TORONTO | OTTAWA | CALGARY www.thestrategiccounsel.com PULSE REPORT ON COVID-19 – REPORT #63 CABINET OFFICE January 8th 2021 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 2 KEY FINDINGS C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 3 1 The government’s ‘right track’ scores have stabilized at 66% after dropping 10-points following the province-wide shutdown announcement. ‘Right track’ scores are softer among women, incomes <$40k, and among those born outside Canada. Key Findings 2 3 4 In addition, perceptions of the government’s performance on economic metrics continue to remain well lower the scores registered last Summer. On Education, scores on ‘managing the re￾opening of schools’ have declined in light of the in-person classes being shifted to online. Perceptions toward the government’s performance on ‘ensuring excellent public education’ remains stable. 5 The ‘COVID-19’ priority has reached its highest point: 66% (much higher than the early days of the pandemic). The ‘economy’ remains as a secondary priority at 9%, but it trails ‘COVID-19’ significantly, while ‘Education’ has largely disappeared as a priority. Importantly, most Ontarians overwhelming believe that the provincial shutdown was an ‘appropriate reaction’. Very few felt it was an overreaction. They see the shutdown as having a positive impact on infection rates and hospitalizations. Similarly, Ontarians also believe that if infections continue to rise, the shutdown should be extended. 6 In recent waves, a substantial gap has opened up on trust. On the one hand, Ontarians’ trust in the government’s communications about COVID-19 is high and rising while, on the other hand, trust in ‘managing the provincial economy’ and that COVID-19 restrictions will be measured and appropriate have declined. The government’s performance on key health metrics -- ‘keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation’, ‘delivering quality health care to Ontarians’ and ‘managing long-term care’ -- have declined over the past 10 days. These declines likely stem from the rising infection cases. The initial performance score on managing vaccinations is soft at+2. C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 4 7 Key Findings Compared to last Spring, Ontarians are much more likely to believe that the government has not moved quickly enough to stop the spread of COVID-19. 8 Compared to the Spring, Ontarians are slightly less like to believe the idea that staying home means saving lives. And, in the latest wave, Ontarians are much more likely to believe that the lack of a social life is extremely difficult. Despite this increasing fatigue in staying home, most Ontarians continue (similar to last May) to reject idea that they would rather take a chance on getting COVID-19 than continue at home. Still, three-quarters say that they are only leaving their homes to go to the grocery store and the pharmacy. 9 Most Ontarians express concern about the new UK strain of COVID-19 being detected in Ontario. Ontarians overwhelmingly support strong initiatives to prevent the international spread, particularly from the UK, of COVID-19. C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 5 TOP ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PRIORITIES C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 6 The ‘COVID-19’ priority has reached its highest point: 66% (much higher than the early days of the pandemic). The ‘economy’ remains as a secondary priority at 9%, but it trails ‘COVID-19’ significantly, while ‘Education’ has largely disappeared as a priority. ONTARIANS’ TOP PRIORITIES REQUIRING ATTENTION FROM THE GOVERNMENT Q1. Thinking about the issues presently facing Ontario, which ONE do you feel should receive the GREATEST attention from the Ontario provincial government? That is, what should be the top priority? 26% 55% 56% 48% 45% 56% 47% 55% 56% 64% 66% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% Oct 18 Nov 18 Dec 18 Jan 19 Feb 19 Mar 19 Apr 19May 19 Jul 19 Aug 19 Sep 19 Oct 19 Nov 19 Dec 19 Jan 20 Feb 20 Mar 20 Apr 20May 20 Jun 20 Jul 20 Aug 20 Sep 20 Oct 20 Nov 20 Dec 20 Jan 21 Jun ’20 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Jan ‘21 % % % % % % % % COVID-19 (NET) 48 45 56 47 55 56 64 66 ECONOMY (NET)* 10 11 9 10 12 11 9 9 DEBT/DEFICIT/GOVERNMENT SPENDING 1 2 2 2 2 2 1 1 JOBS/UNEMPLOYMENT 2 3 3 3 4 3 3 2 ECONOMY 6 6 3 6 6 5 4 6 EDUCATION (NET) 3 6 7 10 6 3 3 3 HOUSING/AFFORDABLE HOUSING 1 2 1 1 1 3 2 2 ENVIRONMENT (NET) 1 2 1 1 1 1 2 2 LOW INCOME/POVERTY/SOCIAL ASSIST (NET) 1 2 1 2 1 2 1 2 CRIME (NET) 3 3 1 2 1 1 1 <1 SENIORS ISSUES 2 2 1 1 1 1 1 <1 HEALTHCARE (NET) 1 <1 <1 <1 1 1 1 <1 EQUALITY/RACISM (NET) 4 3 1 1 1 <1 <1 <1 *ECONOMIC (NET) includes: Debt/Deficit/Government spending/Balance budget, Jobs/unemployment, Economy, Taxes C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 7 RIGHT TRACK WRONG TRACK C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 8 49% 47% 49% 43% 41% 44% 37% 36% 34% 40% 35% 37% 40% 41% 42% 40% 46% 80% 82% 79% 79% 78% 77% 78% 74% 76% 72% 75% 75% 65% 66% 47% 48% 46% 52% 53% 52% 58% 60% 66% 60% 65% 63% 60% 59% 58% 60% 54% 20% 18% 21% 21% 22% 23% 22% 26% 24% 28% 25% 25% 35% 34% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% Oct '18 Nov '18 Dec '18 Jan '19 Feb '19 Mar '19 Apr '19 May '19 Jul '19 Aug '19 Sep '19 Oct '19 Nov '19 Dec '19 Jan '20 Feb '20 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28-Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 The government’s ‘right track’ scores have stabilized at 66% after dropping 10-points following the province-wide shutdown announcement. