Canadians are re-engaging in social life, but they still take COVID seriously and want governments to require vaccination in a wide variety of circumstances. These findings are from an online survey conducted by INNOVATIVE from August 6th to August 11th, 2021, with a weighted sample size of 1,200 Canadian residents.
Activity Level
Compared to this spring, Canadians are participating in more activities of all risk levels. A over two-thirds (68%) of Canadians reported taking part in a “Moderate Risk” activity like visiting or hosting a friend in their home. Further, a third (33%) reported partaking in a “More Risk” activity like gathering in a small group inside a home.
Eyes on COVID
Canadians are still paying attention to COVID news, with 85% reporting they follow it closely. And Canadians aren’t just following COVID in the news, they’re worried about it. While fears are down from COVID’s peak, we still have 51% worried about catching it themselves and 69% afraid for vulnerable family and friends. Almost four in five (79%) are worried if we don’t take precautions, COVID could come back and put more lives at risk. Almost half (49%) strongly agree with that concern.
COVID Policies
Given that concern about a potential return of COVID-19, it is not surprising to find respondents strongly support mandatory vaccination and requiring proof of vaccination in a wide range of circumstances. Almost two-thirds (64%) of respondents support mandatory vaccination for all Canadians unless they have a medical exemption. Similarly, 68% supported proof of vaccination to enter indoor restaurants and gyms and 74% supported requiring proof for large gatherings like concerts and sporting events.
Government Approval
As COVID cases begin to rise due to the delta variant, government approval federally, in BC, and in Ontario, is beginning to slip. But the Alberta government is showing a small gain as it dismantles its COVID testing and tracing system.
