Final Report
Prepared for Veterans Affairs Canada
Supplier Name: Phoenix SPI
Contract Number: CW2246361
Contract Value: $59,015.15 (including HST)
Award Date: 2022-10-26
Delivery Date: 2023-03-08
Registration Number: POR 074-22
For more information on this report, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada at: commsresearch-commsrecherche@veterans.gc.ca
This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Veterans Affairs Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Veterans Affairs Canada at:
commsresearch-commsrecherche@veterans.gc.ca
Catalogue number:
V32-401/2023E-PDF
International Standard Book Number (ISBN): 978-0-660-47428-1
Related publications (POR registration number: POR 074-22):
Catalogue number (Final report, French): V32-401/2023F-PDF
ISBN: 978-0-660-47429-8
© His Majesty the King in Right of Canada, as represented by the Minister of Veterans Affairs, 2023
Aussi offert en français sous le titre Sondage sur les attitudes des Canadiens à l'égard de la commémoration et de la Semaine des vétérans 2022
Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. (Phoenix SPI) was commissioned by Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) to conduct a telephone survey of Canadians regarding Veterans' Week and VAC's remembrance programming.
The purpose of the Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans' Week survey is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Department's remembrance programming. The objectives of this research were to measure Canadians' level of participation in remembrance activities, their attitudes toward those who served in Canada's military, and their level of support for VAC's work related to remembrance. The research results allow VAC to continue to determine the impact and effectiveness of its remembrance activities, adapt activities to be relevant to Canadians, improve the methods used to inform Canadians about remembrance initiatives, and help to guide the planning of future remembrance-related programming.
Canadians' awareness of Veterans' Week and the importance attributed remain unchanged from 2020.
Awareness of Veterans' Week has not changed since the last iteration of this survey in 2020, when 57% of Canadians said they had heard of Veterans' Week. Consistent with previous years, close to nine in 10 Canadians (87%) think it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year, with two-thirds (67%) saying that it is very important. Among those who said it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year, the top reason offered, mentioned by 74%, was to honour and show respect for Canadian Veterans and those who died in service. Following this, approximately one-third of Canadians (36%) of those who think it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year provided reasons pertaining to history or remembrance. Relatively few (9%) said that Veterans' Week is important because of a personal connection, such as having a family member who is a Veteran or in the military. These same themes have been Canadians' top reasons for attributing importance to Veterans' Week for over a decade.
Participation in Veterans' Week has almost returned to pre-pandemic levels.
More than eight in 10 Canadians (86%) said they or members of their immediate family participated in Veterans' Week this year. This represents an increase of 14 percentage points since 2020, when remembrance activities were affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic, and the start of a return to pre-pandemic participation levels. Between 2016 and 2019, highs of 88% to 92% of Canadians reported participation in Veterans' Week. Among Canadians who did participate in Veterans' Week this year, nearly half (47%) said they participated to honour and respect Canadian Veterans and those who died in service and approximately one-third (36%) said they participated for personal connections. This is consistent with previous years. In addition, 23% participated to focus on history and remembrance, an increase of 11% from 2020, and 8% participated because they believe in it/feel it is important.
Wearing a poppy continues to be the most prevalent way to commemorate Veterans and those who died in service.
Like previous years, wearing a poppy, mentioned by 76% of surveyed Canadians, remains the most popular way to recognize Veterans and participate in Veterans' Week activities. This is closely followed by observing a moment of silence at 72%. In addition, 43% watched a Remembrance Day 2022 ceremony on TV, while smaller proportions participated on social media (31%; up from 22% in 2020) or attended a remembrance ceremony in their community (30%; up from 15% in 2020, a year in which participation was likely affect by the COVID-19 global pandemic).
Many Canadians continue to attribute at least some importance to all remembrance initiatives.
Nine in 10 Canadians (90%) attributed importance to providing educational materials for schools, with 72% saying this is very important. Eight in 10 Canadians (82%) attributed importance to supporting and leading commemorative events in Canada, with just over half (58%) saying this is very important. Support for this initiative drops significantly when events are to be held outside of Canada, with only 50% attributing importance. Following this, similar proportions attributed importance to providing funding for commemorative projects (74%), posting remembrance content on social media (72%), and creating remembrance related ads (71%). Two-thirds of Canadians (65%) attributed importance to providing promotional materials, such as posters and pins, while the creation of virtual or online ceremonies for Veterans' Week was considered important by 62% of Canadians. Support for these remembrance initiatives remains stable among Canadians, with changes of three percent or less recorded between 2020 and 2022.
Canadians' attitudes towards Veterans and Canada's military role remain strongly positive.
The results suggest that Canadians hold positive attitudes towards Veterans and the role played by Canada's military. More than nine in 10 Canadians agreed that Veterans and those who died in service should be recognized for their service to Canada (96%) and have made major contributions to our country (93%). Following this, more than eight in 10 Canadians agreed that participating in commemorative activities increases awareness of, and appreciation for, the contributions of Veterans and those who died in service (87%) and are proud of the role Canada's military played in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War (86%). Pride in Canada's military role declines somewhat when the focus is activities since the Korean War (79% indicated that they are proud of Canada's military role post-Korea). In addition, eight in 10 surveyed Canadians (82%) feel they demonstrate their appreciation of those who served our country and approximately three-quarters (76%) agreed that VAC effectively honours Veterans and preserves the memory of their achievements. Over time, Canadians' attitudes towards commemoration, Veterans and those who died in service have remained strong.
There is widespread agreement among Canadians on the importance of recognizing Veterans and those who died in service.
Consistent with previous years, a strong majority of Canadians agreed that it is important for VAC to recognize and honour Canadian Veterans and those who died in service by presenting and looking after care of memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers (92%) and by providing funeral and burial assistance (92%).Smaller majorities agreed that they are satisfied with how VAC recognizes and honours Canadian Veterans and those who died in service by presenting and looking after care of memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers (67%) and by providing funeral and burial assistance (61%).
In total, 94% of surveyed Canadians attributed importance to marking anniversaries related to military conflicts, such as the 80th anniversary of the Second World War's Dieppe Raid, and 86% attributed importance to marking anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada, such as the 25th anniversary of the Red River floods in Manitoba. Additionally, more than nine in 10 Canadians (95%) said it is important to recognize the contributions of Veterans and military personnel who served Canada in more recent operations, such as Canada's Mission in Afghanistan, humanitarian efforts and peace support operations around the world.
Subgroup variations were most consistent when looking at region, personal connections to Veterans, and immigration status. Respondents from Quebec were less likely to believe it is very important that Veterans' Week be held each year, less likely to have participated in Veterans' Week activities, and less likely to have attributed importance to mostremembrance initiatives and to marking key anniversaries related to military conflicts. Compared to other Canadians, Veterans, members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and those who know a Veteran were more likely to be aware of, and to have participated in, Veterans' Week, and to have view as important remembrance and commemoration. Finally, those who immigrated to Canada were less likely to be aware of Veterans' Week and to have engaged in remembrance-related activities. However, after living in Canada for six or more years, awareness and engagement levels of those who immigrated to Canada became more similar to those born in Canada.
