A recent government report analyzing survey data on gender-based issues has confirmed that Canadian support for transgender rights is declining, particularly among immigrants and ethnic minorities. The findings challenge progressive narratives and highlight the need for ethnicity-based social research.
Key Findings from the Survey
The report, published in Statistics Canada's Juristat, draws from the Survey of Safety in Public and Private Spaces (SSPPS) conducted in 2018 and 2025. With a large sample size of 46,511 in 2025, the survey allows credible analysis of subpopulations. Transgender acceptance was measured through two statements: "people should be able to express their gender however they choose" and "I would support a family member if they came out as transgender."
Declining Support Across Demographics
Overall support for free gender expression fell from 2018 to 2025. Among women, support dropped from 85% to 77%, while men's support fell from 78% to 70%. Similarly, acceptance of transgender family members decreased slightly among women (80% to 77%) and more dramatically among men (72% to 65%).
Support varied by education, urban residence, and sexual orientation. Homosexual and bisexual respondents were far more supportive. Younger women and those with higher incomes showed stronger support, while age and income had minimal effects on men.
Immigrant and Minority Views
The 2025 survey revealed that immigrants and ethnic minorities are more socially conservative. Foreign-born women were less supportive of free gender expression than native-born women (70% versus 80%), with a similar but smaller gap among men (67% versus 71%). Caucasian and Indigenous respondents supported free gender expression at nearly identical rates (76% and 74%), while non-Indigenous minorities showed 69% support.
These results underscore that support for transgender rights is not uniform across Canada's diverse population. The report provides valuable insights for policymakers and advocates seeking to understand shifting social attitudes.
