Fifteen percent of Canadians do not think Canada, with its current borders and provinces, will still exist 50 years from now, according to a new Postmedia-Leger poll. Another 11 percent are unsure, meaning one in four Canadians lack confidence in the country's long-term future.
The poll, conducted in late June 2026, comes amid ongoing U.S. President Donald Trump's "51st state" rhetoric and Alberta's looming referendum on separation. Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Leger's Central Canada operations, said, "It's an interesting time to ask the question, because it's not just internally that there are questions around our territorial integrity."
Canadian Pride on the Rise
Despite these doubts, Canadian pride has increased. The poll found 84 percent of Canadians say they are "very" (51 percent) or "somewhat" (33 percent) proud to be Canadian, up from 76 percent in 2024. Only 13 percent said they are "not very" or "not at all" proud. One percent of respondents were not Canadian citizens, and two percent didn't know or preferred not to answer.
"That American aggression hasn't disappeared from our national conscience," Enns said. "It still kind of preoccupies our psyche a bit" and may be fuelling Canadian pride. After a year of Trump's "51st state nonsense," the number of proud Canadians is now into the 80s.
Regional Variations in Pride
Pride levels varied by region. Residents of British Columbia (89 percent) and Manitoba/Saskatchewan (87 percent) reported the highest levels of pride. Albertans, despite the separatist movement, showed 82 percent pride. "I thought we'd see a dip in Canadian pride in Alberta, given the separatist movement in the province. But we don't really see it," Enns said.
Quebecers showed similar overall pride levels but were "a little less enthusiastic," with only 38 percent saying they are very proud, compared to 51 percent or higher in other provinces. The October referendum in Alberta will ask residents whether they wish to stay in Canada or begin the process of holding a binding vote on separating.
Demographic Trends
The poll also revealed demographic differences. Canadians aged 55 and older (90 percent), women (87 percent versus 80 percent of men), and Liberal voters (96 percent versus 76 percent of Conservatives) are the most likely to report being proud. The poll found supporters of the separatist Bloc Québécois are more optimistic (66 percent) about national unity than Conservative supporters (58 percent).
Enns noted that the poll was conducted "the day after Canada won a pretty big soccer game," referring to Canada's 6-0 win over Qatar, which may have boosted pro-Canada sentiment following the men's national soccer team's first-ever FIFA World Cup win.
