International Public Opinion
In 1997, a team of professional survey research firms under the supervision of the Angus Reid Group polled 5,700 adults living in 20 countries (including Canada). The poll, which was conducted in 24 different languages, offers insight into the attitudes of people around the world toward Canada, and the views of Canadians themselves. This "snapshot" of international public opinion shows that Canada is held in very high regard indeed! Highlights of this public opinion survey include the following:
Canada on the Top-Ten List
Participants in 20 countries were asked to list their choices of countries to live in, after their own. A sizable majority in all 20 countries put Canada on their top-ten list of places in which to live. Residents of France, the United States and the United Kingdom--countries with whom we maintain very strong political, cultural and trading relationships--are particularly impressed with our quality of life. In fact, Canada was the number one choice of people in the United States and France as the country they would most like to live in after their own.
These results reflect the findings of the 1995, 1996 and 1997 United Nations Human Development Report, which stated that Canada's overall quality of life makes it the best country in the world in which to live.
We Canadians also express contentment with our country and our quality of life. Overwhelming numbers of Canadians (nine of every ten surveyed) ranked Canada as one of the three best places to live. The degree of personal freedom Canadians enjoy, health care, the environment and the peaceful nature of our country are considered key ingredients in our quality of life.
Canada: What the World Likes ... and Doesn't Like
Canada is best known abroad for its natural beauty. For many people in other countries, Canada is wide-open spaces, mountains, trees and lakes. We are also viewed favourably for being environmentally responsible.
In all countries, the vast majority of people polled consider Canadians to be honest, friendly, polite, well-educated, interesting and healthy.
Throughout the world, we are known as a modern, progressive nation with an open and generous society, a country in which all people have the opportunity to grow and develop in their own way, and a country that upholds its international commitments.
As for what the world doesn't like about Canada, the first thing to be noted is that in half the countries surveyed the majority of respondents couldn't think of a single bad thing to say about Canada. But among those who did find something of concern, one issue was a standout: our climate! The French, the British, the Australians and the Chileans all registered this concern.
Respecting Diversity
Diversity has been a fundamental characteristic of Canada since its beginnings. Canadians are proud and appreciative of their cultural diversity. Throughout the world, Canada is regarded as a nation that respects the contributions and individuality of different cultures. In fact, Canada's deserved reputation for warmth to all peoples is considered an important part of the country's international reputation.
Canada's experience with diversity stands apart from other countries. Over 30 million inhabitants reflect a cultural, ethnic and linguistic makeup found nowhere else on earth. Approximately more than 200,000 immigrants a year from all parts of the globe continue to choose Canada, drawn by its quality of life and its reputation as an open, peaceful and caring society that welcomes newcomers and values diversity.
In Canada people learn to adapt and relate to one another despite their differences. Through practice, it has been understood that differences between communities has not affected much. This encourages citizens to come forward and fully participate in the Canadian society. As a consequence, Canada's concept of diversity is moving beyond language, ethnicity, race and religion.
Caring For and Helping Others
Canada has an excellent reputation for compassion towards its own citizens and also for the ways in which we help countries in need.
Many of the people surveyed, and Canadians in particular, think our healthcare system is among the best in the world. We are also admired for our generous network of social assistance programs
In 15 of the 20 countries surveyed, majorities agreed that Canada plays a "substantial role" in world peacekeeping efforts. Our continental neighbours in Central and South America offered high praise in this regard, as did those polled in the United States.
Canada has a solid reputation for generosity in providing aid to poorer countries. A majority of Canadians think we are better than other well-to-do countries at providing aid and assistance to developing countries. In more than half of the other 19 countries there was majority support for the view that Canada is more generous than other developed countries.
