COSMO Wave 1.5
Vaccine confidence, returning to "normal" behaviours, travel intentions, pandemic fatigue, along with the reopening of the economy and its associated impacts
Impact Canada, Impact & Innovation Unit, Privy Council Office
Key Insights
This report focuses on the results for the second wave of this research. 2,169 Canadians aged 18 and older were surveyed between June 23-28, 2020. The data was weighted to ensure that the sample distribution reflects the actual Canadian adult population according to Statistics Canada census data. There is no associated margin of error for the results, since a non-probability design means that results cannot be projected to the larger population.
More Canadians are feeling that the “worst of the crisis is behind us”
As we move through the crisis, more people are feeling that the “worst of the crisis is behind us” (from 6% in Wave 1 in mid-April to 41% in Wave 5 at the end of June). However, a significant portion (35%) of Canadians still feel that the “worst of the crisis is yet to come” [ see chart ].
Canadians are expecting long-lasting impacts of COVID-19
Canadians are expecting some impacts of COVID-19 to be long-lasting. For example, many Canadians will avoid travelling to the US, going to large gatherings, taking public transit, flying on a plane, and using a ride-sharing service within the next year [ see chart ].
Support for public health measures remains steady
Public support for extending measures such as cancelling large gatherings and physical distancing remains strong. However, support for some public health measures such as closing of outdoor spaces and non-essential services has declined [ see chart ].
Adherence to public health measures has declined
Compliance with many protective behaviours has declined. However, mask-wearing while out in public has increased over each wave (from 22% in Wave 1 to 40% in Wave 5) as more cities make mask-wearing mandatory in indoor public spaces (e.g., Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, and Kingston) [ see chart ].
There are potentially diverging attitudes towards US and other international travel restrictions
The number of respondents that disagree that travel restrictions between Canada and the US should be lifted increased from 69% in Wave 4 to 71% in Wave 5. The number of respondents that disagree that international travel (not including the US) should be allowed to resume declined from 58% in Wave 4 to 52% in Wave 5. It will be important to monitor this potential trend as opinion could diverge further as the number of cases in the US continues to climb [ see chart ].
Vaccine confidence rates have declined
Only 65% of those surveyed strongly agreed or agreed that they would get a safe vaccine if it becomes available. The number of people who disagree has doubled since April, increasing from 6% in Wave 1 to 12% in Wave 5. Safety-related concerns were the most prevalent reason provided for not wanting a vaccine [ see chart ].
Background
To support federal response efforts, Impact Canada is leading the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) Behavioural Insights (BI) Tool on COVID-19 in the Canadian context. This work is led in collaboration with the Public Opinion Research Team within the Privy Council Office’s (PCO) Communications and Consultation Secretariat, which supports the Prime Minister’s Office in coordinating government communications in accordance with key priorities.
Methodology
With a longitudinal design, the study follows 2,000 participants recruited from an online panel over sixteen data collection waves. New participants are added only when an original panelist stops participating.
Respondents are a representative mix of Canadian adults aged 18 years and older and results are weighted using 2016 Statistics Canada census data to mirror the population distribution in Canada.
Selected Figures
A number of selected figures are presented below. For more information on the data set, please contact the Impact and Innovation Unit .
Respondent Profiles
Age
| Canada (n=2,169) | BC/Yukon (n=269) | Alberta (n=245) | Man/Sask (n=141) | Ontario (n=830) | Quebec (n=508) | Atlantic (n=148) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18-34 years | 27% | 27% | 32% | 29% | 27% | 26% | 23% |
| 35-54 years | 34% | 34% | 36% | 34% | 35% | 33% | 33% |
| 55 years and older | 39% | 40% | 32% | 37% | 38% | 41% | 44% |
Gender
| Canada (n=2,169) | BC/Yukon (n=269) | Alberta (n=245) | Man/Sask (n=141) | Ontario (n=830) | Quebec (n=508) | Atlantic (n=148) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 48% | 48% | 49% | 49% | 48% | 49% | 48% |
| Female | 51% | 52% | 50% | 51% | 52% | 51% | 52% |
| Gender diverse | 0.46% | 0% | 1% | 0% | 0.6% | 0% | 0% |
Education
| Canada (n=2,169) | BC/Yukon (n=269) | Alberta (n=245) | Man/Sask (n=141) | Ontario (n=830) | Quebec (n=508) | Atlantic (n=148) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High school or less | 22% | 22% | 21% | 27% | 21% | 21% | 23% |
| College/trades | 51% | 48% | 53% | 49% | 50% | 55% | 54% |
| University / post-graduate | 27% | 30% | 26% | 24% | 30% | 24% | 23% |