Scope Research: January 2026 Survey

Scope Research: January 2026 Survey

*Percentages are calculated based on respondents who answered each question (not the full sample).

Heading into early 2026, Canada is not united by one driving story. Our politics are a collection of local realities that don’t necessarily always agree. While the high-level media headlines depict a nation united against Washington in the face of tariff disputes, recent results from Scope Research reveal a more nuanced perspective into a country pulled in many different directions. 

We are witnessing a nation defined by geography as much as policy, where the national mood can shift depending on which provincial border you’re standing within. The following graph shows the top issues that respondents in each province identified as priorities for the federal government. Results reveal a consistent focus around the cost of living, healthcare, and the economy overall.  

Ontario

In Ontario, the economic mood has shifted from cautious optimism to a protective, almost defensive posture. The province’s identity as an industrial powerhouse is currently being tested by a volatile mix of shifting U.S. trade dynamics and growing concerns about the economy.

Based on our findings, the cost of living was identified as the top priority for the federal government among Ontarians, a sentiment validated by trends in consumer behaviour. When asked about changes in grocery shopping, 45% reported that they’re buying less groceries, and 70% of those who reported a change in their grocery spending said that changing grocery prices were the main cause. Additionally, more than half (54%) expect Canada’s economy to worsen over the next year, and nearly 1 in 3 (28%) expect their own financial situation to worsen as well.

Despite the sustained financial pressure and continued trade uncertainty with the United States, just 25% feel that Canada should reduce supply management to improve trade, and 60% reported that they are willing to pay more for dairy products to protect Canadian farmers. 

Bolstering domestic industrial capacity also emerged as a common theme, as 60 percent feel the Ring of Fire is important to Ontario’s economic development, and 65 percent support the construction of new pipelines. The pro-domestic industry, “Buy Canadian” sentiment has also provided a political tailwind for Premier Ford’s recent ban on American alcohol, as 50% feel the ban is working as intended. 

Alberta

In Alberta, results paint a picture of a province that feels increasingly adrift from the rest of the country. 54% feel that Albertans’ needs aren’t considered when developing federal policy, and 38% feel Alberta should separate from Canada.

Despite the province’s relative economic strength, the national affordability crisis hasn’t spared the West. Like Ontario, the cost of living emerged as the top concern for Albertans, and 97% report being at least somewhat concerned about rising prices and inflation.

Concerns around immigration are also shifting the provincial mood, as 71% feel that current immigration levels should be scaled back, and 58% link immigration to the rising level of crime, suggesting that the province’s traditional social cohesion is under significant strain.

British Columbia

British Columbians are also feeling the inflationary squeeze. 95% are concerned about rising prices and inflation, and more than half (55%) expect their household expenses to increase this year.

Interestingly, this economic pressure has led to a pragmatic shift in energy policy, despite years of NDP pushback to expanded pipeline networks. 59% support the construction of a new pipeline from Alberta to the BC coast, while 62% support the construction of new pipelines in Canada in general.  

When it comes to immigration, British Columbians’ views overlap with Albertans. Most agree that newcomers make Canada a better place (53%), and that immigration has a positive impact on the economy (54%), but ultimately feel that immigration levels should be reduced (56%).

Methodology

From January 20 to 22, 2026, Scope Research conducted three online surveys targeting Ontarians, Albertans, and British Columbians aged 18 years or older. Respondents were invited to participate via SMS text. An overview of each sample is provided below:

	Total Responses Collected	Total Unweighted Cases	Total Weighted Cases
Ontario	1,500	1,437	1,438
Alberta	1,500	1,452	1,448
British Columbia	1,502	1,460	1,478

For each survey, the margin of error for a comparable probability-based sample would be ±3%, 19 times out of 20. Results were weighted by age and gender using data from the 2021 Canadian census, to ensure that each sample reflects the demographic makeup of the target province’s population.