Seven in Ten (70%) Canadians Believe Summer 2021 Will be a Disappointment Given the Ongoing COVID Restrictions
Toronto, ON, May 20, 2021 – Given the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions that have been implemented throughout the country, a strong majority (70%) of Canadians agree (21% strongly/49% somewhat) that this summer will be a disappointment, according to a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Global News. Those residing in Ontario and Atlantic provinces are the most likely to agree that summer 2021 will be a disappointment, while those in Quebec are least likely to agree (75%, 75% vs 62%). Perhaps not surprising, those who have not been vaccinated are more likely to agree that this summer will be a disappointment compared to those who have been vaccinated (74% vs 67%).
While a majority sees the upcoming summer as a disappointment, many believe it will still be better than last year’s summer: six in ten (61%) Canadians agree (10% strongly/51% somewhat) that they are confident summer 2021 will be better than the summer of 2020. This opinion is more pronounced among those aged 18-34 (66% of those aged 18-34 vs 61% of those aged 55+ vs 56% of those aged 35-54). Additionally, those residing in Quebec are more likely to agree than the other provinces (75% Quebec vs 67% BC, 57% Atlantic, 56% Alberta, 54% Ontario, 53% Saskatchewan/Manitoba).
Hesitation around Travel Remains
Despite vaccination efforts ramping up across the country, only one quarter (26%) of Canadians agree (6% strongly/20% somewhat) that they plan on traveling outside of their province this summer. Men are more likely to travel (31% vs 21% women), as are those aged 18-34 (38% vs 26% 35-54, 18% 55+). Looking at a regional breakdown, those residing in Alberta and Saskatchewan/Manitoba are more likely to agree that they plan on traveling outside of their province this summer (43% Alberta, 40% Saskatchewan/Manitoba vs 26% Quebec, 22% Ontario, 22% Atlantic, 21% BC).
The hesitation towards travel is more present when it comes to travelling abroad (not surprising given the border restrictions still in place), with only one in eight (15%) Canadians agreeing (4% strongly/11% somewhat) that they plan on traveling outside of Canada this summer. When it comes to venturing outside Canada’s borders, similar demographics seem more willing to be on the move: men (18% vs 12% women) and those aged 18-34 (23% 18-34 vs 14% 35-54 vs 10% 55+) are more likely to say they’ll travel outside of Canada this summer.
Although the United States has a higher proportion of fully vaccinated residents, Canadians remain wary of the border re-opening, with only a quarter (25%) agreeing (9% strongly/16% somewhat) that it is now safe to re-open the Canada-US border to travelers. Again, men (31% vs 19% women) and those aged 18-34 (34% 18-34 vs 24% 35-54 vs 20% 55+) are more likely to agree that it is now safe for the border to re-open to travelers.
Indoor Events Still a No-Go for Most Canadians
When it comes public events, fewer than half (45%) of Canadians agree (13% strongly/31% somewhat) that they would feel safe attending an outdoor public festival or event this summer. Men (49% vs 41% women) and those aged 18-34 (56% 18-34 vs 45% 35-54, 35% 55+) are more likely to agree that they would feel safe attending an outdoor public event this summer. As well, Conversative party voters are more likely to agree (54% Conservative party voters vs 41% Liberal party voters, 35% NDP voters). Notably, those who have not been vaccinated are more likely to feel safe attending an outdoor public event this summer compared to those that have been vaccinated (49% vs 41%), but this is likely a function of age as most younger people are still waiting to get vaccinated.
There is more hesitation regarding indoor events, with only a third (28%) of Canadians agreeing (8% strongly/20% somewhat) that they would feel safe attending an indoor public festival or event this summer. Following a similar pattern, men (34% vs 23% female) and those aged 18-34 (43% 18-34, 25% 35-54, 20% 55+) are more likely to agree that they would feel safe attending an indoor public festival or event this summer. As well, Conservative party voters are more likely to agree (35% Conservative voters vs 24% Liberal party, 23% NDP voters). Similarly to outdoor events, those who have not been vaccinated are more likely to agree that they would feel safe attending an indoor public event this summer compared to those who have been vaccinated (35% vs 23%), once again being driven by younger people are seemingly less cautious than their older counterparts.
About the Study
These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between May 12th and 14th, 2021, on behalf of Global News. For this survey, a sample of 1,001 Canadians aged 18+ was interviewed online. Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the Canadian population according to census parameters. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll is accurate to within ± 3.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, had all Canadians aged 18+ been polled. The credibility interval will be wider among subsets of the population. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.
For more information on this news release, please contact:
Sean Simpson
Vice President, Ipsos Public Affairs
+1 416 324 2002
[email protected]
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