Canadians more comfortable gathering for holidays this year: poll
Posted December 1, 2022 2:11 pm.
Last Updated December 1, 2022 2:13 pm.
It appears as though holiday gatherings are ready to return in a big way for Canadians this year, regardless of what public health and officials have to say.
A new survey by Abacus Data found only 12 per cent of Canadians plan to restrict their holiday plans to household members only. That number is down from 51 per cent a year ago.
“Comparing our results to last year, Canadians are significantly more comfortable celebrating with family and friends this holiday season,” writes Abacus content specialist and analyst Michael Monopoli.
What a difference a year makes…
This year far more Canadians are going to be getting together with family for the holidays, regardless of what health authorities say.
Full details: https://t.co/JvhN2SSudJ pic.twitter.com/EncBHjefSD
— Abacus Data (@abacusdataca) December 1, 2022
The survey found 44 per cent of respondents are taking a wait-and-see approach, while 38 per cent say they will get together with family and friends no matter what advice comes from public health.
If officials end up discouraging gatherings, one-in-five respondents say they will not gather, but just over a third say they would still get together with loved ones.
British Columbians were found to be the most likely to follow public health advice, with 23 per cent of respondents saying they would abide by recommendations. Forty-three per cent say they may still get together with family, but “will be extra cautious and safe.”
Read More: Top doctors in B.C. and Quebec say no to mandatory masks
In a November update, B.C.’s chief public health officer, Dr. Bonnie Henry, said there will not be any public health mandates for masking or gatherings during the holidays. Precautions like washing hands and staying home when sick, Henry said, will be important given an increase in respiratory illnesses in the fall and winter.
Residents from Ontario and Quebec, meanwhile, were found to be the least likely to follow public health advice, with 18 per cent in each province saying they would adhere to recommendations.
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The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults over a five-day span from Nov. 25 to Nov. 30.
With files from Michael Ranger and The Canadian Press