A 14-minute random digit dialling (RDD) telephone survey was administered to 1,002 Canadian residents, 16 years of age or older, between November 14 and 24, 2022. The results of the survey can be considered representative of the population of Canadians aged 16 and older. Based on a sample of this size, the overall results can be considered accurate within ±3.3%, 19 times out of 20 (adjusted to reflect the geographically disproportionate sampling). The margins of error are greater for results pertaining to subgroups of the total sample and split samples.
I hereby certify as a Senior Officer of Phoenix Strategic Perspectives that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada and Procedures for Planning and Contracting Public Opinion Research. Specifically, the deliverables do not contain any reference to electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leader.
(original signed by)
Alethea Woods
President
Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc.
The contract value was $59,015.15 (including HST).
Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC) commissioned Phoenix Strategic Perspectives Inc. (Phoenix SPI) to conduct a telephone survey of Canadians regarding Veterans' Week and VAC's remembrance programming.
One of VAC's core responsibilities is post-Confederation military commemoration. VAC ensures (1) that Veterans and those who died in service are honoured and (2) that Canadians remember and appreciate Veterans and those who died in service. The Canada Remembers Program and the Funeral and Burial Program support these departmental results for commemoration and promote the following:
The Attitudes Towards Remembrance and Veterans' Week survey measures Canadians' level of participation in remembrance activities, their attitudes toward those who served in Canada's military, and their level of support for VAC's work related to remembrance. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Department's overall remembrance programming.
The research results allow VAC to continue to determine the impact and effectiveness of its remembrance activities, adapt activities to be relevant to Canadians, improve the methods used to inform Canadians about remembrance initiatives, and help to guide the planning of future remembrance-related programming.
A random digit dialling (RDD) telephone survey was administered to 1,002 Canadian residents, 16 years of age or older, between November 14 and 24, 2022. The survey averaged 14 minutes to complete. An overlapping dual-frame (landline and cell phone) sample was used to minimize coverage error.Footnote 1 The sample frame was geographically disproportionate to improve the accuracy of regional results. The results of the survey can be considered representative of the population of Canadians aged 16 and older. Based on a sample of this size, the overall results can be considered accurate within ±3.3%, 19 times out of 20 (adjusted to reflect the geographically disproportionate sampling). The margins of error are greater for results pertaining to subgroups of the total sample and split samples. For a more complete description of the methodology, refer to the Appendix: 1. Technical Specifications.
This section explores Canadians' awareness of Veterans' Week, as well as their views on the importance of Veterans' Week and the reasons why they hold these views.
Just over half (57%) of Canadians said they have heard of Veterans' Week. Over the last decade, awareness levels have remained consistent, varying by no more than three percentage points year over year.
| 2012 | 58% |
| 2014 | 57% |
| 2016 | 55% |
| 2017 | 55% |
| 2018 | 55% |
| 2019 | 54% |
| 2020 | 57% |
| 2022 | 57% |
Q1A: Have you ever heard of Veterans' Week? DK/NR: 2%. Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002.
Awareness of Veterans' Week is higher among the following subgroups:
Ninety-seven percent of surveyed Canadians said they have heard of Remembrance Day.
| 2022 | 97% |
Q1B: Have you ever heard of Remembrance Day? Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002.
Respondents from Quebec were least likely to have heard of Remembrance Day: 92% compared to 98% of those from Atlantic Canada, 97% from Ontario, 98% from the Prairies and 99% from British Columbia. In addition, those reporting an annual household income of $100,000 or more (100%), followed by those with an annual income of $60,000 to just under $100,000 (98%), were more likely than those reporting annual incomes of less than $60,000 (94%) to have heard of Remembrance Day. Awareness was also higher among those born in Canada (99% versus 91% of immigrants)Footnote 3 as well as among Veterans, CAF members and those who know a Veteran (99% versus 94% of others).
Most surveyed Canadians (87%) believe it is important to that Veterans' Week be held each year, with two-thirds saying it is very important. Over the last decade, the proportion of Canadians who feel that Veterans' Week is important has remained relatively stable, with virtually no change outside of the margin of error.
Prior to being asked to rate the importance of Veterans' Week on a scale of 1 to 5, respondents were first read the following descriptionFootnote 4:
Veterans' Week takes place November 5th to 11th each year, in the lead up to Remembrance Day. During this week, commemorative ceremonies and events take place across the country to recognize Canada's military personnel, Veterans, and those who died in service.
| Very important | Moderately | Neither | Not very | Not important at all | |
| 2012 | 64% | 20% | 10% | 3% | 3% |
| 2014 | 64% | 21% | 8% | 3% | 3% |
| 2016 | 69% | 19% | 8% | 1% | 2% |
| 2017 | 68% | 20% | 8% | 1% | 1% |
| 2018 | 68% | 19% | 10% | 1% | 2% |
| 2019 | 71% | 16% | 9% | 1% | 3% |
| 2020 | 66% | 21% | 8% | 2% | 2% |
| 2022 | 67% | 20% | 9% | 2% | 1% |
Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q2: How important is it that Veterans' Week be held each year?
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%.
The following are more likely to believe it is very important that Veterans' Week be held each year:
Canadians who said it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year (n=866) were asked to give their reasons why. Approximately three-quarters (74%) responded that they believe Veterans' Week is important as a way to honour Veterans and that Veterans have earned respect. Following this, approximately one-third of Canadians (36%) provided reasons pertaining to Canada's history or remembrance of those who served and sacrificed. One in 10 (9%) said Veterans' Week is important because of a personal connection, such as having a friend or family member who is a Veteran or in the military. Seven percent of respondents pointed to other reasons to explain why they attribute importance to Veterans' Week being held each year.
| Other | 7% |
| Focus on personal connections | 9% |
| Focus on history/remembrance | 36% |
| Honour Veterans/Veterans have earned respect | 74% |
Q2B: And why do you say it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year? Base: Those who said it is important; 2022 n=866. (Up to 2 responses accepted)
University graduates (41% versus 30% of those with a high school education or less) and women (41% versus 31% of men) are more likely to believe it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year as a way to focus on history and remembrance.
Figure 5 presents the full range of responsesFootnote 5, grouped by the themes presented in Figure 4. The following four responses were given most frequently:
Respondents could provide up to two reasons for thinking that Veterans' Week is important; therefore, the percentages for the full range of responses assigned to each theme (e.g., Focus on History / Remembrance) do not necessarily sum to the total percentage for that theme.
| Honour Veterans / Veterans Have Earned Respect | 74% |
| To honour and respect Veterans and those who died in service | 38% |
| To recognize their contribution to our freedom, security, and/or peace | 21% |
| Veterans fought for, and served, our country | 16% |
| To recognize their service and accomplishments | 11% |
| Canada would not be the country it is today / I would not be here if it were not for Veterans | 5% |
| We owe them / they deserve recognition | 3% |
| Focus on History / Remembrance | 36% |
| So people will remember their sacrifices | 22% |
| Part of our heritage / our history | 4% |
| So children can understand / learn the importance of it | 4% |
| Good idea / good to remember | 3% |
| Should not / cannot forget | 3% |
| So we do not repeat past mistakes | 2% |
| Many soldiers died in past wars | 2% |
| There are fewer Veterans / their stories should be told | --* |
| Focus on Personal Connections | 9% |
| Family member is a Veteran / I am a Veteran | 9% |
| Other Reasons | 7% |
| To show support for our troops (past and / or present) | 3% |
| Believe in it / it is important to do it | 2% |
| Forces us to examine war | --* |
| Other explanations | --* |
*Cell counts are too small to include in the table.
