The Confederation of Tomorrow surveys are annual studies conducted by an association of the country’s leading public policy and social research organizations: the Environics Institute for Survey Research, the Centre of Excellence on the Canadian Federation, the Canada West Foundation, the Centre D’Analyse Politique – Constitution et Fédéralisme, and the Brian Mulroney Institute of Government. The surveys give voice to Canadians about the major issues shaping the future of the federation and their political communities. The 2022 study consists of a survey of 5,461 adults, conducted online in the provinces between January 18 and February 10; and by telephone in the territories between January 6 and 30. For more information about the survey, contact .
This report was produced and published by Environics Institute | April 2022
Executive Summary
Executive summary Equalization is one of several major federal transfer programs. Unlike other transfers, only less prosperous provinces receive equalization. Equalization has been criticized as unfair by premiers in some provinces that currently do not receive payments. The Confederation of Tomorrow 2022 Survey, however, finds that three in four Canadians – including majorities in every province – continue to support the equalization program. Support has held steady since 2019. The survey also finds that Canadians, including those living in non-recipient provinces, are more likely to favour increasing equalization payments than decreasing them. But many Canadians are unsure as to whether their province receives equalization. Even in Alberta, where the government recently held a referendum on equalization, only about one in two correctly say that their province does not receive payments. Overall, one in three Canadians favour restarting constitutional talks to negotiate significant changes to the way the country’s wealth is shared across provinces through the equalization program; this proportion is higher in Alberta, but falls just short of a majority.
This report was produced by Environics Institute