According to a new survey by the Angus Reid Institute, 56 per cent of Canadians were unaware that mental illness eligibility for Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) could arrive in March 2027. This revelation comes as Canada prepares to become one of only six countries where otherwise healthy citizens can be euthanized for conditions such as depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Voter Disengagement in Canadian Politics
The survey illustrates an underappreciated aspect of Canadian politics: as political parties jockey for favour among the electorate, they often face an audience that does not follow current affairs and may struggle to define basic workings of the political system.
Other Instances of Public Ignorance
Below, a cursory summary of other instances in which Canadians were found not to have the best grasp of what is going on.
Canadians Underestimate Deadliness of Cancer and Car Crashes
Just days before the COVID-19 pandemic, Ipsos published a poll asking Canadians the most likely causes of death. Respondents said six per cent of deaths were from homicide, against the true figure of 0.2 per cent. However, they underestimated the deadliness of cancer and cardiovascular diseases, which each account for 29 per cent of deaths, but were pegged at 17 per cent and 13 per cent respectively. Transport-related fatalities were also underestimated: one fifth of deaths were due to such accidents, but respondents guessed seven per cent.
In 2012, Most Canadians Didn't Know How the Prime Minister Is Elected
A chronic problem is the mistaken belief that U.S. norms are Canadian. For instance, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith thought she had pardon powers, which is a U.S. gubernatorial prerogative. In a 2012 Ipsos poll, a majority of respondents seemed to think the prime minister is directly elected, similar to a U.S. president.
These findings underscore a significant disconnect between political developments and public awareness, raising questions about democratic engagement in Canada.