**1% of respondents offered no reason.
Over time, the reasons Canadians attribute importance to Veterans' Week being held each year have been very consistent since 2018.
![Figure 6: Reasons Why Veterans' Week Is Important [Over Time]](images_eng/figure06.png)
| 2012 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2022 | |
| Focus on personal connections | 10% | 7% | 11% | 9% | 8% | 9% | 8% | 9% |
| Focus on history/remembrance | 40% | 41% | 50% | 52% | 39% | 41% | 39% | 36% |
| Honour Veterans/Veterans have earned respect | 69% | 69% | 69% | 65% | 74% | 74% | 76% | 74% |
Q2B: And why do you say it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year? Base: Those who said it is important; 2022 n=866. (Up to 2 responses accepted)
Among the small number of surveyed Canadians (n=32 respondents) who said that Veterans' Week is not very important or not important at all, the most common explanation focused on cost-benefit, and included the view that a week is too long, that there are other issues of concern, and that it is expensive. This was followed by lack of personal resonance (i.e., it is not personally important, or one does not have any family or friends who are Veterans or in the military) and lack of information and awareness.Footnote 6
Respondents who indicated that Veterans' Week is neither important nor unimportant to them (n=95) were asked to explain why they feel that way. The most common reason was lack of personal resonance. Figure 7 presents the full range of reasons Canadians gave for thinking Veterans' Week is neither important nor unimportant.
| Lack of Personal Resonance | 30% |
| Do not care / not important to me personally | 25% |
| Do not have family members who are Veterans / Do not know anyone in the military | --* |
| Cost-Benefit Focus | 26% |
| We already have Remembrance Day / a week is too long | 19% |
| There are other issues / concerns that are more important | --* |
| Lack of Information / Awareness | 16% |
| Never heard of it / Do not know about it | 14% |
| Do not know what activities there are for Veterans' Week | --* |
| Pacifism | 11% |
| We should not celebrate war / we should focus on peace | 11% |
| Wrong Focus on the Past | --* |
| Happened in the past / we should focus on the present | --* |
| Most Veterans have died / very few Veterans left | --* |
| Other | --* |
| Should be a more private ceremony / held less often (so it is not overdone) | --* |
*Cell counts are too small to include in the table.
Fourteen percent of respondents offered no reason to explain why Veterans' Week is neither important nor unimportant to them.
This section explores topics related to Canadians' participation in Veterans' Week, including the level of participation, reasons for participation and non-participation, and the specific activities respondents participated in.
Eighty-eight percent of Canadians said they or members of their immediate family participated in Veterans' Week this year. This represents an increase of 14 percentage points since 2020, when remembrance activities were affected by the COVID-19 global pandemic, and likely the start of a return to pre-pandemic participation levels. Between 2016 and 2019, participation in Veterans' Week ranged from 88% to 92%.
| 2012 | 76% |
| 2014 | 81% |
| 2016 | 88% |
| 2017 | 91% |
| 2018 | 92% |
| 2019 | 91% |
| 2020 | 72% |
| 2022 | 86% |
Q3 Revised. This year, did you or members of your immediate family participate in any Veterans' Week activities which includes Remembrance Day? *Question wording changed in 2022
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002
Participation was lowest in Quebec where 69% of respondents participated in Veterans' Week activities. Elsewhere in the country, participation ranged from 94% in Ontario and British Columbia, to 95% in the Prairies and 96% in Atlantic Canada. Income and personal connections also affected participation. Canadians with a household income of $60,000 or more (92%) were more likely to participate than those from households reporting annual incomes of $40,000 to just under $60,000 (82%). Participation was also higher among Veterans, CAF members and those who know a Veteran personally (95%) compared to other Canadians (81%).
In addition, those born in Canada (90%) were more likely to participate in Veterans' Week than those who immigrated to Canada (83%). Furthermore, participation was higher among those who immigrated to Canada six or more years ago (90%) compared to those who immigrated to Canada in the last five years (66%).
Canadians who reported having participated in Veterans' Week in 2022 (n=452) were asked why they did so.Footnote 7 Just under half (47%) of Canadians who participated in Veterans' Week say they did so to honour and respect Veterans. This value has remained consistent since 2014, varying by no more than two percentage points from year to year.
Following this, approximately one-third (36%) participated because of a personal connection. In addition, nearly one-quarter (23%) participated to focus on history and remembrance, which represents a significant increase since 2020 when 12% of respondents attributed their participation to these reasons. Eight percent participated because they believe it is important (down from a high of 15% in 2019 and 11% in 2020).
![Figure 9: Reasons for Participating in Veterans' Week [By Theme]](images_eng/figure09.png)
| 2012 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2022 | |
| Focus on personal connections | 34% | 33% | 32% | 40% | 33% | 37% | 35% | 36% |
| Focus on history/remembrance | 17% | 15% | 18% | 16% | 16% | 14% | 12% | 23% |
| Honour Veterans/Veterans have earned respect | 41% | 48% | 46% | 48% | 48% | 48% | 48% | 47% |
| Believe in it/it's important | 12% | 13% | 11% | 10% | 13% | 15% | 11% | 8% |
Q3B. And why did you or members of your immediate family participate in Veterans' Week which includes Remembrance Day? *Question wording changed in 2022
Base: Those who initially acknowledged participating in Veterans' Week when asked; 2022 n=452. (Up to 2 responses accepted)
The specific reasons Canadians gave for participating in Veterans' Week are presented below in Figure 10. Respondents were permitted to provide up to two reasons; therefore, the percentages for the full range of responses assigned to each theme (e.g., Honour Veterans / Veterans Earned Respect) may not necessarily sum to the total percentage for that theme presented in Figure 9 above.
| Honour Veterans / Veterans Earned Respect | 47% |
| To honour and respect the Veterans and those who died in service | 36% |
| To recognize their contribution to our freedom, security, and/or peace | 7% |
| To recognize their service and accomplishments | 6% |
| Veterans fought for, and served, our country | 3% |
| Canada would not be the country it is if it were not for Veterans | --* |
| Focus on Personal Connections | 36% |
| Family member is a Veteran / I am a Veteran | 26% |
| I / someone I know participates in events | 7% |
| Know / am related to someone who is currently in the military / I am currently in the military | 5% |
| Focus on History / Remembrance | 23% |
| So children can understand / learn the importance of it | 11% |
| So people will remember their sacrifices | 10% |
| Good idea / good to remember | 4% |
| Other Reasons | 16% |
| Believe in it / it is important to do it | 8% |
| Tradition / habit / we do it every year | 4% |
| To show support for our troops (past and/or present) | 3% |
| Show some (national) pride | --* |
*Cell counts are too small to include in the table.
