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A Gallup survey conducted Apr 20-26, 1998, found that acceptance of same sex marriages and adoption by homosexual couples is growing. Although more than half, or 52%, of Canadians polled oppose same sex marriage, 40% support it, up from 34% in 1996. A 57% respondent majority would also withhold adoption rights to homosexuals, but 36% would grant these rights, an increase of 2% from 1996.

A Gallup survey conducted May 7-12, 1997 found that 44% of Canadians believed unemployment was the most important problem in Canada, similar to 45% who believed unemployment was a primary concern following the previous federal election. Fourteen percent felt government debt was an important issue, followed by national unity at 10%. Prime Minister Jean Chretien was believed by 63% of Canadians to have strong leadership qualities, while Jean Charest received a high rating on leadership issues in Quebec. Former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was considered the most credible defender of Canadian federalism by 41% of Canadians.

A Gallup survey conducted May 7-12, 1997 found that 46% of Canadian voters support Jean Chretien's Liberal Party, down from 55% the previous month. While support decreased, the Liberal Party still holds a sizeable lead over Jean Charest's Progressive Conservative Party which is supported by 19% of decided voters. Ontario is the more liberal region with 58% favoring Chretien's party over 22% favoring Charest's party.

A Gallup survey conducted April 9-15, 1996 found that 27% of Canadians see the Progressive Conservative party as the most viable conservative hope for ousting the ruling Liberal Party. Nearly one quarter of those polled, 24%, favor the Reform Party. A proposed merger between the Conservative and Reform parties would be welcomed by 35% of those polled, while 46% would oppose a merger.

The results of a 22-nation survey suggest that the association between certain personality traits and gender is strong. Most survey respondents report that women are more emotional, more affectionate, and less impatient than men. Men are widely seen as more brave and more aggressive than women. In several nations, including Germany, the US, the UK, and Canada, large majorities of survey respondents believe that social conditions in their countries favor men over women.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov 8-13, 1995 found that Canadians' support of the federal political parties has remained constant over the past month, even after the close vote in the Quebec referendum. The Liberals retained the majority of support among Canadian voters, the Progressive Conservative Party garnered 14%, the Bloc got 12%, and the Reform Party received 11% of the support. The Bloc Party received support from 53% of Quebecers, and now leads the federal Liberals in Quebec province. Only 8% of Quebecers are satisfied with the current state of Canada.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 94% of Canadians aware of the Quebec referendum, while only 23% of French, 36% of American, and 29% of British respondents know about it. While 15% of the French oppose Quebec's separation, 56% support it. By contrast, 43% of Americans oppose separation with 16% in favor. In Canada, 71% of the Quebecers are very interested, with 80% of English Canadians similarly interested. Interest levels are lower elsewhere, with 43% of Americans and 29% of French claiming interest, in contrast to the British 43% who are not interested in the election.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 53% of Canadians support Jean Chretien's Liberal Party. Lucien Bouchard's separatist Bloc Quebecois receives 49% support from Quebec citizens, with 40% support for the Liberals, who had received 54% support the previous month. However, the Liberals have strong support in the rest of Canada. Canadians have little interest in the New Democratic Party race, with 67% undecided.

A Gallup survey conducted Sep 6-11, 1995 found that only 2% of Canadians call psychic hotlines, while 97% never use these services. Canadians in the 18-29 years age group are more likely to use psychic hotlines, as are Ontario and Quebec citizens. Of those who had used the phone services, 49% believe a prediction has come true, while 51% have not had a true prediction.

A Gallup survey conducted May 8-12, 1995, found that 44% of Canadians are in favor of decreasing the number of immigrants allowed into their country. Fewer than 10% would support an increase in the number of immigrants. The introduction of an entrance fee for immigrants by the Liberal government is supported by 73% of those surveyed and opposed by 18%. Fifty-two percent said that fewer refugees should be allowed into the country and 71% said that the cost of allowing refugees in should be reduced.

