In a country often regarded as one of the world’s most livable and progressive nations, it’s surprising—and a little sobering—to see that fewer than half of Canadians say they feel “very proud” to be Canadian. According to a recent Angus Reid survey, just 43 percent of respondents claimed that strong sense of pride, an improvement over last year’s 34 percent, but still a far cry from the 78 percent recorded back in 1985.
Let that sink in: we’ve come a long way from the days when nearly eight out of ten Canadians felt an overwhelming pride in our national identity.
While some may be quick to blame political division or economic unease, the reality is more complex. The recent uptick in national pride seems to have been sparked, at least partially, by comments from former U.S. President Donald Trump suggesting Canada should become America’s 51st state. Combine that with his administration’s tariffs, and it appears Canadians—perhaps reflexively—clung tighter to their maple leaves.
But reflexive pride is not the same as deep, enduring belief in the nation’s direction. Regional disparities speak volumes. In provinces like Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Quebec, national pride continues to lag. Only 30 percent of Quebecers and 38 percent of Albertans and Saskatchewanians say they’re “very proud” to be Canadian. Even more striking is that 28 percent of Albertans admitted they’re either “not very proud” or “not proud at all.”
This isn’t just about sentiment—it’s about real, tangible discontent. Western provinces have long felt alienated from federal policy, particularly when it comes to energy, gun rights, and personal freedoms. It’s hard to feel proud of a country you believe doesn’t have your back.
On the flip side, Ontario and Atlantic Canada are the emotional anchors of national pride, with about 50 percent of residents in each region expressing strong patriotic sentiment. British Columbia and Manitoba are somewhere in the middle.
But pride isn’t the only measure of how we feel about our country. Optimism—our belief in Canada’s future—is a more subtle, but equally important barometer.
After a steep decline in national optimism that hit its lowest point in December 2024, Canadians have begun to feel more hopeful again. Optimism surged from 61 percent last December to 72 percent earlier this year, before settling slightly at 67 percent. The political shift from Justin Trudeau to Mark Carney may have contributed to this renewed hope, especially among Canadians who had grown frustrated with the previous leadership.
It’s especially noteworthy that even Alberta and Saskatchewan—typically Canada’s most skeptical provinces—are showing signs of cautious optimism. That’s no small feat.
Of course, optimism doesn’t mean denial. Canadians are still grappling with serious concerns about equality and opportunity. Over half of survey respondents said they don’t believe Canada is a country where everyone has the same opportunities. That number should concern all of us.
And when we look at who believes Canada offers a good quality of life, we see another interesting divide. While 72 percent of Canadians still agree that life here is good, those aged 35 to 54 are the most skeptical. That makes sense—they’re raising families, paying off mortgages, and navigating a job market and housing crisis that often feel stacked against them.
Political affiliation also plays a strong role. Conservative voters were the least likely to feel satisfied with life in Canada—just 52 percent said they were happy with the country’s quality of life, compared to over 80 percent among supporters of other parties. That’s a major perception gap.
Perhaps most tellingly, younger Canadians are more hesitant to say Canada is a good place to start a family. Only 60 percent of people aged 18 to 34 feel that way, while nearly 80 percent of those 65 and up believe the opposite. That generational divide should give policymakers pause—because if young people don’t believe Canada is working for them, they’re less likely to invest in its future.
So where does all this leave us?
Canada is clearly at a crossroads. On one hand, we are rediscovering some measure of national pride and optimism after a difficult few years. On the other hand, deep regional, political, and generational divides remain. If we want to foster a stronger, more unified Canada, we need to address the concerns driving those divides—not just wave flags and hope they disappear.
Yes, Canadians are proud. Yes, we’re hopeful. But we’re also waiting—perhaps even demanding—for a country that reflects our shared values, meets our diverse needs, and offers equal opportunity for all.
That’s the Canada we want to be proud of. Let’s get to work on building it.
