BETWEEN June 17 and 19, Abacus Data conducted a national survey of 1,500 Canadian adults to assess their sense of national pride, connection to the country, and overall outlook. Over the past year, Canadians have faced numerous challenges and uncertainties. Leadership changes, shifting global dynamics, and questions about Canada’s place on the world stage, particularly in relation to the United States, have contributed to a sense of instability.

On a personal level, many Canadians have also been grappling with issues such as housing affordability, job insecurity, and access to healthcare. Despite these difficulties, Canadians have remained resilient.

The survey findings reveal a strong sense of pride, particularly in Canada’s natural beauty, healthcare system, and societal safety. While economic challenges and future uncertainties persist, many Canadians maintain a resilient optimism about the country’s direction.

* Pride in Canadian Identity

A growing number of Canadians – 68% in fact – expressed pride in their national identity, marking a subtle 2-point increase from 2024. While pride is widespread, there are notable age differences. Older Canadians, particularly those aged 60+, report the highest levels of pride at 83%, reflecting a deep connection to Canada’s values and history. In contrast, younger Canadians, especially those in the 30-44 age group, report the lowest levels at 59%, possibly due to challenges like economic instability and political concerns.

A notable shift has occurred among young Canadians aged 18-29. This year, 62% report feeling proud to be Canadian, marking a 13-point increase from 2024 when only 49% of this group felt the same. This surge suggests a new sense of national identity emerging among younger generations, potentially driven by global issues and an increasing recognition of Canada’s unique role on the world stage.

* What Makes Canadians Proud

Canadians’ pride is largely driven by the country’s natural beauty, with 65% citing it as a primary source of national pride, reflecting the country’s vast landscapes, pristine wilderness, and dedication to environmental conservation. Alongside this, 62% of Canadians take pride in the peaceful and safe society that distinguishes the nation, an attribute that remains significant amidst global instability. Universal healthcare continues to be a strong source of pride for 60% of Canadians, emphasizing the country’s commitment to equity and access to essential health services.

What stands out this year is the growing pride in Canada’s distinct identity, with 56% of Canadians highlighting this aspect. This sense of difference feels especially significant given the current global political climate and challenges from our southern neighbor. As global tensions rise, Canadians are embracing their unique identity, seeing it as something increasingly worth celebrating.

* Challenges to National Pride

While pride in being Canadian remains high, it’s important to recognize the challenges some face in fully embracing their national identity. Among those who do not feel proud, 53% cited disagreement with Canadian politics as a key barrier, while another 53% feel that economic struggles or lack of opportunities diminish their connection to the country. For many, these present-day challenges can overshadow the pride others feel.

Another notable shift is the increase in the number of Canadians – 39%, up from 31% in 2024 – who feel a lack of cultural identity or connection to Canadian values. This growing sense of disconnection may be linked to frustrations with institutions that are meant to represent them. In fact, 38% of Canadians report negative experiences with key institutions like healthcare, education, and public services. These issues, especially when they impact daily life, can erode the pride many have.

Interestingly, the perception of Canada’s global reputation has improved, with only 24% of Canadians now citing it as a reason for not feeling proud, a significant decrease from 42% in 2024. This shift may reflect growing confidence in the country’s direction and a shift in leadership.

* Personal Connection to Canada

A majority of Canadians (63%) feel personally connected to their country. However, the intensity of this connection varies significantly across age groups. Older Canadians (60+) are the most likely to feel a strong connection, with 76% affirming their deep bond to the country, reflecting a sense of legacy and established relationship with Canada’s social and cultural fabric. In contrast, younger Canadians, particularly those aged 30-44, report feeling less connected, with only 54% indicating a personal tie to the nation. This age group, often navigating career and family-building stages, may struggle to connect deeply amidst issues like housing affordability and economic mobility.

Despite this, the fact that only 11% of Canadians report feeling disconnected from their country is a positive sign. It indicates that the majority still hold a sense of belonging, even if that connection may fluctuate depending on personal circumstances.

Canadians don’t just feel connected to the idea of Canada. They widely value its public institutions – even debated ones like the Senate, CBC/Radio-Canada, or Supreme Court – for their role in shaping the country’s identity. Across three dimensions – how important they are to what makes Canada what it is, whether they foster a shared national connection, and the sense of loss their absence would create, these public institutions are broadly appreciated by Canadians at large.

* Quality of Life and Happiness

When it comes to quality of life, 48% of Canadians rate their situation as positive, consistent with 2024 (49%). Young Canadians (18-29) report the highest quality of life (56%) and saw the largest year-over-year improvement, up from 49% in 2024. In contrast, older Canadians saw a decline, with only 51% rating their quality of life positively in 2025, down from 58% in 2024. This decline may stem from rising healthcare costs, pension concerns, and a shifting socio-political landscape.

* Sense of Well-Being and Optimism

Many Canadians (47%) report a positive sense of well-being and happiness. Older Canadians (56%) are more likely to express a sense of contentment, likely due to the stability that often comes with later life, such as established careers and retirement. However, those aged 30-44 are the least likely to report happiness (39%), potentially reflecting the pressures of balancing career, family, and financial concerns.

The age shift in optimism is interesting. While 43% of Canadians are optimistic, younger Canadians (18-29) report the highest levels, with a 9-point increase from 2024, possibly reflecting a sense of empowerment despite economic challenges. In contrast, optimism has sharply declined among older Canadians, with only 44% expressing a positive outlook, down from 53% in 2024. This may be tied to concerns about the future of social programs and the geopolitical landscape.

The survey was conducted with 1,500 Canadian adults from June 17 to 19, 2025. A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the Lucid exchange platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.53%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.