survey of edmontonians 2016 : draft report of edmontonians 2016 : draft report . 3 •400 interviews...

June 2014

Survey of Edmontonians

2016 : Draft Report

3

• 400 interviews were conducted with Edmontonians between June 21 and June 29, 2016, on the internet via secured access to the online questionnaire hosted on Leger’s servers.

• Email invitations were sent to residents of Edmonton from Leger’s Web Panel inviting respondents to participate in an important study. Emails were embedded with a unique identifier to ensure that each respondent was able to complete the survey only one time.

Data Collection

• Residents of the City of Edmonton aged 18 years or older.

Target Respondents

• The survey was completed using Leger’s web panel. Panel collection methods conform to The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association’s standards and best practices.

• The data were weighted to be representative of the opinions of Edmontonians.

• As a non random internet survey, a margin of error is not reported (margin of error accounts for sampling error). Had these data been collected using a probability sample, the margin of error would have been ±4.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Statistical Reliability

Methodology

Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not sum to 100%

Leger was contracted by the Edmonton Community Foundation (ECF) to conduct a survey

with Edmontonians regarding various aspects of life in Edmonton. This report compares

results of the 2016 survey to the previous waves conducted by Leger in 2015 and 2014.

Summary of Findings

5

Summary of Findings

Three-in-five (60%) Edmontonians feel that their quality of life is very good/excellent, trending downward since 2014.

Consistent with 2015, Edmontonians are most likely to agree that Edmonton is a culturally diverse city (87% agree), that

there are adequate opportunities for sports/recreation (82% agree) and that Edmonton is a city that values the arts (77%

agree).

Agreement with the statement “there are adequate opportunities for sports/recreation” has declined slightly in

2016 and have gone back to 2014 ratings after a spike in 2015.

With the tough economic environment, agreement that there are adequate job opportunities in Edmonton is significantly

lower in 2016 (49% in 2016, 69% in 2015) . On the other hand, reduced property prices and increased rental availability

have translated into a significantly higher ratings for easy to find affordable housing in (30% in 2016, 21% in 2015).

The proportion of Edmontonians who agree that Edmonton is an environmentally friendly city is forming a downward

trend since 2014.

While the vast majority of Edmontonians (86%) continue to feel safe in their homes, the proportion has significantly

decreased from 92% in 2015. A lesser proportion feel safe in their community (80%, consistent with 2015) and in

Edmonton in general (68%, again significantly lower than 77% in 2015).

The lower proportion of Edmontonians feeling safe may be attributed to the increased crime rates in Edmonton

(http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/edmonton-murder-rate-matches-record-high/article29740400/).

Life in Edmonton

6

Summary of Findings

The primary mode of transportation in Edmonton is by car (78%), whether as the driver (67%) or the passenger (11%),

consistent with 2015.

Consistent with their main mode of transportation, Edmontonians feel that it is easiest to commute in Edmonton by car

(77% easy).

Opinions on ease of transportation for car are consistent with 2015. The proportion of Edmontonians who agree it is

easy to get around Edmonton by bicycle (28% in 2016, 38% in 2015) and public transit (35% in 2016, 42% in 2015) has

decreased in 2016.

Transportation

Consistent with 2015, Edmontonians are most likely to agree that there are opportunities for them to get involved in their

community (73% agree).

The proportion of Edmontonians who agree that it is important for them to be involved or they make an effort to be

involved is forming a downward trend since 2014.

Almost half (46%) Edmontonians have volunteered in the past 12 months, significantly lower than 55% in 2015. Four-in-

five (78%) Edmontonians donated money to a charity or non-profit organization in the past 12 months, consistent with

2015 (79%).

Community Engagement

About two-in-five (42%) Edmontonians agree that food security is a significant problem in Edmonton, consistent with

2015 (44%).

Nearly three-in-five (58%) Edmontonians agree that poverty is a significant problem in Edmonton (consistent with 2015),

while nearly two-in-five (39%) agree that adequate initiatives are in place to reduce poverty (slight increase since 2015).

Food Security and Poverty

7

Summary of Findings

Nearly one-quarter (24%) of Edmontonians indicate that they know someone who is a refugee and more than two-thirds

(69%) say that they know someone who is an immigrant.

