes in London, Ontario through the Housing Accelerator Fund as well as the announcement by the federal government that it would be removing the goods and services tax (GST) from the construction of new rental developments;

· Meetings between federal government officials and the heads of major grocers to discuss ways to stabilize grocery prices and make food more affordable going forward;

· The ruling by the Supreme Court of Canada that sections of the Impact Assessment Act enabling federal regulators to consider the potential environmental and social impacts when determining whether to approve resource and infrastructure projects, were unconstitutional;

· The Prime Minister’s visit to Enterprise, Northwest Territories (NT) to assess the damage caused by largescale wildfires in the area and to discuss ways in which the federal government can help to support the community in its effort to rebuild; and

· The announcement by the Government of Alberta that it was considering exiting the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and establishing its own provincially operated Alberta Pension Plan.

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

· A statement by the Government of Canada unequivocally condemning attacks perpetrated by the terrorist organization Hamas against Israeli civilians on October 7^th, 2023. Several reported having closely followed this situation, including ongoing efforts by the Government of Canada to evacuate Canadians stranded in the region following the attacks;

· Ongoing tensions between Canada and India following the announcement by the federal government that Canadian security agencies were in possession of intelligence potentially linking agents of the Government of India to the killing of a Canadian citizen in Surrey, British Columbia (B.C.) in June of 2023. Several recalled hearing that the Government of Canada had facilitated the safe departure of 41 diplomats and their dependants following a formal communication from the Government of India that it was planning to unilaterally remove their diplomatic immunities after October 20^th, 2023;

· The resignation of the Speaker of the House of Commons when it was revealed that an individual who had served in Ukraine under the command of Nazi Germany in WW2 had been recognized in Parliament during a visit by the Ukrainian President;

· Continued military and financial assistance to Ukraine in support of its efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasion of its territory. Asked whether they were aware of a recent $560 million investment (over three years) by the Government of Canada towards 50 armoured vehicles for Ukraine that would be manufactured in London, Ontario, very few in the group based in London indicated they were. While hopeful that this would be beneficial to the local economy, a number felt that, rather than providing international assistance, a greater priority should be placed by the Government of Canada on addressing other issues such as the high cost of living and perceived rising homelessness; and

· Efforts to make it easier for migrants from the Americas to come to Canada. A number in the group comprised of recent immigrants residing in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia (B.C.) recalled hearing that the federal government had been working to welcome up to 15,000 migrants on a humanitarian basis from jurisdictions such as Colombia, Haiti, and Venezuela.

News Sources (Montreal Arab Canadians, Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users, Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Participants in three groups briefly discussed the sources that they typically use to receive their news. Asked to share their primary sources for news, several mentioned televised outlets such as CBC, CTV, and BBC as well as legacy news organizations such as the Globe and Mail. A large number reported relying on social media for news, including platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit. A few also mentioned using sources such as local newspapers and radio to receive their news. Discussing which sources they felt were most reliable, participants were largely of the opinion that mainstream news outlets were generally more trustworthy than news posted on social media or shared via word of mouth by friends and family. Questioned whether some social media platforms were more credible than others, participants in the group comprised of heavy social media users from Winnipeg felt that platforms such as Facebook and YouTube (and especially accounts operated by official news organizations) were generally more trustworthy compared to news items found on TikTok and Snapchat.

Asked if they ever accessed news in languages other than English or from another country, several in the groups comprised of Arab Canadians residing in Montreal and recent immigrants from B.C.’s Lower Mainland indicated they did. In addition to French language news, a number in the group comprised of Arab Canadians reported accessing news in Arabic from sources such as Al Jazeera, based in Qatar, Lebanon, and Tunisia. Those in the group of recent immigrants reported receiving news in Cantonese, Mandarin, Spanish, and French, from outlets located in China, Colombia, and France. Discussing where they would go if they were looking for news pertaining to the federal government, several indicated that they would likely utilize official websites operated by the Government of Canada as well as search engines such as Google if they wished to learn more about a specific topic.

Government of Canada Priorities and Performance (All Locations)

· Health care – While several spoke positively of the affordability and accessibility of health care in Canada, a number expressed concerns related to perceived health worker shortages in several parts of the country. Participants also felt that increased resources needed to be devoted towards mental health and addiction, believing these issues to have risen significantly among Canadians recent years. A few felt that there needed to be more centralized oversight of health care by the federal government to ensure that all provinces and territories were meeting basic standards in providing health care for their constituents;

· Climate change and the environment – A number viewed climate change as a major priority and felt that the Government of Canada had taken a number of actions, including the implementation of a price on carbon to reduce emissions and encourage greater sustainability among Canadians. It was felt by some, however, that there had been a notable increase in the frequency of natural disasters in recent years and that more urgent efforts were needed on the part of the Government of Canada to mitigate the impacts of climate change going forward;

· Reconciliation – While some felt that progress had been made on the process of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples, including greater outreach and recognition of the challenges faced by Indigenous communities, several felt that more needed to be done on this front. It was believed that action needed to be taken by the Government of Canada to ensure all Indigenous communities had access to clean drinking water and safe and affordable housing. Additionally, a few in the group comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in the Urban Prairies believed that there needed to be a higher priority placed by the federal government on the processing of financial payments owed to Indigenous peoples through class-action settlements that had been reached in recent years; and

· Immigration – Several spoke positively of the numerous supports and benefits made available to new immigrants (such as language training) by the federal government. A number of those who had immigrated to Canada themselves recalled having received a high level of support from Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) throughout the immigration process. While generally supportive of immigration, some believed that the current level of immigration was too high and needed to be temporarily reduced to ensure basic needs such as housing, health care, and education were being met for the current population.

Participants also identified a number of areas where they felt that the Government of Canada had performed well, including:

· Diversity and multiculturalism – Several spoke positively of what they viewed as the federal government’s commitment to protecting and promoting diversity, inclusion, and multiculturalism in Canada. A number among those who had immigrated to Canada commented that they had felt very welcome upon their arrival and had been treated with kindness and respect in their communities;

· Supports for low-income Canadians – A number felt that the Government of Canada had done a good job in supporting low-income Canadians struggling with the rising cost of living. A few specifically mentioned the provision of a one-time Grocery Rebate to some low-income Canadians as a positive action that the federal government had taken in this regard;

· Response to the COVID-19 pandemic – Some believed that the federal government had been highly effective in its management of the COVID-19 pandemic. A number spoke positively of the frequent and informative communications provided by the Government of Canada regarding its response to the pandemic as well as the provision of financial supports such as the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB); and

· International affairs – A number thought that the Government of Canada had performed well on the global stage, maintaining strong relationships with its trading partners in the Group of Seven (G7) and providing ongoing support to Ukraine in its efforts to defend itself against the Russian invasion of its territory.

Additionally, participants mentioned a range of areas in which they believed the Government of Canada had room for improvement. These included:

· Inflation and the cost of living – It was felt by many that an increasing number of Canadians were struggling to afford basic necessities such as groceries and housing and that more needed to be done by the federal government to enhance affordability. A few believed that additional supports specific to the middle class were needed, as participants felt middle-income Canadians were also struggling with the rising cost of living yet were unable to access the programs and benefits available to lower-income households;

· Housing – Many believed that housing was a major issue and felt that far more needed to be done by the Government of Canada to address issues related to affordability, perceived rising homelessness, and the ability of Canadians to secure safe and accessible housing in their communities;

· Federal spending – Several expressed concern over the present level of federal spending and its potential impacts on the national debt in the future. It was thought that a greater focus needed to be placed by the federal government on reducing its expenses and working towards achieving a balanced budget; and

· National security – Some felt that more needed to be done by the federal government to bolster its national security capabilities. A number were of the opinion that Canada was too reliant on its allies, such as the United States (U.S.), and believed that greater investments needed to be made towards areas such as the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and national cybersecurity.

Prompted to identify what they viewed as the top issues that the Government of Canada should be prioritizing, several reiterated the need for a greater focus on addressing inflation and the cost of living, affordable housing, perceived health worker shortages, and mitigating the impacts of climate change. A number felt that actions should be taken to promote more competitive wages for Canadians, to ensure that workers in vital sectors such as health care and education were not enticed to work outside of Canada for higher salaries in other jurisdictions. Other priority areas mentioned by participants included the perceived opioid crisis, improving public transportation in Canadian communities, making child care more affordable, and the construction of vital infrastructure such as highways (especially in Canada’s North).

Participants in Victoria and Nanaimo were asked an additional question regarding whether their opinion of the Government of Canada had changed over the past year. While participants’ views had mostly remained stable, a few mentioned holding a slightly more critical view of the federal government as of late. Among these participants, it was thought that the federal government had not been effective in supporting Canadians in areas such as housing, high grocery costs, and the cost of living in general, and that these issues had worsened over the past year.

Indigenous Peoples (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

The group comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies engaged in a discussion related to reconciliation and actions by the Government of Canada to better support Indigenous peoples and communities. Identifying the top issues facing Indigenous peoples at present, a number believed that Indigenous communities were currently experiencing a widespread shortage of safe and affordable housing. This was thought to be an issue for Indigenous peoples residing in urban communities as well as those living rurally. Some also mentioned the need for additional culturally focused resources (such as healing lodges) to treat issues related to mental health and addiction. Several felt that there needed to be more attention placed on addressing the issue of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls (MMIWG), including a greater commitment by all levels of government to investigate and prevent violence against Indigenous women going forward.

Few felt that reconciliation had been a major priority for the Government of Canada in recent years. While a number were of the impression that there had been increased funding for Indigenous-focused initiatives and financial support for Indigenous communities, it was generally felt that these actions had done little to tangibly improve the lives of Indigenous peoples. Discussing initiatives such as the introduction of an annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, while some felt this to be a step in the right direction, a number were of the opinion that in addition to the ceremonies and events that take place, a greater focus should be placed on educating Canadians about the historical and contemporary challenges faced by Indigenous peoples.

Asked which areas they felt the Government of Canada needed to prioritize in order to help advance reconciliation, several described the need for additional actions related to ensuring all Indigenous communities had sufficient access to healthy, affordable food and clean drinking water. It was also believed that more needed to be done to address mental health issues among Indigenous peoples, with a specific focus on treating issues related to intergenerational trauma and addiction. It was widely thought that for reconciliation to occur far more needed to be done by the federal government to reach out to and communicate with Indigenous communities to better understand the issues they were facing. Participants also commented that specific actions, such as the searching of a Winnipeg-area landfill for the remains of two Indigenous homicide victims who are believed to be in a privately run landfill, would indicate to them that reconciliation was taking place.

Arab Canadians (Montreal Arab Canadians)

Arab Canadians residing in Montreal took part in a discussion related to the Arab diaspora in Canada. Most felt that the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to supporting Arab Canadians, with a number of the impression that they had been provided the same level of respect and opportunity as other Canadians. Asked to identify areas impacting Arab Canadians that required greater attention from the federal government, a number believed that more needed to be done to make the immigration process more equitable for those from Arab countries, with a few of the view that it was currently more difficult for Arab individuals to immigrate to Canada and bring family members into the country compared to immigrants from other parts of the world. Discussing potential actions that could be taken on this front, it was suggested that the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website could be made available in additional languages (such as Arabic) other than English and French.