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – RIGHT/WRONG TRACK Q2. Overall, do you feel that the Ontario provincial government is on the right track or the wrong track, in terms of how it is governing the province? Base: Total sample RIGHT TRACK WRONG TRACK These graphs are based on 4 day roll in order to boost the sample sizes. Right Track versus Wrong Track C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 9 8% 11% 12% 31% 32% 27% 28% 28% 26% 23% 21% 24% 20% 24% 18% 16% 15% 33% 29% 34% 49% 50% 51% 51% 50% 50% 54% 52% 52% 52% 51% 56% 50% 51% 0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 45% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% Jan '20 Feb '20 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28-Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 Strongly Right track Somewhat Right Track ‘Strongly’ Right Track versus ‘Somewhat’ Right Track The government’s ‘strongly right track’ scored have stabilized at 15% after dropping 9-points since mid￾December. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – RIGHT TRACK These graphs are based on 4 day roll in order to boost the sample sizes. Q2. Overall, do you feel that the Ontario provincial government is on the right track or the wrong track, in terms of how it is governing the province? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 10 77% 73% 59% 63% 79% 78% 63% 57% 82% 75% 69% 70% 83% 83% 67% 64% 81% 69% 71% 77% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 18-34 35-44 45-54 55-64 65+ The ‘right track’ scores are lower among women in the latest waves compared to men. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- RIGHT TRACK: KEY DEMOGRAPHICS These graphs are based on 5 day roll in order to boost the sample sizes. AGE 81% 72% 67% 70% 79% 77% 63% 63% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Male Female GENDER Right Track Scores – 6-Day Roll Q2. Overall, do you feel that the Ontario provincial government is on the right track or the wrong track, in terms of how it is governing the province? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 11 The ‘right track’ scores have dropped substantially among those earning under $40k, perhaps as they are more likely to feel the effects of the shutdown. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- RIGHT TRACK: KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 72% 74% 71% 58% 84% 84% 69% 72% 81% 58% 79% 60% 81% 71% 61% 65% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 City of Toronto Toronto Suburbs Central Ontario South Western Ontario REGION 82% 74% 63% 57% 80% 82% 74% 75% 79% 69% 60% 65% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Under $40K $40K-<$100K $100K+ INCOME Right Track Scores – 6-Day Roll These graphs are based on 5 day roll in order to boost the sample sizes. Q2. Overall, do you feel that the Ontario provincial government is on the right track or the wrong track, in terms of how it is governing the province? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 12 The ‘right track’ scores have declined, particularly among those born outside of Canada over the past two waves. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- RIGHT TRACK: KEY DEMOGRAPHICS 83% 74% 64% 69% 81% 74% 70% 66% 78% 76% 62% 65% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Rural area Suburban area Urban area RURAL/URBAN/SUBURBAN 82% 77% 69% 66% 78% 72% 62% 67% 50% 55% 60% 65% 70% 75% 80% 85% 90% 95% 100% Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Born outside Canada Born in Canada BORN OUTSIDE/WITHIN CANADA These graphs are based on 5 day roll in order to boost the sample sizes. Right Track Scores – 6-Day Roll Q2. Overall, do you feel that the Ontario provincial government is on the right track or the wrong track, in terms of how it is governing the province? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 13 PERCEPTIONS OF GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 14 -32 -36 -27 -9 22 18 17 18 20 17 18 23 16 18 11 0 -6 0 6 1 2 4 4 -7 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 Jan '20 Feb '20 Mar '20 Apr '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Ensuring excellent public education Managing the re-opening of schools Considering both positive/negative ratings, perceptions toward the government’s performance on ‘ensuring excellent public education’ remains stable. In contrast, ‘managing the re-opening of schools’ has declined in light of the in-person classes being shifted to online. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – EDUCATION METRICS GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- EDUCATION METRICS NET SCORE: Good (7-9) – Poor (1-3) % Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? Bases vary These are Net Scores: Good (7-9) minus Poor Performance (1-3). They are better metrics because both positive/negative scores are considered. C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 15 -1 30 32 30 25 31 29 26 18 20 9 13 3 4 10 -7 27 25 24 23 26 20 24 19 17 13 8 4 16 5 -6 24 21 17 21 14 20 16 7 6 -1 8 9 10 8 -15 -5 5 15 25 35 45 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Building the provincial economy Creating and protecting jobs Improving Ontario’s finances* When considering both positive/negative ratings, perceptions of the government’s performance on economic metrics continue to remain well below the scores registered last Summer. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – ECONOMIC/GOVERNMENT SPENDING METRICS Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? *Former phrasing: “Improve Ontario’s finances” **Former phrasing: “Sufficient business support during the COVID-19 situation” Bases vary GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – ECONOMIC/GOVERNMENT SPENDING METRICS NET SCORE: Good (7-9) – Poor (1-3) % C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 16 -1 32 39 35 40 45 39 35 35 40 43 29 28 41 28 29 67 72 62 68 70 62 56 51 39 33 39 45 40 24 -30 -18 -11 -10 -10 -16 -18 -23 -23 -23 -9 -26 2 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Delivering quality healthcare to Ontarians Keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation Effectively managing long-term care Effectively managing the vaccinations of Ontarians The government’s performance on key health metrics - ‘keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation’, ‘delivering quality health care to Ontarians’ and ‘effectively managing long-term care’ - have declined over the past 10 days. These declines likely stem from the rising infection cases. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE– HEALTH METRICS GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- HEALTH METRICS NET SCORE: Good (7-9) – Poor (1-3) % Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? Bases vary • The biggest drops occurred on ‘keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation’ (16-points) and ‘keeping people save during COVID-19 situation’ 21). • Its performance in effectively managing vaccinations is at +2, well below ‘keeping safe from the COVID-19 situation’ and ‘delivering quality heath care.’ C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 17 8% 8% 11% 10% 7% 10% 10% 12% 11% 8% 8% 13% 12% 12% 75% 77% 80% 68% 62% 60% 56% 56% 50% 51% 51% 47% 47% 53% 17% 16% 9% 22% 31% 29% 34% 32% 40% 42% 40% 40% 40% 35% 0% 10% 20% 30% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Doing more than is necessary Doing what is required Not doing as much as they should Doing what is required Not doing as much as they should Mar ‘20 Apr ‘20 May ‘20 June ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ’20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Mar ‘20 Apr ‘20 May ‘20 June ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ’20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Right Track 76% 79% 82% n/a 75% 70% 68% 66% 66% 60% 61% 61% 58% 60% 62% 15% 13% 8% n/a 15% 23% 21% 25% 22% 31% 32% 32% 29% 31% 28% Wrong Track 73% 66% 66% n/a 42% 33% 35% 25% 26% 19% 24% 21% 15% 24% 34% 21% 26% 19% n/a 48% 57% 56% 61% 60% 66% 68% 66% 74% 59% 50% The proportion who think the government is ‘not doing as much as they should’ on COVID-19 has dropped slightly to 35%. ONTARIO GOVERNMENT COVID-19 MEASURES QCV-6. Thinking about the measures that the Government of Ontario has already taken to limit the spread of the virus, including advising the public and businesses about prevention measures, shutting down the province for several weeks, and keeping kids out of school, at this time would you say they are … (previous phrasing) Thinking about the measures that the Government of Ontario has already taken to limit the spread of the virus, including advising the public and businesses about prevention measures, gradually reopening the province, and planning for the return to school in the fall, at this time would you say they are … (previous phrasing) Thinking about the measures that the Government of Ontario has already taken to limit the spread of the virus, including issuing a Declaration of Emergency, ordering non-essential businesses to close, advising the public and businesses about prevention measures and closing publicly funded schools, at this time would you say they are … (READ LIST. RANDOMIZE ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE ONLY.) (previous phrasing) Thinking about the measures that the Government of Ontario has already taken to limit the spread of the virus, including advising the public and businesses about prevention measures and closing publicly funded schools, at this time would you say they are … Base: Total sample, base varies C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 18 COVID-19 INFECTIONS C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 19 Similar to last June, most Ontarians recognize that COVID-19 infection cases will be around for a while, even though the vaccination rollout is occurring. LIVING WITH COVID-19 VIRUS FOR SOME TIME Jun ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % TOTAL AGREE 88 86 Strongly agree 54 57 Somewhat agree 33 29 Neither agree nor disagree 4 5 Somewhat disagree 4 3 Strongly disagree 3 4 TOTAL DISAGREE 8 7 Don’t know 1 2 I am willing to live with the fact that there will continue to be some cases of COVID-19 for quite a while yet QCV-8B. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the effects of COVID-19. The first is … Base: Total sample, base varies C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 20 Compared to the Spring, Ontarians are slightly less like to believe the idea that staying home means saving lives. STAYING HOME SAVES LIVES QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I believe that I am saving lives by staying at home Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 90 87 83 Strongly agree 69 63 59 Somewhat agree 21 24 23 Neither agree nor disagree 2 4 2 Somewhat disagree 4 6 6 Strongly disagree 2 2 8 TOTAL DISAGREE 6 8 14 Not applicable 1 1 2 Don’t know <1 <1 <1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 21 Compared to last Spring, in the last wave Ontarians are much more likely to agree that a lack of a social life is extremely difficult. THE LACK OF SOCIAL LIFE IS DIFFICULT QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I find a lack of a social life extremely difficult Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Jun ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % % TOTAL AGREE 52 55 54 65 Strongly agree 24 25 22 33 Somewhat agree 28 30 32 33 Neither agree nor disagree 8 7 6 6 Somewhat disagree 22 20 23 14 Strongly disagree 18 17 17 15 TOTAL DISAGREE 39 37 40 28 Not applicable <1 <1 - <1 Don’t know <1 <1 <1 - C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 22 Despite this increasing fatigue in staying home, most Ontarians (similar to last May) continue to reject the idea that they would rather take a chance on getting COVID-19 than continue staying at home. STARTING TO THINK CATCHING COVID-19 IS BETTER THAN STAYING HOME May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % TOTAL AGREE 17 19 Strongly agree 8 12 Somewhat agree 9 7 Neither agree nor disagree 3 3 Somewhat disagree 16 14 Strongly disagree 63 62 TOTAL DISAGREE 79 76 Don’t know 1 2 I am starting to feel that I would rather take a chance on getting COVID-19 than continue staying at home QCV-8B. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the effects of COVID-19. The first is … Base: Total sample, base varies C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 23 Still, three-quarters say that they are only leaving their homes to go to the grocery store and the pharmacy. ONLY LEAVING HOME TO GO TO THE GROCERY STORY AND PHARMACY QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I am only leaving my house to go to the grocery store and the pharmacy Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 79 77 76 Strongly agree 62 57 56 Somewhat agree 16 20 20 Neither agree nor disagree 2 2 3 Somewhat disagree 8 10 11 Strongly disagree 8 9 7 TOTAL DISAGREE 16 19 18 Not applicable 3 1 2 Don’t know 1 1 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 24 Similar to last Spring, Ontarians overwhelmingly support the idea that long-term care homes need to be more effectively isolated. LONG-TERM CARE HOMES NEED TO BE MORE EFFECTIVELY ISOLATED QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? *Previous phrasing: Retirement and nursing homes need to be more effectively isolated Base: Total sample Long term care homes including retirement and nursing homes need to be more effectively isolated* Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 86 87 88 Strongly agree 66 64 70 Somewhat agree 20 23 18 Neither agree nor disagree 5 3 4 Somewhat disagree 5 5 1 Strongly disagree 3 4 5 TOTAL DISAGREE 7 9 6 Not applicable 1 <1 - Don’t know 1 1 2 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 25 Compared to last Summer, Ontarians are less likely to say they are doing their best to live a normal pre￾COVID-19 life. DOING MY BEST TO LIVING A NORMAL PRE-COVID-19 LIFE QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I am doing my best to get back to living a normal pre-COVID-19 life Jun ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % % % % % % TOTAL AGREE 71 72 76 77 67 64 63 64 Strongly agree 38 37 44 49 36 35 40 42 Somewhat agree 33 35 33 28 32 29 23 22 Neither agree nor disagree 7 6 4 4 6 7 4 4 Somewhat disagree 14 13 11 10 14 16 12 12 Strongly disagree 8 8 8 8 11 12 18 18 TOTAL DISAGREE 22 21 19 18 25 28 30 30 Not applicable <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 <1 1 2 Don’t know <1 1 1 1 1 1 2 - C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 26 IS ONTARIO READY FOR THE SECOND WAVE? C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 27 There has been steady increase in the perception that the government ‘could have acted differently’ in dealing with the pandemic. DID ALL IT COULD OR COULD HAVE ACTED DIFFERENTLY QCV-130. Overall, given the recent increases in reported cases, do you believe the Ontario Government has done all it can reasonably be expected to do or could it have acted differently? Base: Total sample Sep 26- Oct 1 Oct 3-8 Oct 10-15 Oct 17-22 Oct 24-29 Oct 31- Nov 5 Nov 7-12 Nov 14-19 Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 n= 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 300 400 % % % % % % % % % % % % % % All it could reasonably be expected to do 44 52 47 44 43 45 47 39 33 34 37 37 34 31 Could have acted differently 55 47 53 55 56 52 49 56 63 59 60 62 62 67 Don’t know/Not sure 1 1 <1 2 1 2 3 5 4 6 3 2 4 2 All it could reasonably be expected to do Could have acted differently Sep 26- Oct 1 Oct 3-8 Oct 10-15 Oct 17-22 Oct 24-29 Oct 31- Nov 5 Nov 7-12 Nov 14-19 Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Sep 26- Oct 1 Oct 3-8 Oct 10-15 Oct 17-22 Oct 24-29 Oct 31- Nov 5 Nov 7-12 Nov 14-19 Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Right Track 52% 61% 55% 49% 56% 54% 58% 46% 39% 44% 43% 45% 46% 41% 46% 37% 44% 49% 44% 43% 39% 47% 57% 50% 54% 53% 51% 57% Wrong