A Gallup survey conducted May 8-12, 1995, found that 32% of Canadians feel that the rights of individuals are threatened due to the increasing size and power of the federal government. This compares to 39% of Americans who hold the same opinion. While 13% of Canadians feel that citizens should be allowed to arm themselves to resist the federal government, 19% of Americans feel the same way. Thirty-five percent of Canadians are worried about terrorist attacks, compared to 42% of Americans.

A public opinion poll indicated that 34% of Canadians, or approximately 1/3 of the voting population, support the merger of the Reform Party with the Progressive Conservative Party. Such an alliance might give the opposition its best chance of beating the governing Liberal Party in the next federal election given that 23% viewed the Conservatives as the best alternative to the Liberals while 21% viewed the Reform Party as the best alternative. However, 41% disapprove of a Reform-Conservative merger while 26% has no opinion.

A Gallup survey conducted May 22-31, 1998, showed that 65% of Canadians polled who watched the 'Seinfeld' comedy series finale were disappointed with the quality of the show, compared to just 5% who said it exceeded their expectations. Nearly one-third of Canadian adults watched the finale. Of those who did not, 20% wanted to watch but were unable to, while 77% were not interested in watching.

A Gallup survey conducted Apr 20-16, 1998, shows that Canada's public schools receive the highest degrees of confidence and respect from Canadians, with 52% of respondents indicating a great deal or quite a lot of confidence and respect. Respondents also answered with a great deal or quite a lot of respect for the Canadian Armed Forces, at 50%, and for the Supreme Court and religious institutions, at 49%.

A Gallup survey conducted March 18-24, 1998, revealed that 67% of Canadians consider pharmacists to have high or very high honesty and ethical standards. Only 4% of respondents believe their standards are low or very low. The second highest standards are perceived to belong to doctors, with the third highest belonging to university faculty, police officers and engineers.

A Gallup survey performed March 18-24, 1998, revealed that 57% of Canadians believe that youthful criminals should face court trials. This figure is down from 59% from June 1994. Special sentences and provisions are favored by 38%, a 6% rise from June 1994. A 70% majority favor lowering the top age limit for young offenders from 17 to 15, so that 16- and 17-year-olds are tried as adults.

A Gallup survey conducted November 17-23, 1997, showed that 48% of Canadians believe that poorer areas should receive more money from the federal government. This is a 10% rise over last year's figure. Only 5% of respondents believe that spending should be decreased, while 35% support keeping federal spending for regional development at its current level.

A Gallup survey performed Jan 22-27, 1998, showed that although fewer Canadians believe unemployment to be the nation's primary problem, it continues to be their top concern. Of those polled, 32% feel unemployment is a priority, a 12% drop from 44% prior to the federal election of 1997. Unemployment's citation margin is more than double the second most-listed concern, the nation's economy.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec 8-15, 1997, found that most Canadians favor Prime Minister Jean Chretien over Jean Charest, Canada's Progressive Conservative leader. Of those polled, 54% approve of Chretien, while 47% approve of Charest. Chretien's support is down 3% from last month. Charest's support is up 5% from one year ago, and he holds a positive net approval level in each region.

Most Canadians are against a two-tiered health care plan, based on a Gallup telephone survey of 1003 adults conducted August 22-28, 1997. Fifty-three percent of respondents indicated either strong or moderate opposition to the proposal, while only 40% were favorable to it. Fifty-four percent of all Canadians would pay for private care from health clinics if they perceived an improvement of services over public health care.

A Gallup survey of 1003 adults conducted August 22-28, 1997, shows that 63% of Canadians would vote in favor of capital punishment for murder in a national referendum. Thirty percent would continue to oppose the death penalty, and six percent remain undecided. Support for the death penalty is highest in Western Canada, with 78% of British Columbians and 72% of Prairie residents supporting its reinstatement.

Results of a Gallup poll of 1000 Canadian adults, conducted July 22-27, 1997, show that 18% of those polled have personal knowledge of cases of child abuse. The figures range from 16% of Canadians on the Atlantic to 20% of those in British Columbia. The survey found the likeliest people to have knowledge of child abuse are young female Canadians, with 26% acknowledging personal awareness of such incidences.

