FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Canadians Overwhelmingly Support Hybrid Models at All Levels of Government, New Survey Finds
Ottawa, July 20st, 2023 – A new survey commissioned by Equal Voice and conducted by Abacus Data reveals that Canadians overwhelmingly support the implementation of hybrid models at all levels of government.
Critical to the mission of Equal Voice, the findings show hybrid models greatly increase the pool of Canadians interested in running for public office, including women. Two-thirds of respondents say that a hybrid model would make them more likely to run for elected office. Most would also want their MP to vote in favour of a hybrid model.
“Hybrid models in our legislatures have the potential to increase representation of women and gender-diverse candidates seeking office and ultimately modernize our legislatures for the better. This survey reveals that Canadians recognize we can create more gender-diverse institutions.” Chi Nguyen, Executive Director at Equal Voice.
81% of Canadians believe that a hybrid model would provide elected representatives with greater work-life balance. The results underscore the potential of hybrid models to modernize the way elected officials fulfill their responsibilities while also attending to their personal and family needs. Canadians strongly believe hybrid models would result in better representation at all levels of government by their elected officials.
Over half of the respondents showed support for remote attendance by elected representatives in situations such as illness, emergencies, caregiving responsibilities, travel interruptions, and for new parents or expecting individuals. This indicates a recognition of the flexibility and adaptability that hybrid models can offer in various circumstances.
Equal Voice is committed to leveraging the survey findings to inform policy discussions and advocate for the implementation of hybrid models at all levels of government. By incorporating the diverse needs and aspirations of Canadians, these models have the potential to create a more inclusive and efficient political landscape.
About Equal Voice
Founded in 2001, Equal Voice is a national, bilingual, multi-partisan, not-for-profit organization dedicated to electing more women to all levels of political office in Canada.
About the survey
The survey was conducted between June 16 to 20, 2023, and gathered responses from 1,500 Canadians aged 19 and over. The margin of error for this survey is +/- 2.191%, 19 times out of 20. Detailed survey findings are available at https://equalvoice.ca/issues/
For media inquiries, please contact: Roxanne D’Onofrio
[email protected]
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