This public opinion research report presents the results of an online survey conducted by Ekos Research Associates Inc. on behalf of Public Safety Canada. The research study was conducted with 2,069 Canadians 12 years of age or older between February 28 and March 14, 2024.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Campagne de sensibilisation du public sur les armes à feu et les gangs.
This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from Public Safety Canada. For more information on this report, please contact Public Services and Procurement Canada at tpsgc.questions-questions.pwgsc@tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca or at:
Communications Branch
Public Services and Procurement Canada
Portage III Tower A
16A1-11 Laurier Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0S5
Catalogue Number:
PS18-89/2024E-PDF
International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-71527-8
Related publications (registration number: POR 114-23)
Table 1: Support for Measures to Address Firearms and Gang-Related Violence
Table 2: Response Rates
Table 3: Sample Characteristics
List of Charts
Chart 1: Level of Concern – Gang-Related Violence is a Threat to Public Safety
Chart 2: Frequency of Hearing about Guns and Gang-Related Violence
Chart 3: Perceived Reasons for Joining a Gang
Chart 4: Activities Most Associated with Gangs
Chart 5: Perceptions about Gangs
Chart 6: Incidence of Being Affected by Gang-Related Violence
Chart 7: General Influences
Chart 8: Perceived GC Performance in Addressing Gang-Related Violence
Chart 9: Perceived Safety among Youth
Chart 10: Sources to Turn to When Feeling Unsafe
Chart 11: Pressures Experienced by Youth
Chart 12: Incidence of Youth Discussing Risks and Harms of Gangs with Adults
Chart 13: Typical Activities After School
Chart 14: Speaking with Youth about Gangs
Chart 15: Top of Mind Sources for Information to Support Discussions
Chart 16: Awareness of Available Resources
Chart 17: Perceived Effectiveness of Youth Programs at Keeping Youth out of Gangs
Chart 18: Participation in Youth Programs
Chart 19: Types of Programs Youth Enrolled in
Chart 20: Reasons for Lack of Enrolment in Youth Programs
Summary
A. Background and Objectives
The mandate letters for the Minister of Public Safety, the Deputy Prime Minister, and the Minister of Justice and Attorney General —as well as the 2021 Speech From the Throne and the Budget 2022 Speech—outlined the Government’s commitment to take action to further reduce gun violence in Canada, including by providing gang prevention and intervention funding for provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities through the Initiative to Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence (ITTAAGGV) and the Building Safer Communities Fund (BSCF).
In FY 2021-22, Public Safety Canada launched a firearms awareness campaign, which informed Canadians that the Government of Canada is taking action to prevent gun violence, including by targeting gang violence, among other actions.
This research will help inform future awareness-raising efforts. The focus is on Canadians’ perceptions, awareness, and understanding of gun and gang-related violence in Canada. Specifically, the survey measures:
Awareness of gang crime and gang-related gun violence, and prevention/intervention initiatives;
Knowledge and attitudes toward gangs within the Canadian context;
Media habits and trusted information sources; and
Behaviours and actions taken by the target audience.
The findings will help to identify current awareness levels, attitudes, and opinions on gangs and gun crime, knowledge gaps, and the types of resources that would best serve individuals, families, and others.
B. Methodology
The survey was conducted between February 28 and March 14, 2024. The survey included 2,069 Canadians aged 12 or older, including the key target groups of youth 12 to 24 years of age (n=385), parents of youth 12 to 24 (n=504), and extended family and/or influencers (e.g., teachers, counsellors and others who provide guidance to those 12 to 24) (n=631). The sample source is an in-house Probit panel of randomly recruited Canadians.
Youth were included in the sample through a mixture of sampling panel members under 25 as well as outreach through parents and extended family members, typically by providing an email invitation with survey link that the parent/extended family member could forward to a youth they are in contact with.
The randomly recruited probability sample carries with it a margin of error of +/-2.2% (+/-3.5 to 5.0 for youth, parents and extended family/influencers). The margin of error for other key segments within the sample is between +/-3% and +/-6. The survey instrument was delivered online as well as by telephone and available in both official languages. The average length of the survey was 12 minutes online and 19 minutes by telephone. The overall response rate for the survey was 26%. Appendix A presents further details on the methodology for the survey.
C. Key Findings
Segments of the Sample
One in five Canadians report that they or someone close them have been affected by gang-related violence. About the same proportion (22%) agree that there are places in their neighbourhood where they can spend time that are free and easy to get to.
Perceived Risk
Canadians are evenly split in terms of their level of concern about the threat of gang-related violence in their local community. Half are not at all or not very concerned, while half are somewhat or very concerned. A much higher proportion (78%), however, are somewhat or very concerned about gang-related violence outside of their local community. Four in ten (40%) say they hear about gangs and gang-related violence in their own community sometimes or frequently. This rises to 80% of Canadians hearing about gangs and gang-related violence outside of their community. In both cases, residents of smaller or rural communities are considerably less likely to be concerned or hear about this frequently in their local community.
Reasons for joining gangs are most often thought to be peer pressure (69%), seeking friends or a social circle (68%), making money (64%), a lack of education (63%) or lack of belonging (63%). About four in ten believe that people who join gangs are doing so to follow family members (45%), for safety or protection (41%) or because of cultural pressure (41%). About three in ten point to intergenerational trauma (34%), and poor mental health (30%) as well as media portrayal (27% as reasons for some people to join gangs. The primary activities most often associated with gangs are drug crimes (76%) and gun crimes (48%), with about one in five linking gangs to organized crime (23%) and violence (20%).
Attitudes Regarding Gangs and Gang-Related Violence
Most Canadians agree that carrying a gun is dangerous (78%) and seven in ten agree that Canada has a gang violence problem, and that all gangs are bad. Just over half (54%) believe that Canada has a gun violence problem. Six in ten believe people join gangs because they have to (59%). Seven in ten agree that the media glamourizes the gang lifestyle, while fewer (55%) agree that social media does the same.
Perception of Measures to Address Gang-Related Violence and Crime
Perceived performance of the Government of Canada when it comes to introducing measures to address gang-related violence is quite low among respondents. Seven in ten feel that the performance has been poor (43%) or fair (27%). Only one in ten believe it to be good (10%) or excellent (1%), although 19% say they “don’t know”. Parents of youth 12 to 24 are the least positive with 50% perceiving performance to be poor.
Perceptions of Youth
Most youth say they always or mostly feel safe in their school (88%) or in their community (86%). Youth say they would primarily talk to a parent or guardian (71%) or friend (60%) if they were feeling unsafe in their community. Over one in three (37%) would talk to another family member, while one in four (26%) would approach a teacher, educator, or coach.
Three in ten youth (30%) have felt pressure from friends or peers to take drugs. Roughly one in five have felt pressure to engage in sexual activity (20%), steal (19%) or to conduct bullying or cyberbullying (18%). Fewer than one in ten youth report pressure from peers to conduct physical violence (8%), sell drugs (6%), distribute intimate images without consent (6%), carry a weapon (5%) or join a gang (2%). Over half of youth say that someone has spoken with them about the risks and harms of gangs; typically, a teacher, educator or coach (73%), or a parent or guardian (53%).
After school, youth are primarily engaged in entertainment such as TV, video games, YouTube and social media (82%). Six in ten do homework (68%) after school or get together with friends (60%). Nearly half (47%) are in sports after school. One-third (33%) of youth work at a part-time job, while two in ten youth are involved in an after-school (21%) or art (18%) program.
Perceptions and Experience of Parents and Influencers
The majority of parents (56%) and one in three influencers of youth (32%) report that they have spoken to a child about the risks and harms of gangs. Half of respondents (52%) say they have not heard about available resources and programs that can help at-risk youth and prevent youth from joining gangs. When searching for information on how to support a child who may be at risk of joining a gang, the majority of youth (58%), parents (55%) or influencers (65%) say they would look to a non-profit for resources. Other primary sources for information include the police or authorities, schools and educators, or friends and family. Government websites are a potential source according to 49% of youth, 33% of parents, and 34% of influencers.