Most Canadians exercised within 24 hours prior responding to a survey conducted in Sep 1997. This rate has increased from 54% in 1990 to 73% in 1997. Most Canadians feel their personal weight is 'about right,' with 63% providing that response in 1997 and continuing a trend begun in 1972. Twenty percent of those responding are on a diet to maintain or lose weight.

A Gallup telephone survey of 1000 adults, conducted July 22-27, 1997, show that 45% of Canadians believe violent crime is increasing in their communities, despite statistics to the contrary. 48% don't think there has been any change in the incidence of violent crime, and only 5% feel it is decreasing. Residents of Canada's three largest cities have different opinions on the prevalence of violent crime, with Vancouverites likeliest to feel it is increasing, at 59%.

A Gallup survey conducted June 11-16, 1997 found that 48% of voters made their voting decisions before the election campaign began. Of the voters in Quebec, 51% made up their mind before the campaign, while 33% of the Atlantic Canadian voters did the same. Sixteen percent of voters changed their minds during the campaign. Over half of the Canadians surveyed were pleased with the outcome of the election.

A Gallup survey conducted May 25-28, 1997 found that 41% of Canadian voters support Jean Chretien's Liberal Party. The lead is down from 55% in April but remains higher than the 22% supporting Jean Charest's Progressive Conservative Party. Twenty-seven percent of Canadians surveyed remain undecided. Support for Liberals in Quebec was at 37% while voters for Bloc Quebecois and Progressive Conservatives were at 33% and 29% respectively.

A Gallup survey conducted March 10-16 found that 89% of Canadians would prefer stronger family ties and 87% wanted to see a greater respect for authority. These conservative values were also emphasized in similar polls in 1989 and 1993. Liberal concerns included a greater focus on self expression and less emphasis on money as supported by 76% and 66% of Canadians respectively.

A Gallup survey conducted April 10-16, 1997 found that 55% of Canadians have respect and confidence in Canada's public schools, up from 44% in 1993. Forty-six percent of Canadians had a high level of respect and confidence in the Supreme Court and 44% felt similarly about churches and organized religion. Political parties were held in less esteem with only 10% of the public feeling a high level of respect and confidence in them.

A Gallup survey of Canadians conducted March 10-16, 1997, found that the medical professionals hold the most positive net ratings on honesty and ethics poll, while elected legislators hold the most negative net ratings. Pharmacists and druggists hold a net score of +69. Doctors follow close behind with a net score of +64. Elected legislators hold the most negative net score of -25.

A Gallup survey conducted Jan 16-21, 1997 found 36% of Canadians believe unemployment is the most pressing issue the country faces. Fifteen percent believe the government deficit and debt is the most important problem, 13% believe the national economy is most important, while 8% feel national unity is the most pressing issue. Twenty-eight percent of Canadians feel the Liberals are the best-equipped party to handle the most important problems. The other parties were not mentioned by more than 9% as the best-equipped to solve problems.

A Gallup survey conducted December 3-8, 1996, found 32% of Canadians feel the lower interest rates (4.5% and 5.0%) have affected their personal finances in a positive manner, 16% hold the opposite view, while 49% feel there was no impact on their finances. In terms of the impact of lower interest rates on the national economy, 58% feel it will have a positive impact, compared to 12% who hold the opposite view.

Results of a Gallup Poll conducted during the week of November 4-9, 1996 revealed that 48% of Canadians are very concerned about the size of the federal deficit; 30% are somewhat concerned with the deficit size; and 6% are not at all concerned. When polled about deficit reduction options, three-fourths of Canadians favor an increase in corporate taxes and a reduction in the civil service. Fifty-five percent of Canadians believe the government should address issues of unemployment over the deficit and 53% believe the deficit should take priority over tax relief issues.

