Survey of Edmontonians 2016 : Draft Report. June PDF Free Download

Survey of Edmontonians 2016 : Draft Report June 2014

Methodology 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. Data Collection 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. Target Respondents Residents of the City of Edmonton aged 18 years or older. Statistical Reliability 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. Note: Due to rounding, percentages may not sum to 100% 3

Summary of Findings

Summary of Findings Life in Edmonton 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 (8 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 9 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/). 5

Summary of Findings Food Security and Poverty About two-in-five (4) 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). Transportation 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, 4 in 2015) has decreased in 2016. Community Engagement 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-infive (78%) Edmontonians donated money to a charity or non-profit organization in the past 12 months, consistent with 2015 (79%). 6

Summary of Findings Refugees/Immigrants 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 (7)/ 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. Other Topics In 2016, four-in-five (81%) Edmontonians believe it is important to have a post-secondary education, similar to 2015 (8). Nearly two-thirds (64%) of Edmontonians agree technology and social media contribute to improved social connections, trending upwards since 2014. 7

Life in Edmonton

Quality of Life in Edmonton Trends Over Time % Very good/ excellent 2016 (n=400) 6% 31% 46% 14% 60% 2015 (n=401) 6% 29% 47% 17% 65% 2014 (n=401) 1% 7% 25% 53% 14% 67% Poor Fair Good Very good Excellent Base: Edmontonians Don t know responses are not shown Q3. Overall, how would you rate your quality of life in Edmonton? 10

Opinions about Living in Edmonton 2016 Results % Agree Edmonton is a culturally diverse city 1% 3% 7% 41% 46% 87% There are adequate opportunities for sports and/or recreation in Edmonton 11% 44% 38% 8 Edmonton is a city that values the arts 3% 5% 1 49% 28% 77% Edmonton is welcoming to newcomers 3% 4% 17% 46% 25% 71% Edmonton is an environmentally friendly city 4% 8% 18% 47% 2 68% Edmonton is a senior friendly city 4% 9% 23% 40% 13% 53% There are adequate job opportunities in Edmonton 11% 15% 21% 37% 1 49% It is easy to find affordable housing in Edmonton 16% 24% 21% 25% 5% 30% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown 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. 11

Opinions about Living in Edmonton Trends Over Time Edmonton is a culturally diverse city There are adequate opportunities for sports and/or recreation 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 Total Agree 53% 56% 56% 49% 30% 21% 2 87% 90% 90% 8 87% 83% 77% 79% 79% 71% 7 66% 68% 71% 74% 69% 76% 2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401) Base: Edmontonians 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. 12

Feelings of Safety 2016 Results % Agree I feel safe in my home 5% 5% 40% 46% 86% I feel safe in my community 3% 8% 9% 48% 3 80% I feel safe in Edmonton 3% 15% 13% 44% 24% 68% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown Q11. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. 13

Feelings of Safety Trends Over Time Total Agree 86% I feel safe in my home 9 90% 80% I feel safe in my community 79% 81% 68% I feel safe in Edmonton 77% 73% 2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401) Base: Edmontonians Q11. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. 14

Food Security and Poverty

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% 4 Strongly Agree 10% 7% 11% Somewhat Agree 33% 37% 31% Neither Agree nor Disagree 17% 18% 20% Disagree 36% 33% 3 Strongly Disagree 13% 1 10% Somewhat Disagree No opinion/don t know 23% 21% 21% 4% 5% 6% 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. Q5. To what extent do you agree or disagree that Food Security is a significant problem in Edmonton? 16

Opinions about Poverty 2016 Results % Agree Poverty is a significant problem in Edmonton 3% 16% 20% 37% 21% 58% In Edmonton, adequate initiatives are in place to reduce poverty 11% 19% 23% 30% 9% 39% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown Q8. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. 17

Opinions about Poverty Trends Over Time Total Agree 58% Poverty is a significant problem in Edmonton 60% 57% 39% In Edmonton, adequate initiatives are in place to reduce poverty 35% 35% 2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401) Base: Edmontonians Q8. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements. 18

