Canadians unified on forest protection, but divided on wildfire cause, poll suggests
- Media Manager
- Aug 23, 2023
- 2 min read
The Globe and Mail
Written By: Bob Weber
Published: August 24th, 2023
As Canada struggles through its worst fire season in recorded history, a new survey suggests protecting forests remains one issue that unites most Canadians no matter who they are or where they live.
However, other parts of the survey done for Nature Canada and the Natural Resources Defense Council suggests the climate change debate is spilling over into the woods – especially in a season of unprecedented wildfires.
“That is deeply concerning and it does reflect widespread disinformation on climate issues,” said Michael Polanyi of Nature Canada.
The two environmental groups commissioned Ekos Research to conduct the survey of more than 1,000 Canadians between July 28 and Aug. 9 on a wide range of forestry and policy issues. The margin of error was three percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Margins of error increase as results are broken down into regional samples.
It found 81 per cent of respondents agreed the federal government should be doing more to protect Canada’s forests and wildlife.
That figure changed little across the country. The lowest support for protection came from Alberta – but even there, 76 per cent were in favour.
Support also held up despite political belief. A majority – 53 per cent – of People’s Party of Canada supporters, the most right-wing of Canada’s mainstream parties, agreed more protection is needed.
High levels of support continued despite varying household income or education. It also corresponds with similar Ekos polling done last year.
“It is a strong indication of how much Canadians value forests,” Mr. Polanyi said.
The poll suggests 80 per cent of Canadians want more protection even if it puts limits on the forestry industry. That support held even in British Columbia and Quebec, which both have major logging industries, and across education and income levels.
