How Quebeckers' sense of identity differs from that of Canadians in the rest of Canada and Americans.
As election day nears in both Canada and the US, it’s interesting to look at what, in the end, voters are most likely to base their decision on: which party and/or leader best connects with their values, attitudes and identity.
This data from Ekos Research Associates from 2005 paints a telling picture of the differences between Quebec, the ROC and the U.S.
It’s somewhat dated but such fundamental values and attitudinal differences usually do not shift dramatically in a few short years.
When asked what it means to be Canadian, Quebeckers are significantly more likely to say
- being free to do and think as I please
- leaving a healthy environment for future generations
- having social & health programs to support all citizen
- paying taxes
and significantly less likely to say
- having a say in the political, social & economic
development
- living in the best society in the world
- being able to count on your fellow citizens if you are in
need
- serving my country when it needs me
This data is about what it means to be Canadian or American and not about what voters wish it meant (if politicians got it right) but it still provides a good indication of how they might vote.
As expected, being “American” is more about “serving my country when it needs me” (46%) and less about “having social & health programs to support all citizens” (39%).
Although I don’t have a crystal ball, it sure looks like
“Country First” is about to be trumped by “Change”.
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