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The Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC), established in 1996, managed the Canadian Unity Council (CUC) research and communications activities. CRIC's research activities were concerned with the theme of Canadian unity conceived broadly to incorporate a variety of issues related to the political, economic, and social union of Canada.
The Centre for Research and Information on Canada (CRIC) generously donated the following surveys to Carleton University to be used for academic teaching and research only. No more data will be forthcoming from CRIC as this department is now closed.
Be sure to check the CRIC Research Papers below for additional information.
CRIC Surveys
Borderlands, 2002
This survey is the contribution of CRIC to the Borderlines conferences, which was presented in several Canadian cities and in Washington. This survey aims to better define the public opinion of Canadians on the relations between Canada and the United States. It is mainly a question of the results of the collaboration of the two countries in economic and military terms. The survey also seeks to determine which country, according to Canadian public opinion, profits more from the many exchanges. This survey was conducted between June 25, 2002 and July 16, 2002.
(Available via Data Services)
Canada and World Affairs Survey, 2002
This survey aims to identify Canadians' opinions on Canada-U.S. relations and the similarities between both countries. It also aims to identify the opinions of Canadians on subjects such as peacekeeping missions and providing economic aid to poor countries. Finally, the survey seeks to identify the level of anxiety amongst Canadians after the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.
This survey is available in the MacOdrum Library Dataverse Collection
Charter of Rights and Freedom Survey, 2002
To celebrate the twentieth anniversary of the Charter of Rights and Freedom, CRIC has ordered a public opinion poll on a national scale with the aim to evaluate what Canadians think of the Charter, and how the courts interpret its articles. This survey also clarifies the evolution of the perception that Canadians have of the Charter. Included is the CRIC Report: "The Charter: Dividing or Uniting Canadians?"
This survey is available in the MacOdrum Library Dataverse Collection
Comparative Federalism Series, 2003
This study is a result of two distinct surveys, one bearing on federalism which includes Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and the other on internationalism which relates to only Canada and the United States. The survey on federalism constitutes an annual evaluation of the attitudes of the public regarding federalism.
This survey is available in the MacOdrum Library Dataverse Collection
The Globe and Mail Survey on "The New Canada", 2003
This survey scans in-depth public opinion while trying to perceive the changes in Canadian society. It tries to answer, partly at least, the question: "Who are we as Canadians?" The survey allows better understanding the evolution of Canada and its profound values of being a multicultural society.
This survey is available in the MacOdrum Library Dataverse Collection
Portraits of Canada Series
Portraits of Canada is an annual survey of public opinion in Canada conducted by the CRIC. It tracks how the attitudes of Canadians have evolved on a range of issues relating to the nature and well-being of the country and its citizens.
Survey of Western Canada (Looking West), 2001
Revisiting issues touched on in it's "Protraits of Canada" series, CRIC conducted this survey to evaluate the feeling of alienation of Western Canadians. The survey probes people in regards to their feelings towards the federation and whether they understand tensions that rule the country. After better understanding feelings of exclusion, surveyors questioned respondents on the level of respect their province receives federally, in regards to changes brought to the democratic institutions which could make them feel more included and on the effects of the equalization program. Access the survey here
Survey on Official Languages, 2003
The purpose of this survey is to gauge the importance Canadians place on learning French or English as a second language. The findings reveal that both francophones and anglophones believe bilingualism gives rise to numerous advantages, among them better career opportunities and personal fulfilment. The results also show that the majority of English-speaking Canadians outside Quebec would like to speak French and continue to favour that language for their children's secondlanguage instruction. Immigrants are also very receptive to official bilingualism, supporting the policy to an even greater degree than do their Canadian-born fellow citizens. Lastly, this survey suggests that young Canadians, particularly women, are most likely to see bilingualism as a means for maintaining national unity and as a driving force of Canadian identity. Access the survey here
CRIC Research Papers
- #2 - Bridging the Divide between Aboriginal Peoples and the Canadian State (June 2001)
- #3 - Voter Participation in Canada: Is Canadian Democracy in Crisis? (October 2001)
- #9 - A Changing People: Being Canadian in a New Century (April 2003)
- #10 - Canada and the United States: An Evolving Partnership (August 2003)
- #14 - Facing the Future: Relations Between Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Canadians (June 2004)
- #17 - Finding Their Voice: Civic Engagement Among Aboriginal and New Canadians (July 2005)