Edmontonians also state that they know more about the realities of immigrants (50% agree) than refugees (38%

agree).

‘Learning the language,’ ‘learning/adapting’ and ‘employment/jobs’ are seen as the biggest challenges faced by

refugees and immigrants in Edmonton. “Diversity” is perceived as the most positive contribution made by refugees and

immigrants.

Overall, Edmontonians have similar opinions about refugees and immigrants. However, the ratings are more positive

about immigrants than refugees in terms of …

Edmonton is a welcoming city that is inclusive of immigrants (72%)/ refugees (63%),

Immigrants (59% agreement)/ refugees (43% agreement) make Edmonton a more prosperous and livable city

Three-quarters (75%) of Edmontonians agree that addressing issues related to racism and discrimination will contribute

to overall quality of life in Edmonton, including 38% who strongly agree.

Refugees/Immigrants

In 2016, four-in-five (81%) Edmontonians believe it is important to have a post-secondary education, similar to 2015

(82%).

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Edmontonians agree technology and social media contribute to improved social connections,

trending upwards since 2014.

Other Topics

Life in Edmonton

10

Quality of Life in Edmonton

Trends Over Time

Base: Edmontonians

Don’t know responses are not shown

Q3. Overall, how would you rate your quality of life in Edmonton?

% Very good/

excellent

67% 1%

2%

7%

6%

6%

25%

29%

31%

53%

47%

46%

14%

17%

14%

2014 (n=401)

2015 (n=401)

2016 (n=400)

Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent

65%

60%

11

1%

2%

3%

3%

4%

4%

11%

16%

3%

2%

5%

4%

8%

9%

15%

24%

7%

11%

12%

17%

18%

23%

21%

21%

41%

44%

49%

46%

47%

40%

37%

25%

46%

38%

28%

25%

22%

13%

12%

5%

Edmonton is a culturally diverse city

There are adequate opportunities for sports and/orrecreation in Edmonton

Edmonton is a city that values the arts

Edmonton is welcoming to newcomers

Edmonton is an environmentally friendly city

Edmonton is a senior friendly city

There are adequate job opportunities in Edmonton

It is easy to find affordable housing in Edmonton

Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree

Opinions about Living in Edmonton

2016 Results

Q4. We would like to know your opinions about various aspects of living in Edmonton. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or

disagree with the following statements about Edmonton.

% Agree

87%

82%

77%

71%

68%

53%

49%

30%

Base: Edmontonians (n=400)

Note: Don’t know responses are not shown

12

87%

82%

77%

71%

68%

53%

49%

30%

90%

87%

79%

72%

71%

56%

69%

21%

90%

83%

79%

66%

74%

56%

76%

22%

Edmonton is a culturally diverse city

There are adequate opportunities for sports and/orrecreation in Edmonton

Edmonton is a city that values the arts

Edmonton is welcoming to newcomers

Edmonton is an environmentally friendly city

Edmonton is a senior friendly city

There are adequate job opportunities in Edmonton

It is easy to find affordable housing in Edmonton

2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401)

Opinions about Living in Edmonton

Trends Over Time

Q4. We would like to know your opinions about various aspects of living in Edmonton. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or

disagree with the following statements about Edmonton.

Base: Edmontonians

Total Agree

13

Feelings of Safety

2016 Results

2%

3%

3%

5%

8%

15%

5%

9%

13%

40%

48%

44%

46%

32%

24%

I feel safe in my home

I feel safe in my community

I feel safe in Edmonton




Q11. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements.

% Agree

86%

80%

68%

14

86%

80%

68%

92%

79%

77%

90%

81%

73%

I feel safe in my home

I feel safe in my community

I feel safe in Edmonton

2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401)

Feelings of Safety

Trends Over Time

Base: Edmontonians

Total Agree


Food Security

and Poverty

16

Food Security in Edmonton

Trends Over Time

TWO IN FIVE EDMONTONIANS AGREE

FOOD SECURITY*

IS A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM IN

EDMONTON

Food security* is a

significant problem

in Edmonton

2014

(n=401)

2015

(n=401)

2016

(n=400)

Agree 43% 44% 42%

Strongly Agree 10% 7% 11%

Somewhat Agree 33% 37% 31%

Neither Agree nor

Disagree 17% 18% 20%


Strongly Disagree 13% 12% 10%

Somewhat


No opinion/Don’t

know 4% 5% 6%

Q5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that Food Security is a significant problem in Edmonton?