Youth programs are a very or somewhat effective way to help keep kids out of gangs, according to 85% of respondents. Two in three youth (67%), as well as half of influencers (50%) and parents (53%) say they have participated in a youth program as a child. While parents and influencers believe these programs to be effective (83% to 87% respectively, youth are less likely to believe youth programs keep youth out of gangs (75%, with 16% of youth seeing that as not very effective. Top reasons noted by parents who have not participated in or enrolled a child in a youth program are that their child was not interested or it was deemed unnecessary. Over one in three (37%) simply never thought about it.
D. Note to Readers
Detailed findings are presented in the sections that follow. Overall results are presented in the main portion of the narrative and are typically supported by graphic or tabular presentation of results. Results are also described and presented in charts for the main three segments of interest in the study: youth aged 12 to 24, parents of youth and others who influence or support youth (excluding parents) referred to throughout the report as “influencers”. Where results for parents and other influencers are similar they have been combined.
Results for the proportion of respondents in the sample who either said “don’t know” or did not provide a response may not be indicated in the graphic representation of the results in all cases, particularly where they are not sizable (e.g., 10% or less). Results may also not total to 100% due to rounding. Similarly, some totals of percentages added together for two responses may not appear correct due to rounding.
Bulleted text is used to point out any statistically and substantively significant differences between sub-groups of respondents (e.g., based on region, education, household income). Testing for additional key target groups (e.g., those born outside of Canada, those with a physical, mental health or cognitive disability, individuals identifying as members of a racialized or Indigenous population, or as 2SLGBTQI+) compares results against all other respondents in the sample, typically described as “others”. If differences are not noted in the report, it can be assumed that they are either not statistically significant[1] in their variation from the overall result, or that the difference was deemed to be substantively too small to be noteworthy.
The programmed survey instrument can be found in Appendix B.
E. Contract Value
The contract value for the POR project is $96,352.28 (including HST).
I hereby certify as Senior Officer of Ekos Research Associates Inc. that the deliverables fully comply with the Government of Canada political neutrality requirements outlined in the Policy on Communications and Federal Identity and the Directive on the Management of Communications. Specifically, the deliverables do not include information on electoral voting intentions, political party preferences, standings with the electorate, or ratings of the performance of a political party or its leaders.
Signed by Susan Galley (Vice President)
Detailed Findings
A. Perceived Risk
The level of concern that gangs and gang-related violence is a threat to public safety in the local community is evenly split, with half (51%) of Canadians indicating that they are either somewhat (33%) or very (17%) concerned. This is reflected in the views of parents and others who influence and/or support youth (i.e., “influencers”) (52%), however, it is less likely among youth, where only 35% are concerned (26% very concerned).
There is concern expressed by a higher proportion of Canadians when it comes to the threat outside of their own community (78%, where 34% are very concerned and 44% are somewhat concerned). As with concern in local settings, fewer youth indicate concern for the threat posed outside of their local community (63%; 19% very concerned).
Chart 1: Level of Concern – Gang-Related Violence is a Threat to Public Safety
Chart 1: Level of Concern – Gang-Related Violence is a Threat to Public Safety - Text Version
This stacked chart shows the percentage of results for responses to two statements across four categories: not at all concerned, not very concerned, somewhat concerned, and very concerned. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results for the category "somewhat/very concerned" across three groups: all, youth, and parents/influencers.
Respondents were asked two questions: "Q9. How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety in your local community? Are you...?" and "Q10. How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety outside your local community (i.e., in other parts of Canada)?"
Q9. How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety in your local community? Are you...?
Q10. How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety outside your local community (i.e., in other parts of Canada)?
Regionally, concern for the threat posed within one’s own community is lowest in the Atlantic (35%) compared with other regions. The concern posed by the threat outside of one’s community is lowest in Quebec (70%).
Within one’s community, concern is higher among those reporting less income (60% among those reporting less than $40,000 and 55% among those reporting $40,000 to $80,000, compared with 42% to 44% of individuals reporting higher incomes). There are no significant differences, however, in terms of concern for the threat posed outside of one’s community.
Youth
Concern stemming from the local community is lowest among youth who are 12 to 16 years of age (26%), as well as among males (30% compared with 41% of females). The same is true among those aged 12 to 16 with regard to the threat posed outside of their community (53% concerned compared with 66% to 68% of those 17 to 24). Similarly, males are less likely to be concerned (56% compared with 73% of females).
It is higher among youth who identify as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community (48% compared with 31% of others).
Adults
Concerns about gangs and gang-related violence in one’s community is typically higher among those 65 years of age (65% concerned) compared with 42% to 48% of adults under 55. This is also more likely among those 55 or older when it comes to the threat outside of one’s community (86% to 91% compared with 72% among those under 45).
Men are less likely to be concerned (50%) compared with women (56%) regarding the threat in one’s own community, and in terms of the threat outside of the community (77% compared with 85%).
Adults with a high school level of education are more apt to be concerned about the threat within their community (57% compared with 48% of those with a university education). Those with a high school or college level of education are also more likely to be very concerned (42%) about the threat outside of their community compared with 29% of those with a university level of education.
Concern within one’s local community is also more likely among adults born outside of Canada (61% compared with 51%), and in the largest communities (60%) compared with medium (53%) and small communities (42%).
Concern is less likely within one’s local community among adults identifying as 2SLGBTQI+ (44% compared with 53%), and also outside of one’s community (68% compared with 82%).
The majority of Canadians report hearing about gangs and gang-related violence in their community infrequently (35%) or never (25%). Four in ten hear about firearms violence either sometimes (26%) or frequently (15%). Youth are least likely to have sometimes or frequently heard about gangs and gang-related violence in their community (27%), while influencers are the most likely (46%) to have done so.
Hearing about gangs and related violence outside of one’s own community is a much more frequent occurrence, with 80% saying they hear about this sometimes or more often. In this case, it is less likely than average among youth (65%) and influencers (63%).
Chart 2: Frequency of Hearing about Gangs and Gang-Relate Violence
Chart 2: Frequency of Hearing about Gangs and Gang-Relate Violence - Text Version
This stacked chart shows the percentage of results for responses to two statements across four categories: never, infrequently, sometimes, and frequently. On the side, four columns show the percentage of results for the category "sometimes/frequently" across four groups: all, youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked two questions: "Q10. How often do you hear about gangs or gang-related violence in your local community?" and "Q11. How often do you hear about gangs or gang-related violence outside your local community?"
Regionally, residents of British Columbia (46%) are the most likely to hear about gangs and gang-related violence in their community sometimes or more frequently. It is least likely in the Atlantic (21%).
Those reporting household incomes of less than $40,000 are also more likely to report hearing about gangs at least sometimes or more often (47%) while those reporting incomes of $80,000 or greater are least likely to do so (35 to 36%).
Youth
The oldest youth (21 to 24) are more likely to say they hear about gangs outside of their community sometimes or more often (75%) while 12- to 16-year old youth say this least often (45%).
Youth identifying as racialized minorities or Indigenous are more likely than others to say they hear about gangs in their community sometimes or more often (36% compared with 25% of others). They are also more likely than others to say they frequently hear about gangs outside of their community (33% compared with 20%).
Youth living in large communities (35%) are more than twice as likely to have heard about gang violence in their community compared with youth living in small communities (15%).
Naturally, hearing about gangs in their community with greater frequency is much more likely among youth indicating concern about the threat in their community posed by gangs (77% of those hearing about gangs and gang-violence in their community sometimes or more often said they are concerned compared with only 18% among those who hear about it infrequently or never).
Adults
Adults who are 65 or older report hearing about gangs in their community the most frequently (53% said sometimes or more often) compared with younger adults. This is also the case in terms of hearing about gangs outside of the community (92% compared with only 72% among those 25 to 34 and 78% among those 35 to 44).
Adults with a high school level of education are also more likely to hear about gangs in their community at least sometimes (47% compared with 37% among those with university education). Those with high school or college education are more likely than those with university to hear about gangs outside their community frequently (49% to 50% compared with 38%).
As with youth, it is more common among adults to hear about gangs in large communities (54%) compared with small communities (26%). Youth in small communities however are the most likely to say they hear about gangs outside of their community often (51% compared with 38% among youth living in large communities).
