Unvaccinated citizens should face fines, as per the majority of Canadians polled: Nanos

Key takeaways:

• According to a new Nanos Research poll, most Canadians support or are somewhat supportive of a one-time health contribution or fine for those who are still unvaccinated against COVID-19.

As per a new survey by Nanos Research, most Canadians support or are somewhat supportive of a unique health contribution or fine imposed on those who are still unvaccinated against COVID-19.

According to the results of a survey commissioned by CTV News, 40% of respondents support the idea, while another 20% support it somewhat. Meanwhile, 29% are opposed to it, 8% are slightly opposed to it, and 4% are undecided.

Those aged 55 and older are more supportive of a policy that would offer provincial governments the power to fine unvaccinated citizens.

Also read: Despite Omicron’s presence, hundreds of thousands of Canadians travel overseas

“From a political standpoint, this is critical. “On Monday, Nanos Research’s Nik Nanos told CTV News Channel’s Power Play that only 50% of Canadians below 35 years old assistance this or somewhat support it, while it jumps to 72 percent or more than seven out of ten for seniors,” Nanos said.

“Older Canadians vote more frequently than younger Canadians, which means that those who are more likely to vote are also more likely to support this.”

On a regional level, Ontario has the most support, followed by Quebec, Atlantic Canada, British Columbia, and the Prairies.

In response to increasing COVID-19 cases and the resulting strain on the healthcare system, Quebec Premier François Legault announced on Jan. 11 that a new health contribution would be applied to the province’s unvaccinated residents.

The financial penalty’s exact amount has yet to be determined, but Legault has stated that $50 or $100 “is not significant” to him. Those who qualify for a medical exemption will be exempt.

Politicians and healthcare providers have given the announcement mixed reviews, with some arguing that the policy is an effective incentive to get the vaccine. In contrast, others argue that it is a violation of individual liberties.

METHODOLOGY

As part of an omnibus survey, Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,049 Canadians aged 18 and up between January 21 and 23, 2022. Participants were contacted at random by live agents over the phone and asked to complete an online survey. 

Land and cell lines from all over Canada were included in the sample. Using the most recent Census data, the results were statistically checked and weighted by age and gender, and the sample was geographically stratified to represent Canada.

Individuals were contacted at random using random digit dialing, with a maximum of five callbacks.

This survey’s margin of error is 3.0 %, 19 times out of 20.

CTV News commissioned the research, which Nanos Research carried out.

The counts on the charts may not add up to 100 due to rounding.

Source: CTV News