Introduction

Departments and agencies of the Government of Canada conduct public opinion research studies to gather the views and opinions of the Canadian public as a means of understanding and effectively responding to the diverse needs of Canadians. Public opinion research can be used to gauge public views and satisfaction with various government policies, programs and services, as well as to improve communication between government and citizens. It also serves as a tool to determine the level of knowledge, satisfaction and engagement of citizens with various government activities and initiatives.

Information and knowledge gained from public opinion research allows the Government of Canada to develop and tailor its programs and services to better serve Canadians. These research studies help provide useful insights on important issues such as health and safety, job creation and development, economic growth, food safety, victims of crimes, elder abuse and support to veterans. Public opinion research also allows the government to obtain real-time feedback that can be used in times of emergency or rapidly evolving crises.

Under the Communications Policy of the Government of CanadaFootnote 1, Public Works and Government Services Canada (PWGSC) is responsible for activities such as coordinating and providing methodological advice on public opinion research studies, promoting best practices in public opinion research and developing an annual report on government public opinion research activities. PWGSC is also responsible for developing and maintaining the Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research. In 2013-2014, PWGSC updated the standards for Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research – Telephone SurveysFootnote 2 and Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research – Online SurveysFootnote 3 surveys, available online on the departmental Internet site.

The Public Opinion Research in the Government of Canada, Annual Report 2013-2014, is PWGSC’s 13th annual report on public opinion research. The publication provides an overview of government-wideFootnote 4 contracted public opinion research activities coordinated on behalf of federal departments and agencies for the period from April 1, 2013 through March 31, 2014. More specifically, it includes an overview of the role of public opinion research in the Government of Canada, how it is used and how it benefits Canadians. It also explains how public opinion research is managed within the government, and includes appendices with business volumes and other useful information on public opinion research activities.

Footnotes

Footnote 1

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Communications Policy of the Government of Canada, 2012.

Footnote 2

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Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research – Telephone Surveys, 2013.

Footnote 3

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Standards for the Conduct of Government of Canada Public Opinion Research – Online Surveys, 2013.

Footnote 4

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Compliance with the provisions covering public opinion research in the Communications Policy of the Government of Canada is mandatory for departments identified in Schedules I, I.1 and II of the Financial Administration Act, unless excluded by specific acts, regulations or Orders in Council. Agents of Parliament are exempt under the provisions covering public opinion research. Available online: Financial Administration Act.