Concern for this threat within the community is higher among adults who report hearing about it more often (85% of those hearing about it sometimes or more often expressed concern compared with 29% of those who rarely hear about it).
Most Canadians think that the main reasons for joining a gang are peer pressure (69%) and seeking friends or a social circle (68%), as well as money (64%), lack of education (63%) and lack of belonging (63%). Just over four in ten pointed to following family members (45%), safety or protection (41%), and cultural pressure (41%) as the primary reasons. Intergenerational trauma (34%) and poor mental health (30%) were noted by about or just under a third, while 24% said media portrayal of gangs is a reason. Results are largely similar among youth and parents or influencers, although youth are less likely than average to point to peer pressure (63%), seeking friends (54%), or a lack of belonging (58%) as reasons, but more likely than average to see intergenerational trauma (41%), and poor mental health (38%) as root causes.
Chart 3: Perceived Reasons for Joining a Gang
Chart 3: Perceived Reasons for Joining a Gang - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to thirteen statements. On the side, two columns show the percentage of results across two groups: youth and parents/influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q13. Why do you think most people join gangs? [Select all that apply]"
Residents of the territories are more likely than others across the country to ` note seeking friends (88%), lack of education or a job (81%), safety (54%) and intergenerational trauma (48%) as reasons. Those living in Quebec are more likely than others across the country to point to money (73%). Residents of British Columbia are also likely to point to seeking friends (74%) and money (70%) as reasons compared with others. A lack of belonging (70%), safety (49%) and intergenerational trauma (46%) were also noted more often than average in Manitoba and Saskatchewan. Ontario residents are more likely than others to point to peer pressure (74%), a lack of education (69%) and cultural pressure (45%).
Those reporting the least household income ($40,000 or less) are more likely than others to point to poor mental health (38%).
Youth
Older youth (21 to 24) are more likely than those who are younger to note a lack of education (70%), peer pressure (69%), a lack of belonging (64%), following family members (58%), and cultural pressure (50%) as reasons.
Safety and protection is more often noted by female youth (47% compared with 36% among males).
Youth identifying as racialized minorities or Indigenous are more likely than others to point to a lack of education (71% compared with 59%), and lack of belonging (68% compared with 55%), following family (58% compared with 46%) and safety (55% compared with 37%).
Youth with a developmental, mental health or physical disability are more likely than others to note these same four reasons: lack of education (74% compared with 59%), lack of belonging (71% compared with 55%), following family (61% compared with 46%); and safety (58% compared with 37%), as well as intergenerational trauma (58% compared with 375) and poor mental health (52% compared with 35%).
Youth identifying as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are more likely than others to note safety and protection as a reason (51% compared with 38%).
Adults
Older Canadians, aged 65 and over (51%), are more likely than adults who are younger to point to peer pressure (76%). Those who are under 35 more often note a lack of education (73%), and following family members (54%) as reasons compared with those who are over 35. Intergenerational trauma is also cited more often among those who are under 45 (43% to 44%) compared with those who are older.
Men are more likely than women to point to money (68% compared with 61%), while women are comparatively more likely than men to include need for a social circle (74% compared with 67%), lack of belonging (68% compared with 61%), following family (46% compared with 40%) and intergenerational trauma (38% compared with 24%) as reasons.
Adults with a university education (68%) are more likely than those with less education to see a lack of education (68%) and intergenerational trauma (365) as reasons.
Those born outside of Canada are also more likely to see a lack of education as a reason (72% compared with 63% among others).
Adults identifying as racialized minorities or Indigenous are more likely than others to point to media portrayal (35% compared with 25%).
Individuals with a disability are more likely than others to note safety and protection (54% compared with 38% among others), family members (51% compared with 42%) and intergenerational trauma (44% compared with 30%).
Those of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are more apt to note lack of education (77% compared with 63% of others), intergenerational trauma (49% compared with 31%) and safety and protection (50% compared with 40%).
Adults living in large communities more often point to money (69% compared with 60% to 62% among other residents) and intergenerational trauma (36% compared with 28% to 31% of others).
Perceived Activities Associated with Gangs
Drug crimes are the type of activity most often associated with gangs, according to 76% of respondents. This is followed by gun-related crimes (48%). Less than one in four (23%) associate gangs with organized crime or violence in general (20%), and fewer still draw a connection to robberies (13%) or human trafficking (10%). Youth are more likely than parents and influencers to associate gangs with violence (26%).
Chart 4: Activities Most Associated with Gangs
Chart 4: Activities Most Associated with Gangs - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to ten statements. On the side, two columns show the percentage of results across two groups: youth and parents/influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q14. What two activities do you most associate with gangs? [Select two]"
Respondents selected:
Drug crimes: 76%; Youth: 74%; Parents/Influencers: 76%
Residents of Ontario are the most likely across the country to associate gangs with gun-crimes (54%), while residents of Quebec are the most likely Canadians to associate gangs with organized crime (30%). Residents of the territories are the most likely across the country to associate gangs with robberies (26%). Those living in Saskatchewan or Manitoba are more likely than others to link gangs with violence (29%) and robberies (21%).
Youth
Youth who are between 21 and 24 years old are more likely than those who are younger to associate gangs with organized crime (24% compared with 10% to 17% of others). This is also the case among those with a disability (26% compared with 16% among others).
Association between gangs and gun crimes is more likely among those who indicated concern about the threat of gangs in their local community (54% compared with 44% of others).
Adults
Men are more likely than women to associate gangs with organized crime (28% compared with 22%) while women are more likely to associate them with gun crimes (51% compared with 45% of men).
Human trafficking is more often associated with gangs among members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community (19%) and those with a disability (18%) compared with others (11%).
As with youth, association between gangs and gun crimes is more likely among those who indicated concern about the threat of gangs in their local community (52% compared with 43% of others). Drug crimes are more often associated with gangs among those not concerned (80% compared with 73%).
Those believing that Canada has a gang violence problem are also more likely to associate gangs with gun crimes (50% compared with 42% of others).
Three in four (76%) Canadians agree that carrying a gun is dangerous, while 22% disagree. Seven in ten believe that all gangs are bad (71%), and that Canada has a gang violence problem (69%). Canadians are more divided about whether or not Canada has a gun violence problem. While just over half (54%) agree, 42% disagree. Parents are less likely than others to agree that carrying a gun is dangerous (66%), although marginally more likely to agree that all gangs are bad, and that Canada has a gang violence problem (73%). Youth are somewhat less inclined to agree that all gangs are bad (68%), and much less likely to believe that Canada has a gang violence problem (47%) or that Canada has a gun violence problem (35%).
Just under six in ten (59%) believe that people join gangs because they have to, although 29% disagree and 12% don’t know. Parents are least likely to agree with this (51%).
More than six in ten (64%) agree that the media glamorizes the gang lifestyle, and 55% believe the same about social media, although three in ten disagree in each case (31% and 30% respectively). While parents are less likely than others to agree that social media glamourizes gangs, (52%), youth and influencers are more apt to agree (59% and 57%, respectively).
Chart 5: Perceptions about Gangs
Chart 5: Perceptions about Gangs - Text Version
This stacked chart shows the percentage of results for responses to seven statements across three categories: don’t know, disagree, and agree. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results for the category "agree" across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q15. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about gangs in Canada?"
Agreement is generally higher in Ontario than it is elsewhere across the country that carrying a gun is dangerous (79%), all gangs are bad (74%), the media and social media both glamourize the gang lifestyle (69%), people join gangs because they feel they have to (64%) and Canada has a gun violence problem (59%).. Residents of BC are the most likely across the country to agree that Canada has a gang violence problem (77%).
Residents of Quebec are most likely to agree that carrying a gun is dangerous (82%) but disagree that all gangs are bad (65%), people join gangs because of need (49%), and the media and social media glamourize gangs (42%). They Those in Alberta are more likely than others to disagree that carrying a gun is dangerous and that Canada has a gun violence problem (56%), while residents of the territories are the most likely to disagree that Canada has a gun violence problem (31% strongly disagree). Residents of the Atlantic are the most apt to disagree that Canada has a gang violence problem (60%).