Among Canadians who did not participate in Veterans' Week this year (n=544), half (51%) were unable to participate because of practical reasons. This represents a significant increase since 2020, when 15% of respondents pointed to practice reasons. In 2020, at 49%, the top reason for not participating in Veterans' Week was the COVID-19 global pandemic. This year, just 4% of surveyed Canadians said they did not participate due to COVID-19 restrictions in their area or to lack of comfort attending a ceremony in person.
![Figure 11: Reasons for Not Participating in Veterans' Week [By Theme]](images_eng/figure11.png)
| 2012 | 2014 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2020 | 2022 | |
| No opportunity to participate | 6% | 6% | 8% | 10% | 7% | 9% | 6% | 12% |
| Lack of personal resonance | 24% | 13% | 15% | 9% | 11% | 13% | 12% | 15% |
| Lack of knowledge/awareness | 20% | 30% | 26% | 26% | 23% | 25% | 16% | 18% |
| Practical reasons | 34% | 45% | 46% | 50% | 50% | 49% | 15% | 51% |
Q3C. And why didn't you or members of your immediate family participate in Veterans' Week which includes Remembrance Day? *Question wording changed in 2022
Base: Those who did not participate; 2022 n=544. (Up to 2 responses accepted)
Following practical reasons, 18% of Canadians did not participate in Veterans' Week activities due to lack of knowledge or awareness and 15% did not participate because of lack of personal resonance. Twelve percent attributed their lack of participation to the perception that there were no opportunities in their area to participate in Veterans' Week (up from 6% in 2020, a year in which COVID-19 restrictions limited opportunities to participate).
Figure 12 illustrates the full range of reasons Canadians gave for not participating in Veterans' Week. Respondents could provide up to two reasons.
| Practical Reasons | 51% |
| Too busy / no time to attend | 28% |
| Had to work / not available to participate | 15% |
| Cannot participate due to health reasons / age | 11% |
| Lack of Knowledge / Awareness | 18% |
| Never heard of it / do not know about it | 12% |
| Do not know what activities there are for Veterans' Week | 6% |
| Lack of Personal Resonance | 15% |
| Do not care / not important to me personally | 7% |
| I am an immigrant | 6% |
| Do not have family members who are Veterans / do not know anyone in the military | 3% |
| No Opportunity | 12% |
| No occasion / opportunity / chance to participate | 7% |
| There are no activities for Veterans' Week in the area | 5% |
| COVID-19 Pandemic | 4% |
| COVID-19 restrictions in my area/uncomfortable participating in person due to COVID-19 | 4% |
| Other Reasons | 8% |
| Don't have family nearby | 4% |
| Remembered by wearing a poppy | --* |
| Already have Remembrance Day | --* |
| We shouldn't celebrate war/ we should focus on peace | --* |
| Other explanations | --* |
*Cell counts are too small to include in the table.
Four percent of respondents offered no reason to explain why they did not participate in Veterans' Week.
All surveyed Canadians were asked about their participation in various Veterans' Week activities. The most common activity was to wear a poppy (76%) closely followed by observing a moment of silence (72%). In addition, four in 10 Canadians (43%) watched a Remembrance Day 2022 ceremony on television, while three in 10 participated on social media (31%), watched a virtual service (30%), or participated in a remembrance ceremony in their community (30%).
| Wore a poppy | 76% |
| Observed a moment of silence | 72% |
| Watched a Remembrance Day 2022 ceremony on TV | 43% |
| Participated on social media by posting a poppy or other commemorative symbol, commenting on remembrance posts, or sharing stories* | 31% |
| Watched a virtual Remembrance Day ceremony | 30% |
| Participated in a remembrance ceremony in community | 30% |
Q4A-F: Did you or members of your immediate family do any of the following during Veterans' Week this year? *Wording changed this year. Base: 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: <1% - 1%. (Multiple responses accepted)
Residents of Quebec were less likely than those living elsewhere in the country to have participated in many of the activities. Specifically:
Differences based on age followed a consistent pattern. Those aged 65+ were less likely than younger Canadians to participate on social media (19% versus 35% of 25- to 44-year-olds and 37% of 45- to 64-year-olds), attend a ceremony in their community (26% versus 33% of 45- to 64-year-olds), and watch a ceremony on TV (67% compared to 21% of those under 25, 30% of 25- to 44-year-olds and 44% of 45- to 64-year-olds). Conversely, those aged 65+ (37%) were more likely than those under 45 (25%) to report having participated in a virtual ceremony.
The likelihood of doing the following was higher among Canadians with annual household incomes of $60,000 or more: wearing a poppy (80% of those with incomes of $60,000 to just under $100,000 and 84% of those with incomes of $100,000 or more compared to 67% of Canadians with incomes of $40,000 to just under $60,000), attending a ceremony in their community (37% of those with incomes of $100,000 and 31% of those with incomes of $60,000 to just under $100,000 compared to 20% of Canadians with incomes of under $40,000), and observing a moment of silence (77% of those with incomes of $60,000 or more compared to 60% of those with incomes of $40,000 to just under $60,000).
Except for participating on social media, those born in Canada were more likely than those who immigrated to Canada to have taken part in all these Veterans' Week activities. Participation in all activities was higher among Veterans, CAF members and those who know a Veteran personally compared to other Canadians.
Participation in Veterans' Week activities remains largely unchanged since 2017, with two exceptions: attendance of in-person ceremonies and participation on social media. Following a decline in attendance of in-person ceremonies in 2020 (likely due to the COVID-19 pandemic), this year marks an increase, from 15% to 30%, with participation rates now approaching pre-pandemic levels, which ranged from 35% to 39% over the last decade. There has also been a notable increase in the proportion of Canadians who said they participated on social media—from 22% in 2019 and 2020, to 31% this year. It should be noted, however, that the questionnaire wording was changed this year, which may explain, at least in part, some of the change over time.Footnote 8
![Figure 14: Participation in Veterans' Week Activities [Over Time]](images_eng/figure14.png)
| Wore a poppy | Observed a moment of silence | Watched Remembrance Day ceremony on TV | Participated in ceremony in community* | Participated on social media** | |
| 2012 | 79% | 50% | 35% | 18% | |
| 2014 | 82% | 56% | 36% | 24% | |
| 2016 | 83% | 45% | 38% | 29% | |
| 2017 | 79% | 71% | 45% | 39% | 25% |
| 2018 | 82% | 72% | 46% | 38% | 20% |
| 2019 | 78% | 71% | 43% | 37% | 22% |
| 2020 | 72% | 69% | 43% | 15% | 22% |
| 2022 | 76% | 72% | 43% | 30% | 31% |
Q4A-F: Did you or members of your immediate family do any of the following during Veterans' Week this year?
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: <1% - 1%. (Multiple responses accepted)
*Wording change in 2020.
**Wording change in 2020 and 2022.
This section discusses Canadians' perceptions about the importance of various Veterans' Week initiatives.