Transportation

Main Mode and Ease of Transportation 2016 Results Main Mode of Transportation Opinions on Ease of Transportation % Easy (as driver) 67% 11% 78% Car 3% 14% Walking 15% 16% 41% 24% 21% 37% 20% 77% 4 (as passenger) (bus/lrt) 15% Public transit (Bus, LRT) 14% 16% 28% 25% 10% 35% 5% Bicycling 8% 17% 30% 15% 13% 28% <1% 1- Very difficult 2 3 4 5- Very easy Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown 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. 20

Car (NET) (as driver) Main Mode and Ease of Transportation Trends Over Time Main Mode of Transportation Car Walking Opinions on Ease of Transportation 2014 (n=401) 2015 (n=401) 2016 (n=400) Total Ease 73% 65% 8% 80% 71% 9% 78% 67% 11% 4 41% 46% 77% 78% 76% (as passenger) (bus/lrt) 19% 1 15% Public transit (Bus, LRT) 35% 4 3 28% 5% 6% 5% Bicycling 38% 30% 2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 2014 (n=401) 4% 1% 1% 1% Base: Edmontonians Note: Don t know responses are not shown <1% 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. 21

Community Engagement

Opinions on Community Involvement 2016 Results % Agree There are opportunities for me to get involved in my community 6% 17% 50% 24% 73% It is important for me to be involved in my community 8% 27% 47% 14% 6 I feel a sense of belonging with my community 7% 1 31% 36% 13% 49% I make an effort to be involved in my community 8% 21% 27% 30% 1 43% I feel socially isolated from my community* 18% 26% 31% 16% 5% 21% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown *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. 23

Opinions on Community Involvement Trends Over Time There are opportunities for me to get involved in my community It is important for me to be involved in my community Total Agree 73% 77% 71% 6 65% 68% I feel a sense of belonging with my community I make an effort to be involved in my community 49% 53% 53% 43% 46% 50% I feel socially isolated from my community* 21% 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. 24

Volunteering and Charitable/Non-Profit Donations Trends Over Time Frequency of Volunteering* (in the past 12 months) Donated Money to a Charity or Non-Profit Organization (in the past 12 months) 0 43% 38% 34% Yes 1 to 10 3 39% 41% 80% 79% 78% No 11 to 20 21 to 50 5% 7% 9% 5% 3% 5% 2016 (n=400) 2015 (n=401) 18% 19% 19% 3% 2014 (n=401) 2015 (n=401) 2016 (n=400) Don't know/ refused 51+ 3% 6% 4% 2014 (n=401) 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? 25

Refugees and Immigrants

Biggest Challenges Facing Refugees/Immigrants 2016 Results Challenges Facing Refugees Challenges Facing Immigrants 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..) 1 11% 5% 17% 9% 7% 5% 3% 28% 26% 26% Language / Learning the language Employment / jobs Learning / Adapting (Net) Learning / accepting / adapting to our customs/culture/values Assimilation / Integration Learning / adapting to a new way of life Housing / Affordable housing Racism Acceptance / Welcoming 1 10% 7% 14% 8% 8% 28% 26% 3 Prejudice Discrimination Education / job skills / training Xenophobia Finances Services available Culture shock 3% 3% 3% Climate / weather Getting Canadian citizenship / Permanent residency Discrimination Culture shock Finances Education / job skills / training 4% 3% Knowing Canadian rules / laws / human rights Food Other None / Nothing Don't know / Refused 1 3% 7% Cost of living Other None / Nothing Don't know / Refused 11% 3% 7% Base: Edmontonians (n=400) 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? 27

