Mario Canseco: Canadians Are Divided on Icons During the Trump Era
The presidency of Donald Trump in the United States has posed a unique challenge for public opinion researchers. Previously, collecting data on public perception was straightforward, but during Trump's term, unpredictable statements or social media posts can quickly render collected data obsolete.
Last week, a poll surveyed Canadians about their views on 12 well-known figures across politics, sports, activism, and entertainment. The results reveal a sharp polarization on some celebrities and strong negative feelings toward the current American president.
Decline in Popularity of Wayne Gretzky
Earlier this year, Trump's alleged endorsement of former NHL star Wayne Gretzky as "governor" sparked anger among some Canadians. In 2023, 76% of Canadians held a favorable opinion of "The Great One." This year, that favorability dropped 29 points to 47%.
- Gretzky remains popular in Alberta (58%), Atlantic Canada (56%), and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52%).
- His ratings are lower in British Columbia (49%), Quebec (43%), and Ontario (42%).
Mario Lemieux's Favorability Also Decreases
The favourability rating for Mario Lemieux has also declined, though less sharply compared to Gretzky.
"The data that has already been collected becomes stale. Last week, we asked Canadians about their perceptions of 12 well-known individuals."
Author’s summary: Canadians show growing division in their opinions of cultural figures during Trump’s presidency, reflecting broader political polarization and regional differences.