Respondents were asked to rate the level of priority the Government of Canada should place on the following remembrance initiatives:
Majorities of Canadians support all the initiatives, rating them as somewhat or very important.
| Very important | Somewhat | Neutral | Not very | Not important at all | |||
| Providing educational materials for schools† | 72% | 18% | 7% | 1% | 1% | 90% | |
| Supporting and leading commemorative events in Canada‡ | 58% | 24% | 12% | 2% | 2% | 82% | |
| Providing funding for commemorative projects† | 45% | 29% | 17% | 5% | 3% | 74% | |
| Posting remembrance-related content on social media† | 44% | 28% | 18% | 4% | 5% | 72% | |
| Creating remembrance-related ads† | 42% | 30% | 18% | 5% | 5% | 72% | |
| Creating virtual or online remembrance ceremonies | 38% | 24% | 24% | 6% | 1% | 62% | |
| Providing promotional materials, such as posters and pins | 36% | 29% | 24% | 6% | 5% | 65% | |
| Supporting and leading commemorative events outside Canada‡ | 27% | 23% | 29% | 7% | 11% | 50% |
*Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q5A-H: Now, thinking about ways of recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of Canadians during wartime and in peacetime operations, what priority should the Government of Canada place on each of the following remembrance initiatives?
†Wording changed in 2018.
‡Wording changed 2019.
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. Exception: Q5B/C are split samples. DK/NR: <1%-3%.
Nine in 10 Canadians (90%) attributed importance to providing educational materials for schools, with 72% saying this is very important. Eight in 10 Canadians (82%) attributed importance to supporting and leading commemorative events in Canada, with just over half (58%) saying this is very important. Support for this initiative drops significantly when events are to be held outside of Canada (only 50% attributed importance to this).
Following this, similar proportions attributed importance to providing funding for commemorative projects (74%), posting remembrance content on social media (72%), and creating remembrance related ads (71%). Two-thirds of Canadians (65%) attributed importance to providing promotional materials, such as posters and pins, while the creation of virtual or online ceremonies for Veterans' Week was considered important by 62% of Canadians.
In terms of subgroup variations, the following are noteworthy:
Support for these remembrance initiatives remains stable among Canadians, with virtually no changes since 2020. The exception is supporting or leading commemorative events outside of Canada—support has increased seven percentage points, from 43% in 2020 to 50% in 2022. Looking back over the last decade, except for creating remembrance ads, support for all these initiatives is higher than it was in 2012.
![Figure 16: Importance of Remembrance Initiatives [Over Time]](images_eng/figure16.png)
| Support/lead commemorative events in Canada‡ | Support/lead commemorative events outside Canada‡ | Provide funding for commemorative projects† |
| 80% | 66% | |
| 80% | 66% | |
| 87% | 70% | |
| 87% | 70% | |
| 84% | 75% | |
| 86% | 74% | |
| 85% | 43% | 73% |
| 82% | 50% | 74% |
Q5A-H: Now, thinking about ways of recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of Canadians during wartime and in peacetime operations, what priority should the Government of Canada place on each of the following remembrance initiatives? Base: SPLIT SAMPLE; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: <1%-2%.
This section explores attitudes towards Canadian Veterans and those who died in service, as well as towards Canada's military and the role that it plays.
Canadians were asked to rate their level of agreement with the following statements:
The results suggest that Canadians hold positive attitudes towards Veterans, commemoration, and Canada's military. More than nine in 10 Canadians agreed that Veterans and those who died in service should be recognized for their service to Canada (96%) and have made major contributions to our country (93%).
Following this, more than eight in 10 Canadians agreed that participating in commemorative activities increases awareness of, and appreciation for, the contributions of Veterans and those who died in service (87%) and are proud of the role Canada's military played in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War (86%). Pride in Canada's military role declines somewhat when the focus is activities since the Korean War (79% indicated that they are proud of Canada's military role post-Korea).
In addition, eight in 10 surveyed Canadians (82%) feel that they try to demonstrate their appreciation to those who served our country and approximately three-quarters (76%) agreed that Veterans Affairs Canada effectively honours Veterans and preserves the memory of their achievements.
| Completely agree | Somewhat agree | Neutral | Somewhat disagree | Completely disagree | |
| Veterans Affairs Canada's remembrance program effectively honours Veterans and those who died in service, and preserves the memory of their achievements and sacrifices. | 52% | 24% | 16% | 2% | 2% |
| I am proud of the role Canada´s military has played since the Korean War.** | 57% | 22% | 13% | 2% | 2% |
| I try to show my appreciation to those who served our country.** | 62% | 20% | 11% | 3% | 3% |
| Taking part in commemorative activities increases awareness of, and appreciation for, the contributions of Veterans and those who died in service. | 65% | 22% | 10% | 1% | 1% |
| I am proud of the role Canada´s military played in the First and Second World Wars and the Korean War.** | 72% | 14% | 8% | 1% | 1% |
| Canada's Veterans and those who died in service have made major contributions to our country.** | 79% | 14% | 5% | 1% | 1% |
| Canada's Veterans and those who died in service should be recognized for their service to Canada.** | 85% | 11% | 3% | 0% | 1% |
Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q6A-G: Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means completely disagree and 5 means completely agree.
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%-4%
**Wording changed 2022.
In terms of subgroup variations, the following are noteworthy:
There were differences based on education, household income, and gender, but these differences were not consistent and not indicative of a pattern.
Attitudes towards commemoration and Veterans/those who died in service are stable over time
Over time, Canadians' attitudes towards commemoration, Veterans and those who died in service have remained strong. Since 2020, there has been virtually no change, with one exception—there has been a 10-percentage point increase in the proportion of Canadians who say they try to show their appreciation to those who served the country (from 72% to 82% in 2022).
![Figure 18: Attitudes Towards Veterans and Commemoration [Over Time]](images_eng/figure18.png)
| Recognition** | Contributions** | Appreciation** | Honours | Participation | |
| 2012 | 91% | 86% | 66% | 75% | |
| 2014 | 93% | 83% | 66% | 73% | |
| 2016 | 96% | 89% | 73% | 76% | |
| 2017 | 96% | 92% | 73% | 74% | 86% |
| 2018 | 96% | 93% | 74% | 73% | 86% |
| 2019 | 96% | 93% | 75% | 70% | 86% |
| 2020 | 94% | 91% | 72% | 73% | 84% |
| 2022 | 95% | 93% | 82% | 76% | 87% |
Q6: Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means completely disagree and 5 means completely agree.
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%-4%
**Wording changed 2022.
This section examines Canadians' perceptions of the importance of, and levels of satisfaction with, VAC's measures to recognize Veterans and those who died in service.
Nine in 10 Canadians (92%) considered it important that VAC recognize and honour Canadian Veterans and those who died in service by presenting and looking after memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers.Those who did not (6%) were neutral, neither agreeing nor disagreeing that it is important for VAC to present and look after these sites.
