Introduction—17th Annual report on Government of Canada public opinion research activities

Government policies and programs, informed by public opinion research, are intended to reflect the will of the people.

Through research we engage Canadians, get feedback on programs or proposed initiatives, and listen to their comments and suggestions. In doing so, we begin to understand how things are at that moment and what Canadians expect from government in the future. Public opinion research, in the end, has much more to do with people than data. It is essential to participatory democracy, and is one factor among others that influences the actions of government.

This 17th annual report provides information on public opinion research projects contracted in the 2017 to 2018 fiscal year. It was a year marked by new research studies that helped the government improve its programs and services after hearing from the Canadian public.

The public opinion research process strengthens the bond between Canadians and their government. It also gives citizens a say in how the government meets their needs, and links the government to their interests and concerns.