4-in-10
favour abolishing monarchy
Majority don’t want Prince Charles as Head of State
TORONTO May 14th,
2015 - In a
random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll among 1286 Canadian
voters, just fewer than 4-in-10 favour abolishing the monarchy in Canada upon
the death of the Queen (39%). Opposition to this idea is characteristic of just
more (45%). One sixth don’t share an opinion (16%). Abolishing the monarchy is
especially popular among the youngest (49%), males (44%), the wealthy ($80K to
$100K - 46%), in Quebec (71%), among New Democrats (49%), Francophones (72%)
and mothers of children under 18 (46%). This compares very closely to levels of
support noted in July 2013, just after the birth of Prince George (abolish -
37%, oppose - 48%).
Majority disagree Charles should become Head of State
More
than half of Canadian adults don’t want to see Prince Charles become Head of
State of Canada upon the death of his mother (54%), while fewer than one third
think this should happen (31%). One sixth don’t know one way or another (15%).
Wanting to see Charles as Head of State is characteristic of the oldest (37%),
those in mid income groups ($60K to $80K - 38%), in Alberta and BC (37% each),
among Conservatives and Liberals (37% each) but not New Democrats (28%) and among
the least educated (36%). Among those who support the monarchy, just more
than half agree Charles should be Head of State (56%), and one third disagree
(32%). These findings are very close to those noted in July 2013 (agree -
33%, disagree - 53%).
Even split on Oath to the Queen
Equal
proportions of voters agree (44%) and disagree (45%) all citizens should swear
the Oath to the Queen, and this is the same as noted in July, 2013 (47% and
43%, respectively).
Increase in those who want a Canadian-born Head of State
Almost
three quarters of voters agree the Head of State of Canada should be Canadian-born
and live in Canada (73%), and this represents a clear increase since the last
time we polled (July, 2013 - 63%). One tenth don’t have an opinion (12%).
Agreement is highest in Quebec (91%) and lowest in Alberta (59%).
"These measures appear to be
static across two years, but you must remember that we polled immediately after
a royal birth each time. It is clear there are a substantial number of people
who, while they support the monarchy in Canada, don’t necessarily support the
Heir Apparent," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne
Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum
Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416)
960-9603.