Asked whether they could recall any actions taken by the Government of Canada to support Arab Canadians, a number mentioned temporary immigration measures it had recently announced to accommodate Sudanese Canadians and their foreign national family members who had fled the conflict in Sudan, including allowing them to extend their temporary resident status until October 27^th, 2024. Discussing ways that the federal government could more effectively engage with Arab Canadians, several believed that more could be done to reach out to and collaborate with Arab cultural organizations and community centres across Canada. It was also thought that more could be done to expedite the foreign credential recognition process for Arab Canadians as well as to expand Arabic language accessibility for federal government services and programs.

Immigration (Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Participants residing in B.C.’s Lower Mainland, who had recently immigrated to Canada within the past ten years, discussed a range of issues related to immigration. Asked to describe the current state of the Canadian immigration system, several felt that while the process was relatively straightforward it often took a considerable amount of time for an individual to become a Canadian citizen. Discussing their personal experiences with the immigration system, participants shared a number of perspectives. While several recalled that their own immigration process was completed within a matter of months, most believed that this was primarily due to them having skilled work experience and/or having already been hired by a Canadian company. Among those who did not have employment upon their arrival in Canada and/or did not have an in-demand skillset at the time of their immigration, it was generally felt that the immigration process had been considerably slower.

Asked to describe ways that the Government of Canada could improve the immigration system, several believed that efforts could be taken to reduce processing times and the number of steps required to acquire citizenship. It was felt that efforts should be made to increase the number of employees at IRCC as a way of increasing the department’s processing capacity. Related to this, a number felt that a greater focus should be placed on processing immigration applications in-person rather than by telephone and mail. Among these participants, it was felt that taking this approach would make it easier for prospective immigrants to ask questions, understand the process, and discover any issues related to missing documents or information. Participants were then provided with the following information related to the foreign credential recognition process:

Recognizing foreign credentials is when the federal, provincial, or territorial government determines that a license or certificate earned outside of Canada meets the standards in Canada, so that an individual can work in a specialized job. Examples of specialized jobs could be working as a doctor, accountant, or an electrician.

Discussing whether they felt it was important for the federal government to address issues related to the foreign credential recognition process, several believed that it was. Among these participants, it was felt that the process of becoming certified to work in one’s field of expertise in Canada was often lengthy and expensive and that more needed to be done to streamline this process for new immigrants. Asked whether they were aware of any actions by the federal government related to addressing this issue, none were. Discussing potential actions that could be taken, participants suggested reducing and/or eliminating certification fees and recognizing credentials from a wider number of jurisdictions throughout the world.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was headed in the right direction when it came to immigration, most believed it to be on the wrong track at present. Discussing actions which could be taken to improve on this front, it was believed that a greater emphasis should be placed on recruiting skilled workers who could immediately contribute to the Canadian economy, rather than other demographics such as international students. Additionally, it was felt that more needed to be done to ensure sufficient housing and infrastructure was being built in Canadian communities to accommodate new immigrants while continuing to meet the needs of the existing population. It was believed that a large number of immigrants struggled in particular with securing housing upon their arrival in Canada and that more could be done by the federal government to assist new arrivals in this regard.

Asked whether they felt the Government of Canada should increase, decrease, or maintain the rate of immigration at its current level, almost all believed that immigration should be decreased. A large number expressed concerns related to the availability of housing and employment opportunities at present and believed that continued increases in population would likely exacerbate these issues further. It was felt that by temporarily decreasing immigration in the short-term, the federal government would be better able to address the issues currently impacting those already living in Canada.

Northwest Territories (Northwest Territories)

Participants residing in the Northwest Territories (NT) took part in a short discussion related to their local community. Asked to identify the top issues facing their community that required further prioritization from the federal government, participants mentioned a number of challenges including those related to food security and the high cost of groceries in the North, a perceived lack of skilled workers across a range of sectors, and the need to build additional infrastructure (such as highways) to make it easier to transport goods into the region. Few were aware of any actions taken by the Government of Canada on these issues. While a small number believed that the federal government had provided funding towards the improvement of highways in the region, it was felt that more needed to be done to increase the number of roadways connecting Northern communities. Related to this, a few participants noted the challenges faced by residents of Yellowknife, NT while attempting to evacuate in response to largescale wildfires in August 2023, due to the existence of one main thoroughfare leading in and out of the city.

Asked to identify the most important sectors to their respective communities, participants mentioned areas such as mining, oil and gas exploration and extraction, and tourism. A number felt that the tourism industry had faced significant obstacles due to a decrease in travel to the region in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and that greater support needed to be provided by the federal and territorial governments towards its revitalization. Questioned whether they felt the Government of Canada was currently on the right track when it came to engaging with those residing in NT, most had a neutral impression, while a smaller number believed it to be headed in the wrong direction on this front. Discussing how the federal government could better engage with those in their region, several believed that there should be a greater physical presence of federal officials in NT communities. It was felt that this would provide the opportunity for more-in depth, face-to-face discussions regarding the challenges currently facing the North and the potential supports that the Government of Canada can provide.

Housing (London, Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria and Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Northwest Territories, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living)

Housing Initiatives (London, Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria and Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living)

Seven groups discussed a number of recent announcements from the Government of Canada related to housing, including those pertaining to the Housing Accelerator Fund. Asked whether they were aware of the Housing Accelerator Fund, few reported having heard of this initiative previously. Among those who had heard something, it was primarily believed that this program was focused on building new housing at a faster pace that would be affordable to lower- and middle-income Canadians. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

The Housing Accelerator Fund is a fund designed to help cut red tape and incentivize municipalities to get the construction of new homes across Canada started more quickly. In addition to this, the Government of Canada has announced it is:

· Introducing a new law to remove the GST (federal sales tax) from the costs of building new rental apartments;

· Asking provinces to remove their portion of the HST (i.e., provincial sales taxes) from the costs of building new rental apartments, to match what the federal government is doing; and

· Requiring local governments to end exclusionary zoning and encourage homes be built near public transit, in order to receive funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund.

While most reacted positively to this information and felt that the initiatives represented a step in the right direction, few expected they would have a significant impact on addressing the current challenges related to housing. Several expressed concerns that these initiatives did little to address the affordability of housing and believed that more steps needed to be taken to ensure that housing built through the Housing Accelerator Fund would be accessible for lower- and middle-income Canadians. A number were worried that this initiative would primarily benefit housing developers, while doing little to help prospective home buyers and renters. It was suggested that an additional focus should be placed on converting unused buildings and office space into housing as an additional way of increasing the housing supply. A few also expressed concern regarding whether some federal services would receive reduced funding due to the GST no longer being collected on the building of new rental developments. Participants also expressed concerns regarding the potential negative impact on the environment that could be caused by the accelerated building of new housing in Canadian communities.

Asked what impact they expected these initiatives would have on their communities, several were hopeful that increases in the housing supply would remove some pressure from the housing and rental markets and make housing more affordable in the long term. A small number expressed concerns regarding potential rapid increases in the population of their community in the event that large new housing developments were built and questioned whether there was sufficient infrastructure and services in place to accommodate this influx of new residents.

Participants residing in London, Ontario were asked whether they had seen, read, or heard anything regarding actions from the Government of Canada related to addressing housing challenges in their community. While a small number were aware there had been a recent announcement related to building more homes in London, none could provide any specific details. To clarify, participants were informed that:

The Government of Canada announced an agreement with the City of London providing $74 million through the Housing Accelerator Fund to fast-track over 2,000 housing units in three years, and more later. This fund will address zoning issues, allow higher-density development, and create partnerships with non-profits to increase affordable housing, as well as build more homes and rental units near public transit.

Having been presented with this information, a number recalled having heard about this. A few were of the impression that London had been the first municipality to receive this type of funding through the Housing Accelerator Fund. Several reacted positively to this information, especially in its commitments to increasing the housing supply in London and building new developments close to public transportation. A number, however, felt that more needed to be done to address issues such as perceived rising homelessness in their community, believing that this was a pressing matter that required immediate attention from the federal government.

Participants in Victoria and Nanaimo, B.C. were questioned as to whether they felt Canada had enough construction workers to build the number of new homes required to meet the current level of demand. Most did not believe that there were enough construction workers available, and a number were of the impression that this was particularly impacting Vancouver Island, having heard accounts of developers having to recruit workers from other parts of the country to help build new construction projects. Asked whether they felt immigration could serve as a solution to worker shortages in the construction/trades sector, several felt that it would. A large number, however, believed that the Government of Canada should also be taking action to recruit and incentivize more Canadians to pursue careers in construction and the trades, with a specific focus on encouraging young people to join this sector. It was widely thought that education and training should be made more affordable and accessible for those interested in pursuing these careers.

Participants residing in London, Victoria and Nanaimo were asked an additional question regarding whether they had heard of the term ‘exclusionary zoning.’ Very few were previously aware of this term. To clarify, participants were informed that exclusionary zoning occurs when local governments limit where certain types of housing can be built, often favouring detached homes. Asked how they felt about the Government of Canada asking local governments to end exclusionary zoning in exchange for funding for housing, participants’ responses were mixed. While some felt that this would be an effective way to encourage the building of new housing, a larger number believed that funding for new housing should not be dependent on exclusionary zoning decisions. It was felt that in many municipalities exclusionary zoning laws had likely been implemented due to a range of considerations, including the impact of new housing on community services and the environment, and that it might not be feasible for communities to change these regulations.

All groups with the exception of Arab Canadians residing in Montreal were asked whether they felt the Government of Canada was on the right or wrong track when it came to addressing the housing situation, given their discussion on various housing initiatives from the federal government. On balance, a slightly larger number felt that the federal government was headed in the right direction on this front compared to those who felt otherwise. Regionally, most in the groups based in London, Victoria and Nanaimo, and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) felt that the Government of Canada was on the right track, while a large number in mid-size and major centres in Quebec and in the group comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies held a more critical opinion. A roughly equal number of those in Prince Edward Island felt that the federal government was on the right track as those who believed it was headed in the wrong direction on housing.

Those in the group comprised of individuals concerned about the cost of living residing in Quebec were asked an additional question as to whether they felt these actions by the Government of Canada would have a major or minor impact, if at all, on helping middle class Canadians. Participants views were mixed with some expecting that it would have a major impact while others believed the impact would be more minor. It was felt that a large number of those in the middle class were currently renters and that an increase in the number of rental developments would likely help to make rent more affordable going forward. A few, however, reiterated that more would need to be done to improve the long-term affordability of housing for renters as well as those looking to one day purchase a home.

Renters (GTA Renters)

Participants in one group, comprised of renters residing in the GTA, discussed issues related to housing in their community, with a particular focus on participants’ experiences as renters. All felt that the housing market in the GTA was very expensive, believing this to be the case both for renters as well as those looking to purchase a home. Several viewed these challenges as being primarily related to a perceived low supply of available housing in the GTA, which they believed had served to drive up housing costs for those looking to rent or purchase a home. A few also expressed concerns related to the quality of available housing, believing that a large number of rental units in their community had been falling into disrepair. It was felt that in addition to building new housing, more needed to be done to renovate and repair existing housing complexes.