Two-thirds (67%) of surveyed Canadians agreed that they are satisfied with how VAC recognizes and honours Canadian Veterans and those who died in service by presenting and looking after memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers. Those who did not express satisfaction with VAC's performance were more likely to be neutral (20%) or to not know how to assess VAC in this area (9%) than to report any level of disagreement.
| Completely agree | Somewhat agree | Neutral | Somewhat disagree | Completely disagree | |
| Important | 74% | 18% | 6% | 0% | 0% |
| Satisfied | 41% | 26% | 20% | 2% | 2% |
Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q7a/b: Veterans Affairs Canada has a mandate to present and care for certain memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers, and provide funeral and burial assistance for deceased Canadian Veterans. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements… Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%-9%
**Wording changed in 2022.
Veterans, CAF members, and those who know a Veteran personally (94%) were more likely than other Canadians (89%) to attribute importance to recognizing and honouring Canadian Veterans and those who died in service through the presentation and care of memorials, cemeteries, and grave markers. Regionally, those living in Quebec (86%) were less likely than those living in other regions of the country to agree that it is important to recognize and honour Veterans and those who died in service this way. There were no subgroup differences when Canadians were asked their satisfaction with VAC's performance.
Over the past decade, Canadians' attitudes towards recognition have remained largely stable. Views on the importance of recognizing and honouring Canadian Veterans and those who died in service by presenting and looking after memorials, cemeteries and grave markers are virtually unchanged since 2016, and are more positive now than a decade ago. Views on the performance of VAC in this area have been gradually improving since 2019 when 61% of Canadians agreed they were satisfied to 64% in 2020 and 67% in 2022.
![Figure 20: Presentation and Care of Memorials, Cemeteries and Grave Markers [Over Time]](images_eng/figure20.png)
| Important that VAC recognize and honour Canadian Veterans and those who died in service** | Satisfied with how VAC recognizes and honours Canadian Veterans and those who died in service** | |
| 2012 | 88% | 66% |
| 2014 | 89% | 62% |
| 2016 | 91% | 65% |
| 2017 | 93% | 63% |
| 2018 | 93% | 59% |
| 2019 | 93% | 61% |
| 2019 | 93% | 61% |
| 2020 | 92% | 64% |
| 2022 | 92% | 67% |
Q7a/b: Veterans Affairs Canada has a mandate to present and care for certain memorials, departmental cemeteries, and grave markers as well as to provide funeral and burial assistance for deceased Canadian Veterans. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements… Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%-9%
**Wording changed in 2022.
There is strong and widespread agreement among Canadians that it is important VAC recognize and honour deceased Canadian Veterans by providing funeral and burial assistance. Specifically, 92% of surveyed Canadians agreed that this is important, including 77% that completely agreed.
Turning to assessments of VAC's performance, six in 10 (61%) Canadians agreed they are satisfied with how VAC recognizes and honours deceased Veterans through the provision of funeral and burial assistance. Respondents who were not satisfied with VAC's performance were more likely to be neutral (21%) than to express dissatisfaction (4%). Thirteen percent of respondents were not able to rate VAC's performance providing funeral and burial assistance.
| Completely agree | Somewhat agree | Neutral | Somewhat disagree | Completely disagree | |
| Important | 77% | 15% | 6% | 1% | 0% |
| Satisfied | 37% | 24% | 21% | 2% | 2% |
Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q7c/d: Veterans Affairs Canada has a mandate to present and care for certain memorials, departmental cemeteries, and grave markers as well as to provide funeral and burial assistance for deceased Canadian Veterans. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements… Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1% - 13%
**Wording changed in 2022.
The following were more likely to agree that they are satisfied with VAC's provision of funeral and burial assistance: those in British Columbia (69%) and Atlantic Canada (69%) compared to those in Quebec (54%); those under 25 (77%) compared to 59% of 25- to 44-year-olds and 57% of 45- to 64- year-olds; and those who with a high school education or less (75%) compared to college (58%) and university (55%) graduates. There were no subgroup differences when Canadians were asked about the importance of this activity.
Agreement that it is important that VAC recognize and honour deceased Canadian Veterans by providing funeral and burial assistance has been consistent over time, from 91% in 2016 to 92% in 2022. Satisfaction with how VAC recognizes and honours deceased Canadian Veterans by providing funeral and burial assistance has increased five percentage points, from 56% in 2020 to 61% in 2022.
![Figure 22: Importance of Providing Funeral and Burial Assistance [Over Time]](images_eng/figure22.png)
| Important that VAC recognize and honour deceased Canadian Veterans by providing funeral and burial assistance | Satisfied with how VAC recognizes and honours deceased Canadian Veterans by providing funeral and burial assistance** | |
| 2016 | 91% | 65% |
| 2017 | 93% | 63% |
| 2018 | 91% | 52% |
| 2019 | 92% | 56% |
| 2020 | 91% | 56% |
| 2022 | 92% | 61% |
Q7c/d: Veterans Affairs Canada has a mandate to present and care for certain memorials, departmental cemeteries, and grave markers as well as to provide funeral and burial assistance for deceased Canadian Veterans. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements… Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1% - 13%
**Wording changed in 2022.
This section examines Canadians' views on recognizing Canadian military milestones.
The vast majority of Canadians think it is important to mark key military anniversaries in Canada: 94% attribute importance to marking anniversaries related to military conflicts and 86% attribute importance to marking anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada. When it comes to the level of importance, nearly two-thirds (64%) said marking anniversaries related to military conflicts is very important, while fewer (46%) felt this way about anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada.
Before responding to this question, respondents were informed that the following anniversaries took place in 2022: the 80th anniversary of the Second World War's Dieppe Raid and the 105th anniversary of the First World War's Battle of Vimy Ridge; and the 25th anniversary of the Red River floods in Manitoba.
| Very important | Somewhat important | Not very important | Not important at all | |
| to military efforts in Canada? | 46% | 40% | 6% | 2% |
| to military conflicts? | 64% | 30% | 4% | 2% |
*Values of 2% or less are not labelled in the graph.
Q8a: In 2022, Canada marked the 80th anniversary of the Second World War's Dieppe Raid and the 105th anniversary of the First World War's Battle of Vimy Ridge. Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important for Canada and Canadians to mark key anniversaries related to military conflicts? Base: SPLIT SAMPLE; 2022 n=501. DK/NR: <1%
Q8b: In 2022, Canada marked the 25th anniversary of the Red River floods in Manitoba. Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important for Canada and Canadians to mark key anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada?
Base: SPLIT SAMPLE; 2022 n=501. DK/NR: 5%
Those in Quebec (86%) were less likely than those living in Atlantic Canada (98%) and Ontario (98%) or the Prairies (97%) to say it is important to mark key anniversaries related to military conflicts. On the other hand, Veterans, CAF members, and those who know a Veteran personally (97%) were more likely than other Canadians (91%) to think it is important to mark these types of military anniversaries. There were no subgroup differences when Canadians were asked about marking anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada.
More than nine in 10 Canadians (95%) said it is important to recognize the contributions of Veterans and military personnel who served Canada in more recent operations, such as Canada's Mission in Afghanistan, humanitarian efforts and peace support operations around the world.
| Very important | Somewhat important | Not very important | Not at all important | |
| 2022 | 68% | 27% | 3% | 1% |
Q9: How important is it that we honour and recognize the contributions of Veterans and military personnel who served Canada in more recent operations such as Canada's Mission in Afghanistan, humanitarian efforts and peace support operations around the world?
