Several years ago, many Canadians took to the streets in cities like Halifax, Montreal, and Ottawa to demand action on climate change. That energy peaked in 2019 but hit a wall when the COVID-19 pandemic took over our lives. Now, as we look ahead to the upcoming federal election, polls show that environmental issues might not be as important to voters as they used to be.
Elizabeth May, the co-leader of the Green Party, believes there’s still a lot of anxiety about climate change, even if people aren’t expressing it in polls. “Polls can’t capture the deeper feelings around climate fears,” she says. These sentiments might be overshadowed by other pressing issues, like the rising cost of living and economic concerns related to international events.
Recent data highlights this shift in priorities. A Narrative Research poll showed that 67% of Canadians view the cost of living as a top concern, while only 13% consider environmental protection important—a dramatic drop from 33% in 2021. In another survey by Abacus Data, just 3% said climate change was their primary voting issue.
However, not all surveys tell the same story. A poll from Leger, commissioned by the David Suzuki Foundation, indicated that 67% of Canadians want the next government to prioritize climate action. Surprisingly, even with the noise about economic issues, many still believe in maintaining Canada’s climate commitments, despite the unpredictability of global politics.
May likens our current situation to driving past a car accident on the highway. “People get distracted by the chaos elsewhere and lose sight of what’s directly in front of them,” she explains. The urgency of climate change often feels sidelined because of immediate crises such as the pandemic and geopolitical tensions like the war in Ukraine.
Environmental advocate Raymond Plourde stresses the importance of not losing sight of the climate crisis, which remains an ongoing challenge. “The climate doesn’t discriminate—it continues to be affected by pollution regardless of political instability,” he points out. Both he and May emphasize that we cannot afford to neglect climate action when multiple crises overlap.
As the election approaches, each political party is shaping its narrative around climate issues. The Liberals, led by Mark Carney, aim to protect nature and promote conservation initiatives, while the Conservatives plan to eliminate carbon pricing. The New Democratic Party (NDP) focuses on maintaining emissions pricing and promoting renewable energy.
These varied approaches reflect the ongoing debate about how best to tackle climate change alongside other urgent issues. Many Canadians seem to understand that addressing climate change and economic challenges simultaneously requires strong leadership and innovative solutions.
Ultimately, while current polling trends might suggest diminished urgency around environmental concerns, the reality is complex. Canadians are balancing their needs and anxieties amidst a rapidly changing world. The climate crisis demands immediate attention, and all stakeholders must remain committed to a sustainable future.
For more insights on environmental priorities in Canada, you can read more from the David Suzuki Foundation.
Check out this related article: Trump’s New Order Threatens Oregon’s Climate Laws: What It Means for the Future of Environmental Efforts
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