Discussing additional factors that they felt had contributed to the perceived shortage of rental housing in their communities, participants cited a range of factors. These included homes being purchased as investments and left vacant, corporations purchasing large swaths of housing and increasing rental costs on these properties, and high levels of immigration in recent years which had further increased the demand for housing in their area.

Asked whether they were aware of any recent actions taken by the Government of Canada related to addressing issues currently facing renters, few indicated that they were. A small number recalled a recent announcement by the federal government that it would be removing the goods and services tax (GST) from the construction of new rental developments. Describing additional actions that the Government of Canada could take to better assist renters, a number felt that it should place a greater focus on the construction of publicly funded housing for lower- and middle-income Canadians as well as an increased emphasis on co-operative housing developments. It was also felt that actions should be taken to increase the financial penalties for those who decide to leave their properties vacant rather than placing them on the rental market.

While all aspired to be homeowners one day, only a small number believed that this was something they could realistically achieve. Discussing actions that the Government of Canada had taken to help make home ownership more affordable for prospective home buyers, a number recalled the recent introduction of the First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Asked whether they felt the federal government was on the right or wrong track when it came to making home ownership more attainable for first-time home buyers, participants were mixed in their views. A number felt that while the Government of Canada was aware of the issues facing homebuyers and taking steps to address these challenges, little progress had yet to be made on this front.

Participants were next provided with information related to numerous recent initiatives announced by the federal government to assist prospective first-time home buyers. These included:

· Introducing a new Tax-Free First Home Savings Account to allow Canadians to save up to $40,000, tax-free, to help buy their first home;

· The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, a shared-equity mortgage with the Government of Canada which provides a 5% or 10% down payment towards the purchasing of a first home;

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

· Doubling the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit to provide up to $1,500 in direct support to home buyers to offset closing costs involved in buying a first home; and

· Investing $200 million to increase rent-to-own housing options

While several felt that these actions were a step in the right direction, a number were concerned that they would not be enough to address the issues related to the affordability of housing. A number wanted to know more about the initiative to increase rent-to-own housing options and expressed skepticism as to whether these types of arrangements were realistically feasible. Having seen these initiatives, most believed that these were the right areas for the Government of Canada to focus on.

Northern Housing (Northwest Territories)

Participants residing in the Northwest Territories briefly discussed the housing situation in their region. All viewed housing as a major issue in their communities at present. Describing the biggest challenges related to housing in the North, participants mentioned issues such as a lack of affordability, limited supply, and a perceived shortage of construction materials and workers required to build new housing. A number described the quality of housing as an issue, believing many homes in their communities were in poor condition, unsuitable for extreme cold temperatures, and in need of significant repairs. Most felt this situation had worsened in recent years, with several believing that challenges related to inflation and the cost of living had led some to modify their living arrangements to include roommates in order to share the cost of living and afford housing. Some were of the impression that persistent housing shortages and a lack of access to safe and affordable housing had made it difficult to recruit workers to their community in key sectors such as health care and education. All expected that these problems would persist in the coming years unless there was significant action taken to increase the housing supply.

Groceries (Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Mid-Size and Major Centres Quebec Concerned About the Cost of Living, Edmonton)

Four groups took part in discussions related to the perceived high cost of groceries at present as well as the actions the federal government was taking to help make groceries more affordable for Canadians. All were of the impression that the cost of groceries had risen considerably in recent years, with many believing that this had primarily been the result of increased transportation and manufacturing costs as well as disruptions to global supply chains believed to have been caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. A number also cited the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, believing that this had led to increases in the cost of fuel which had been subsequently passed on to the consumer. A few expected that climate change had also played a role in rising grocery costs. Among these participants, it was thought that increasingly unpredictable weather and extreme weather events such as largescale flooding and wildfires had negatively impacted agricultural production in several parts of the country, leading to a rise in food prices as a result.

Participants residing in Edmonton and Quebec were asked an additional question regarding what strategies, if any, they had been using to help save money on their grocery expenses. Many reported that they were now preparing more meals for themselves at home rather than dining at restaurants or ordering takeout. A smaller number also mentioned that they were now growing more of their own food than before. Several had begun utilizing coupons and price matching to reduce grocery costs as well as shopping at stores where food prices were generally cheaper. Asked whether they would be likely to turn to the Government of Canada for information regarding strategies to save money on groceries, few indicated that they would. Several mentioned that they would be more likely to seek out advice from local governments and/or community groups. It was believed that these bodies would have a better understanding of the unique challenges that they were facing and the potential cost-saving actions available to them within their own community.

The Government of Canada is working to stabilize rising grocery prices by taking the following actions:

· Meeting with the heads of Canada’s major grocery chains to discuss ways to stabilize food prices. The Government of Canada has said that as a result, Canadians can expect to see actions such as discounts on a selection of grocery staples, price freezes, and price matching; and

· Proposing to amend the Competition Act to give the Competition Bureau the power to:

o Make businesses share necessary information to help with the Competition Bureau’s review of their industry, instead of relying on them to do so voluntarily;

o Get rid of a rule that currently allows company mergers to go ahead if they create significant cost savings, even if they lessen competition, lead to job losses or reduce choice for consumers; and

o Take actions against collaborations that stifle competition and consumer choice, in particular situations where large grocers prevent smaller competitors from opening nearby.

While most reacted positively to this information, many believed that the effectiveness of these measures would largely be dependent on their implementation as well as whether major grocery chains would follow through on their commitments to stabilize grocery prices. Several spoke positively regarding the proposal to amend the Competition Act to empower the Competition Bureau to take actions to make the grocery sector more competitive, including removing barriers for smaller competitors looking to enter this sector. It was widely felt that increased competition within the grocery sector would have a tangible impact on reducing food costs for Canadians.

Participants residing in Quebec and concerned about the cost of living, as well as those residing in Edmonton were shown the following additional measures:

· Creating a Grocery Task Force to monitor the major grocery chains’ commitments and actions to stabilize grocery prices for Canadians and to investigate cases of “shrinkflation”; and

· Creating a Grocery Code of Conduct to ensure fairness and transparency across the food industry.

Reacting to the measures, a number expected that the establishment of a Grocery Code of Conduct could be an effective action towards stabilizing food prices. For several, however, it was felt that steps would need to be taken to ensure that companies in breach of this Code of Conduct would face consequences and be held accountable for their actions. Asked whether they were familiar with the term ‘shrinkflation’, few in these groups indicated they were. To clarify, participants were informed that shrinkflation occurs when the size of a product is reduced while its price stays the same or increases. A large number reported having experienced shrinkflation themselves, with a number mentioning meat products in particular as having been affected by this.

Participants in all four groups were asked whether they thought that this approach by the federal government would help to make groceries and the cost of living more affordable for Canadians. Almost all felt that, if properly implemented, these measures would have an impact on lowering the cost of groceries. Engaging in an exercise where they were asked to use a single word to describe their reaction to these measures, participants provided a range of responses. While some selected positive words such as ‘promising’, ‘fair’, and ‘helping’, others chose words that were slightly more critical such as ‘reactive’, ‘insufficient’, and ‘late’.

Though a number reported feeling more optimistic now that they knew the federal government was pursuing these measures, several questioned why action had not been taken sooner and with greater urgency. Among these participants, it was felt that rising food costs had been an evident issue for a number of years and that more proactive measures should have been taken by the Government of Canada to prevent this situation from escalating into what they viewed as a crisis. Asked whether they expected these actions would have a major or minor impact, if at all, most believed that these measures would have at least a minor impact on making groceries more affordable. The view was expressed, however, that more needed to be done to assist lower- and middle-income households with the cost of living more broadly, believing that a stabilization of grocery prices would do little on its own to make life more affordable for Canadians going forward.

Fall Economic Statement (Montreal Arab Canadians)

Participants in one group engaged in a brief discussion related to the Government of Canada’s upcoming Fall Economic Statement (FES), scheduled to be released on November 21^st, 2023. When asked if they had heard about the FES, participants were largely unaware. To clarify, participants were informed that the FES is an update in-between budgets regarding the Government of Canada’s finances and economic projections, and often serves to outline new policies or programs.

Asked to identify the top issues that the federal government should be prioritizing as it prepares for its upcoming FES, participants mentioned areas such as health care, housing, and the ability of Canadians to access employment that pays a living wage. Other issues viewed as important by participants included increasing financial supports for lower- and middle-income households, improving and expanding public transportation infrastructure, and making recreational activities more affordable for families and youth. A number also viewed climate change as an important priority for the federal government to focus on, including addressing the impacts of recent natural disasters such as wildfires and flooding which had occurred in many parts of the country.

Canada Pension Plan (Edmonton)

Participants residing in Edmonton engaged in a conversation related to the Canadian economy, as well as their perspectives related to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). Asked how they would describe the Government of Canada’s management of the economy, almost all believed that there was room for improvement. Several felt that federal spending had increased in recent years and that this had served to exacerbate the perceived high rate of inflation and challenges related to the cost of living. Discussing what they viewed as the most important economic issues, several mentioned the difficulties that they believed many Canadians were currently facing in meeting basic needs such as affording groceries and securing housing. A smaller number also mentioned issues related to climate change and the increasing economic toll of natural disasters such as wildfires, windstorms, and extreme flooding.

Asked how often, if ever, they thought about retirement, almost all reported that this was something they considered on a regular basis. Several were concerned about whether they would be able to afford to retire as planned (or ever), with a number commenting that they did not have much in the way of savings and/or a pension through their employer. A few described challenges that family members or friends who had retired were experiencing, including some who were struggling to afford the rising cost of living and had been compelled to consider returning to work.

All participants were familiar with the CPP. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that:

The Canada Pension Plan is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. With very few exceptions, every person over the age of 18 who works in Canada outside of Quebec and earns more than a minimum amount ($3,500 per year) must contribute to the Canada Pension Plan (CPP). If you have an employer, you pay half the required contributions (the amount comes off your paycheque), and your employer pays the other half. If you are self-employed, you make the whole contribution.

Asked if they had heard about any recent news related to the CPP, a small number were aware of a recent proposal by the Government of Alberta to withdraw from the CPP and create a provincially operated Alberta Pension Plan. To further clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

The provincial government in Alberta has proposed to withdraw from the CPP and create an Alberta Pension Plan. A firm which conducted an analysis of a hypothetical Alberta Pension Plan believes the province is entitled to 53% of CPP’s base assets should it leave the plan, based on the firm’s interpretation of the CPP Act.

Reacting to this information, some viewed the 53 per cent figure as confusing or implausible, given what they perceived to be the small population size of Alberta relative to the rest of Canada. Concerns were expressed that if the Government of Alberta were to take this action it could greatly diminish CPP payments for other Canadians and could also lead to financial uncertainty for Albertans, especially seniors and individuals nearing retirement. A few felt differently, expressing the view that if the 53 per cent figure were correct, the provincial government would be justified in its proposal to withdraw from the CPP and create its own pension plan. All were of the view that this issue should be addressed by the Government of Canada with a great deal of care, caution, and consideration, as it had implications for the pensions of all Canadians.

