The majority of Canadians are proud of their country, according to a poll released ahead of Canada Day.
Two-thirds of those surveyed told Abacus Data they’re either “proud” or “very proud” of their nationality.
Only 11 per cent said they were “not very proud” or “not proud at all.”
Among the over 60s, 81 per cent said they’re proud.
Among younger Canadians, however, national pride was less common, with only 49 per cent of 18-29s expressing patriotism.
What makes Canadians proud?
Top of the list for reasons Canadians felt proud of their country was “natural beauty and the environment,” which was selected by 70 per cent of respondents.
Other popular choices included “peaceful and safe society” (63 per cent), universal health care (58 per cent) and tolerance and inclusivity (53 per cent).
What stops Canadians feeling proud?
Among the respondents who said they didn't feel proud of Canada, the most popular reason given was “economic struggles or lack of opportunities" (55 per cent).
Other reasons included Canadian politics (53 per cent), the country’s global reputation (42 per cent) and inequality (39 per cent).
Despite its popularity as a subject in the media and among academics, “historical grievances” was chosen by only 16 per cent of those who weren't proud of Canada.
“While Canadians face various challenges and hold differing views on the current state of the country, a resilient sense of pride and optimism persists,” Eddie Sheppard, who wrote the summary of the Abacus survey, explained.
“Two-thirds of Canadians express pride in being Canadian, with older generations particularly emphasizing this sentiment. This pride is deeply rooted in the nation’s natural beauty, peaceful and safe society, universal healthcare, inclusivity, and cultural diversity, highlighting the inherent beauty and values that make Canada a cherished home for its residents.
“However, economic struggles, political disagreements, and societal inequalities temper this pride, especially among younger Canadians. These issues underscore the complex realities that shape national sentiment, reflecting a mix of pride in what Canada stands for and concern over areas needing improvement, as well as the current challenges facing the country today.”
The survey, which was conducted between June 20 and 25, featured a sample of 1,926 Canadian adults.
