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Beyond Binaries: In Diverse Societies Prejudices are more complex than simply us and them

March 21st is International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination. The day serves as a call to action for individuals, organizations, and all levels of government to actively work to eliminate all forms of racial discrimination, injustice, systemic racism and hate. In Canada we’ve witnessed changing patterns in the main targets of prejudice and hate over the past few years. The targets of negative sentiment have remained relatively stable with racial and religious minorities most likely to be the object of such feeling. The survey results (March 1 and 2, 2025) that follow examine the extent to identify which groups are most likely to be the object of negative sentiment and by whom. What is particular about this study however is that it reveals that analysis of negative sentiment which is generally framed as a binary where majorities inevitably hold prejudice or negative views on minorities offers a partial view of who holds prejudices and why. Documenting the demographic diversity of groups harboring negative sentiment is essential towards a proper comprehension of prejudice in Canada and in other diverse societies. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1539 respondents in Canada over the period March 1 and 2, 2025.

The Uneasy State Of Canada–U.S. Relations

In this volume of essays, contributors were invited to share their thoughts and insights about the suddenly turbulent relations between Canada and the United States. More specifically, with the distantly historical War of 1812 as a reference point, it was noted that “since then, with some exceptions, Canada and the United States have maintained a long-standing relationship marked by shared borders, important commercial and cultural ties, and vital defence and national security partnerships... But with the reaction sparked by President Trump’s incessant provocations, are we witnessing an important shift in the relationship? What might this change imply for our economic ties, border security and other aspects of our shared future?” The response from our stellar lineup of writers explores all of this and much more. This edition of Canadian Issues/Thèmes Canadiens offers a range of visceral reactions, probing reflections and thoughtful strategizing as Canada’s new Liberal government under Prime Minister Mark Carney – along with provincial and territorial premiers reeling from the imposition of U.S. tariffs on Canadian exports – charts a course through choppy boundary waters.

Canadians and Americans: How We See Each Other and How We See Others

The State of Canadian Nationalism: English Canadians View Nationalism More Favorably than the Country’s Francophones

In 2015, former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested his country could be considered the world's first post-national state. In Canadian political debates nationalism is usually thought about as something particular to Quebec. But nationalism remains alive and well in the country largely arising from the recent annexation threat and tariff wars from the US president Donald Trump. The recent rise in pride in being Canadian correlates with a positive view of nationalism as revealed in a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies (March 1 and 2, 2025). And nationalism is seen more positively amongst Canada’s non-francophones than it is amongst Quebec framcophones. The survey further reveals that those seeing nationalism more favorably are far more likely to say they would defend their country against a military invasion. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1539 respondents in Canada over the period March 1 and 2, 2025.

Too many Canadians still think that there are too many immigrants coming to Canada: But skilled workers still viewed favorably

Most experts widely view immigration as critical to Canada’s population growth and its associated social and economic well-being. Immigration accounts for almost all of Canada’s labour force growth, and it is projected that by the next decade, it will account for 100% of the country’s population increase. Canada has a long history of managed migration, balancing economic needs with the importance of family reunification and refugee assistance. In response to significant change in Canadian views on numbers of immigrants admitted to the country, the Federal Government announced in October 2024 a reduction to immigration levels for 2025-2027 from a previous target of 500,000 in 2025 to 395,000, a drop of approximately 20%. A Leger survey for the ACS conducted shortly after the levels reduction revealed no change in public opinion with two-thirds of Canadians still of the view that there were too many immigrants. Fourth months later a new ACS-Leger survey reveals that there has been a modest reduction in the extent to which Canadians feel that there are too many immigrants (65% to 58%) and it remains fair to say that there are still too many Canadians that feel that there are too many immigrants. The survey further reveals some growing uncertainty about the contribution of immigrants whether as it pertains to population increase, economic contribution or other areas. Yet even those Canadians who feel there are too many immigrants continue to value skilled workers, though they assign less value to refugees. Most Canadians agree that Canada is a nation of immigrants yet even amongst those affirming this observation there remains a feeling that there are too many ( in other words it’s a nation of immigrants with too many immigrants).

Has Donald Trump unwittingly sent pride soaring in Canada? Survey Reveals new levels of pride in being Canadian and looks like Quebecers are discovering their inner Canadian

In the weeks since he was sworn in as the 47th U.S. President, Donald Trump has evoked the idea of annexing Canada, which he refers to persistently as “the 51st state”. He referred insultingly to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as “governor” and stated that, "Canada and the United States, that would really be something… you get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security." The imposition of substantial tariffs on Canadian imports to the US has further exacerbated tensions between the two countries. But it has also given rise to a significant display of pride in being Canadian which according to a March 2025 survey by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies likely reached a new height across the country and seemingly drawn out the inner Canadian in a lot of Quebecers. Over the past 12 months pride in being Canadian has jumped from 80% to 86% and with few exceptions has transcended all regions and demographics. Ironically, President Trump has united Canadians and strengthened resolve and cohesion in ways that the country’s leading voices for Canadian unity have rarely proven able The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1548 respondents in Canada over the period March 1 and 2, 2025.