Discussing their views on the CPP more broadly, all felt that it was worth contributing a portion of their earnings today to receive support later in life. With this in mind, many identified the CPP as a critical aspect of their retirement planning. Informed that, as of 2019, the CPP was gradually being enhanced, meaning that workers today would need to contribute a bit more annually in order to end up with higher benefits when they retire, all felt this was a step in the right direction. Several, however, expressed concerns regarding the ability of low-income individuals to afford higher premiums and suggested that the Government of Canada should consider exemptions for households below a certain income threshold.

Health Care (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Rural Ontario, Northwest Territories)

Health Care Perspectives (Rural Ontario, Northwest Territories)

Two groups shared their perspectives related to health care in their communities as well as Canada more broadly. Asked how they would describe the health care system in Canada today, several felt that it was experiencing considerable strain at the moment. It was believed that health care providers in many parts of the country continued to face backlogs of appointments and procedures in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was also thought that there was currently a shortage of health care workers such as doctors and nurses in many parts of the country. Several spoke of the difficulty in finding a family doctor in their community, with a number reporting first-hand experience on this issue. A few residing in rural Ontario expressed concerns about the potential privatization of certain aspects of the health care system in their province in the years to come. All felt that improvements could be made related to health care provision in Canada, with a larger number believing that major changes were necessary compared to those who felt that minor changes would likely suffice. Discussing the types of changes that were necessary, a number believed that more needed to be done to incentivize young Canadians to enter the health care field, expand the number of seats available in health care education programs, and make the process more affordable for those from lower- and middle-income backgrounds. Asked what level of government they felt was responsible for making these changes, participants believed both the federal and provincial/territorial governments had a role to play.

Participants were next asked whether they were typically able to access the health care they required in their local communities. While some reported they could receive basic care, most indicated that in order to access appointments and/or procedures with specialists they often had to drive several hours or, in the case of those in the Northwest Territories, travel outside of their territory. Asked how their experience accessing health care had changed in recent years, a number described an increase in challenges related to finding a family doctor, accessing services such as dental care within their community, and longer wait times for important appointments and procedures. A few also mentioned more positive changes, such as the growing digitization of the health care system, which they felt would allow for information to be transferred more easily among health care professionals. Asked how they felt health care provision in their community compared to other parts of the country, participants largely believed that their access to basic care was relatively the same as other Canadians. However, it was thought to be far more difficult for those in rural and/or Northern communities to access specialists and the latest health care technology.

Most were of the opinion that the Government of Canada’s role in health care should primarily be focused on ensuring that provinces/territories had the funding they required to facilitate the delivery of effective health care to their constituents. Additionally, several felt that the federal government could provide valuable oversight of the provincial/territorial systems to ensure basic health care requirements were being met. Asked whether they believed the Government of Canada was on the right track when it came to health care, most in NT agreed while those in rural Ontario expressed a more neutral opinion. Discussing ways that the federal government could improve, it was thought by several that greater investments needed to be made towards treating issues related to mental health as well as making it easier for health care professionals to become licenced and practice in different provinces and territories. Questioned whether they felt the health care system in Canada would improve, worsen, or stay the same in the years to come, participants were mixed in their views. Among participants who felt the system might worsen, concerns were reiterated related to an increasing shortage of doctors and nurses and the potential privatization of health care in provinces such as Ontario.

Indigenous Health Care (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

Participants in the group comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies shared their perspectives related to health care provision in their communities as well as the unique challenges faced by Indigenous peoples on this front. Several felt that health care provision is currently facing significant challenges and had worsened in recent years. Issues identified by participants included long wait times for emergency care, a perceived lack of doctors and nurses, and increased demand for health care services in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. A small number felt that there had also been some positive developments related to health care in their area, citing recent investments towards improving health care provision in their communities such as the construction of a new emergency department at St. Boniface Hospital in Winnipeg.

Asked whether they felt that Indigenous peoples experienced a different level of care compared to non-Indigenous peoples, most believed this to be the case. A number believed that Indigenous individuals frequently faced discrimination when attempting to access health care, including encountering stigma related to the perception that Indigenous health problems were often connected to addiction and substance use. A few felt that some health care providers prioritized non-Indigenous peoples due to the perceived increased complexity involved in the billing of Indigenous patients. Discussing additional barriers faced by their community, several identified the high proportion of Indigenous peoples residing in rural or remote areas and the difficulties these individuals faced in accessing health care within their own community.

Discussing the availability of traditional Indigenous medicines and health practices in their community, most believed that these were relatively easy to access. Participants were mixed in their perspectives regarding the importance of traditional medicines and practices, with a roughly equal number reporting relying upon these regularly as those who had rarely or never accessed them. Asked whether they felt it was important for health care professionals to be educated and trained on Indigenous cultures and practices, most believed that it was. It was widely thought that a more inclusive health care system would be one in which Indigenous peoples were able to have widespread access to both modern and traditional health care options. Discussing ways the federal government could improve health care provision for Indigenous peoples, participants mentioned potential actions such as expanded cultural sensitivity training for all health care providers, a greater emphasis on doctors and nurses spending time in Indigenous communities during their training, and increased incentives and encouragement for Indigenous individuals to work in the health care sector.

It was widely thought that more needed to be done to increase accessibility in Indigenous communities to mental health and addiction treatment services specifically designed for Indigenous peoples. All identified substance abuse as a major problem in their communities and believed that far too few resources had been devoted towards addressing this issue. Asked if they could recall any efforts by the Government of Canada on this front, a number mentioned its support for initiatives such as safe consumption sites and the distribution of take-home naloxone kits. Discussing additional actions that could be taken, participants believed that a greater focus should be placed on offering addictions treatment to those charged with drug-related offences, rather than primarily taking a criminal justice approach.

Pharmacare (GTA Renters, Rural Ontario)

Two groups engaged in discussions related to the potential implementation of a national pharmacare program. Asked whether they felt pharmacare was an important priority for the Government of Canada to focus on, all believed that it was. It was widely felt that all Canadians should have access to prescription medications at little to no financial cost. Asked to describe the state of prescription drug coverage in Canada today, most believed that while there may be some gaps in coverage, prescription medications were widely accessible to those with benefits through their employers, as well as more vulnerable groups such as persons with disabilities, and seniors.

None were aware of any actions or initiatives from the Government of Canada related to pharmacare. To aid in conversation, participants were informed that the Government of Canada had announced its intention to move forward on implementing a national pharmacare program to make prescription drugs more affordable and accessible to more Canadians. Asked what factors the Government of Canada should keep in mind when planning the next steps of a national pharmacare plan, many felt that it was most important to prioritize ensuring all Canadians were able to access prescription drugs that had life-saving properties. Others highlighted the importance of ensuring that the program was national with the same benefits available across Canada, rather than providing different levels of coverage dependent on one’s province/territory. Regarding the potential approaches to a national pharmacare program, participants were shown the following:

Pharmacare could be completely public, like health care, where all Canadians are on the same plan. Alternatively, it could “close the gaps” so that people can still use existing public and private plans. This type of plan would be set up to ensure that everyone receives coverage, including those currently not covered.

Discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of each approach, almost all residing in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) expressed a preference for the completely public option, believing that providing equal coverage to all Canadians represented the most equitable approach for delivering a pharmacare program. A small number in this group indicated a preference for a ‘closing the gaps’ approach, believing it would be less costly. Those in the group based in rural Ontario felt differently, with many favouring an approach where people could still use existing public and private plans. Most viewed this approach to pharmacare as the more cost-effective option.

Asked if a national pharmacare program would make life more affordable, most in the GTA felt that it would, especially for those facing financial challenges. Almost all residing in rural Ontario, however, believed that the financial costs of creating and operating a pharmacare program would require increased taxation and lead to life being less affordable as a result.

Participants in the GTA expressed support for a national pharmacare program, with most saying that they would support its implementation even if it resulted in increased taxes and/or added to the deficit. Those in rural Ontario were more conditional in their support. While almost all in this group supported the creation of a national pharmacare program, none indicated that they would continue to do so if it resulted in additional taxes or increases to the national deficit. It was widely felt among these participants that funding for this initiative should be redirected from existing programs rather than increasing spending. Asked whether they had any questions about pharmacare, a small number were curious regarding what would happen to those with private insurance plans through their employers and whether these individuals would be able to maintain their coverage following the establishment of a national pharmacare program.

Climate Change (Northwest Territories, Victoria and Nanaimo)

Participants in two groups engaged in discussions related to climate change and its potential impacts. Those residing in the Northwest Territories began their discussion by focusing on issues related to climate change that they believed were having a particular impact on communities in Canada’s North. Asked if they felt that climate change was having a major or minor impact in the North, most felt that the impact had been relatively minor. Several, however, expected that while minor at present, these impacts would likely increase in severity as time passed. Discussing whether they had noticed any environmental changes that they believed had been caused by climate change, several identified issues such as reduced snowfall, lower water levels, and elevated solar intensity in recent years. Asked if they were aware of any actions taken by the Government of Canada to support their territory in the wake of the largescale wildfires which had occurred during the Summer of 2023, none could recall anything. To aid in the discussion, participants were provided with the following information:

Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) personnel and resources were deployed to assist with firefighting, providing airlift resources, as well as logistics and planning support. In addition, the Government of Canada committed funding to response and recovery activities for eligible First Nations. The Canadian Coast Guard also provided personnel and portable equipment, including water pumps.

Asked if there was anything else they felt the Government of Canada should have done to respond to these wildfires, several felt that the federal government should have improved its communication regarding the available resources, believing that many across the territory were unaware of the above-mentioned supports as well as how to go about receiving them. A small number expressed concerns that there was not enough support and resources being made available for non-Indigenous communities, who had also been impacted by wildfires.

Participants residing in Victoria and Nanaimo were asked how important a priority they felt climate change should be for the Government of Canada. Almost all believed that climate change needed to be one of the federal government’s highest priorities, expressing concerns that if immediate action was not taken it may not be possible to reverse the impacts of climate change on future generations. A very small number were of the view that climate change was a global issue, and any action taken by the Government of Canada to address it would be inconsequential without collaborative efforts from the international community.

Discussing what came to mind when thinking about the potential impacts of climate change, participants identified a number of challenges, including flooding, wildfires, drought, an increased frequency of extreme weather events and natural disasters, rising sea levels, the thawing of permafrost in the North, higher temperatures, and an increased likelihood of contagious disease outbreaks and global pandemics. Property damage and/or loss was also viewed as a likely outcome of many of these impacts. Several expressed concerns regarding possible widespread food shortages due to decreased agricultural production as well as a refugee crisis by those fleeing increasingly unlivable conditions in other jurisdictions.

All in this group were of the view that climate change had a major impact on the cost of living and everyday goods and services. It was thought that climate change-related weather events had caused significant property damage, destroyed agricultural operations, and increased home insurance rates. Others were of the opinion that actions to mitigate the impacts of climate change, such as the implementation of a price on carbon by the Government of British Columbia (B.C.), as well as the federal government’s carbon pricing system, had also contributed to increases in the cost of living. Discussing the impact of climate change on infrastructure in their area, many were of the opinion that it had been mild-to-moderate, though expected that this would escalate in the near future if the frequency and intensity of extreme weather events and natural disasters continued to accelerate. All were of the view that climate change had a major impact on agricultural activity, air quality, the water supply, and public health. Participants expressed particular concerns about air quality, with many recalling that air quality across B.C. had been extremely poor over the past few summers due to smoke from widespread wildfires. Several also expressed concerns about the impact of changing climate and weather patterns on the agricultural industry. A few felt more positive about the potential response to climate change for the economy, believing that efforts in this area would likely produce a number of high-paying jobs related to the green economy, renewable resource development, and climate change mitigation.