Base: Edmontonians

*Food security is defined as existing “when all people at all times have access to sufficient, safe, nutritious food to maintain a healthy and active

life”. Commonly, the concept of food security is defined as including both physical and economic access to food that meets people's dietary needs

as well as their food preferences. Essentially, people should have sufficient quantities of food available on a consistent basis and enough resources

to obtain appropriate foods for a nutritious diet.

17

Opinions about Poverty

2016 Results

3%

11%

16%

19%

20%

23%

37%

30%

21%

9%

Poverty is a significant problem in Edmonton

In Edmonton, adequate initiatives are in place to reducepoverty





% Agree

58%

39%

18

Opinions about Poverty

Trends Over Time


Base: Edmontonians

Total Agree

58%

39%

60%

35%

57%

35%

Poverty is a significant problem in Edmonton

In Edmonton, adequate initiatives are inplace to reduce poverty

2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401)

Transportation

20

2%

15%

14%

8%

3%

16%

16%

17%

14%

24%

28%

30%

41%

21%

25%

15%

37%

20%

10%

13%

Car

Walking

Public transit(Bus, LRT)

Bicycling

1- Very difficult 2 3 4 5- Very easy

Main Mode and Ease of Transportation

2016 Results

Opinions on Ease of Transportation



Q9. What is your main mode of transportation in the City of Edmonton? Q10. Please indicate how easy or difficult you feel it is to get around

Edmonton using the following transportation methods.

Main Mode of Transportation

(as driver)

(as passenger)

67%

11%

15%

5%

2%

<1%

% Easy

77%

42%

35%

28%

(bus/LRT)

78%

21

77%

42%

35%

28%

78%

46%

42%

38%

76%

41%

32%

30%

Car

Walking

Public transit(Bus, LRT)

Bicycling

2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401)

Main Mode and Ease of Transportation

Trends Over Time

Opinions on Ease of Transportation

Base: Edmontonians


Q9. What is your main mode of transportation in the City of Edmonton? Q10. Please indicate how easy or difficult you feel it is to get around

Edmonton using the following transportation methods.

Main Mode of Transportation

71%

9%

12%

6%

1%

1%

(as driver)

(as passenger)

(bus/LRT)

80%

65%

8%

19%

5%

4%

1%

73%

2014 (n=401) 2015 (n=401) Total Ease 2016 (n=400)

Car (NET)

67%

11%

15%

5%

2%

<1%

78%

Community

Engagement

23

Opinions on Community Involvement

2016 Results

2%

2%

7%

8%

18%

6%

8%

12%

21%

26%

17%

27%

31%

27%

31%

50%

47%

36%

30%

16%

24%

14%

13%

12%

5%

There are opportunities for me to get involved in mycommunity

It is important for me to be involved in my community

I feel a sense of belonging with my community

I make an effort to be involved in my community

I feel socially isolated from my community*




*New statement in 2016

Q12. The next few questions are about community engagement. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the

following statements.

% Agree

73%

62%

49%

43%

21%

24

Opinions on Community Involvement

Trends Over Time

73%

62%

49%

43%

21%

77%

65%

53%

46%

71%

68%

53%

50%

There are opportunities for me to get involved in mycommunity

It is important for me to be involved in my community

I feel a sense of belonging with my community

I make an effort to be involved in my community

I feel socially isolated from my community*

2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401)

Base: Edmontonians

*New statement in 2016

Q12. The next few questions are about community engagement. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the

following statements.

Total Agree

25

Volunteering and Charitable/Non-Profit Donations

Trends Over Time

Base: Edmontonians

*Note: Don’t know responses are not shown

Q13. How many times have you volunteered in the past 12 months? Q14. In the past 12 months, have you donated money to a charity or

non-profit organization?