Youth
Youth between 17 and 20 are more likely to agree that Canada has a gang-violence problem (59%) compared with those 21 to 24 (48%) or under 17 (35%).
Compared with females, males more often agree that all gangs are bad (73% vs. 62%). They are more likely than females to disagree, however, that people join gangs because they have to (32% vs. 22 %), Canada has a gun violence problem (61% vs. 48%), or that carrying guns is dangerous (34% vs. 13%)
Youth with a university level of education more often believe that all gangs are bad (76% vs. 65% of those with less education).
Carrying a gun is also more often considered dangerous among females (86% vs. 64%) and youth who identify as a member of a visible minority or Indigenous person (82%). Residents of large communities are also more apt to agree (79%), whereas youth in small communities are more likely to disagree (38%) compared with others.
Adults
Adults between 25 and 34 are more likely than older Canadians to agree that people join gangs because they have to (70%) compared with 54% to 58% of those who are older. Canadians between 25 and 45 are also more apt to disagree than their older counterparts that Canada has a gun (52% - 53%) or gang violence problem (27% - 32%), that carrying a gun is dangerous (26% - 29%), or that social media glamorizes the gang lifestyle (36%).
Men are also more likely than women to disagree that Canada has a violence problem related to guns (48% vs. 31%) and gangs (25% vs. 18%), that carrying a firearm is dangerous (29% vs. 15%), that people join gangs because they have to (35% vs. 25%), or that the media glamourize the gang lifestyle (36% vs. 27%). They are, however, more likely to agree that all gangs are bad (75% vs. 69%) and that social media paints a more positive picture of this lifestyle (57% vs. 51%).
Residents of large communities are more likely than others to agree that there is a gun violence problem (61%) and that all gangs are bad, although disagree more often that the media glamourizes gang life.
Those identifying as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are more likely than others to agree that people join gangs because they have to (68%), but more often disagree that Canada has a gang problem (35%), or that the media or social media glamourize gang life (39%).
One in five Canadians (20%) indicated that they have been affected by gang-related violence, which is similar, if marginally higher among parents and influencers (24%), than among youth (19%).
Chart 6: Incidence of Being Affected by Gang-Related Violence
Chart 6: Incidence of Being Affected by Gang-Related Violence - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to four statements: yes, no, don’t know, and prefer not to say. On the side, two columns show the percentage of results across two groups: youth and parents/influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q16. Have you, or someone close to you, been affected by gang-related violence (criminal activity, drugs, gun-related violence, etc.)?"
The proportion is highest in British Columbia (27%) compared with elsewhere in Canada.
Youth
Youth under 16 are less likely to have been affected by gang-violence (11% compared with 21% to 22% of older youth.
It is marginally higher among youth in the largest communities (24%) compared with those living in medium-sized (16%) and small (12%) communities.
Youth indicating concern for gang violence in their community are more likely to have been affected (32% compared with 12% of others, and 40% of those who have heard among it sometimes or frequently within their community), as are those agreeing that Canada has a gang violence problem (28%).
Adults
Among adults, those 25 to 34 are the most likely to have been affected (26%), while those 65 or older are the least likely to have been (13%).
Adults identifying as a racialized minority or Indigenous person are more likely to have been affected (28% compared with 19% of others). This is also the case among those with a developmental, mental health or physical disability (26% compared with 19% of others).
Adults indicating concern for gang violence in their community are more likely to have been affected (27% compared with 12% of others and 29% of those who have heard among it sometimes or frequently within their community), as are those agreeing that Canada has a gang violence problem (22%).
Impact of Environment
While 61% of Canadians agree (22% strongly and 38% somewhat) that there are places in their neighbourhood to spend time and socialize that are free and easy to get to, 31% disagree. Close to half (48%) agree that their family worries about money a lot (18% strongly). Very few agree (8%) that social media portrays an accurate picture of the lives of other people. In fact, 66% strongly disagree. Concern about money is more often noted among parents and influencers (51%) than youth (45%). Youth are marginally more likely to believe that social media paints an honest picture of the lives of others.
Chart 7: General Influences
Chart 7: General Influences - Text Version
This stacked chart shows the percentage of results for responses to three statements across four categories: strongly disagree, somewhat disagree, somewhat agree, and strongly agree. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results for the category "agree/strongly agree" across three groups: all, youth, parents/influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q36a-c. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements?"
Respondents selected:
There are places in my neighborhood to spend time/ socialize that are free and easy to get to:
Worries about money are most common among households reporting the least income (71% of those reporting under $40,000 agree, as do 54% of those reporting between $40,000 and $80,000). This segment is also somewhat more likely to believe that social media paints an honest picture of the lives of other people (15%).
Youth
Youth identifying as members of the 2SLGBTQI+ community are less likely to agree that there are places they can go in their community that are free and easy to get to (50% compared with 66% of others).
Concerns about money are more prevalent among those with a disability (69% compared with 40% of others. This is also the case among 56% of those identifying as a member of the 2SLGBTQI+ community compared with 43% of others. It is also more prevalent among residents of large communities (53%).
Worries about money are also more likely among those indicating concern for the threat posed by gangs in their community (59% compared with 39% of others).
Belief that social media paints an accurate picture of the lives of others is somewhat more likely among those with a disability (18% compared with 9% of others).
Adults
Women are less likely to agree than men that there are places to spend time that are free and easy to access (58% compared with 64%). This is also the case among those with a disability (51% compared with 62%).
Those who worry a lot about money are less likely than others to agree that there are places to go in their community (55% compared with 66%).
B. Perception of Measures to Address Gang-Related Crime and Violence
The majority of Canadians do not view the performance of the Government of Canada positively when it comes to introducing measures to address gang-related violence. Although 19% do not feel they know enough to comment, 43% feel that the performance has been poor. Another 27% feel the performance has been only fair. Only 10% believe it to be good, and almost no one rated it as excellent (1%). Across youth, parents and influencers, it is parents who are the least positive (50% indicating a poor performance by the Government). Youth are more likely to say they do not know (25%).
Chart 8: Perceived GC Performance in Addressing Gang-Related Violence
Chart 8: Perceived GC Performance in Addressing Gang-Related Violence - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to five statements: poor, fair, good, excellent and don’t know. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q17. How would you rate the performance of the Government of Canada when it comes to introducing measures (i.e., policies, programs) to address gang-related violence?"
Q17. How would you rate the performance of the Government of Canada when it comes to introducing measures (i.e., policies, programs) to address gang-related violence?
Males are more likely to view the performance as poor (36%) compared with females (21%). This is also the case among those with post-secondary (36% compared with 25% of those in high school).
Youth with concerns about the threat of gang-related violence in their community are also more likely to rate the performance as poor (43%; 45% among those who have heard about it sometimes or frequently compared with others (21%)). Similarly, those affected by gang-related violence (43%) and those who believe Canada has a gang violence problem (40%) are more likely to see the performance as poor.
Adults
Among adults, men are more negative than women with 54% of men rating it as poor compared with 38% among women.
Those with a university level of education are less negative (38% rating it as poor) compared with individuals with less education (49% to 50% among those with college or high school).
Individuals born outside of Canada are also less likely to be negative (35% compared with 46%).
Residents of the smallest communities are more likely to be negative (52%) compared with 39% of those in the largest communities.
Adults with concerns about the threat of gang-related violence in their community are also more likely to rate the performance as poor (51%) compared with others (38%). Similarly, those affected by gang-related violence (61%) and those who believe Canada has a gang violence problem (52%) are more likely to see the performance as poor.
Support for measures to address firearm and gang-related crime and violence in Canada is high, particularly for investments to other levels of government to fund crime prevention and enforcement programs (85% including 48% strong support), a “yellow flag” law that would allow Chief Firearms Officers to temporarily suspend firearms licenses (82% support, including 56% strong support), and investments to support border enforcement initiatives (81% including 49% strong support) and re-integration and reduced re-offending (79%, including 46% strong support). More than seven in ten also support a “red flag” law that enables anyone to make an application to the court to immediately remove firearms from someone's possession (73% support: 50% strongly), restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns (72% support: 56% strongly), and changes in legislation and regulation more generally (72% support: 39% strongly).