Participants in both groups were asked if they felt that their communities were prepared to handle the potential impacts of climate change. Most residing in Victoria and Nanaimo thought that their community was underprepared and did not believe that they would be ready to combat what they viewed as the growing impacts of climate change. While a small number expressed optimism that city planners and municipal governments had begun to place a greater focus on sustainability, these participants were concerned that it would not be enough to address what they viewed as the massive size and scope of this issue. Participants in NT felt that their community was neither prepared for the potential impacts of climate change nor for those impacts which were already occurring. Related to this, several expressed concerns that buildings in their communities had begun to sink into the ground as a result of thawing permafrost and were worried that this would be a growing issue in the years to come.

Discussing what actions, if any, that their households had taken to prepare for the potential impacts of climate change, many in Victoria and Nanaimo reported installing air conditioning units and/or purchasing fans to cope with increasing temperatures during the summer months. A number reported that they had begun to grow their own food as well as stockpile food supplies, drinking water, and gasoline due to concerns regarding potential shortages or natural disasters in the future. A small number reported purchasing emergency power generators in order to prepare for a potential long-term power outage in their area.

Few in NT reported having taken any measures to prepare their household for climate change. A small number stated that they were storing large quantities of food and gasoline in their homes in case of shortages or if their communities were rendered inaccessible due to a flood or wildfire. Discussing how the Government of Canada could support communities in the North with preparing for these impacts, many in this group expressed a desire for the federal government to purchase and supply response equipment which could be stored in local communities, as well as to fund and support the training of individuals to operate this equipment in the event of a natural disaster. Others felt that the federal government should create an emergency stockpile of fuel resources that could be strategically released to people in Northern communities facing evacuation orders. Several also suggested long-term support, including continued investments in renewable energy and upgrades to increase the climate resilience of vital infrastructure such as roadways and bridges.

Carbon Pricing (Prince Edward Island, Rural Ontario)

Participants in two groups took part in conversations related to the Government of Canada’s carbon pricing system. To begin, participants were asked how important they felt it was for the federal government to work towards reducing carbon pollution in Canada. While most viewed this as an important priority, several indicated that they did not expect any efforts by Canadians to reduce carbon pollution would be impactful without the full participation of the international community. Asked whether they had heard about the implementation of a price on carbon in Canada, most in Prince Edward Island reported being unaware, while most of those residing in rural Ontario were aware of this initiative. A number in the group from rural Ontario expressed the opinion that the introduction of a price on carbon had been a significant driver of inflation in recent years. While many were aware of Climate Action Incentive payments (CAIPs), only a few were of the impression that they or someone they knew had received one. To aid in the conversation, participants were provided with the following clarification regarding the federal government’s carbon pricing system:

In 2016, the Government of Canada announced a plan to put a price on carbon pollution across the country. There are two parts to carbon pollution pricing – a fuel charge and a separate system for industry. The one we’ll be focusing on today is the fuel charge, which applies to things like oil and gas. Provinces and territories either use the federal price on pollution or propose their own systems, as long as it meets the standard set out by the federal government.

Many in the group based in PEI reacted positively to this information, believing that this system would incentivize more people to use renewable sources of energy, which in turn would reduce overall carbon emissions. A small number were more negative in their views, believing that carbon pricing would lead to a rise in the cost of gasoline and that more sustainable driving alternatives such as electric vehicles (EVs) were prohibitively expensive at present. Almost all from rural Ontario reacted negatively to this information, with many expressing that they found the program confusing and overly complex. Some questioned why the Government of Canada would collect money from Canadians only to return the majority of it through CAIPs.

To aid in the conversation, participants were next shown information about the carbon pricing system. Slightly different information was presented to each group tailored to their respective provinces. Participants in PEI were shown the following:

Starting July 1, 2023, Prince Edward Island began using the federal system. Under the federal system, all proceeds collected from the price on carbon pollution in each province will stay in that province. Approximately 90% of proceeds will be returned directly to Islanders via Climate Action Incentive payments (CAIP), which are sometimes referred to as pollution price rebates. Payments will go out quarterly (i.e. every 3 months), with a family of 4 receiving $240 each quarter.

Those in the group from rural Ontario were shown:

Starting in 2019, Ontario began using the federal system. Under the federal system, all proceeds collected from the price on carbon pollution in each province will stay in that province. Approximately 90% of proceeds will be returned directly to Ontarians via Climate Action Incentive payments, which are sometimes referred to as pollution price rebates. Payments will go out quarterly (i.e. every 3 months), with a family of 4 receiving $244 each quarter.

Additionally, both groups were also provided with the following information:

The goal of this system is to encourage people to reduce their emissions, while also giving them the flexibility to decide when and how to do it. The idea is that the more changes a household makes (e.g., using different modes of transportation, switching from a natural gas furnace to an electric heat pump), the more they will save by not having to pay the fuel charge. At the same time, most households receive more money back through the Climate Action Incentive payments than they pay on the fuel charge.

Reacting to this information, many in PEI questioned whether these financial payments were accessible to all or only those below a certain income threshold. A number felt that the amounts provided through CAIPs were too low and would not be enough to offset the increased expenses they expected would be incurred with the implementation of a carbon pricing system. Those in rural Ontario were more critical in their opinions, and largely felt that this system was inefficient and would not have a tangible impact on reducing emissions or mitigating the impacts of climate change. A large number stated that they felt the system was unfair to people living in rural communities, as these individuals often needed to drive long distances each day and did not have access to alternative modes of transportation such as public transit. Participants were then provided with the following clarification regarding CAIP supplements for residents of small and rural communities:

For residents of small and rural communities, the Climate Action Incentive payments include a rural supplement of 10% (e.g., a 10% top up to their payments), since Canadians in these communities do not necessarily have the same options available to reduce their emissions, particularly when it comes to transportation.

When asked if this information impacted their opinion of carbon pricing in Canada, participants indicated that it did not. Asked whether they felt that this approach to carbon pricing was fair to those living in rural and smaller communities, almost all believed that it was not. None felt that implementing a price on carbon pollution would discourage people from polluting. Most in the group from Ontario believed that the costs incurred by implementing a price on carbon would be too high for Canadian communities and that it would have a negligible impact on reducing carbon emissions going forward. Those in PEI expressed uncertainty about what the cost of climate change would be to their communities, though a small number cited the previous high costs they believed had been incurred following recent wildfires, windstorms, and flooding in the region and believed these costs would likely increase if extreme weather events began occurring with increasing frequency.

Community Safety (Urban Centres Prairies Indigenous Peoples)

One group, comprised of Indigenous peoples residing in urban centres in the Prairies, shared their perspectives regarding the safety of their respective communities. Many reported feeling less safe in their community as of late, with several of the impression that crimes such as assaults, property thefts, domestic violence, drug trafficking, and gang activity had been occurring with increasing frequency in recent years.

Asked if they were aware of any recent actions by the Government of Canada related to addressing crime, none could recall any initiatives on this front. Questioned specifically if they were aware of any actions related to the increased regulation of firearms, several indicated that they were. Actions recalled by participants included the implementation of a buyback program for recently prohibited firearms, as well as efforts to strengthen the screening and certification process for those interested in purchasing a firearm. Related to this, a small number expressed concerns that these efforts by the Government of Canada would have little impact on reducing crime. Among these participants, it was felt that law-abiding gun owners were not responsible for the vast majority of crimes involving firearms and that these increased regulations would do little to limit the criminal activities of those who acquired these weapons from illegal sources.

Discussing what further actions the federal government could take related to reducing crime, a number believed that more should be done to address mental health issues which they believed to be affecting many Canadians. It was thought that taking this step would address what participants viewed as one of the key drivers behind the perceived recent rise in crime in their communities.

News Media (Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users)

Most expected that there were far more news outlets at present compared to ten years ago, with several of the impression that this increase had been connected to the growth of social media as well as the relative ease in establishing an online news outlet compared to creating a television channel or starting a newspaper. Almost all, however, thought that there were fewer jobs in journalism today compared to ten years ago. This being said, several were of the impression that news outlets were now hiring a greater number of social media and marketing professionals to offset these job losses. Others believed that while journalism jobs at conventional news outlets were likely declining, there were many opportunities for work as an independent or freelance journalist. To aid in conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

Between 2008 and 2020, overall revenue for broadcast television, radio, newspapers and magazines fell by nearly $6 billion. Since 2008, 474 news media outlets have closed in 335 communities across Canada. At least one-third of Canadian journalism jobs disappeared between 2010 and 2016.

Asked what they felt was driving this trend, a number expected it was due to a larger number of Canadians now preferring to access their news primarily through social media and/or other digital platforms. As a result, it was felt that less attention was being paid to more traditional outlets resulting in less revenue being generated by these organizations. Most were worried about this trend, reiterating concerns that in addition to issues related to the long-term financial viability of news organizations and potential job losses in the journalism sector, a decrease in high-quality, independent journalism could lead to a greater prevalence of misinformation or disinformation being spread amongst Canadians and a lack of information regarding local and regional issues. A number felt that these issues would be particularly pronounced for those residing in rural, remote, Indigenous, and/or minority language communities that tended to receive little in the way of attention outside of their local communities. Asked what could be done to address this issue, participants suggested increasing public funding for local news outlets, including targeted subsidies for those located in rural and remote communities.

While concerned about the state of news media in Canada, very few believed that this should be a top priority for the federal government at present. It was widely believed that there were other more pressing issues requiring the attention of the federal government, including inflation, the perceived high cost of living at present, and the affordability of housing. Several were of the perspective that so long as Canadians had the ability to access trustworthy news coverage from unbiased sources, there was no need for the Government of Canada to provide financial support to those outlets that were currently struggling. No participants were aware of any initiatives currently being undertaken by the federal government regarding news outlets and large digital platforms. To clarify, participants were provided with the following information:

Recently, the Government of Canada passed a law requiring some large digital platforms to pay news outlets for news stories on these companies’ platforms. The Government of Canada says that since digital platforms benefit from sharing news content on their platforms, both directly (advertising near news) and indirectly (user engagement, data refinement, subsequent targeted advertising), it is important that these big tech companies compensate media fairly.

One of the digital platforms impacted by this new law, Meta, has blocked news content from being posted or shared on its sites in response to the Government of Canada passing this new law.

Reacting to this information, most were of the view that the intent of this law appeared reasonable and felt that it was important that news outlets and journalists be compensated fairly. A large number, however, believed that the implementation of this legislation had resulted in negative consequences for Canadians. A number reported that Meta’s Facebook and Instagram platforms had been their primary source for news and that due to Meta’s decision to block news content for Canadians on its platforms, they no longer consumed any news at all. Several hoped that more information would be provided by the federal government regarding the steps it would be taking to restore news access for Canadians on these platforms.

Social Media (Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users)

Asked whether they followed any accounts or pages operated by the Government of Canada, none reported that they did. A number commented that on the occasions in which they had encountered government posts on social media, they had experienced difficulties determining which level of government these had emanated from. Describing the types of content from the federal government that they would be most likely to engage with, participants felt they would be most interested in posts that emotionally resonated with them and showed personality, rather than those that were purely informative in nature.