Frequency of Volunteering*

(in the past 12 months)

Donated Money to a Charity or Non-Profit

Organization

(in the past 12 months)

2% 2% 3%

18% 19% 19%

80% 79% 78%

2014(n=401)

2015(n=401)

2016(n=400)

Yes

No

Don't know/refused

4%

5%

9%

41%

34%

6%

3%

7%

39%

38%

3%

5%

5%

32%

43%

51+

21 to 50

11 to 20

1 to 10

0

2016 (n=400)

2015 (n=401)

2014 (n=401)

Refugees and

Immigrants

28%

26%

12%

11%

5%

26%

17%

9%

7%

5%

3%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

12%

3%

7%

Language / Learning the language

Learning/Adapting (Net)

Assimilation / Integration

Learning / accepting / adapting to our customs/culture/values

Learning / adapting to a new way of life

Employment / jobs

Housing / Affordable housing

Acceptance / Welcoming

Racism

Climate / weather

Dealing with loss (home, money, family, friends, etc..)

Prejudice

Discrimination

Education / job skills / training

Xenophobia

Finances

Services available

Culture shock

Knowing Canadian rules / laws / human rights

Food

Other

None / Nothing

Don't know / Refused

27

Biggest Challenges Facing Refugees/Immigrants

2016 Results


Mentions 1% or less are not included

New question in 2016

Q15a. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing refugees in Edmonton? Q16a. In your opinion, what are the biggest

challenges facing immigrants in Edmonton?

32%

28%

26%

12%

10%

7%

14%

8%

8%

4%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

11%

3%

7%

Language / Learning the language

Employment / jobs

Learning / Adapting (Net)

Learning / accepting / adapting to ourcustoms/culture/values

Assimilation / Integration

Learning / adapting to a new way of life

Housing / Affordable housing

Racism

Acceptance / Welcoming

Climate / weather

Getting Canadian citizenship / Permanentresidency

Discrimination

Culture shock

Finances

Education / job skills / training

Cost of living

Other

None / Nothing


Challenges Facing Refugees Challenges Facing Immigrants

28

Biggest Challenges Facing Refugees/Immigrants

Verbatims


Italics denote verbatim responses


Q15a. In your opinion, what are the biggest challenges facing refugees in Edmonton? Q16a. In your opinion, what are the biggest

challenges facing immigrants in Edmonton?

“Finding affordable

housing and finding

employment that's

above the minimum

wage.”

“Affordable housing, Education

(learning English), Health care

(finding a doctor).”

“Finding employment

during tough economic

times and a portion of

locally born Albertans

looking down on them

due to language

difficulties.”

“Learning to speak, read,

and understand English.

Learning that this is

CANADA, not whatever

country they left and that it

is time to learn and adapt

CANADIAN cultural norms.”

“Learning English

and learning our

cultural nuances

are probably the

most difficulties

immigrants will

face.”

“Dealing with mental

health and loneliness

issues.”

“People coming from such dissimilar countries, belief

systems, experiences, governments and cultures may

find learning our way of life hard work. Learning English

is also hard work.”

“Bias from existing

citizens; language;

ability to work.”

“Failure to integrate with people

living in the city. Too many want

to turn their new home into the

place they left.”

“Understanding

how to access

services they

need such as

doctors,

recreation

opportunities and

education.”

Challenges Facing Refugees Challenges Facing Immigrants

“Public perception that government

shouldn't be spending money to

bring them here. That they are

stealing jobs from Canadians,

racism, general ignorance about

what refugees really are.”

“Integration,

recognition of

foreign

credentials when

getting jobs.”

40%

24%

19%

6%

6%

5%

5%

4%

4%

3%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

3%

16%

16%

Diversity (Net)

New/different culture/Cultural diversity

Diversity (unspecified)

New ideas

Job skills / Talent

Strong / good work ethic

Fresh perspective

Appreciation for what Canada / Alberta has

More workforce / employable workers

Motivation / Energy / Enthusiasm

Experiences / Life experiences

New foods

Appreciation for a safe place

Wanting to become part of the community

A broader view of the world

Job growth / Business opportunities

Desire to make a better life for themselves / family

Broadening our understanding of other traditions / customs

Other

None / Nothing


29

Positive Things Brought by Refugees/Immigrants in the City

2016 Results


Mentions 1% or less are not included


Q15b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? Q16b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to

Edmonton?