Biggest Challenges Facing Refugees/Immigrants Verbatims Challenges Facing Refugees Challenges Facing Immigrants Failure to integrate with people living in the city. Too many want to turn their new home into the place they left. Dealing with mental health and loneliness issues. 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. Finding affordable housing and finding employment that's above the minimum wage. 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. 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. Bias from existing citizens; language; ability to work. Understanding how to access services they need such as doctors, recreation opportunities and education. Integration, recognition of foreign credentials when getting jobs. Finding employment during tough economic times and a portion of locally born Albertans looking down on them due to language difficulties. Affordable housing, Education (learning English), Health care (finding a doctor). Learning English and learning our cultural nuances are probably the most difficulties immigrants will face. Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Italics denote verbatim responses 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? 28

Positive Things Brought by Refugees/Immigrants in the City 2016 Results Positive Things Brought by Refugees 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 Don't know / Refused 6% 6% 5% 5% 4% 4% 3% 3% 3% 3% Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Mentions 1% or less are not included New question in 2016 19% 16% 16% 24% 40% Positive Things Brought by Immigrants 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 Don't know / Refused 9% 8% 7% 6% 6% 5% 4% 4% 4% 3% 3% 4% 11% 10% 21% 3 49% Q15b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? Q16b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? 29

Positive Things Brought by Refugees/Immigrants Verbatims Positive Things Brought by Refugees Positive Things Brought by Immigrants 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. Different views, customs, practices, personal skills and abilities. A willingness to work hard, entrepreneurship, good food and festivals. Fulfilling staff shortage issues, contributing to the employment tax base, cultural diversity when restaurants are opened, cultural enrichment. 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. A strong work ethic and survival skills. An appreciation for what we have in our city. 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. New insights and experiences. They broaden the horizons of those already living here. They make our community more vibrant and culturally different. Skill sets we may not have. New perspectives. Desire to make good, make a life. Their diverse cultures and ideas that they are willing to grow within our culture as Canadians. Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Italics denote verbatim responses New question in 2016 Q15b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? Q16b. What positive things do you think refugees bring to Edmonton? 30

Opinions About Refugees/Immigrants 2016 Results Opinions About Refugees Opinions About Immigrants % Agree % Agree Edmonton is a welcoming city that is inclusive of refugees 3% 4% 25% 49% 15% 63% Edmonton is a welcoming city that is inclusive of immigrants 4% 19% 53% 19% 7 Refugees make Edmonton a more prosperous and livable city 1 15% 25% 29% 14% 43% Immigrants make Edmonton a more prosperous and livable city 6% 11% 2 40% 19% 59% Refugees often experience discrimination/racism 5% 9% 19% 39% 21% 60% Immigrants often experience discrimination/racism 4% 14% 20% 4 16% 57% I support expanding more programs and services for refugees in Edmonton 15% 1 20% 35% 16% 51% I support expanding more programs and services for immigrants in Edmonton 11% 10% 23% 33% 21% 54% Policy and decision makers need to do more to engage refugee communities in Edmonton 11% 10% 25% 3 17% 49% Policy and decision makers need to do more to engage immigrant communities in Edmonton 8% 10% 26% 35% 17% 5 I know about the realities of refugees 9% 15% 30% 26% 1 38% I know about the realities of immigrants 5% 1 25% 28% 2 50% Base: Edmontonians (n=400) Note: Don t know responses are not shown New questions in 2016 Q15c/Q16c. Please indicate the extent to which you agree or disagree with the following statements 31

Know Refugees/Immigrants 2016 Results Know Refugees Know Immigrants Not sure 7% Yes 24% No 25% Not sure 6% No 68% Yes 69% Base: Edmontonians (n=400) New question in 2016 Q15d. Do you have friends, colleagues or neighbours who are refugees? Q16d. Do you have friends, colleagues or neighbours who are immigrants? 32

Opinions on Whether Addressing Issues Like Racism/Discrimination will Contribute to Quality of Life 2016 Results % Agree 2016 (n=400) 4% 14% 37% 38% 75% Strongly disagree Somewhat disagree Neither agree nor disagree Somewhat agree Strongly agree 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 overall quality of life in Edmonton? 33

Survey of Edmontonians 2016 : Draft Report. June 2014