Parents are less likely to be supportive of most of these measures compared with influencers and youth, with the exception of investments to support border enforcement where they are more often supportive (86%) and investments to other levels of government to fund prevention and enforcement programs where they are on par with others.
Table 1: Support for Measures to Address Firearms and Gang-Related Violence
Q18a-g. To what extent do you support or oppose each of the following measures to address firearm and gang-related crime and violence?
Oppose (Somewhat/strongly)
Support (Somewhat/strongly
Support (Somewhat/strongly) - Youth (n=385)
Support (Somewhat/strongly) - Parents (n=504)
Support (Somewhat/strongly) - Influencers (n=630)
Investments to provinces/ territories/ municipalities/ Indigenous communities to fund crime prevention/ enforcement programs
11%
85%
83%
84%
86%
'Yellow flag' law that would allow a Chief Firearms Officer to temporarily suspend a firearms licence for an individual
13%
82%
86%
75%
85%
Investments to support border enforcement initiatives
12%
81%
69%
86%
80%
Investments to support reintegration and reduce re-offending
14%
79%
81%
77%
82%
'Red flag' law that enables anyone to make an application to the court to immediately remove firearms from someone's possession
22%
73%
64%
73%
77%
Restrictions on the sale, purchase, and transfer of handguns
25%
72%
73%
66%
72%
Changes in legislation and regulation
10%
72%
72%
67%
71%
Residents of Alberta are the most likely across the country to oppose restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns (43%), red flag (31%) and yellow flag (21%) laws, investments to support reintegration (23%), and changes in legislation and regulation in general (25%). Residents of the territories are more likely than others to oppose investments to provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities to fund prevention and enforcement programs (26%). Residents of Quebec are the most supportive of yellow flag laws (87%), restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns (82%) and changes in legislation and regulation (77%).
Youth
Among youth, females are more likely than males to be supportive of red (84% vs. 65%) and yellow flag laws (93% vs. 82%), and restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns (86% vs. 62%). Opposition is more likely among males in the areas of red flag laws (29%) and restrictions (31%). Males are more likely to support investments to support border enforcement (74% vs. 62% of females).
Residents of large communities are more supportive than other residents of red (79%) and yellow flag laws (93%), and restrictions on handguns (82%), as well as investments to support reintegration and reduce re-offending (89%).
Those who worry a lot about money are also more likely than others to be supportive in these same areas (78% - 90%).
Generally, changes in legislation and regulations are more likely to be supported by those who are concerned about the threat of gangs in their community (82%), individuals who believe that Canada has a gang violence problem (79%) and those who have been affected by gangs (86%), as well as those who worry about money (80%).
Adults
As with youth, women are generally more apt to support measures involving restrictions (82% vs. 62%) while a comparatively higher proportion of men oppose them (36% vs. 15%). In fact, men are more likely than women to oppose all but investments to other levels of governments to fund crime prevention and enforcement.
The pattern is also the same in terms of residents from large communities who are generally more supportive, while resident of small communities are more likely to oppose them compared with urban residents, with the exception of border enforcement.
Those with a university level of education are also more likely to be supportive while opposition is more likely among those with a college level of education when it comes to restrictions (32%), red flag laws (27%), and investments in reintegration and reduce re-offending (20%).
Those who are 65 or older are more supportive than others in areas related to restriction and changes in regulations, while those who are 35 to 45 are more likely than other age cohorts to oppose restrictions (e.g., red and yellow flag laws; 32% and 30%, respectively) and changes in regulations (21%).
Individuals who are concerned about the threat posed by gangs in their community are more likely than others to be supportive of a red flag law (77%), investments to other levels of governments to fund crime prevention and enforcement (89%) and border enforcement (89%). The reverse is true, however, when it comes to supporting investments into the reintegration of offenders (77%), which is more often opposed by those who are concerned about gangs in their community (18%). Similarly, those affected by gang violence are more likely to oppose restrictions (36%), red (27%) and yellow flag laws (18%), and reintegration efforts (21%).
C. Perceptions of Youth
About one in three youth say they always feel safe in their community (31%) or school (36%). More than half say they feel mostly safe in their community (55%) and four in ten feel mostly safe in their school (39%). Very few youth say they rarely feel safe in their community (3%) or school (1%).
Chart 9: Perceived Safety among Youth
Chart 9: Perceived Safety among Youth - Text Version
This chart of double bars shows the percentage of results for responses to five statements: always, mostly, sometimes, rarely and never, across two categories "community" and "school".
Respondents were asked two questions: "Q19. Do you feel safe in your community (emotionally and/or physically)?" and "Q20. Do you feel safe at your school (emotionally and/or physically)?"
Respondents selected:
Always:
Community: 31%
School: 43%
Mostly:
Community: 55%
School: 45%
Sometimes:
Community: 11%
School: 9%
Rarely:
Community: 3%
School: 2%
Never:
Community: 0%
School: 1%
Base: Q19: Youth n=385
Base: Q20: Youth n=328 (youth attending school, excludes 15% who do not)
Q19. Do you feel safe in your community (emotionally and/or physically)?
Base: Youth n=385
Q20. Do you feel safe at your school (emotionally and/or physically)?
Base: Youth n=328 (youth attending school, excludes 15% who do not)
Male youth (90%) are more likely than females (82%) to say they often feel safe in their community. The perception of safety in their school does not vary significantly by gender.
Youth who are 21 or older and those with a university level of education are more likely to say they feel safe in school (93% and 96% respectively compared with 84% to 85% of other youth).
Youth who are not concerned that gangs are a threat to public safety in their community are more likely to feel safe in their community (95%) or school (94%) than those who are concerned (71% in community; 76% in school). Similarly, youth who do not often hear about gangs in their local community are more likely to often feel safe in their community or school (94% each) than those who often hear about gangs (65% in community; 73% in school).
Youth who have been affected by gang-related violence are less apt to say they often feel safe in their community (71%) or school (79%) compared to those affected (91% in the community and in the school).
Those who feel Canada has a gang violence problem are also less likely than others to feel safe in their community (81% compared with 91%), or school (82% compared with 95%).
Youth who say their family worries about money a lot are also less likely to feel safe in their community (79% compared with 93% among others).
The majority of youth say they would talk to a parent or guardian (71%) or friend (60%) if they were feeling unsafe in their community. Over one in three (37%) would talk to another family member, while one in four (26%) would approach a teacher, educator, or coach. A small percentage (5%) of youth indicate they would never talk to anyone when feeling unsafe.
Chart 10: Sources to Turn to When Feeling Unsafe
Chart 10: Sources to Turn to When Feeling Unsafe - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to eight statements.
Respondents were asked: "Q22. Who would you talk to if you were feeling unsafe in your community? [Phone version] Would it be…?"
Respondents selected:
Parent/guardian: 71%
Friend: 60%
Other family member: 37%
Teacher/educator/coach: 26%
All of them: 6%
Other: 5%
I would never talk to anyone: 5%
Don't know: 3%
Base: Youth n=385
Q22. Who would you talk to if you were feeling unsafe in your community? [Phone version] Would it be…?
Base: Youth n=385
Youth aged 12 to 16 are more likely to say they would talk to a parent or guardian (89%), other family member (47%) or teacher, educator or coach (42%) compared to those aged 21 to 24 (58% would talk to parents, 30% other family member, and 13% teacher or coach). However, older youth aged 21 to 24 are more likely to say they would talk to “all of them” (12%, compared to 0% of those aged 12 to 16).
Youth who have completed or are currently attending high school are more likely to say they would talk to a teacher, educator or coach (32%) than those with post-secondary education (14%).
Members of the 2SLGBTQI+ are less likely than others to say they would talk to other family members (28% compared with 40%).
Three in ten (30%) youth say they have felt pressure from friends or peers to take drugs. About two in ten have felt pressure to engage in sexual activity (20%), steal (19%) or to conduct bullying or cyberbullying (18%). Less than one in ten have felt pressure to perform physical violence (8%), sell drugs (6%), distribute intimate images without consent (6%), carry a weapon (5%) or join a gang (2%).
