Poll says Canadians believe ‘return to normal’ is far off

(FILES) Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders waves to a man holding a Canadian flag as first responders parade down hospital row in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, in a salute to healthcare workers on April 19, 2020, amid the novel coronavirus pandemic.  Cole Burston / AFP

 

By Thomas I. Likness
EBC Edmonton Bureau

EDMONTON (Eagle News) — Seven out of 10 Canadians believe a return to normal life is at least six months away according to an Angus Reid Institute poll released Friday.

The pessimism seen to increase as time passes. In March only 30 percent held that view. Last month, it was 43 per cent.

“The good news is that for many, the potential economic turmoil foreseen in the early days of the pandemic has not been realized,” the institute noted in a summary.

Last month, 13 percent did not pay their rent in full last month and 16 percent had to reduce the quality of their groceries. But this is half of the number who worried about these situations occurring back in March.

For the vast majority, 79 percent, their primary concern continues to be the risk of illness for friends and family, compared to 59 percent who say they are worried about their personal risk.

And as provinces begin to slowly lift restrictions and outline plans for a cautious opening up of communities and their economies, Canadians continue to be of the opinion that it is too soon to reopen many of the businesses and institutions where they live.

Seven-in-ten say it is too soon to go to elementary schools, attend places of worship, gyms and other places in their neighborhoods.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey from May 4 – 6, 2020 among a representative randomized sample of 1,518 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. For comparison purposes only, a probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percent, 19 times out of 20.

(Eagle News Service)