A compelling new survey reveals where Canadians want their federal government to focus economic support, with two key industries emerging as clear public priorities for investment.
Agriculture Takes the Lead in National Priorities
According to exclusive research conducted by Nanos Research for CTV News, a significant 25 per cent of Canadians identified agriculture and farming as their top priority for federal backing. This strong showing underscores the sector's vital role in Canada's economic foundation and food security.
The findings come as the federal government prepares its economic strategy, providing crucial insight into where taxpayer dollars might be most effectively allocated according to public sentiment.
Automotive Manufacturing Claims Second Spot
Close behind agriculture, the automotive manufacturing sector captured attention from 18 per cent of respondents who ranked it as their primary choice for federal support. This reflects growing awareness of the industry's transformation toward electric vehicle production and its importance to Canada's industrial future.
Regional Variations Reveal Diverse Economic Perspectives
The survey uncovered notable geographic differences in priorities:
- Prairie provinces showed the strongest support for agriculture at 36 per cent
- Ontario residents prioritized automotive manufacturing at 24 per cent
- Atlantic Canada and British Columbia demonstrated more varied priority distributions
Methodology and Confidence Levels
The comprehensive research involved telephone and online surveys with 1,069 Canadians aged 18 or older. Conducted between December 28-31, 2023, the survey carries a margin of error of ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
These findings arrive at a critical juncture for federal economic planning, providing a clear snapshot of where Canadians believe strategic investment could yield the greatest national benefit.