Track 12% 14% 22% 27% 17% 19% 10% 15% 10% 9% 19% 12% 12% 13% 88% 86% 78% 72% 81% 80% 86% 84% 87% 83% 78% 88% 82% 87% C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 28 Compared to last Spring, Ontarians are much more likely to believe that the government has not moved quickly enough to stop the spread of COVID-19. GOVERNMENT DID NOT MOVE AS QUICKLY AS IT COULD TO STOP THE SPREAD OF COVID-19 QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample The provincial government has not moved as quickly as it could to try to stop the spread of COVID-19 Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 43 40 60 Strongly agree 19 17 37 Somewhat agree 24 23 23 Neither agree nor disagree 7 8 7 Somewhat disagree 28 29 17 Strongly disagree 21 22 14 TOTAL DISAGREE 49 51 31 Not applicable <1 <1 <1 Don’t know 1 1 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 29 COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 30 Most Ontarians overwhelming believe that the provincial shutdown was an appropriate reaction. Very few felt it was an overreaction. SHUTTING DOWN THE PROVINCE WAS APPROPRIATE OR OVERREACTION QCV-171. As you may have heard, in response an increasing number of COVID infections in the province and concerns about the impact on the hospitals to handle the increasing numbers of people requiring hospitalization, the provincial government has announced that provincial wide shutdown in order to reduce community transmission of the COVID-19 virus. This shutdown will be for apply to Southern Ontario until January 25th and Northern Ontario until January 11th . Considering the COVID-19 situation in Ontario , do you believe that this decision is appropriate or an overreaction… Base: Total sample Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 400 % Appropriate reaction 85 An overreaction 13 Don’t know 2 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 31 There is broad consensus that the provincial shutdown will reduce both the number of people requiring hospitalizations and the number of COVID-19 cases in the province. PERCEIVED EFFECTIVENESS OF THE PROVINCIAL SHUTDOWN QCV-172. For each of the following, please tell me, how effective do you believe this shutdown will be? Base: Total sample % Very/Somewhat effective Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 400 % In reducing the number of people requiring hospitalization 80 In reducing the number of COVID 19 cases in the province 79 Once the shutdown period is over allowing most of the province to move to a more relaxed set of regulations 62 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 32 Similarly, Ontarians also believe that if infections continue to rise, the shutdown should be extended. IF INFECTIONS CONTINUE TO RISE, SHOULD THE PROVINCIAL SHUTDOWN BE EXTENDED QCV-173. If the number of COVID-19 infection cases continue to increase, do you agree is agree that the provincial shutdown be extended? Base: Total sample Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 400 % TOTAL AGREE 77 Strongly agree 54 Somewhat agree 23 Neither agree nor disagree 4 Somewhat disagree 8 Strongly disagree 10 TOTAL DISAGREE 18 Don’t know/Not sure 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 33 MASK WEARING PERCEPTIONS C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 34 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ’20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 1752 1200 1200 1200 1200 1200 300 300 300 400 % % % % % % % % % % TOTAL ALL/MOST OF THE TIME 60 77 83 87 88 90 90 92 90 93 All of the time 29 49 55 63 67 71 72 72 74 73 Most of the time 30 28 28 24 21 19 18 20 16 20 Some of the time 23 16 12 9 9 6 7 6 7 5 Rarely 14 7 4 3 3 3 3 2 2 1 Never 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 <1 <1 1 RARELY/NEVER 17 8 5 4 3 4 3 2 3 2 Reflecting the increasing concerns about the number of rising infections, wearing masks or face coverings ‘all/some of the time’ reached its highest level. QD1B. As a result of COVID-19 and thinking about your daily activities when you are away from home, how often do you wear a face mask or covering? Base: Total sample FREQUENCY OF FACE MASK WEARING REGIONS City of Toronto Toronto Suburbs Hamilton Central Ontario South Western Ontario Northern Ontario Eastern Ontario Ottawa Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 TOTAL ALL/ MOST OF THE TIME 91% 94% 97% 95% 96% 92% 89% 90% 94% 92% 96% 95% 86% 90% 95% 97% 92% 91% 83% 90% 87% 86% 90% 94% 86% 87% 83% 91% 81% 99% 89% 91% 83% 93% 84% 85% 92% 88% 94% 86% 86% 90% 87% 86% 75% 89% 95% 89% RIGHT TRACK WRONG TRACK Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 TOTAL ALL/MOST OF THE TIME 90% 92% 91% 92% 93% 97% 82% 83% 85% 89% 85% 85% • Not surprisingly, Northern Ontario is the region with the lowest incidence of wearing face covering. C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 35 VACCINE C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 36 About 1-in-2 are optimistic that the end of COVID-19 is nearer now that a vaccine is ready and being administered, although there is a significant minority (45%) who say they are not confident the end of the pandemic is nearer. CONFIDENCE THE END OF COVID-19 IS NEAR WITH THE VACCINE READY Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies varies % % % % % % TOTAL AGREE 35 38 38 53 51 48 Strongly agree 12 15 14 19 10 17 Somewhat agree 23 24 24 34 41 30 Neither agree nor disagree 10 10 12 5 9 6 Somewhat disagree 18 20 22 19 20 20 Strongly disagree 32 30 25 21 20 26 TOTAL DISAGREE 50 50 47 40 40 45 Don’t know 5 2 3 2 - 1 I am confident the end of COVID-19 is nearer now that a vaccine is ready and now being administered* QCV-8B. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the effects of COVID-19. The first is … *Previous phrasing: I am confident the end of COVID-19 is nearer now that a vaccine is ready and being used Base: Total sample, base varies • Those who think the government is on the ‘right track’ are more likely to be confident that the COVID-19 vaccine will bring an end to the pandemic compared to those who think the government is on the ‘wrong track’. I am confident the end of COVID-19 is near now that it appears a vaccine is nearly ready C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 37 Not surprisingly, Ontarians continue to follow, with a high degree of intensity, the announcements on vaccines against COVID-19. However, interest has lessened somewhat in the latest wave. THE EXTENT TO WHICH ONTARIANS ARE FOLLOWING NEWS ABOUT COVID-19 VACCINE Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 n= 150 300 300 196 150 199 % % % % % % TOTAL CLOSELY 78 77 87 88 89 89 Very closely 46 42 48 52 65 46 Somewhat closely 33 35 39 36 24 43 Not very closely 13 15 8 8 8 8 Not at all 7 8 4 4 3 4 TOTAL NOT VERY CLOSELY/NOT AT ALL 20 23 12 12 11 11 Don’t know/not sure 2 <1 1 <1 - - QCV-160. As you may know, there has been a series of announcements on COVID-19 vaccines. How closely are you following the news of on about these new vaccines? (previous phrasing) As you may know, there has been a series of announcements on vaccines against the COVID-19 virus. How closely are you following the news about these new vaccines? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 38 Putting a higher priority on people with underlying health issues receiving the vaccine earlier than other Ontarians continues to trend downward. PRIORITY LIST OF RECEIVING THE COVID-19 VACCCINE Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 n= Varies % % % % % % Frontline health workers 87 89 94 96 98 95 People over 70 years old 65 59 65 63 61 58 People living in long-term care homes 33 40 52 54 52 52 People with underlying health issues 49 53 43 40 39 35 Essential retail workers such as those working in grocery and drug stores 33 25 17 17 22 22 All Ontarians over the age of 18 17 20 14 10 10 18 Teachers 10 12 11 17 16 14 Restaurant and bar workers 3 1 2 2 1 4 Non-essential retail workers such as those working in clothing and electronic stores, among others 3 2 2 2 2 2 QCV-161. Now that COVID-19 vaccines are available and being administered, in your opinion, which group of people should be prioritized to get the vaccine first? Who should be given second priority? Third priority? (previous phrasing) Once the vaccine for COVID-19 is available, the Ontario government will be responsible for distributing the vaccine. In your opinion, which group of people should be prioritized to get the vaccine first? Who should be given second priority? Third priority? Base: Total sample All Mentions C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 39 SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS DURING COVID-19 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 40 Compared to last Spring, Ontarians are less likely to believe that the government is doing all it can to ensure essential businesses remain free from COVID-19. THE PROVINCE IS DOING EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO KEEP BUSINESSES FREE OF COVID-19 QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample The provincial government is doing all it can to ensure those working in essential industries and services remain free from COVID-19 Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 66 69 56 Strongly agree 24 23 22 Somewhat agree 42 45 34 Neither agree nor disagree 6 7 6 Somewhat disagree 16 14 20 Strongly disagree 10 9 16 TOTAL DISAGREE 26 22 37 Not applicable 1 <1 <1 Don’t know 2 1 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 41 About 6-in-10 claim knowledge of government support for small business impacted by COVID-19 health restrictions. AWARENESS OF PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENT SUPPORT FOR SMALL BUSINESS Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 300 250 400 % % % TOTAL A GREAT DEAL/SOME 58 53 59 A great deal 9 11 11 Some 49 42 47 Not too much 27 34 28 None at all 9 6 8 TOTAL NOT TOO MUCH/NONE AT ALL 35 39 36 Don’t know/not sure 7 8 5 QCV-164. Overall, and to the best of your knowledge, how much support has the Ontario government provided to small business and especially those impacted by the public health restrictions? Base: Total sample C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 42 Ontarians believe that these programs are helpful to small business. PERCEIVED HELPFULNESS OF PROGRAMS DESIGNED TO HELP SMALL BUSINESS QCV-168. Starting in April, the government of Ontario provided specific programs to assist small businesses who were faced with restrictions and slowdowns because of COVID-19. How helpful do you feel each of these programs has been to small businesses? Base: A great deal, some or not too much at QCV-164 % VERY/SOMEWHAT HELPFUL Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 300 250 varies % % % Working with the federal government, providing a commercial rent relief program to small businesses between April and September. 