Canadians aware of Canada's net-zero targets and agree that the environment should be prioritized but concerned about energy prices

The research asked Canadians about their understanding of Canada's net zero targets, and gauged opinions on the country's climate policy and priorities compared to other major economies. Canadians were also asked about what most undermines and what most contributes to their confidence in the country’s ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. This survey also assessed Canadian's climate ambition, their views on prioritizing the environment or economic growth and their concern for energy prices.

1. Awareness of Net-zero target: About seven in ten Canadians (72%) have heard about Canada’s net zero target, which is a slight decrease compared to the last wave in May 2022 (76%). Of note, only two in five Quebec residents (42%) have heard about Canada’s net zero targets compared to over eight in ten individuals in the Prairies (85%).
2. Meeting climate targets compared to other economies: Consistent with the previous wave, Canadians are about three times more likely to say Canada should aim to be ahead (42%) rather than behind (14%) other major economies when it comes to meeting climate change targets. About half of Quebecers (51%) think Canada should aim to be ahead of other major economies when it comes to meeting climate targets compared to over one in four from the Prairies (28%).
3. Drivers/detractors of confidence in emissions reduction: Canadians most often say government inaction, empty promises and a lack of enforcement (eight percent; compared to 12% in July 2021) or continual investment in and dependence on oil, pipelines, fossil fuels and tar sands (seven percent; compared to five percent in July 2021). On the other hand, when asked what most contributes to their confidence, consistent with the previous wave, most Canadians said there is nothing or they have no confidence (25%; compared to 23% in July 2021).
4. Views on timing to address climate change: A majority of Canadians (53%) believe it is the best time (score of seven to ten out of ten) for Canada to be ambitious in addressing climate change while over one in four (28%) believe it is the worst time (score of zero to three over ten). Those who think it is the best time (score seven to ten out of ten) most often said we need to act now climate change can’t wait (49%); while those who believe it is the worst time (score 0-3 out of 10) most often said so because there are other priorities, the focus should be on health, vaccines, basic needs (22%; an increase from 15% in May 2023) followed by the current financial situation, inflation and upcoming recession (21%, an increase from 17% in May 2023).

5. Prioritizing the environment or economic growth: Consistent with recent waves, Canadians are more likely to say that protecting the environment should be given priority, even if it causes slower economic growth and some loss of jobs (55%; though this remains lower than the most recent high of 61% in September 2019), rather than growth and creating jobs be the top priority, even if the environment suffers to some extent (34%; compared to 37% in February 2022 ). Liberal Party voters (69%) are far more likely to agree that protecting the environment should be given priority compared to Conservative party voters (28%).

6. Concern about energy prices over the next six months: About two in three Canadians (62%) are concerned (score 7-10 out of 10) about the energy prices they pay for things like heating and transportation over the next six months, which is a slight decrease from the previous wave (66% in May 2023). Close to one in three rate their level of concern an outright 10 out of 10 (31%, 32% in May 2023).