Nearly two in five Canadians (39%) believe it is the best time (score of 7-10 out of 10) for Canada to be ambitious in addressing climate change even if there are costs to the economy. This is consistent with the latest wave of tracking in May 2025 (37%). Over one in three say it is the worst time (score of 0-3 out of 10) (35%; 36% in May 2025). One in five Canadians also continue to rate this as absolutely the worst time to be ambitious (score of 0 out of 10) (22%; 20% in May 2025). When asked the reason for their views, those who think it is the best time (score 7-10 out of 10) most often said because we need to act now/climate change can’t wait (66%; 67% in May 2025) while those who believe it is the worst time (score 0-3 out of 10) most often said so because there are other priorities/focus should be on health/basic needs (food, heat for winter, etc.) (21%, up from 18% in May 2025).
Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,045 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between October 27th and 30th, 2025, as part of an omnibus survey.
The margin of error for a random survey of 1,055 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
The research was commissioned by the University of Ottawa’s Positive Energy program and was conducted by Nanos Research.
To read the full report, click here.