Discussing their experiences with misinformation on social media, all reported that they frequently came across content online that they felt might be inaccurate or misleading. Several indicated that they frequently needed to verify information found on social media using search engines such as Google. Many were familiar with the term ‘misinformation,’ while fewer had heard the term ‘disinformation.’ Asked what they believed these terms referred to and how they differed, most believed that misinformation was information that was incorrect, while disinformation was information that was intentionally designed to mislead. To aid in conversation, participants received the following clarification:

The difference between these two terms is that misinformation is information that is incorrect or misleading, whereas disinformation is false information deliberately spread to deceive people.

Asked if they were concerned about the spread of misinformation and disinformation online, all indicated they were. While misinformation was viewed as more prevalent, disinformation was thought to be more dangerous, given the perceived nefarious intentions of those who produce and disseminate it. Asked to share examples of misinformation and disinformation that they had personally encountered online, several recalled seeing images and videos related to global conflicts that had been staged, edited, or misrepresented to serve as propaganda. Discussing what should be done to limit the spread of misinformation and disinformation online, several believed that credible news sources should be prioritized by social media algorithms over those with questionable motivations and/or with a historical record of publishing inaccurate information. Others felt that there should be a zero-tolerance policy for accounts that post misinformation and disinformation on social media, and that all accounts engaging in this activity should be removed.

Discussing whether the Government of Canada had a role in combatting misinformation and disinformation, participants were mixed in their views. Several stated that while the federal government should continue to regulate the content of traditional media outlets, attempting to regulate the content generated by individual users of social media platforms would be inappropriate. A number, however, felt differently, believing that the Government of Canada should take a much more active role. Among these participants, it was felt that the federal government should consider establishing an agency to counter misinformation and disinformation, as well as hire online content moderators to filter and remove posts that spread inaccurate information.

Public Sentiment (Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland B.C. Recent Immigrants)

Two groups, comprised of Arab Canadians in Montreal and recent immigrants residing in British Columbia (B.C.)’s Lower Mainland respectively, shared their perspectives regarding their future in Canada, as well as the inclusiveness of Canadian society. Sharing what made them feel optimistic about their future in Canada, many identified factors such as freedom, safety, opportunity, and peace. Other factors included what they viewed as the widespread accessibility to health care, arts and culture, and natural spaces. Asked what concerned them regarding life in Canada going forward, several mentioned the high cost of living, inflation, a perceived lack of competitive wages, difficulties in locating affordable housing, and the impacts of climate change in the years to come. A number were worried about retirement and life in their senior years, with some indicating that they were considering moving back to their countries of origin due to concerns that they would not be able to afford to retire in Canada. Other concerns on this front were voiced regarding the quality and affordability of publicly funded long-term care facilities, the cost of private care, and whether they could expect to retire at a reasonable age.

Discussing the state of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Canada, many expressed positive views. It was thought that Canada was a highly diverse country and one that typically placed a high priority on multiculturalism compared to other jurisdictions throughout the world. Those residing in Montreal widely felt that they (and others of Arab descent) had been accepted and welcomed in Canada and had been able to become deeply integrated into their respective communities. Asked if they felt that Canadian society was welcoming and respectful of different cultures, beliefs, and values, almost all felt that it was. A few in the group comprised of recent immigrants shared a more nuanced perspective, expressing the view that while Canada promoted multiculturalism, diversity, and inclusivity, most immigrants continued to seek social connections within their own diaspora groups rather than among Canadians more broadly.

Employment Insurance (Prince Edward Island)

Participants residing in Prince Edward Island took part in a brief discussion related to Employment Insurance (EI). Almost all were familiar with this program, and a number had previously accessed it themselves or had known someone who had done so. While most of those who had accessed the EI program felt the process had been relatively quick and easy to navigate, it was generally thought that the amounts provided were not enough for them to make ends meet financially. A number expressed concerns regarding potential misuse of the program, with some of the impression that a large number of seasonal workers were currently relying upon EI as their primary source of income during periods of the year in which work in their field was unavailable. It was widely felt that more should be done to assist seasonal workers in finding temporary employment during off-months in their sectors rather than supporting them through programs such as EI.

Asked whether they thought EI was a valuable program for Canadians, most believed that it was. Among those who had previously accessed EI or knew of someone who had, however, all felt that the program did not meet Canadians’ needs. Questioned whether they would be willing to pay higher EI premiums in order to receive more generous benefits, however, none indicated that they would. Describing their reasoning, participants once again mentioned concerns related to potential misuse of the program and that higher benefit payments might further encourage the dependence of some Canadians on this program.

Discussing potential barriers individuals may face when re-entering the workforce, participants identified concerns related to anxiety over beginning a new job, costs associated with training and recertification, as well one’s ability to relocate to areas where there was higher demand for workers in their field of expertise. Asked how the EI program could better assist Canadians when it comes to re-entering the workforce a few suggested that EI payments should continue for the initial weeks after an individual finds new employment. It was felt that this supplemental income would go a long way towards reducing the financial and mental stress they felt was often associated with starting a new job.

Local Industries (London)

Participants residing in London engaged in a brief discussion related to local industries and the current state of the employment market in their area. Asked how they would rate the quality of the job market in London at present, participants were mixed in their responses. While it was generally believed that there were numerous jobs available, several were of the impression that many of these positions did not offer a living wage and/or were physically intensive and may not be accessible to persons with disabilities and others who were less physically able. A few commented that due to the perceived influence of unions in many of London’s key industries, it could be difficult for those without connections to these organizations to gain access to high-paying, long-term work. Sharing their perspectives regarding what the local job market would look like five years from now, most were hopeful that it would improve, with a number believing that there would likely be job growth in areas such as post-secondary education, health care, and manufacturing. Several, however, expressed concerns related to the ability of wages to keep pace with the rising cost of living as well as the potential negative impacts of artificial intelligence (AI) on the employment market going forward.

Asked to identify the most important industries in their local region, participants mentioned sectors such as agriculture, health care, post-secondary education, and manufacturing. A number spoke positively regarding what they viewed as the growth of remote work in London over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was believed that the ability to work remotely had provided many of those residing in their area with employment opportunities across a range of sectors that otherwise would have been unavailable to them. Questioned whether they felt that auto manufacturing specifically would be an important industry in London over the next five to ten years, a number expected that it would. This was especially thought to be the case if an increased emphasis were placed on the manufacturing of electric vehicles (EVs), with several believing that there would be growing demand for EVs in the years to come. Discussing whether they had seen, read, or heard anything in the last few months related to the Government of Canada and a new EV battery plant being built in their area by Volkswagen, very few reported being aware of this project. To aid conversation, participants were provided with the following information:

The Governments of Canada and Ontario secured an investment from Volkswagen to establish its first overseas electric vehicle battery manufacturing plant in St. Thomas, Ontario. This is the largest electric vehicle-related investment in Canadian history. Once complete in 2027, the plant will produce batteries for up to one million electric vehicles per year, strengthening Canada’s domestic battery manufacturing capacity to meet the demand for electric vehicles. It is estimated that the plant will create up to 3,000 direct jobs and up to 30,000 indirect jobs.

Most reacted positively to this announcement, believing this to be a step in the right direction towards bolstering the local economy and increasing the number of high-paying jobs available to local workers. While also feeling that this project would be economically beneficial, a small number questioned whether there would be enough housing available to accommodate an influx of auto workers into the region as well as whether these jobs were at risk of eventually becoming automated and/or replaced by AI. A few expressed concerns regarding the potential environmental drawbacks of EVs, including perceived difficulties in safely disposing EV batteries once they were no longer usable.

Asked whether they felt that the federal government should be prioritizing these types of investments, most believed that it should. Several thought that this project would have a positive impact on the local economy in the long term and believed that, if successful, it could encourage other foreign companies to make similar investments towards expanding their operations in Canada. A number, however, felt that there were more pressing matters at present (such as the high cost of living and a perceived lack of affordable housing) that required a higher level of prioritization. Informed that the Government of Canada had agreed to provide Volkswagen with up to $13 billion in subsidies over 10 years, several expressed concerns regarding what they viewed as the significant cost of these subsidies. A number felt that the financial cost of these subsidies far exceeded the potential economic benefits and job creation related to this project. Among these participants, it was believed that these investments by the federal government could be better spent towards improvements in other areas such as health care, which they felt required increased funding at present. A few believed that rather than focusing on partnering with foreign-owned firms such as Volkswagen, a greater emphasis should be placed on supporting Canadian companies.

Appendix A – Recruiting Scripts

English Recruiting Script

Privy Council Office

Recruiting Script – October 2023

English Groups

Recruitment Specifications Summary

· Groups conducted online.

· Each group is expected to last for two hours.

· Recruit 8 participants.

· Incentives will be $125 per person and will be sent to participants via e-transfer following the group.

Specifications for the focus groups are as follows:

Group	Date	Time (EDT)	Local Time	Location	Composition	Moderator
1	Tues, Oct 3^rd	6:00-8:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (EDT)	London	General Population	TBW
2	Wed, Oct 4^th	8:00-10:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (MDT) 6:00-8:00 (CST) 7:00-9:00 (CDT)	Urban Prairies	Indigenous	DN
3	Thurs, Oct 5^th	9:00-11:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (PDT)	Victoria/Nanaimo	General Population	TBW
4	Tues, Oct 10^th	5:00-7:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (ADT)	Prince Edward Island	General Population	DN
5	Wed, Oct 11^th	6:00-8:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (EDT)	Greater Toronto Area	Renters	TBW
7	Mon, Oct 16th	6:00-8:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (EDT)	Rural Ontario	General Population	DN
8	Tues, Oct 17^th	7:00-9:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (CDT)	Winnipeg	Heavy Social Media Users	TBW
9	Wed, Oct 18^th	8:00-10:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (MDT)	Northwest Territories	General Population	DN
11	Tues, Oct 24^th	8:00-10:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (MDT)	Edmonton	General Population	MP
12	Wed, Oct 25^th	9:00-11:00 PM	6:00-8:00 (PDT)	Lower Mainland BC	Recent Immigrants	MP