Results of a Gallup Poll conducted during the week of November 4-9, 1996 revealed that 33% of Canadians are more likely to take out a loan or make credit purchases during this period of low interest rates. One-third of Canadians surveyed are also more likely to purchase a home, while 22% are less likely to purchase on credit or take out a loan, regardless of the status of interest rates. Canadians under age 40 appear more willing to seek credit than do those over 50.

Results of a Gallup Poll conducted during the week of November 4-9, 1996 revealed that 55% of Canadians surveyed approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Residents in Quebec were not as happy with the Prime Minister, giving him only a 39% approval rating and a 46% disapproval rating. Jean Charest, Progressive Conservative leader received a 43% approval rating, down from his 47% approval in 1995. Opposition leader, Michel Gauthier received a 21% approval rating, while Reform Party leader, Preston Manning approval rating was at 28%.

A Gallup survey conducted from Sep 30 to Oct 5, 1996, found 36% of Canadians consider the federal government to be doing an effective job with the nation's finances, compared to 52% who feel the government is not managing the national economy well. Thirty-five percent of Canadians have either considerable or some confidence in the government's handling of unemployment, compared to 23% who do not. Forty percent of Canadians have either considerable or some confidence in the government's deficit reduction ability, compared to 22% who do not.

A Gallup survey conducted from Sep 30 to Oct 5, 1996, found 58% of Canadians oppose same-sex marriages, compared to 34% who support them. Support for same-sex marriages has been growing. In 1992, only 24% of Canadians supported same-sex marriages, and in 1994, 34% supported them. Thirty-four percent of Canadians feel homosexuals should be allowed to adopt children, compared to 58% who oppose it.

A Gallup survey conducted from Sep 30 to Oct 5, 1996, reveals 44% of Canadians consider homosexuality as a trait people are born with, compared to 32% who feel homosexuality is developed through a person's environment. Nine percent consider homosexuality a combination of both, while 16% express no opinion or feel neither of these reasons are adequate explanations. Sixty percent of Canadians consider homosexuality an alternative lifestyle, compared to 33% who do not. United States residents seem to be less accepting of homosexuality than Canadians.

A Gallup survey conducted Sep 4-9, 1996, found 37% of Canadians have hockey as their favourite sport to watch in person or on television. On a regional basis, all the regions of the country consider hockey their favourite sport to watch with the highest percentage in Quebec (41%) and Atlantic Canada (40%). The second most popular sport to watch for Canadians is baseball (14%). All other sports were named by 5% or less of Canadians. Twelve percent of Canadians expressed no favourite sport.

A Gallup survey conducted Aug 7-13, 1996, found that 38% of Canadians think the Canadian government should increase its regional development spending in less-wealthy sections of the country. During 1988-1992, support for such spending was much higher at 56-61%. While 38% want spending to remain at the same level, 8% favor cutting it and 5% want to end it completely. Of those surveyed, 64% believe unemployed people moving into a region should have equal access to jobs, 29% say moves to economically sounder areas should be encouraged, and 36% want to give people assistance within their home regions.

A Gallup survey conducted Aug 7-13, 1996, found that 53% approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien's job performance, a slight increase over July and in line with his approval ratings earlier in the year. While 62% of Ontarians support Chretien, only 37% of Quebecers support him. Chretien is the most-admired politician nationally, followed by Jean Charest, Lucien Bouchard, and Preston Manning. Nationally, Chretien, Bouchard, and Charest are viewed as the politicians who best represent Quebecers' interests, although almost 45% of Quebecers say Charest best represents them.

A Gallup survey conducted July 9-14, 1996, found that 65% of Canadians support a ban on selling human sperm and eggs, and a 52% majority oppose paid surrogate motherhood. Younger Canadians, males, and Quebecers are generally more supportive of reproductive profiteering and paid surrogate motherhood, as are more highly educated people. Atlantic Canadians support selling sperm and eggs and surrogate motherhood by 17% and 37%, respectively. Quebecers report 31% and 42% support, respectively, on these issues.