88 82 82 One-time grants for small businesses to offset the costs of associated with procuring personal protective equipment or PPE. 83 84 86 A program that offers rebates for fixed business costs like property tax and energy bills. 80 85 86 Allowing municipalities to provide targeted property tax relief for small businesses by 2022–2023. 78 71 74 A reduction in the cost of hydro for small businesses and farms - - 82 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 43 Just over one-third support the government ordering even more businesses to close. SUPPORT FOR CLOSING MORE BUSINESSES Apr ‘20 May ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % TOTAL AGREE 43 29 35 Strongly agree 23 15 19 Somewhat agree 21 14 17 Neither agree nor disagree 11 8 6 Somewhat disagree 25 29 24 Strongly disagree 20 34 33 TOTAL DISAGREE 45 63 57 Don’t know 1 - 2 The provincial government should order even more businesses to close QCV-8B. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the effects of COVID-19. The first is … Base: Total sample, base varies C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 44 HOLIDAY SEASON CELEBRATIONS C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 45 About 80% of Ontarians indicate they did not celebrate the Holiday season with people outside their bubble. A significant proportion – 16% – celebrated in-person with people outside of their household. PLANS FOR THE HOLIDAY SEASON QCV-157a. (Q157) With the recent Holiday season in the past . Which of the following did you do over the Holiday season? (previous phrasing) The Holiday season is approaching. Which of the following are you most likely to do over the Holiday season? Base: Total sample Nov 14-19 Nov 21-26 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 n= Varies % % % % % % Celebrate in-person with people you do not live with 22 21 20 17 17 15 Celebrate in-person only with the people who live in your immediate household 72 74 74 79 80 83 Don’t know/Not sure 5 6 6 3 3 2 Dec 29- Jan 7 n= Varies % Celebrated in-person with people you do not live with 16 Celebrated in-person only with the people who live in your immediate household 80 Don’t know/Not sure 4 The Holiday season is approaching. Which of the following are you most likely to do over the Holiday season? With the recent Holiday season in the past, which of the following did you do over the Holiday season? C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 46 CONFIDENCE IN GOVERNMENT COVID-19 MESSAGING C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 47 78% 75% 77% 80% 77% 76% 71% 70% 76% 70% 77% 79% 76% 74% 78% 77% 71% 68% 66% 59% 66% 55% 65% 56% 67% 68% 62% 67% 64% 56% 40% 50% 60% 70% 80% 90% 100% May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29-Jan 7 I trust what the Ontario government is telling me about the COVID-19 situation. I trust what the Ontario government is saying about how they are managing the provincial economy.* I trust that the restrictions the government is imposing to fight COVID are measured and appropriate In recent waves, a substantial gap has opened up on trust. On the one hand, Ontarians’ trust in the government’s communications about COVID-19 is high and rising while, on the other hand, trust in ‘managing the provincial economy’ and that COVID-19 restrictions will be measured and appropriate have declined. TRUST IN THE GOVERNMENT’S COMMUNICATIONS ABOUT COVID-19 QCV-8B. Do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements about the effects of COVID-19. The first is … * Previous phrasing: I trust what the Ontario government is saying about how they are re-opening the provincial economy. /I trust what the Ontario government is saying about how they plan to re-open the provincial economy Base: Total sample, base varies % STRONGLY/SOMEWHAT AGREE C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 48 Most Ontarians feel they have access to enough information about COVID-19. ACCESS TO ENOUGH INFORMATION ABOUT COVID-19 QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I feel that I have enough information about COVID-19 Jun ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % % TOTAL AGREE 69 71 71 80 Strongly agree 41 41 39 49 Somewhat agree 28 31 31 30 Neither agree nor disagree 2 3 4 3 Somewhat disagree 15 14 15 8 Strongly disagree 13 11 9 9 TOTAL DISAGREE 28 25 24 17 Not applicable - <1 1 - Don’t know <1 <1 1 <1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 49 Just under 1-in-2 say that they are paying attention to news or information about COVID-19. PAYING LESS ATTENTION TO COVID-19 NEWS AND INFORMATION QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I’m paying less attention to news or information about COVID-19 Jun ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov’20 Dec ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % % % % % % TOTAL AGREE 51 49 47 48 44 44 37 46 Strongly agree 22 19 23 26 22 20 19 29 Somewhat agree 28 30 25 22 23 23 18 17 Neither agree nor disagree 4 4 3 4 5 6 6 4 Somewhat disagree 18 18 18 14 15 16 15 16 Strongly disagree 26 28 30 33 35 34 41 33 TOTAL DISAGREE 44 46 48 47 50 50 56 49 Not applicable <1 <1 1 <1 <1 <1 <1 - Don’t know <1 1 2 <1 <1 1 <1 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 50 Compared to last Spring, Ontarians are a bit more likely to agree that they don’t need to hear any more news about COVID-19. DON’T NEED TO HEAR MORE NEWS ABOUT COVID-19 QCV-14. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements? Base: Total sample I feel that I don’t need to hear any more news about COVID-19 Jun ‘20 Jul ‘20 Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Dec 29-Jan 7 n= varies % % % % % % % % TOTAL AGREE 23 21 23 27 20 21 25 30 Strongly agree 13 10 13 15 11 11 18 16 Somewhat agree 11 10 11 12 9 10 7 14 Neither agree nor disagree 4 4 4 3 3 5 5 5 Somewhat disagree 19 25 19 18 19 19 16 20 Strongly disagree 52 50 52 51 57 55 53 44 TOTAL DISAGREE 71 75 71 69 76 74 69 63 Not applicable - - <1 - <1 - 1 - Don’t know 1 1 1 1 <1 1 1 1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 51 NEW COVID-19 STRAIN C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 52 Most Ontarians express concern about the new UK strain of COVID-19 being detected in Ontario. LEVEL OF CONCERN ABOUT THE NEW UK STRAIN OF COVID-19 BEING DETECTED IN ONTARIO QCV-174. As you may have heard, this new UK strain of COVID-19 was apparently brought into Canada by international travellers. Ontario health officials have confirmed several cases of a new strain of COVID-19, first detected in the UK, is now in Ontario. How concerned are you about this new development? Base: Total sample Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 400 % TOTAL CONCERNED 78 Very concerned 40 Somewhat concerned 38 Neither concerned nor not concerned 7 Somewhat not concerned 7 Not at all concerned 8 TOTAL NOT CONCERNED 14 Don’t know/Not sure <1 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 53 Ontarians overwhelmingly support different initiatives to prevent the international spread, particularly from the UK, of COVID-19. SUPPORT FOR INITIATIVES TO PREVENT THE INTERNATIONAL SPREAD OF COVID-19 VIRUS QCV-175. Do you agree or disagree with the following statements Base: Total sample % Strongly/Somewhat agree Dec 29-Jan 7 n= 400 % All travellers, regardless of their point of origin, should be tested for COVID-19 on arrival in Canada and ordered to self-isolate for 14 days 95 All travellers from the UK should be tested for COVID-19 on arrival in Canada and ordered to self-isolate for 14 days 95 Restrictions should be placed on anyone from the UK coming into Canada 87 The federal government ban on flights from the UK, which will expire on January 6th, should be extended to the end of January 83 C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 54 APPENDIX C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 55 17 17 21 29 39 38 37 38 40 38 37 39 38 40 31 30 24 31 29 26 28 27 33 27 -40 -30 -20 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 Jan '20 Feb '20 Mar '20 Apr '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Ensuring excellent public education Managing the re-opening of schools When it comes to positive perceptions, government performance scores for ‘ensuring excellent public education’ and ‘managing the re-opening of schools’ remain generally stable. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – EDUCATION METRICS GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- EDUCATION METRICS TOP 3 BOX % Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? Bases vary Managing the re-opening of schools Aug ‘20 Sep ‘20 Oct ‘20 Nov ‘20 Dec ‘20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Right Track 36% 36% 28% 38% 35% 32% 33% 33% 45% 39% Wrong Track 5% 11% 10% 11% 11% 10% 12% 9% 8% 7% C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 56 24 42 44 41 38 41 40 36 34 36 32 28 27 27 30 23 40 40 38 36 36 34 35 36 35 31 27 28 36 29 20 37 36 32 35 29 32 30 25 25 20 26 30 27 26 -10 0 10 20 30 40 50 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Building the provincial economy Creating and protecting jobs Improving Ontario’s finances* Positive perceptions toward economic consideration metrics are generally lower compared to the last Summer in the latest wave. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – ECONOMIC/GOVERNMENT SPENDING METRICS Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? *Former phrasing: “Improve Ontario’s finances” **Former phrasing: “Sufficient business support during the COVID-19 situation” Bases vary GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – ECONOMIC/GOVERNMENT SPENDING METRICS TOP 3 BOX % C O N F I D E N T I A L CABINET OFFICE MONTHLY POLL | THE STRATEGIC COUNSEL 57 31 47 51 50 52 56 51 48 50 53 54 43 46 52 48 44 73 77 70 73 75 69 65 62 53 52 50 56 53 42 15 19 22 24 19 20 20 17 14 18 24 17 29 -40 -20 0 20 40 60 80 100 Mar '20 Apr '20 May '20 Jun '20 Jul '20 Aug '20 Sep '20 Oct '20 Nov '20 Dec '20 Nov 28- Dec 3 Dec 5-10 Dec 12-17 Dec 19-23 Dec 29- Jan 7 Delivering quality healthcare to Ontarians Keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation Effectively managing long-term care Effectively managing the vaccinations of Ontarians Positive perceptions of the government’s performance on key health metrics – ‘keeping people safe during the COVID-19 situation’, ‘managing long-term care’, and ‘delivering quality healthcare to Ontarians’ – are slipping. PERCEIVED ONTARIO GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE – HEALTH METRICS GOVERNMENT PERFORMANCE -- HEALTH METRICS TOP 3 BOX % Q5. Using a scale where, where 1 means “poor” and nine is “excellent”, how would you rate the performance of Ontario government at managing each of the following? Bases vary