The Privy Council Office (PCO) has been conducting “behavioural science” research with thousands of Canadians over the past few years, but has apparently not been sharing the findings in accordance with the Federal Accountability Act, according to a report. Documents obtained through an access to information request indicate that the PCO began the research with groups of 2,000 Canadians shortly after the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. The monthly polling was ordered by the PCO’s Impact and Innovation Unit, which aims to deliver measurable results for Canadians through innovative policy approaches. The PCO states in its annual report that it shifted its focus to support the government’s efforts during the pandemic by utilizing its expertise in behavioural science, public engagement, and policy design. The latest research, known as “Covid-19 Snapshot Monitoring,” provides insights into how citizens’ views and behavior change over time in response to the progress of the pandemic. An academic advisory committee with expertise in infectious disease, behavioral science, public health, and epidemiology provides ongoing feedback. The PCO’s Innovation Unit has five senior managers, but the cost of the monthly polling has not been disclosed. However, an internal memo suggests that the research findings are intended for use by the cabinet only. The findings can be used to target government messaging and communications and inform policy responses in both the short and long term. According to the Federal Accountability Act, public opinion research conducted or contracted by the federal government must be made available to the public within six months of completion. The PCO did not provide a comment regarding the withholding of findings from the behavioural science research.