A Gallup survey conducted July 9-14, 1996, found that 54% of Canadians believe that social assistance recipients are cheating in some way. Of those surveyed, less-educated Canadians and women see fraud as widespread and most say 30% of recipients are cheating. While 60% support a plan to use fingerprint scanning to stop cheaters, 53% would support using scans on all Canadians for ID purposes. Those who perceive widespread fraud are most supportive of the scanning proposal. Quebecers heavily support fingerprint scanning, with 70% in favor.

A Gallup survey conducted July 9-14, 1996, found that 35% of Canadians believe unemployment is the most important issue in the country, up from 33% in Jan. While 16% believe the economy is the most important issue, national unity is only cited by 13%. Six months earlier, 20% of the citizens surveyed believed the economy was Canada's number one problem. Twenty-seven percent of Canadians believe the Liberal Party is best suited to handle the nation's unemployment problem. Regionally, Quebecers and Atlantic Canadians are the most concerned about unemployment with 30% and 40%, respectively, mentioning it.

A Gallup survey conducted June 12-19, 1996 found that half of the Canadians approve of Jean Chretien's performance as Prime Minister, up from 47% in the previous month. Chretien's disapproval rating remains at 36%, although in Quebec, his disapproval rating is 61%. In Oct 1995, 37% disapproved of Chretien. Progressive Conservative leader Jean Charest has a positive net approval rating in all regions of the country. Bloc Quebecois' Michel Gauthier has a 21% approval rating, while Reform's Preston Manning receives 32% approval. The public is largely undecided on the New Democratic Party's Alexa McDonough.

A Gallup survey conducted April 9-15, 1996, found that 50% of Canadians have confidence in and respect Canada's public schools compared to 44% from 1993. While Canadian's respect for public schools, churches, and courts has steadily risen, respect for the armed forces has dropped from 53% in 1995 to 36% in 1996. Respect for banking institutions has dropped from 43% in 1995 to 39% in 1996. Provincial governments received higher marks for respect, with 32% expressing high levels of confidence compared to 23% in 1995. Labor unions and political parties had low scores of 17% and 11% respectively.

A Gallup survey conducted March 11-17, 1996 found that Canadians consider medical professionals some of the most ethical and honest people around. Sixty-two percent of those polled said that pharmacists had ethical standards that were high or very high. Only 5% said this group had low or very low standards, for a score of +57. Engineers rated a +41, college teacher a +37, and the clergy a +36. Attorneys, advertisers, labor union leaders and real estate agents were among the lowest rated groups.

'Apollo 13,' the film version of the actual US space-flight near-disaster, was top choice, at 26%, among Canadians of the five films nominated for the 1996 Best-Picture Oscar. The respondents chose Anthony Hopkins over Richard Dreyfuss for Best Actor by 26% to 24%, and Meryl Streep was the top choice for Best Actress, with an 18% response. Telephone interviews were conducted with 1000 adult Canadians, a sample size with a 3.1% margin of error. A demographic breakdown of choices and a list of poll results for 1992-1996 are provided.

A telephone survey of 1,007 Canadian adults 18 years old and up revealed that 55% would like to see the death penalty reinstated for murder, 36% opposed such a reinstatement and 9% were undecided. A 1984 survey asking the same question resulted in 71% being in favor of capital punishment. Younger, university-educated Canadians were least likely to favor the death penalty. Responses related to the death penalty as a deterrent to murder are also discussed.

Unemployment has remained a major concern for Canadians since 1992 and, since the Quebec referendum in Nov 1995, has again risen to the top problem facing Canada in Jan 1996. Except for British Columbia, where unemployment and the government deficit tied at 27%, unemployment ranked as the top national problem among 33% of Canadians. Canadians also feel the Liberal Party is the most capable of solving economic problems, such as the deficit and unemployment, but the party's rating rises and falls with the national unity issue.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec 6-11, 1995 found that 49% percent of Canadians favor at least somewhat a two-tiered health system, in which the federal government would pay for basic medical care, and citizens would have the option to pay for extra services as well. Around 46% do not like the idea.The government is seeking ways of cutting its health budget at both the federal and provincial levels.