Canadians vs Americans: A lot in common but insist on being different

While it is often said that in addition to the border, we share much in common with our American neighbors, Canadians believe that there are important ways in which we differ. In light of talk about annexing Canada as evoked by American President Trump, the Association for Canadian Studies commissioned Leger Marketing to ask Canadians whether Canadians have more in common with Americans than any other peoples in the world and whether Canadians have shared values that make us different from Americans. While most Canadians do believe we have more in common with Americans, some eight in ten also believe we have shared values that make us different. When asked to elaborate on those values most Canadians described Canada as kindler, gentler and more inclusive. Some did mention gun control, Medicare and bilingualism as yet other distinguishing features The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1548 respondents in Canada over the period March 1 and 2, 2025.

Holocaust Memory and Learning: Canadian Perspectives on Contemporary and Future Challenges

As we approach the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz, Holocaust remembrance faces a critical juncture. The passing of survivors, coupled with the rise of new generations distanced from the lived experiences of the Holocaust, has made preserving its memory both urgent and complex. The articles in this collection provide Canadian perspectives on the challenges of maintaining Holocaust memory and ensuring that its lessons resonate in today’s society. Each of the contributors brings a unique perspective to the table, drawing on years of experience in diverse fields of endeavour, thus enriching the interdisciplinary focus of the publication. The reflections gathered here are built on expertise in such diverse fields as Holocaust remembrance, refugee rights, interethnic violence, genocide prevention, philanthropic leadership, historical education, and community engagement. Contributors draw from backgrounds in political science, law, history, public service, and nonprofit leadership, combining scholarly research, practical advocacy, and pedagogical experience to address the complex challenges of preserving Holocaust memory and combatting misinformation. Many authors are also personally connected to the Holocaust or driven by a deep moral responsibility to fight hatred and injustice. These articles collectively offer a powerful reflection on the importance of remembering the Holocaust and acting to convey its universal lessons for the future.

Canadian Opinion Of The United States And Other Countries Under Trump 2.0

Canadian opinion of the United States has hit a new low with some one-third saying they have a positive view of our neighbor, a decline from just over 50% last June. The results arise from a survey conducted March 1 and 2 2025 by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies. The negative shift in opinion is most certainly attributable to hostile statements and actions directed towards Canada by US President Donald Trump. The European Union and Mexico are viewed far more favorably than the country that has widely been regarded as our closest ally over much of the 20th and 21st Century. The decline in favorable views of the US is particularly apparent amongst younger Canadians with the US behind China and only somewhat ahead of Russia amongst the 18-24 cohort. That said, Canadians make a distinction between Americans whom most Canadians view favorably-though there has been a decline-by contrast to the opinion of the United States which indicates that the negative sentiment are directed at the Government and not the people. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1548 respondents in Canada over the period March 1 and 2, 2025.

How serious do Canadians take President Trump’s wish for the 51st and the preferred response(s)?

Canadians and Americans, how we see each other: post election perceptions

In the aftermath of the US elections there is considerable attention being directed by Canadian policy makers as to what the outcome might imply for relations with our southern neighbors. At play are important trade and other economic issues, cooperation on global conflicts and alignments as well as immigration and border security. To provide insight into the tenor of relations between Canada and the United States following the election of Donald Trump, the Association for Canadian Studies commissioned Leger Marketing to survey Canadians and Americans as to how they view issues of border security, whether they respectively believe that their countries are headed in the right direction and how they see their respective place/status on the world stage. We also asked about the extent to which Americans and Canadians remain proud of their country. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1539 respondents in Canada over the period November 22 to 24, 2024. A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey for comparison purposes. A probability sample of 1539 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.5%, 19 times out of 20. In the United States, the survey was conducted by Leger with 1009 respondents over the period November 22-24, 2024 and has a probabilistic margin of error of ±3.9%, 19 times out of 20

More Canadians think sharing gender pronouns or other identity markers encourages rather than breaks down stereotypes

Gender pronouns are the terms people choose to refer to themselves that reflect their gender identity. These might be he/him, she/her or gender-neutral pronouns such as they/them. Those advocating the use of pronouns generally contend that they foster inclusion, makes people feel respected and valued, and make a difference in reducing stereotypes. That view however isn’t shared by most Canadians who feel that the use of gender pronouns is more likely to encourage stereotypes rather than break them down. This finding emerges from a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies over the period January 17-19, 2025. The survey reveals that most Canadians think that the use of gender pronouns have no impact. Nonetheless, there is a generational divide on the issue with more respondents aged 18-24 narrowly believe that pronouns encourage stereotypes rather than break them down. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1578 respondents.

The State of Relations between Quebecers and other Canadians

Several recent surveys of Quebecers reveal that the Parti Quebecois is favored to win the next Quebec provincial election with elections slated for 2026. That the PQ remains committed to achieving Quebec independence there may be a feeling that relations between Quebecers and other Canadians are not in a good place. Indeed a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies over the period January 17-19, 2025, reveals that Quebecers are much more positive about the state of relations than are other Canadians it is Albertans that are especially negative when asked to evaluate the relationship. Nonetheless English Canadians are more likely to view the relationship as good than bad. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1578 respondents in Canada.