49%

32%

21%

9%

8%

7%

6%

6%

5%

4%

4%

4%

3%

3%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

2%

4%

11%

10%

Diversity (Net)

New/different culture/Cultural diversity

Diversity (unspecified)

Job skills / Talent

Strong / good work ethic

More workforce / employable workers

New foods

Fresh perspective

New ideas

Well educated / Knowledge

Broadening our understanding of other traditions /…

Experiences / Life experiences

Job growth / Business opportunities

Motivation / Energy / Enthusiasm

Willing to do jobs others aren't / lower paid jobs

Economic growth

Appreciation for what Canada / Alberta has

A broader view of the world

Desire to make a better life for themselves / family

New music

Wanting to become part of the community

Population growth

More tax payers

Other

None / Nothing


Positive Things Brought by Refugees Positive Things Brought by Immigrants

30

Positive Things Brought by Refugees/Immigrants

Verbatims


Italics denote verbatim responses


“Fulfilling staff shortage

issues, contributing to the

employment tax base,

cultural diversity when

restaurants are opened,

cultural enrichment.”

“Depending on the type of immigrants they are

(skilled, unskilled, students, or family members

of current Canadians), it can really vary. In the

long term, and sometimes short term,

immigrants can and usually do contribute to

economic success.”

“Skill sets we may

not have. New

perspectives. Desire

to make good, make

a life.”

“A willingness to

work hard,

entrepreneurship,

good food and

festivals.”

“Their diverse

cultures and

ideas that they

are willing to

grow within our

culture as

Canadians.”

“Different views,

customs, practices,

personal skills and

abilities.”

“A strong work ethic and survival skills.

An appreciation for what we have in our

city.”

“I believe diversity is

positive in that the

world has become a

smaller place and it is

good for all to be aware

of each other, build a

respect for each other

and empathy for those

in need.”

“New ideas of how to deal with old

problems, a willingness to work

hard, an ability to see the

opportunities and positives to life

here.”

“They make our

community more

vibrant and

culturally

different.”

Q15b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? Q16b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to

Edmonton?

Positive Things Brought by Refugees Positive Things Brought by Immigrants

“New insights and

experiences.

They broaden the

horizons of those

already living

here.”

31

Opinions About Refugees/Immigrants

2016 Results

3%

12%

5%

15%

11%

9%

4%

15%

9%

12%

10%

15%

25%

25%

19%

20%

25%

30%

49%

29%

39%

35%

32%

26%

15%

14%

21%

16%

17%

12%

Edmonton is a welcoming city thatis inclusive of refugees

Refugees make Edmonton a moreprosperous and livable city

Refugees often experiencediscrimination/racism

I support expanding moreprograms and services for

refugees in Edmonton

Policy and decision makers needto do more to engage refugee

communities in Edmonton

I know about the realities ofrefugees



New questions in 2016

Q15c/Q16c. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements

% Agree

63%

43%

60%

51%

49%

38%

Opinions About Refugees Opinions About Immigrants

2%

6%

4%

11%

8%

5%

4%

11%

14%

10%

10%

12%

19%

22%

20%

23%

26%

25%

53%

40%

42%

33%

35%

28%

19%

19%

16%

21%

17%

22%

Edmonton is a welcoming city that isinclusive of immigrants

Immigrants make Edmonton a moreprosperous and livable city

Immigrants often experiencediscrimination/racism

I support expanding more programsand services for immigrants in

Edmonton

Policy and decision makers need todo more to engage immigrant

communities in Edmonton

I know about the realities ofimmigrants

% Agree

72%

59%

57%

54%

52%

50%

32

Know Refugees/Immigrants

2016 Results



Q15d. Do you have friends, colleagues or neighbours who are refugees? Q16d. Do you have friends, colleagues or neighbours who are

immigrants?

Yes 24%

No 68%

Not sure 7%

Know Refugees Know Immigrants

Yes 69%

No 25%

Not sure 6%

33

Opinions on Whether Addressing Issues Like

Racism/Discrimination will Contribute to Quality of Life

2016 Results

Base: Edmontonians

New question in 2016/ Don’t know responses are not shown

Q18A. To what extent do you agree or disagree that addressing issues related to racism and discrimination will contribute to overal l quality

of life in Edmonton?

2% 4% 14% 37% 38% 2016

(n=400)


% Agree

75%

survey of edmontonians 2016 : draft report of edmontonians 2016 : draft report . 3 •400 interviews...

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