Recruiting Script

INTRODUCTION

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

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

RECORD LANGUAGE

English CONTINUE

French SWITCH TO FRENCH SCREENER

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

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

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

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

Yes CONTINUE

No THANK AND END

SCREENING QUESTIONS

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

A market research firm THANK AND END

A marketing, branding, or advertising agency THANK AND END

A magazine or newspaper THANK AND END

A federal/provincial/territorial government department or agency THANK AND END

A political party THANK AND END

In public/media relations THANK AND END

In radio/television THANK AND END

No, none of the above CONTINUE

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

Yes THANK AND END

No CONTINUE

2. In which city do you reside?

LOCATION	CITIES
London, Ontario	London PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE – GROUP 1
Urban Prairies	Cities include: Alberta: Calgary, Edmonton Manitoba: Winnipeg Saskatchewan: Saskatoon, Regina NO MORE THAN TWO PER CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX.	CONTINUE – GROUP 2
Victoria/Nanaimo, British Columbia	Cities include: Victoria, Nanaimo ENSURE 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH CITY. PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTERS PROPER.	CONTINUE – GROUP 3
Prince Edward Island	Cities could include (but are not limited to): Charlottetown, Summerside, Stratford, Cornwall MAX 4 PARTICIPANTS FROM CHARLOTTETOWN. ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.	CONTINUE – GROUP 4
Greater Toronto Area	Cities include: City of Toronto, Durham (Ajax, Clarington, Brock, Oshawa, Pickering, Whitby), Halton (Burlington, Halton Hills, Oakville, Milton), Peel (Brampton, Caledon, Mississauga), York (Markham, Vaughan, Richmond Hill, Newmarket, Aurora, King) ENSURE A GOOD MIX ACROSS THE REGION. NO MORE THAN 2 FROM THE CITY OF TORONTO OR PER REGION/COUNTY.	CONTINUE – GROUP 5
Rural Ontario	Population = <30,000 Cities could include (but are not limited to): Keswick-Elmhurst Beach, Bolton, Midland, Alliston, Fergus, Collingwood, Lindsay, Owen Sound, Brockville, Wasaga Beach, Cobourg, Tillsonburg, Valley East, Pembroke, Smiths Falls, Simcoe, Strathroy, Port Colborne, Fort Erie, Amherstburg MAX 2 PARTICIPANTS FROM EACH CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX ACROSS THE REGION.	CONTINUE – GROUP 7
Winnipeg, Manitoba	Winnipeg PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE – GROUP 8
Northwest Territories	Cities include (but not limited to): Northwest Territories: Yellowknife, Hay River, Inuvik, Fort Smith ENSURE A GOOD MIX OF CITIES ACROSS THE REGION.	CONTINUE – GROUP 9
Edmonton, Alberta	Edmonton PARTICIPANTS SHOULD RESIDE IN THE ABOVE-NOTED CENTER PROPER.	CONTINUE – GROUP 11
Lower Mainland British Columbia	Cities include (but are not limited to): Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, Surrey, Richmond, Delta, White Rock, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Maple Ridge, Langley, Abbotsford, Chilliwack NO MORE THAN TWO PER CITY. ENSURE A GOOD MIX ACROSS THE REGION. INCLUDE THOSE RESIDING IN LARGER AND SMALLER COMMUNITIES.	CONTINUE – GROUP 12
VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer		THANK AND END

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

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

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

Under 18 years of age	IF POSSIBLE, ASK FOR SOMEONE OVER 18 AND REINTRODUCE. OTHERWISE THANK AND END.
18-24	CONTINUE FOR ALL GROUPS
25-29
30-34
35-44
45-49
50-54
55+
VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

4. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 Do you identify as Indigenous?

Yes CONTINUE TO Q4a.

No THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

4a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 2 Do you identify as…?

First Nations CONTINUE – GROUP 2

Métis CONTINUE – GROUP 2

Inuit CONTINUE – GROUP 2

None of the above THANK AND END

5. ASK IF ONLY GROUP 5 Do you own or rent your current residence? IF ASKED/CLARIFICATION REQUIRED: You are considered a homeowner even if you have outstanding debt that you owe on your mortgage loan.

Own THANK AND END

Rent CONTINUE Q5a.

VOLUNTEERED Living at home THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Other THANK AND END

VOLUNTEERED Don’t know/not sure THANK AND END

5a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 5 What kind of residence are you renting?

Condo CONTINUE – GROUP 5

Apartment CONTINUE – GROUP 5

Single family home CONTINUE – GROUP 5

Townhome CONTINUE – GROUP 5

Other, please specify: ________ CONTINUE – GROUP 5

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

6. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 Which of the following statements describe your relationship with social media?

I check my social media multiple times a day and post often CONTINUE TO Q6a.

I check my social media multiple times a day and post occasionally CONTINUE TO Q6a.

I regularly check my social media multiple times a day CONTINUE TO Q6a.

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

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

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

I don’t have social media THANK AND END

6a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 How much time would you say you spend on social media everyday?

I usually spend more than 4 hours a day on social media CONTINUE TO Q6b.

I usually spend between 3-4 hours a day on social media CONTINUE TO Q6b.

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

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

6b. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 8 Which social media platforms are you most active on?

Instagram

Facebook

TikTok

X (formerly Twitter)

Snapchat

YouTube

Other (please specify)

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

7. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 12 Were you born in Canada?

Yes THANK AND END

No CONTINUE TO Q7a.

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

7a. ASK ONLY IF GROUP 12 How many years have you lived in Canada?

Less than 5 years	CONTINUE
5 to 10 years	CONTINUE
11 to 20 years	IF GROUP 12 – THANK AND END
21 to 30 years	IF GROUP 12 – THANK AND END
31 or more years	IF GROUP 12 – THANK AND END
Don’t know/Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

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

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

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

1-2 THANK AND END

3-5 CONTINUE

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

Participant has high-speed access to the Internet

Participant has a computer/webcam

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

Yes CONTINUE
No CONTINUE

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

1-2 THANK AND END

3-5 CONTINUE

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

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

Yes CONTINUE

No SKIP TO Q.18

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

Less than 6 months ago THANK AND END

More than 6 months ago CONTINUE

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

0-4 groups CONTINUE

5 or more groups THANK AND END

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

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

ADDITIONAL RECRUITING CRITERIA

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

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

Grade 8 or less

Some high school

High school diploma or equivalent

Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma

College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma

University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level

Bachelor's degree

Post graduate degree above bachelor's level

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

19. ASK ALL GROUPS EXCEPT GROUP 2 Which of the following racial or cultural groups best describes you? (multi-select)

White/Caucasian

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

Chinese

Black

Latin American

Filipino

Arab

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

Korean or Japanese

Indigenous

Other (specify)

VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX.

20. ASK ALL GROUPS Which of the following categories best describes your total household income in 2022? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes?

Under $20,000	CONTINUE FOR ALL GROUPS
$20,000 to just under $40,000
$40,000 to just under $60,000
$60,000 to just under $80,000
$80,000 to just under $100,000
$100,000 to just under $150,000
$150,000 and above
VOLUNTEERED Prefer not to answer	THANK AND END

ENSURE A GOOD MIX WHERE APPLICABLE.

21. ASK ALL GROUPS Which of the following best describes the industry/sector in which you are currently employed?

Accommodation and Food Services
Administrative and Support, Waste Management and Remediation Services

Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing and Hunting
Arts, Entertainment and Recreation

Automotive
Construction
Educational Services
Finance & Insurance
Health Care

Social Assistance
Information and Cultural Industries
Management of Companies and Enterprises
Manufacturing
Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction
Other Services (except Public Administration)
Professional, Scientific and Technical Services
Public Administration
Real Estate and Rental and Leasing
Retail Trade
Transportation and Warehousing
Utilities
Wholesale Trade

Unemployed

Full Time Student

Retired

Other, please specify: _____________

ENSURE A GOOD MIX BY TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT IF APPLICABLE. NO MORE THAN TWO PER SECTOR. NO MORE THAN 2 WHO ARE UNEMPLOYED. NO INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS IN ALL GROUPS.

[DO NOT ASK] Gender RECORD BY OBSERVATION.

Male	CONTINUE
Female	CONTINUE

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

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

Yes

No THANK AND END

INVITATION

I would like to invite you to this online focus group discussion, which will take place the evening of [INSERT DATE/TIME BASED ON GROUP # IN CHART ON PAGE 1]. The group will be two hours in length and you will receive $125 for your participation following the group via an e-transfer.

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

Would you be willing to attend?

Yes CONTINUE

No THANK AND END

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

Name:

Telephone Number:

E-mail Address:

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

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

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

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

Thank you very much for your time.

RECRUITED BY: ____________________

DATE RECRUITED: __________________

French Recruiting Script

Bureau du Conseil privé

Questionnaire de recrutement – octobre 2023

Groupes en français

Résumé des consignes de recrutement

· Groupes tenus en ligne.

· Durée prévue de chaque rencontre : deux heures.

· Recrutement de huit participants.

· Incitatifs de 125 $ par personne, versés aux participants par transfert électronique après la rencontre.

Caractéristiques des groupes de discussion :

GROUPE

DATE

HEURE (HAE)

HEURE

(LOCALE)

LIEU

COMPOSITION DU GROUPE

MODÉRATEUR

12 octobre

6:00-8:00

6:00-8:00 (HAE)

Ville de Montreal

Canadiens/canadiennes d’origine arabe

19 octobre

6:00-8:00

6:00-8:00 (HAE)

Centres de taille moyenne et grande au Québec

Personnes soucieuses du coût de la vie

Questionnaire de recrutement

INTRODUCTION

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

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

NOTER LA LANGUE ET CONTINUER

Français CONTINUER

Anglais PASSER AU QUESTIONNAIRE ANGLAIS

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

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

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

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

Oui CONTINUER

Non REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

QUESTIONS DE SÉLECTION

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

Une société d’études de marché REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

Un magazine ou un journal REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

Un parti politique REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

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

Non, aucune de ces réponses CONTINUER

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

Oui REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Non CONTINUER

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

Anglais REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Français CONTINUER

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

Préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3. Dans quelle ville habitez-vous?

LIEU	VILLES
Ville de Montréal	Ville de Montréal LES PARTICIPANTS DOIVENT RÉSIDER À MONTRÉAL À PROPREMENT PARLER	CONTINUER – GROUPE 6
Centres de taille moyenne et grande au Québec	Ces villes peuvent notamment comprendre (mais ne sont pas limité à): Taille moyenne = Population 50 000-99 999 Les villes de taille moyenne : Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu, Chateauguay, Drummondville, Granby, Saint-Hyacinthe. Grandes villes = Population 100 000+ Les grandes villes : Montréal, Gatineau, Ville de Québec, Saguenay, Sherbrooke, Trois-Rivières, Saint-Jérôme, Chicoutimi – Jonquière. PAS PLUS QUE DEUX PARTICIPANT PAR VILLE. ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.	CONTINUER – GROUPE 10
RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE Préfère ne pas répondre		REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

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

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

Moins de 18 ans	SI POSSIBLE, DEMANDER À PARLER À UNE PERSONNE DE 18 ANS OU PLUS ET REFAIRE L’INTRODUCTION. SINON, REMERCIER ET CONCLURE.
18 à 24 ans	CONTINUER
25 à 35 ans	CONTINUER
36 à 44 ans	CONTINUER
45 à 54 ans	CONTINUER
55 ans ou plus	CONTINUER
RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE Préfère ne pas répondre	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES ÂGES DANS CHAQUE GROUPE, S’IL Y A LIEU. LE GROUPE 2 PEUT COMPTER UNE PROPORTION PLUS IMPORTANTE DE PARTICIPANTS PLUS JEUNES.

6. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 6 Est-ce que vous considérez que votre principal patrimoine culturel, régional ou ethnique est arabe?

Oui CONTINUER À Q6a.

Non REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE, préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

6a. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 6 D’où avez-vous et/ou d’où votre famille a émigré?

Algérie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Bahreïn CONTINUER À Q6b.

Comores CONTINUER À Q6b.

Djibouti CONTINUER À Q6b.

Égypte CONTINUER À Q6b.