Chart 11: Pressures Experienced by Youth
Chart 11: Pressures Experienced by Youth - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses ("YES") to nine statements.
Respondents were asked: "Q23a-i. Have you ever felt pressure from friends or peers to do any of the following activities...?"
Respondents selected:
Take drugs: 30%
Engage in sexual activity: 20%
Steal: 19%
Bullying or cyberbullying: 18%
Physical violence: 8%
Sell drugs: 6%
Distribute intimate images without consent: 6%
Carry a weapon: 5%
Join a gang: 2%
Base: Youth n=385
Q23a-i. Have you ever felt pressure from friends or peers to do any of the following activities...?
Base: Youth n=385
Youth aged 21 to 24 are more likely to have felt pressure to take drugs (42%) compared to those aged 12 to 16 (9%). Older youth are also more likely to have been pressured to engage in sexual activity (26%) compared to those aged 12 to 16 (4%).
Females (27%) are more likely than males (16%) to have been pressured to engage in sexual activity.
Youth with post-secondary education (29%) are more likely than those with high school (17%) to have been pressured to engage in sexual activity.
Youth with a disability are more apt to say they have been pressured to take drugs (50%) compared to others (26%). Those with a disability are also more likely than others to have felt pressured to bully or cyberbully (30% compared to 15%) or engage in sexual activity (35% compared to 17%).
Those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community are more likely than others to say they have been pressured to carry a weapon (10% compared with 4%).
Youth who have been affected by gang-related violence are more likely than those not affected to say they have been pressured to most activities, including steal (30%), take drugs (42%), engage in sexual activity (32%), bully or cyberbully (29%), physical violence (19%), carry a weapon (17%), or join a gang (8%).
Those who say their family worries about money a lot are also more likely to have been pressured to steal (24%), or take drugs (38%), engage in sexual activity (27%), or distribute intimate images (10%) compared with others.
Youth who frequently hear about gangs in their community are more likely to have been pressured to take drugs (40%) or engage in sexual activity (35%), compared with others.
Youth who have felt pressure to sell drugs are more likely to be concerned that gangs are a threat to in their community (11% versus 3% of those not concerned), frequently hear about gangs in their community (14% compared to 3% of those who rarely hear), believe Canada has a gang violence problem (11% compared to 2% of those who don’t believe this), or have been affected by gang-related violence (21% compared to 2% of those not affected).
Just over half of youth (53%) have had someone talk to them about the risks and harms of gangs. Over one in three (37%) have not and 10% are not sure. Most often, the person talking to the youth was a teacher, educator or coach (73%), or a parent or guardian (53%).
Chart 12: Incidence of Youth Discussing Risks and Harms of Gangs with Adults
Chart 12: Incidence of Youth Discussing Risks and Harms of Gangs with Adults - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to three statements.
Respondents were asked: "Q24. Has someone talked to you about the risks and harms of gangs before?"
Respondents selected:
Yes: 53%
No: 37%
Don’t know: 10%
Base: Youth n=385
Q24. Has someone talked to you about the risks and harms of gangs before?
Base: Youth n=385
Male youth (60%) are more likely than females (46%) to have had someone talk to them about the risks and harms of gangs.
Youth who feel Canada has a gang violence problem are more likely to have had someone talk to them about gangs (62%) than others (50%).
Those who have been affected by gang-related violence are apt to have had someone talk to them about the risks and harms (66%) than those not affected (50%).
Youth report a variety of typical activities engaged in after school. For the vast majority, this primarily involves entertainment such as TV, video games, YouTube and social media (82%). Six in ten do homework (68%) after school or get together with friends (60%). Nearly half (47%) are in sports after school. One-third (33%) of youth work at a part time job, while two in ten youth are involved in an after-school (21%) or art (18%) program.
Chart 13: Typical Activities After School
Chart 13: Typical Activities After School - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to nine statements.
Respondents were asked: "Q26. What are the activities you do most often after school? [Select all that apply]"
Respondents selected:
Entertainment: 82%
Homework: 68%
Get together with friends: 60%
Sports: 47%
Work at a part-time job: 33%
After-school programs: 21%
Art: 18%
Other: 4%
Prefer not to say: 1%
Base: Youth n=328
Q26. What are the activities you do most often after school? [Select all that apply]
Base: Youth n=328
Youth who say their family worries a lot about money are more likely to work at a part-time job after school (44%) than others (27%).
Those aged 12 to 16 are more apt to be in sports (57%) after school or an after-school program either though the school or community groups (29%) compared with older youth. Youth aged 17 to 20 are more apt to be doing homework (80%) than those younger (59%) or older (66%).
Youth with post-secondary education are more likely to say they work at a part time job (55%) than those with high school (24%).
Youth identified as a racialized minority or Indigenous are more apt to report entertainment as their after-school activity (90%), along with hanging out with friends (76%) compared with others (79% and 55%, respectively).
Those in the 2SLGTBQI+ community are more likely than others to say they are in an arts program (33% compared with 15%).
D. Perceptions and Experiences of Parents and Influencers
Over half of parents (56%) say they have spoken to a child about the risks and harms of gangs. One in three influencers (32%) say they have spoken to a child about gangs, while 20% of youth who influence or support other youth say the same.
Chart 14: Speaking with Youth about Gangs
Chart 14: Speaking with Youth about Gangs - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to three statements: yes, no, and don’t know/can’t remember. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q27. Have you ever spoken to a child about the risks and harms of gangs?"
Those in a small community are more likely to have spoken to a child about gangs (44%), than those in medium (36%) or large (35%) communities.
Adults aged 45-54 are more likely to have spoken to a child about the risks and harms of gangs (53%) than any other age group and particularly more than those aged 25-34 (18%).
Those with a college education (45%) are more likely to have spoken to a child about gangs than those with a university (35%) or high school (36%) education.
Speaking with a child about the risks and harms of gangs is more likely among:
those who are concerned that gangs are a threat to public safety (49% compared with 27% of others)
those who often hear about gangs in their community (49% compared with 31% of others)
those who feel that Canada has a gang violence problem (43% compared with 29%)
individuals affected by gang-related violence (63% compared with 31%)
individuals who worry a lot about money (44% compared with 33%).
The majority of youth (58%), parents (55%) or influencers (65%) would look to a non-profit for resources on how to support a child who may be at risk of joining a gang. Other top sources for information include the police or authorities (46% of youth, 56% of parents, and 50% of influencers), schools and educators (57% of youth, 45% of parents, and 53% of influencers) or friends and family (61% of youth, 45% of parents, and 51% of influencers). Government websites are a potential source according to 49% of youth, 33% of parents, and 34% of influencers. Fewer would seek the support of a religious or cultural leader, or rely on online forums and social media. Youth in particular are more likely than parents or influencers to say they would go to friends and family, government websites, school and educators, online forums and social media.
Chart 15: Top of Mind Sources for Information to Support Discussions
Chart 15: Top of Mind Sources for Information to Support Discussions - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to ten statements. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q28. Where would you go for resources on how to support a child who may be at risk of joining a gang? [Select all that apply]"
Regionally, those in Quebec (41%) are more likely than those in any other region to say they would go to government websites. Respondents in the Territories are apt to say they would go to non-profit organizations (76%) or friends and family (71%).
Those in large communities are apt to say they would go to non-profit organizations (68%), government websites (37%) or online forums (17%) than others, while those in small communities are more likely to go to police or authorities (58%).
Adults
Adults in the 25 to 34 age category are more likely to say they would go to non-profit organizations (69%), school or educators (55%), or online forums (22%) than those who are older. Respondents aged 65 and over are more likely to say they would go to the police or authorities (64%).
Adults with a high school (59%) or college (58%) education are more likely to go to police or authorities than others, while those with a university education are more likely to go to non-profit organizations (66%) or government websites (36%).
Respondents in the 2SLGTBQI+ community are more likely to say they would go to non-profit organizations (77%) or online forums (20%) than others, and less likely to go to the police or authorities (29% compared to 55% of others).
