As Canadians prepare to celebrate Canada Day, a new poll suggests that while national pride remains strong, many people are also concerned about the country’s future.
According to a survey released Tuesday by Liaison Strategies, nearly 80 per cent of respondents said they are proud to be Canadian.
Among those surveyed, 51 per cent said they are very proud to be Canadian, while 29 per cent said they are somewhat proud, suggesting Canada Day continues to hold significant meaning for many across the country.
Pride remains high despite concerns about Canada’s direction
While feelings of national pride are widespread, they are often accompanied by concern.
The poll found that 44 per cent of respondents said they are proud to be Canadian but are worried about the country’s direction.
“In other words, Canadian pride is still very real, but it is not uncomplicated. A lot of people are looking at the country with affection and concern at the same time,” said David Valentin, principal of Liaison Strategies.
Political differences shape how Canadians view national pride
The survey also found notable differences in the intensity of national pride based on political affiliation.
According to Valentin, 72 per cent of Liberal supporters said they are very proud to be Canadian, compared with 44 per cent of Conservative supporters and 38 per cent of NDP supporters.
“So pride in Canada is broad, but the intensity of that pride is not evenly distributed,” Valentin said.
U.S. tensions strengthen Canadian identity for many
The survey found that ongoing tensions with the United States have strengthened feelings of national pride for many Canadians.
Half of respondents (50 per cent) said tensions with the U.S. have made them feel more proud to be Canadian, while just nine per cent said they have made them feel less proud.
“External pressure appears to be reinforcing Canadian identity more than weakening it,” Valentin said.
What Canadians are most proud of and what concerns them most
When asked what makes them most proud to be Canadian, respondents most frequently cited:
- Natural beauty and the environment (22 per cent)
- Health care and the social safety net (18 per cent)
- Freedom, democracy and the Charter of Rights and Freedoms (18 per cent)
At the same time, respondents identified several issues that diminish their sense of pride.
The cost of living and housing topped the list at 31 per cent, followed by health-care challenges and political division, both at 15 per cent.
The survey was conducted using a random sample of 1,526 Canadians between June 14 and June 27, 2026, using Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