Base: All respondents; 2022 n=1,002. DK/NR: 1%
The following groups of Canadians were more likely to view this as very important: those in Atlantic Canada (69%), Ontario (74%) and the Prairies (74%) compared to Quebec (56%); Canadians aged 65+ (73%) compared to those under 25 (69%); those with a high school education or less (76%); and Veterans, CAF members and those who know a Veteran (76%).
The following specifications applied to this survey:
| Strata | Completed Interviews |
|---|---|
| Atlantic | 100 |
| Quebec | 302 |
| Ontario | 350 |
| Prairies (and Nunavut and the Northwest Territories) | 150 |
| British Columbia (and the Yukon Territory) | 100 |
| Total | 1,002 |
| Total | Landline | Cell | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Numbers Attempted | 67,807 | 21,794 | 46,013 |
| Out-of-scope - Invalid | 34,934 | 8,956 | 25,978 |
| Unresolved (U) | 19,509 | 6,508 | 13,001 |
| No answer/Answering machine | 19,509 | 6,508 | 13,001 |
| In-scope - Non-responding (IS) | 12,296 | 5,808 | 6,488 |
| Language barrier | 223 | 108 | 115 |
| Incapable of completing (ill/deceased) | 115 | 84 | 31 |
| Callback (Respondent not available) | 986 | 301 | 685 |
| Refusal | 10,782 | 5,229 | 5,553 |
| Termination | 190 | 86 | 104 |
| In-scope - Responding units (R) | 1,068 | 522 | 546 |
| Completed Interview | 1,002 | 500 | 502 |
| Not Qualified – Employment exclusions | 50 | 22 | 28 |
| Not Qualified – Age | 16 | 0 | 16 |
| Unweighted | Weighted | |
|---|---|---|
| Base | n=1,002 | n=1,002 |
| Region | ||
| Atlantic Canada | 100 | 65 |
| Quebec | 302 | 235 |
| Ontario | 350 | 390 |
| Prairies* | 150 | 175 |
| British Columbia** | 100 | 136 |
| Age | ||
| Under 25 | 46 | 114 |
| 25 to 44 | 207 | 295 |
| 45 to 64 | 305 | 296 |
| 65 or older | 358 | 210 |
| Gender | ||
| Male | 470 | 480 |
| Female | 522 | 511 |
| Another gender | - | - |
*Includes Nunavut and the Northwest Territories.
**Includes the Yukon Territory.
Hello/Bonjour, my name is ________________. I'm calling on behalf of Phoenix, a public opinion research firm. We're doing a survey for the Government of Canada to explore issues of interest to Canadians. Would you prefer to continue in English or French? / Préférez-vous continuer en français ou en anglais?
This survey should take about ten minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and completely confidential. Your answers will remain anonymous. If you say you no longer wish to take part, we will delete your earlier survey responses. Should you complete the survey, we will manage any information you provide as per the Privacy Act, the Access to Information Act, and any other related legislation.
[ACCESSIBILITY NOTE: If an alternative method of taking part in the survey is needed offer this to respondents.]
Cell sample skip A, go to CS1.
A. I'd like to speak to someone in your household who is 16 years of age or older. Is that you?
| Yes | CONTINUE | ||||||||
| No | ASK TO SPEAK TO ELIGIBLE PERSON. REPEAT INTRO |
| Advertising or market research | THANK/DISCONTINUE |
| The media (i.e., TV, radio, newspapers) | THANK/DISCONTINUE |
| As an elected official | THANK/DISCONTINUE |
Cell sample only:
CS1. Have I reached you on your cell phone?
| Yes | CONTINUE |
| No | GO TO B |
CS2. Are you 16 years of age or older?
| Yes | CONTINUE |
| No | THANK/DISCONTINUE |
CS3. Are you in a place where you can safely talk on the phone and answer my questions?
| Yes | GO TO B |
| No | CONTINUE |
CS4. When would be a good time for me to call back?
Schedule call-back if possible (time/day): _______________
Ask everyone:
B. Do you, or does anyone in your family or household, work in any of the following areas? [READ LIST]
THOSE BELONGING TO THE ABOVE CATEGORIES ARE NOT ELIGIBLE TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY. TELL THEM: Thank you for your willingness to take part in this survey. Unfortunately, you do not meet the eligibility requirements of this study.
C. In what year were you born?
Record year: ____________
Interviewer and programming notes:
https://www.canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/rvs/home/?Lang=en.
The number for this project is: 20221103-ph855.
Calls made for the purpose of market research, polls or surveys are not considered telemarketing calls. Organizations making these types of calls are not required to register with the National Do Not Call List. The National Do Not Call List toll-free telephone number is 1-866-580-3625.
ASK EVERYONE:
1. Have you ever heard of…[READ ITEMS]?
READ THIS DESCRIPTION TO EVERYONE:
Veterans' Week takes place November 5th to 11th each year, in the lead up to Remembrance Day. During this week, commemorative ceremonies and events take place across the country to recognize Canada's military personnel, Veterans and those who died in service. MODIFIED 2022
2a. On a scale of 1 to 5—where 1 means not important at all and 5 means very important, with 3 being neither unimportant nor important—in your opinion, how important is it that Veterans' Week be held each year? T20
Not important at all
Not very important
Neither important nor unimportant
Moderately important
Very important
ASK IF "VERY/MODERATELY IMPORTANT":
2b. And why do you say it is important that Veterans' Week be held each year? [DO NOT READ LIST; ACCEPT UP TO TWO RESPONSES; DO NOT PROBE BEYOND FIRST RESPONSE] T20
| To honour/ to respect the Veterans/ those who died in service |
| So people will remember their sacrifices |
| To recognize their contribution to our freedom/ security/ peace |
| Veterans fought for our country/ they served our country |
| To recognize their service/ accomplishments |
| Family member is a Veteran/ I am a Veteran |
| Canada wouldn't be the country it is today/ I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Veterans |
| So children can understand/ learn the importance of it |
| Good idea/ good to remember |
| We owe them/ they deserve recognition |
| Part of our heritage/ our history |
| Many soldiers died in past wars |
| So we don't repeat past mistakes |
| Should not/ cannot forget |
| There are fewer Veterans/ their story should be told |
| Believe in it/ it's important to do it |
| To show support for our troops (past and/ or present) |
| Forces us to examine war |
| Other. Specify: __________________________ |
| Nothing/ no reason |
ASK IF "NOT VERY/NOT AT ALL IMPORTANT":
2c. And why do you say it is not important that Veterans' Week be held each year? [DO NOT READ LIST; ACCEPT UP TO TWO RESPONSES; DO NOT PROBE BEYOND FIRST RESPONSE] T20
| Never heard of it/ don't know about it |
| Don't care/ not important to me personally |
| We already have Remembrance Day/ a week is too long |
| Happened in the past/ we should focus on the present |
| We shouldn't celebrate war/ we should focus on peace |
| Don't have family members who are Veterans/ don't know anyone in the military |
| Too expensive/ waste of money |
| Re-opens old wounds/ sad memories |
| There are other issues/ concerns that are more important |
| Most Veterans have died/ very few Veterans left |
| Don't know what activities there are for Veterans' Week |
| COVID-19/the pandemic (general mentions) |
| Other. Specify: __________________________ |
| Nothing/ no reason |
ASK IF "NEITHER IMPORTANT NOR UNIMPORTANT":
2d. And why do you say it is neither important nor unimportant that Veterans' Week be held each year? [DO NOT READ LIST; ACCEPT UP TO TWO RESPONSES; DO NOT PROBE BEYOND FIRST RESPONSE] T20
| Never heard of it/ don't know about it |
| Don't care/ not important to me personally |