Adults who are concerned that gangs are a threat to public safety are more likely to say they would go to police or authorities (58% compared to 47% of others), along with those who feel Canada has a gang violence problem (57% compared to 43% of others).
About half of respondents (52%) have not heard about available resources and programs that can help at-risk youth and prevent youth from joining gangs. Two in five (39%) have heard a bit about available resources, and 3% say they have heard a lot about this. Results do not vary significantly among youth, parents, and influencers.
Chart 16: Awareness of Available Resources
Chart 16: Awareness of Available Resources - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to four statements. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q29. How much have you heard about available resources and programs that can help at-risk youth and prevent youth from joining gangs?"
Respondents selected:
Heard a lot about this: 3%; youth: 5%; parents: 3%; influencers: 4%
Heard a bit about this: 39%; youth: 39%; parents: 36%; influencers: 41%
Had not heard about this at all: 52%; youth: 54%; parents: 53%; influencers: 49%
Regionally, respondents in the Territories (59%) and British Columbia (52%) are more likely than others to say they have heard about resources.
Adults aged 25 to 34 are more likely to say they have not heard about resources at all (62%) compared to any other age group (43%-56%).
Those not born in Canada are apt to say they have heard a lot about this (7% compared to 3%), along with adults who are a racialized minority or Indigenous (7% compared to 3%).
Adults not likely to have heard about resources at all include those not concerned that gangs are a threat (58% compared to 46%), do not often hear about gangs in their community (57% compared to 44%), or are not affected by gang-related violence (55% compared to 40%).
Overall, most feel that youth programs are very (37%) or somewhat (48%) effective to help keep kids out of gangs. Youth are less likely to perceive youth programs to be effective (75%) compared to 83% of parents and 87% of influencers.
Chart 17: Perceived Effectiveness of Youth Programs at Keeping Youth out of Gangs
Chart 17: Perceived Effectiveness of Youth Programs at Keeping Youth out of Gangs - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to five statements. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q30. How effective do you think youth programs (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.) are to help keep kids out of gangs?"
Respondents selected:
Not at all effective: 1%; youth: 1%; parents: 2%; influencers: 1%
Not very effective: 9%; youth: 16%; parents: 10%; influencers: 8%
Q30. How effective do you think youth programs (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.) are to help keep kids out of gangs?
Results do not vary significantly among other groups.
Half or more respondents have participated in a youth program as a child. This is higher among youth (67%) than parents (53%) or influencers (50%). Overall, four in ten (41%) say they have enrolled a child in a youth program; congruently, this is much higher among parents (70%) than influencers (28%) or youth (4%).
More than one in three (37%) respondents have participated in a youth program as an adult and one in four (25%) have never participated or enrolled a child in a youth program.
Chart 18: Participation in Youth Programs
Chart 18: Participation in Youth Programs - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to five statements. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q31. Have your ever participated in or enrolled a child in a youth program (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.)? [Select all that apply]"
Respondents selected:
I have participated in a youth program as a child: 50%; youth: 67%; parents: 53%; influencers: 50%
I have participated in a youth program as an adult: 37%; youth: 32%; parents: 38%; influencers: 39%
I have enrolled a child in a youth program: 41%; youth: 4%; parents: 70%; influencers: 28%
I have never participated or enrolled a child in a youth program: 25%; youth: 24%; parents: 18%; influencers: 29%
Q31. Have your ever participated in or enrolled a child in a youth program (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.)? [Select all that apply]
Regionally, respondents in the Territories are more likely to say they have participated in a youth program as an adult (65%) or enrolled a child in a youth program (61%) than those in other regions. Respondents in Quebec are apt to say they have never participated or enrolled a child in a youth program (43% compared to 18% to 25% of others).
Adults aged 25 to 44 are more likely to say they participated in a youth program as a child (61%) than those aged 55 and over (32% to 35%).
Women (52%) are more likely than men (41%) to have enrolled a child in a youth program.
Those with a university education are more likely to have participated in a youth program as a child (54%) or as an adult (43%) compared to others.
Adults in the 2SLGTBQI+ community (62%) are more likely than others (46%) to have participated in a youth program as a child.
Participating in a youth program as a child is more likely among:
those who are not concerned that gangs are a threat to public safety (53% compared with 43% of others)
those who do not often hear about gangs in their community (50% compared with 44% of others)
those who disagree that Canada has a gang violence problem (53% compared with 45%)
adults who have been affected by gang-related violence (54% compared with 45%).
In terms of youth activities, respondents have most participated in or enrolled a child in group sports (78%). This is higher among parents (84%) than influencers (73%). Half or more have participated in or enrolled a child in arts or culture related activities (57%) or individual sports (50%); both are also higher among parents (65% and 56%, respectively). Overall, 42% have participated in or enrolled a child in mentorship or educational activities, although higher among influencers at 47%.
Chart 19: Types of Programs Youth Enrolled in
Chart 19: Types of Programs Youth Enrolled in - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to six statements. On the side, three columns show the percentage of results across three groups: youth, parents, and influencers.
Respondents were asked: "Q32. What youth programs have you participated in or enrolled a child in? [Select all that apply]"
Respondents selected:
Group sports: 78%; youth: 78%; parents: 84%; influencers: 73%
Men are more likely than women (82% compared to 76%) to have participated or enrolled a child in group sports, while women (66% compared to 47%) are apt to have done the same in areas related to arts or culture.
Adults with a university education (67%) are more likely than those with a high school (48%) or college (49%) education to identify arts or culture related activities.
Those who were born in Canada are apt to say group (79%) or individual sports (53%) compared to others (69% and 35%, respectively).
Adults affected by gang-related violence are more likely to say mentorship or educational activities (57%) compared to others (37%).
Among parents of youth, 41% have not participated in or enrolled a child in a youth program because their child was not interested or it was deemed unnecessary. Slightly fewer (37%) say they have never thought about it. Less than one in five pointed to the time commitment (18%), a lack of programs or openings in their community (17%) or are not being sure where to find information or how to register (14%).
Chart 20: Reasons for Lack of Enrolment in Youth Programs
Chart 20: Reasons for Lack of Enrolment in Youth Programs - Text Version
This chart of single bars shows the percentage of results for responses to eleven statements.
Respondents were asked: "Q33. What has prevented you from participating in or enrolling a child in a youth program? [Select all that apply]"
Respondents selected:
Child not interested/unnecessary: 41%
Never thought about it: 37%
Time commitment: 18%
No programs or openings in my community: 17%
Not sure where to find information or how to register: 14%
Too expensive: 9%
Feeling unwelcome: 5%
Transportation concerns: 4%
Health concerns/limitations: 2%
Other: 6%
Don’t know: 3%
Base: n= 96 parents of youth
Q33. What has prevented you from participating in or enrolling a child in a youth program? [Select all that apply]
Base: n= 96 parents of youth
Due to the relatively small sample size, results do not vary significantly among other groups.
Appendices
A. Methodological Details
The survey sample was drawn from our randomly recruited panel Probit. Probit panellists were selected using a random-digit dial (RDD) landline-cell phone hybrid sample frame. Prior to conducting the survey, the instrument was tested with 30 cases in English and 18 cases in French. The 48 cases included 28 completed online and 20 completed by telephone. Additional questions were placed on the pretest version of the questionnaire asking about length, flow, clarity of wording and so on to elicit feedback from respondents. No changes were made as a result of the testing.
The survey was administered between February 28 and March 14, 2024, using a bilingual questionnaire, installed on a secure web-server controlled by Ekos. The email invitation included a description and purpose of the survey (in both languages) along with a link to the survey website. The survey database was mounted using a Personalized Identification Number (PIN), so only individuals with a PIN were allowed access to the survey (the PIN was included in the email invitation). The questionnaire was prefaced with a brief introduction to the study and rationale for the research. The voluntary and confidential nature of the survey was also emphasized. Survey data collection adhered to all applicable industry standards. All invited panel members were informed of their rights under current Privacy legislation, as well as how to obtain a copy of their response and results of the survey.
Response Rates
The overall response rate for the guns and gangs survey is 26%. Contact outcome details are provided below.
