January 6, 2021 — Our annual municipal satisfaction tracking survey reveals that Canadians were somewhat more satisfied with their municipal government in 2020, as compared to 2019. In September 2020 – six months into the COVID-19 pandemic – seven-in-ten (70%) Canadians were satisfied with their local government, overall. This represents a 7-point increase over 2019. Satisfaction was highest in Atlantic Canada (75%; +14), Ontario (74%; +11), and Saskatchewan (71%; +16), and lower in Manitoba (66%; +13), Quebec (66%; -3), British Columbia (66%; -2), and Alberta (62%; +6). However, all provinces and regions saw increased year-over-year satisfaction, except for Quebec and BC.
Most Canadians remain satisfied with the quality of services provided by their local municipal government (71%;+5 since 2019). Ontario (76%; +10) and BC (73%; +1) lead on this score, as the other provinces and regions post satisfaction ratings ranging from 69% in Quebec to 61% in Manitoba. All provinces and regions posted increased satisfaction on this factor, except for Quebec, which held steady.
Most Canadians also remain satisfied with the range of services provided by their municipal government (73%; +4). Satisfaction is once again highest in Ontario (79%; +9), followed closely by Alberta (76%; +8). The remaining provinces post satisfaction ratings ranging from 71% in Quebec to 64% in Manitoba. All provinces and regions received higher saw increased satisfaction with the range of municipal services, except for BC (67%; -7) and Quebec (71%; -2).
Across all of the factors assessed, municipal governments in Ontario, Manitoba, and Alberta consistently receive the most improved satisfaction ratings compared to 2019.
Seven-in-ten (71%) Canadians are satisfied with how their local municipal government has managed and responded to COVID-19. Residents are most satisfied in Ontario (74%), Atlantic Canada (73%), Alberta (71%), and Quebec (70%), and less satisfied in Manitoba (66%), BC (65%), and Saskatchewan (62%).
For the full detailed results, please see our report.
