Canadian Opinions on Icons Amid Trump Era
The presidency of Donald Trump in the United States has created new challenges for public opinion research. Previously, gathering and releasing survey data after a few days was straightforward. However, unexpected statements or social media posts from Trump’s administration can quickly make collected data outdated, requiring fresh analysis.
Survey of Canadians on Public Figures
Last week, Canadians were asked about their views on 12 prominent figures from politics, sports, activism, and entertainment. The responses reveal deep divisions over some celebrities and strong negative feelings towards the current American president.
Wayne Gretzky's Shifting Popularity
Earlier in 2023, Trump’s suggestion to appoint former NHL star Wayne Gretzky as a “governor” sparked anger among some Canadians. That year, 76% of Canadians expressed a favourable opinion of Gretzky, nicknamed “The Great One.” However, this favourable rating dropped by 29 points to 47% in the latest survey.
- Alberta: 58% favourable
- Atlantic Canada: 56% favourable
- Saskatchewan and Manitoba: 52% favourable
- British Columbia: 49% favourable
- Quebec: 43% favourable
- Ontario: 42% favourable
Other Figures Affected
Mario Lemieux’s favourability rating also declined, though less sharply than Gretzky’s.
“The Great One” now receives significantly less favour in several provinces than earlier this year.
The survey highlights how political contexts impact public perceptions of celebrities, reflecting broader societal polarization.
Author's Summary
The Trump presidency has intensified polarization in Canada, significantly shifting public opinion of iconic figures like Wayne Gretzky across different regions and sectors.