Majority of Canadians want restrictions lifted now: Angus Reid poll

Photo: Angus Reid Institute

A small majority of Canadians would like to see COVID-19 health restrictions ended, according to a new poll from Angus Reid.

The study released Monday stated 54% of poll respondents agreed or strongly agreed with the statement “It’s time to end restrictions and let people self isolate if they’re at risk.”

That is an increase of 15% from two weeks ago. Every region except Atlantic Canada feels now is the time to open things up. The lone majority-dissenting age and gender group on this question are women over the age of 54.

The same survey found that one-in-five Canadians have reported a COVID infection in their household since Dec. 1. Overall, nine per cent of Canadians say they have had a positive test since Dec. 1, approximately one-quarter of those who have taken a test.

Of those who tested positive, 52% reported mild symptoms, 47% reported “serious but manageable - like a case of the flu” while 1% needed hospitalization.

Access to testing remains a significant challenge for Canadians, forcing some to turn to private testing. As a result, likelihood of a household taking a COVID test since Dec. 1 increases with income.

The full study can be viewed here.

The poll is based on an online survey from January 27-28, 2022 among a representative randomized sample of 1,688 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. A probability sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Photo: Angus Reid Institute

Photo: Angus Reid Institute