| We already have Remembrance Day/ a week is too long |
| Don't have family members who are Veterans/ don't know anyone in the military |
| We shouldn't celebrate war/ we should focus on peace |
| Happened in the past/ we should focus on the present |
| Don't know what activities there are for Veterans' Week |
| There are other issues/ concerns that are more important |
| Most Veterans have died/ very few Veterans left |
| Should be a more private ceremony/ held less often (so it's not overdone) |
| COVID-19/the pandemic (general mentions) |
| Other. Specify: __________________________ |
| Nothing/ no reason |
ASK EVERYONE:
3a. This year, did you or members of your immediate family participate in Veterans' Week which includes Remembrance Day? T20; MODIFIED 2022
Yes
No
Don't know
ASK IF "YES":
3b. And why did you or members of your immediate family participate in Veterans' Week which includes Remembrance Day? [DO NOT READ LIST; ACCEPT UP TO TWO RESPONSES; DO NOT PROBE BEYOND FIRST RESPONSE] T20; MODIFIED 2022
| Family member is a Veteran/ I am a Veteran |
| To honour/ to respect the Veterans/ those who died in service |
| Know/ am related to someone/ I am currently in the military |
| So people will remember their sacrifices |
| Believe in it/ it's important to do it |
| So children can understand/ learn the importance of it |
| To recognize their contribution to our freedom/ security/ peace |
| I/ someone I know participate(s) in events |
| To recognize their service/ accomplishments |
| Veterans fought for our country/ they served our country |
| Canada wouldn't be the country it is today/ I wouldn't be here if it weren't for Veterans |
| To show support for our troops (past and/ or present) |
| Good idea/ good to remember |
| Show some (national) pride |
| Other. Specify: __________________________ |
| Nothing/ no reason |
ASK IF "NO":
3c. And why didn't you or members of your immediate family participate in Veterans' Week which includes Remembrance Day? [DO NOT READ LIST; ACCEPT UP TO TWO RESPONSES; DO NOT PROBE BEYOND FIRST RESPONSE] T20; MODIFIED 2022
| Never heard of it/ don't know about it |
| Too busy/ no time to attend |
| Don't have family members who are Veterans/ don't know anyone in the military |
| Had to work/ not available to participate |
| Don't care/ not important to me personally |
| There are no activities for Veterans' Week in the area |
| No occasion/ opportunity/ chance to participate |
| Don't know what activities there are for Veterans' Week |
| Participate in Remembrance Day events/observe Remembrance Day only We already have Remembrance Day, a week is too long |
| Can't participate due to health reasons/ elderly |
| Don't have family nearby |
| I'm an immigrant |
| We shouldn't celebrate war/ we should focus on peace |
| Remember by wearing a poppy |
| COVID-19 restrictions in my area/uncomfortable participating in person due to COVID-19 |
| Other. Specify: __________________________ |
| Nothing/ no reason |
ASK EVERYONE:
4. Did you or members of your immediate family do any of the following during Veterans' Week this year? [READ LIST; ACCEPT YES/NO FOR EACH ITEM] T20-B=NEW
* RECODE "NO" TO "YES" AT Q3 IF RESPONDENT DID ONE OF THE Q4 ACTIVITIES.
5. Now, thinking about ways of recognizing the achievements and sacrifices of Canadians during wartime and in peacetime operation, what priority should the Government of Canada place on each of the following remembrance initiatives? Please respond using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means not important at all and 5 means very important, with 3 meaning neither unimportant nor important. [READ LIST; OBTAIN RATING FOR EACH ITEM] T20
6. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means completely disagree and 5 means completely agree, with 3 meaning neither agree nor disagree. [READ LIST; OBTAIN RATING FOR EACH ITEM] T20 – A, B MODIFIED IN 2022.
7. Veterans Affairs Canada has a mandate to present and care for certain memorials, cemeteries and grave markers, and provide funeral and burial assistance for deceased Canadian Veterans. Please tell me how much you agree or disagree with each of the following statements, using a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 means completely disagree and 5 means completely agree. T20
[SPLIT SAMPLE Q8: 50% of respondents are asked Q8A and 50% are asked Q8B.]
8A. In 2022, Canada marked the 80th anniversary of the Second World War's Dieppe Raid and the 105th anniversary of the First World War's Battle of Vimy Ridge. Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important for Canada and Canadians to mark key anniversaries related to military conflicts?
Not at all important
Not very important
Somewhat important
Very important
8B. In 2022, Canada marked the 25th anniversary of the Red River floods in Manitoba. Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important for Canada and Canadians to mark key anniversaries related to military efforts in Canada?
Not at all important
Not very important
Somewhat important
Very important
ASK EVERYONE:
9. How important is it that we honour and recognize the contributions of Veterans and military personnel who served Canada in more recent operations such as Canada's Mission in Afghanistan, humanitarian efforts and peace support operations around the world? Is it very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important?
Not at all important
Not very important
Somewhat important
Very important
The last few questions are for classification purposes only.
10. What language do you speak most often at home? [READ LIST; ACCEPT ALL THAT APPLY]
English
French
Other
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
11. Were you born in Canada?
Yes
No [CODE AS FIRST GENERATION]
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
11B. [IF Q11=NO] In what year did you first come to Canada to live?
Record year: [4- digit number] [IF <5 YEARS AGO CODE AS NEWCOMER]
[DO NOT READ] Don't know/ Prefer not to answer
12. How do you identify your gender? [READ LIST]
Woman,
Man, or
Non-binary
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
13. Do you identify as any of the following? [READ LIST; ACCEPT ALL THAT APPLY]
An Indigenous person
A visible minorityA member of the 2SLGBTQ+ community
[DO NOT READ] None of these
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
14. What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed? [READ LIST]
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
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
*IN QUEBEC, PLEASE REPLACE WITH: "Secondary II or less"|
**IN QUEBEC, PLEASE REPLACE WITH: "Some secondary school"
15. What was your total household income for 2021? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes. Please stop me when I get to the correct amount. Is it…? [READ LIST]
Under $20,000
$20,000 to just under $40,000
$40,000 to just under $60,000
$60,000 to just under $80,000
$80,000 to just under $100,000
$100,000 to just under $150,000
$150,000 and above
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
16. Are you…? [READ LIST; ACCEPT ONE ANSWER ONLY]
a member of the Canadian Armed Forces
a Veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces
a friend or family member of a Veteran
a friend or family member of a currently serving member of the Canadian Armed Forces
[DO NOT READ] None of these
[DO NOT READ] Prefer not to answer
That concludes the survey. Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback.
It is much appreciated.
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