Evolving concerns over intergroup relations in Canada: the Good and the Bad

Over the course of the 21st century, Canadians have seen shifts in degrees of concern around intergroup relations with particular preoccupation regarding majority-minority relations whether it involved indigenous racial or religious minorities. Canadians see relations between religious minorities as a source of much concern and especially relations between Muslims and Jews. Unlike the domestically situated challenges defining indigenous-non indigenous relations and race relations, the perceived tensions between Muslims and Jews are far more affected by global conflict (s). Similar concerns relative to intergroup conflicts are surely being observed in other democratically diverse countries. These findings emerge from a survey conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies over the period January 17-19, 2025.with1578 respondents in Canada over the period January 17 and 19, 2025.

ADVANCING EQUITY: Combating Discrimination and Racism in Immigrant Settlement

Measuring Integration in Canada

The richness of Canada’s cultural mosaic is both a testament to its historical openness and a challenge for its evolving identity. This publication, Measuring Integration in Canada, emerges at a time when Canada is redefining what it means to be a society that is not only diverse but inclusive and equitable. This collection of articles offers a comprehensive exploration of the frameworks, data-driven tools, and policy analyses that underpin the nation’s efforts to foster integration and inclusion for immigrants, equity-seeking groups, and all Canadians. From theoretical reflections on immigrant integration to empirical studies of social and civic participation, the articles presented here demonstrate the multidimensional nature of inclusion. They draw on data-driven tools like the Canadian Index for Measuring Integration and Inclusion (CIMII), explore the relevance of social networks and mental health in immigrant outcomes, and evaluate the intersection of diversity and public policy. Together, these contributions address questions of how to measure integration, where gaps in outcomes persist, and what actions can bridge those divides

Some two-thirds of Canadians agree that the Holocaust stands apart from other genocides

On January 27, 2025 ceremonies will be held in several countries to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The anniversary comes at a time when there are increasing efforts by influencers and thought leaders to dilute and challenge the Jewish dimension of the Holocaust. Many academics insist that on a current consensus that sees the Holocaust not as unique amongst other genocides and insist that it is essential to make the link between the Nazi and other genocides, and between mass killings in Europe and on others on ‘colonial’ frontiers around the globe. But the same scholars acknowledge that their so-called consensus is not widely accepted by the public. On that front at least they’re correct as a survey conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies reveals that some two-thirds of “Canadians agree that the Holocaust was a genocide in the 20th century that stands apart from all others” The survey further reveals that one in three Canadians admit not having a good knowledge about the Holocaust and the figure is higher for persons age 18-24. The study was conducted to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Some 1578 Canadians were surveyed over the period January 17 and 19, 2025.

Learning about the Holocaust

On January 27, 2025 ceremonies will be held in several countries to mark the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. With each passing anniversary there are fewer persons alive that bore witness to the murder of six million Jews (representing more than one-third of the World’s Jewish population) and countless others. Holocaust survivor testimonies serve as crucial reminders of the atrocities committed by the Nazis and their collaborators. Surveys conducted in May 2024 by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies reveal that nearly one in five Canadians between the ages of 18 and 24 think that the Holocaust is exaggerated and that an increasing percentage of Canadians are able to identify six million Jews as the number that were murdered during the Holocaust As educators and others face the challenge of moving from lived memories to learned ones in knowledge transmission about the Holocaust what information sources will become prevalent and what might this imply for the importance of stemming the rise in distortion and disinformation about the Holocaust as there are ever fewer witnesses? The survey results shared here seek to provide insight into these critical questions

Housing has is seen as more unaffordable in Canada than it is in the United States

Is it safer to walk the streets at night in Canada or in the United States?

The Interests of my state/ region should take priority over the interests of the country

Perceived gap between rich and poor amongst Americans and Canadians

Canadians more likely than Americans to describe themselves as belonging to the Middle Class

Canadians and Americans State of Relations: Canadians reject becoming 51st state but some one in four would favor removing borders between the two countries

Commenting on the idea of annexing Canada, US President Donald Trump declared that “Canada and the United States, that would really be something…you get rid of that artificially drawn line, and you take a look at what that looks like, and it would also be much better for national security.” President Trump is currently moving to impose significant tariffs on Canadian goods. Our two countries have long enjoyed a close relationship with important commercial and economic ties, defense and national security partnerships. Are we in the process of witnessing an important change to the relationship? What might the change imply for our economic ties, border security and other ‘shared’ interests? To answer some of these questions Leger Marketing was commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies to conduct a detailed survey on several indicators of Canadian views the United States. It confirms Canada’s opposition to making us the 51st state, but does reveal some opening to removing the border between the two countries. It further points out that a majority of Canadians agree that they have more in common with Americans than any other peoples in the world. A third of Canadians feel we should closely align our foreign policy with the US. Most Canadians oppose joining the EU as a way to counteract threats from the US. The survey was conducted by Leger for the Association for Canadian Studies with 1578 respondents in Canada over the period January 17 and 19, 2025.