The Macdonald-Laurier Institute conducted a survey and study that found two-thirds of Canadians oppose “cultural socialist” attitudes. The key findings of the study show that Canadians tend to oppose the cultural socialist stance by a ratio of about 2 to 1, reflecting similar opinion trends with their American and British counterparts. The survey also revealed that there are minimal differences between Francophone and Anglophone Canadians on these issues.
However, Canadians generally exhibit higher trust in elite political culture, including journalists, teachers, and academics, compared to those in the broader Anglosphere. The Macdonald-Laurier Institute’s report on the “culture wars” is based on a survey conducted by Maru Voice Canada in September 2023.
The report defined individuals advocating for equal outcomes and extensive psychological harm protection for historically marginalized groups as “cultural socialists.” It also noted that Canadians have a near-universal rejection of “cancel culture,” critical race/history theories, and certain transgender issues.
The survey revealed a marked political difference, with attitudes of respondents divided along political lines. The report also found that diversity training and heavy social media use had notable effects on individuals’ attitudes, with those exposed being more likely to fear job or reputation loss over their statements and showing more “woke” tendencies.
Overall, the study found that most Canadians trust professors and have a resistance to removing statues of historical figures like Prime Minister John A. Macdonald. The report uncovered specific differences between Francophone and Anglophone Canadians, particularly in their views on historical figures, threats to free speech, and skepticism toward gender ideology and color-conscious equity and diversity policies.