| Dear Reader,Thank you for taking the time to share your thoughts in our survey on Free Speech in Canada. With input from over 4,000 respondents, we’re sharing the current findings with you. |
| Current Survey Results1 A recent study found three-quarters of Canadian university students censor themselves on campus on topics of politics, religion, race, and gender.Do you think it has become harder to speak your mind freely on social and political issues in Canada? Strongly agree73%Somewhat agree14%Somewhat disagree5%Strongly disagree7%Not sure3%2 Students say they often stay silent because they fear social or academic consequences. Should it be generally acceptable for students to face academic consequences for expressing their views?Strongly agree12%Somewhat agree7%Somewhat disagree11%Strongly disagree66%Not sure4%3 Have you ever held back your views or opinions on social or political issues in the following settings?Totals may exceed 100% due to multiple answer choicesWith friends49%With family39%At work50%At school or university18%With neighbours50%On social media or online51%Never16%Other (please specify)5%T 4. Which of these do you find most concerning as signs of declining free speech in Canada?Totals may exceed 100% due to multiple answer choicesLosing jobs over views51%Fear of speaking openly63%Families and friends divided45%Debate shut down in schools49%Public shaming / cancel culture60%Media bias and self-censorship62%Social media censorship54%Intimidation and violence53%Government overreach68%Public / academic figures censored44%None of the above3%Not sure2%Other (please specify)5% 5 What do you think are the main causes of the growing challenges to free speech in Canada?Totals may exceed 100% due to multiple answer choices Increased intolerance43%Political polarization59%Social media reinforcing one-sided views60%Influence of authoritarian and communist ideologies55%Politicians fuelling intolerance through their messaging59%Media bias and partisanship64%Universities limiting or stifling diverse opinions51%Government overreach61%Decline in moral values51%Other (please specify)6%6 What do you see as a reasonable limit to free speech, if any?Totals may exceed 100% due to multiple answer choices.No limits — all speech should be allowed22%If it promotes violence or killing69%If it spreads hatred toward certain groups39%If it spreads false or harmful information43%It’s hard to define9%Not sure2%Other (please specify)5% 7 What do you see as the biggest problem with Canada’s media when it comes to free expression?Totals may exceed 100% due to multiple answer choices, Self-censorship to avoid backlash38%Bias and partisanship71%Silencing or ignoring dissenting voices61%Over-reliance on government funding62%Giving space only to “acceptable” views69%Other (please specify)6% |