Iraq CONTINUER À Q6b.

Jordanie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Koweït CONTINUER À Q6b.

Liban CONTINUER À Q6b.

Libye CONTINUER À Q6b.

Mauritanie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Maroc CONTINUER À Q6b.

Oman CONTINUER À Q6b.

Palestine CONTINUER À Q6b.

Qatar CONTINUER À Q6b.

Arabie saoudite CONTINUER À Q6b.

Somalie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Soudan CONTINUER À Q6b.

Syrie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Tunisie CONTINUER À Q6b.

Émirates arabes unis CONTINUER À Q6b.

Yémen CONTINUER À Q6b.

Israël CONTINUER À Q6b.

Autre, spécifiez s’il vous plaît : ___________ CONTINUER À Q6b.

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE, préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UN BON ÉQUILIBRE ENTRE LES PAYS D’ÉMIGRATION, SI POSSIBLE.

6b. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 6 Êtes-vous né(e) au Canada?

Oui PASSER À LA Q8. - GROUPE 6

Non CONTINUER À Q6c.

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE, préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

6c. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 6 Depuis combien d’années habitez-vous au Canada?

Moins de 5 ans	CONTINUER – GROUPE 6
5 à <10 ans
10 à <20 years
20 à <30 years
30 ou plus
Ne sais pas/Préfère ne pas répondre	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

7. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 10 Comment décririez-vous votre situation financière actuelle?

J’ai de la difficulté à joindre les deux bouts CONTINUER À Q7a.

Je suis presque capable à joindre les deux bouts CONTINUER À Q7a.

Je suis stable, financièrement CONTINUER À Q7a.

Je suis financièrement solide CONTINUER À Q7a.

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE, préfère ne pas répondre REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

7a. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 10 Dans quelle mesure, le cas échéant, le coût de la vie vous préoccupe?

Ça me préoccupe beaucoup CONTINUER À Q7b.

Ça me préoccupe assez CONTINUER À Q7b.

Ça me préoccupe un peu REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

Ça me ne préoccupe pas du tout REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

7b. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 10 Dans quelle mesure votre capacité de payer et gérer les factures régulières du ménage au cours du 12 prochains mois vous préoccupe?

Ça me préoccupe beaucoup CONTINUER

Ça me préoccupe quelque peu CONTINUER

Je pense que je serai capable, mais il faudra réduire les coûts CONTINUER

Ça me ne préoccupe pas du tout REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

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

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

1-2 REMERCIER ET CONCLURE
3-5 CONTINUER

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

Le participant a accès à Internet haut débit

Le participant a un ordinateur avec caméra Web

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

Oui CONTINUER
Non CONTINUER

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

1-2 REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

3-5 CONTINUER

13. Au cours de la discussion, vous pourriez devoir lire ou visionner du matériel affiché à l’écran, ou faire des exercices en ligne comme ceux qu’on trouve dans les sondages. On vous demandera aussi de participer activement à la discussion en ligne à l’aide d’une caméra Web. Pensez-vous avoir de la difficulté, pour une raison ou une autre, à lire les documents ou à participer à la discussion par vidéo?

CONCLURE L’ENTRETIEN SI LE RÉPONDANT SIGNALE UN PROBLÈME DE VISION OU D’AUDITION, UN PROBLÈME DE LANGUE PARLÉE OU ÉCRITE, S’IL CRAINT DE NE POUVOIR COMMUNIQUER EFFICACEMENT, SI L’UTILISATION D’UNE CAMÉRA WEB LUI POSE PROBLÈME, OU SI VOUS, EN TANT QU’INTERVIEWEUR, AVEZ DES DOITES QUANT À SA CAPACITÉ DE PARTICIPER EFFICACEMENT AUX DISCUSSIONS.

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

Oui CONTINUER

Non PASSER À LA Q.18

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

À moins de six mois, REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

À plus de six mois, CONTINUER

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

0 à 4 groupes, CONTINUER

5 groupes ou plus REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

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

CRITÈRES DE RECRUTEMENT SUPPLÉMENTAIRES

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

18. Laquelle des catégories suivantes décrit le mieux le revenu annuel total de votre ménage en 2022 – c’est-à-dire le revenu cumulatif de l’ensemble des membres de votre ménage avant impôt?

Moins de 20 000 $	CONTINUER
20 000 $ à moins de 40 000 $	CONTINUER
40 000 $ à moins de 60 000 $	CONTINUER
60 000 $ à moins de 80 000 $	CONTINUER
80 000 $ à moins de 100 000 $	CONTINUER
100 000 $ à moins de 150 000 $	CONTINUER
150 000 $ ou plus	CONTINUER
RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre	REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE, S’IL Y A LIEU. GROUPE 10 POURRAIT FAUSSER VERS LES FAIBLES REVENUS.

19. À DEMANDER SEULEMENT AU GROUPE 10 Lequel ou lesquels des groupes raciaux ou culturels suivants vous décrivent le mieux? (Plusieurs choix possibles)

Blanc

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

Chinois

Noir

Latino-américain

Philippin

Arabe

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

Coréen ou japonais

Autochtone

Autre groupe racial ou culturel (préciser)

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.

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

École primaire

Études secondaires partielles

Diplôme d’études secondaires ou l’équivalent

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

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

Certificat ou diplôme universitaire inférieur au baccalauréat

Baccalauréat

Diplôme d’études supérieur au baccalauréat

RÉPONSE SPONTANÉE : Préfère ne pas répondre

ASSURER UN BON MÉLANGE.

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

Homme

Femme

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

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

Métier de la construction ou métier spécialisé	TOUS LES GROUPES - CONTINUER
Administrations publiques
Agriculture, foresterie, pêche et chasse
Arts, spectacle et loisirs
Autres services, sauf les administrations publiques
Commerce de détail
Commerce de gros
Extraction minière, exploitation en carrière, et extraction de pétrole et de gaz
Fabrication
Finance et assurances
Gestion de sociétés et d’entreprises
Hébergement et services de restauration
Industrie de l'information et industrie culturelle
Services administratifs, services de soutien, services de gestion des déchets et services d’assainissement
Services d’enseignement
Services immobiliers et services de location et de location à bail
Services professionnels, scientifiques et techniques
Services publics
Soins de santé et assistance sociale
Transport et entreposage
Sans emploi
Aux études à temps plein
À la retraite
Autre situation ou autre secteur; veuillez préciser :

ASSURER UNE BONNE REPRÉSENTATION DES TYPES D’EMPLOI DANS CHAQUE GROUPE. PAS PLUS DE DEUX RÉPONDANTS PAR SECTEUR D’ACTIVITÉ. PAS D’ÉTUDIANTS ÉTRANGERS.

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

Oui

Non REMERCIER ET CONCLUREE

INVITATION

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

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

Est-ce que vous accepteriez de participer?

Oui CONTINUER

Non REMERCIER ET CONCLURE

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

Nom :

Numéro de téléphone :

Adresse courriel :

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RECRUTEMENT FAIT PAR : ____________________

DATE DU RECRUTEMENT : __________________

Appendix B – Discussion Guides

English Moderator’s Guide

MASTER MODERATOR’S GUIDE

October 2023

INTRODUCTION (10 minutes) All locations

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

GOVERNMENT OF CANADA IN THE NEWS [NEWS CONSUMPTION Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users] (5-25 minutes)

· London, Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria/Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Rural Ontario, Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users, Northwest Territories, Mid-Size & Major Centres Quebec Cost of Living Concerned, Edmonton, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants What have you seen, read, or heard about the Government of Canada in the last few days?

o London, Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples [Do you remember where you heard this news/Where did you read, see, or hear this news?]

o London IF NOT MENTIONED: What about when it comes to manufacturing?

o Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants What about when it comes to international relations?

o Victoria/Nanaimo, Montreal Arab Canadians, Northwest Territories, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants What are your reactions to this news?

London PROMPT AS NEEDED: The Government of Canada announced a multi-year commitment of $650 million over three years for 50 armoured vehicles for Ukraine, which are going to be built in London.

· London What are your reactions to this news?

· London What impact will this investment have in London, if any?

· Montreal Arab Canadians, Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants What are your primary sources for news? (TV news, radio, social media, friends/family)

o Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants Do you mostly get news from English language sources or in another language?

§ IF ANOTHER LANGUAGE: Which language(s)?

§ How often do you turn to sources in other languages?

o Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants Do you mostly get news from Canadian media or media from another country?

§ IF ANOTHER COUNTRY: Which countr(y/ies)?

§ How often do you turn to media from another country?

o Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users Are there any sources that are more or less reliable for news? If yes, which ones?

o Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users IF NOT MENTIONED: How many of you use social media to get news?

· Are some platforms more credible or trustworthy than others when it comes to news? Why?

· Which do you find more/less credible?

· Montreal Arab Canadians, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants If you were looking for federal government news, where would you go to first? Why?

· Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users How much time do you typically spend reading, watching, or listening to the news?

PERFORMANCE AND PRIORITIES (10-60 minutes) London, Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples, Victoria/Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, GTA Renters, Montreal Arab Canadians, Rural Ontario, Winnipeg Heavy Social Media Users, Northwest Territories, Mid-Size & Major Centres Quebec Cost of Living Concerned, Edmonton, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants

· What does the Government of Canada do well?

· What does the Government of Canada need to improve on? [Why do you feel this way?]

· Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples In your opinion, what are the top issues Indigenous peoples are facing that the federal government should be prioritizing?

o What about for Indigenous peoples in the community where you live?

· Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples In your opinion, has the Government of Canada prioritized reconciliation?

o IF YES: Would you say it has been a minor priority, or a major priority?

· Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples What areas do you think the Government of Canada should be prioritizing to help advance reconciliation? Why do you feel this way?

· Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples How would you measure progress on reconciliation?

o Are there specific actions or outcomes that would show progress? If so, what are they?

· Urban Prairies Indigenous Peoples Do you have any advice to help the federal government engage with and respond to the needs of Indigenous peoples living in urban areas?

· Victoria/Nanaimo Has your opinion of the Government of Canada changed over the past year?

· Victoria/Nanaimo, Prince Edward Island, Rural Ontario, Northwest Territories, Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants In your opinion, what are the top issues that the Government of Canada should be prioritizing? Why?

o Victoria/Nanaimo IF NOT MENTIONED: What about climate change?

o Prince Edward Island, Montreal Arab Canadians IF NOT MENTIONED: What about housing [affordability]?

o Prince Edward Island IF NOT MENTIONED: What about making groceries more affordable?

o Northwest Territories What are the top issues in your community specifically that the federal government should be prioritizing?

o Northwest Territories Has the Government of Canada done anything to help on these issues?

o Lower Mainland BC Recent Immigrants Specifically, what are the top issues impacting recent immigrants that the Government of Canada should be prioritizing?

§ PROBE AS NEEDED: What about access to housing? What about access to healthcare?

· Victoria/Nanaimo How concerned are you, if at all, by climate change? Why do you say that?

· Victoria/Nanaimo What comes to mind when you think about the potential impacts of climate change?

o Does climate change have a major impact, a minor impact, or no impact on natural disasters like wildfires, extreme weather, extreme temperatures, floods, or droughts?

§ IF YES: What are the impacts?