Table 2: Response Rates
Outcome
Total
Total
8,700
Invalid
579
Valid Sample
8,121
Non-responding
5,718
Refusal
186
Partial complete
112
Ineligible/quota filled
36
Total non-response
6,052
Complete
2,069
Response rate
25.5%
Survey respondents were informed in the invitation that all responses are completely confidential and no responses will be linked to individual names.
The database was reviewed following data collection for data quality, outliers, coding requirements, weighting and construction of independent variables, and was used to explore sub-group patterns (e.g., by age, gender and so on) in the analysis. Weighting of the sample was based on population parameters according to the latest Census on age, gender and region of the country for each of the general public.
The following table presents a sample profile for the survey.
Table 3: Sample Characteristics
Variable
Total
Youth
Parents
Influencers
Region (Unweighted)
n=2069
n=385
n=504
n=631
British Columbia
14%
10%
10%
12%
Alberta
18%
12%
16%
11%
Manitoba & Saskatchewan
10%
10%
10%
8%
Ontario
38%
42%
31%
36%
Quebec
23%
20%
23%
21%
Atlantic
6%
5%
8%
6%
Yukon
--
--
--
--
Nunavut
--
--
--
--
Area
An urban area
40%
40%
34%
41%
A suburban area
32%
39%
36%
29%
A small town, rural or remote area
27%
18%
29%
29%
Indigenous community/other
0%
0%
1%
0%
Age (Unweighted)
12 to 16
5%
27%
--
0%
17-20
5%
25%
1%
4%
21-24
9%
47%
1%
16%
25-34
16%
-
1%
19%
35-44
15%
--
20%
13%
45-54
14%
--
63%
8%
55-64
16%
--
14%
14%
65 up
21%
--
2%
26%
Gender (Unweighted)
Male
48%
58%
54%
49%
Female
50%
37%
46%
48%
Gender diverse
2%
3%
0%
3%
Prefer not to say
1%
1%
0%
1%
Were you born in Canada or another country?
Canada
87%
84%
87%
87%
Other country
--
5%
2%
2%
Prefer not to say
--
1%
1%
1%
Education
Still in school/less than high school completion
41%
1%
3%
High school diploma or equivalent, or less
31%
25%
15%
22%
Trade certificate or diploma (apprenticeship, technical institute, trade, or vocational school)
8%
3%
8%
7%
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas)
21%
11%
23%
22%
University (undergraduate degree)
22%
16%
27%
26%
University (graduate or professional degree)
16%
3%
24%
18%
Prefer not to say
1%
0%
1%
1%
Income
Under $20,000
5%
6%
2%
6%
$20,000 to just under $40,000
10%
10%
4%
12%
$40,000 to just under $60,000
10%
8%
5%
10%
$60,000 to just under $80,000
12%
10%
8%
15%
$80,000 to just under $100,000
11%
10%
11%
13%
$100,000 to just under $150,000
18%
12%
25%
16%
$150,000 and above
20%
19%
34%
18%
Prefer not to say/don’t know
11%
25%
11%
11%
Minorities
2SLGBTQI+
11%
21%
5%
14%
A racialized minority
10%
21%
9%
12%
A person with a physical disability
9%
4%
7%
8%
A person with a learning disability
5%
12%
2%
5%
A person with a mental illness that limits daily activities
5%
9%
3%
6%
Indigenous
4%
3%
5%
3%
None of the above
65%
51%
72%
61%
Prefer not to say
4%
3%
4%
4%
B. Survey Questionnaire
Online Introduction
Thank you for agreeing to complete this survey. We are conducting a survey with Canadians 12 years of age or older. The survey collects opinions about gangs and gun violence in Canada. All your responses will be kept strictly confidential. A few reminders before beginning. Si vous préférez répondre au sondage en français, veuillez cliquer sur français.
Please rest assured that your answers are completely confidential (this means that no individual will be associated with the survey's results - rather, they will be rolled up into large categories to protect the confidentiality of each respondent) and that this survey is voluntary. It is being directed by Ekos Research, and administered according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. To view our privacy policy, click here. The survey is registered with the Canadian Research Insights Council's (CRIC) Research Verification Service System. Click here if you wish to verify its authenticity (project code 20240129-EK775).
Instructions
On each screen, after selecting your answer, click on the "Continue" button at the bottom of the screen to move forward in the questionnaire.
The survey takes an average of about 10 minutes to complete. If you leave the survey before completing it, you can return to the survey URL later, and you will be returned to the page where you left off. Your answers up to that point in the survey will be saved.
If you have any questions about how to complete the survey, please call Ekos at 1-866-211-8881 or email us at online@ekos.com. Thank you in advance for your participation.
Phone Introduction
Good morning/afternoon/evening, bonjour/bonsoir. my name is [name of interviewer] and I'm calling from Ekos Research Associates. May I speak with [name of respondent]?
We are conducting a survey with Canadians 12 years of age or older. The survey collects opinions about gangs and gun violence in Canada. Please be assured that we are not selling or soliciting anything. Would you prefer to be interviewed in English or French?/Préférez-vous répondre en français ou en anglais?
The survey takes an average of about 15 minutes to complete. Your participation in the survey is completely voluntary and your responses will be kept entirely confidential. It is being administered according to the requirements of the Privacy Act. Results will not be reported on an individual basis, but rolled into groups of 20 or more to preserve confidentiality. Your decision on whether or not to participate will not affect any dealings you may have with the Government of Canada. The survey is registered with the Canadian Research Insights Council's (CRIC) Research Verification Service System (If asked: Visit https://canadianresearchinsightscouncil.ca/rvs/home/?lang=en if you wish to verify its authenticity (project code 20240129-EK775)).
May I begin?
Privacy Policy
This call may be recorded for quality control or training purposes.
QPROV
What is your province/territory of residence?
Alberta: 1
British Columbia: 2
Manitoba: 3
New Brunswick: 4
Newfoundland and Labrador: 5
Nova Scotia: 6
Ontario: 7
Prince Edward Island: 8
Quebec: 9
Saskatchewan: 10
Northwest Territories: 11
Nunavut: 12
Yukon: 13
Prefer not to say: 99
QAGEX
In what year were you born?
Year: 77
2013 or more recent: 9998
Prefer not to say: 9999
QAGEA
Are you at least 12 years of age?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
QAGEB
Are you at least 18 years of age?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
QAGEY
In which of the following age categories do you belong?
Less than 12 years old: 1
12 to 15: 2
16 to 17: 3
18 to 20: 4
21 to 24: 5
25 to 34: 6
35 to 44: 7
45 to 54: 8
55 to 64: 9
65 or older: 10
Prefer not to say: 99
QAGEMIX
Age calculation
12-15: 1
16-17: 2
18-20: 3
21-24: 4
25-34: 5
35-44: 6
45-54: 7
55-64: 8
65 or older: 9
Unknown: 99
QGENDR
What is your gender?
Male gender: 1
Female gender: 2
Gender diverse: 3
Prefer not to say: 99
QPARENT
A few questions in the survey are also intended for parents. Are you a parent, guardian, or caregiver of a child?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
QPARENTB [1,7]
What is the age(s) or ages of the child(ren) or youth(s) for whom you are a parent, guardian or caregiver?
Select all that apply
Under 6 years old: 1
6 to 11 years old: 2
12 to 13 years old: 3
14 to 16 years old: 4
17 to 18 years old: 5
19 to 24 years old: 6
Over 24 years old: 7
Prefer not to say: 99
QINFLUENCER
Have you acted as a volunteer, coach, teacher, mentor or counsellor to children or youth under the age of 21?
Yes, often: 1
Yes, sometimes: 2
Never: 3
Prefer not to say: 99
QSUPPORT
Do you provide support or guidance in any other capacity, to someone under 21 years of age? This might include as a relative, or close family friend or neighbour?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q8
This survey explores awareness, understanding and perceptions about gang activity and gun violence. Please be assured that your responses will be strictly confidential and will not be linked to you in any way.
How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety in your local community?
Very concerned: 1
Somewhat concerned: 2
Not very concerned: 3
Not at all concerned: 4
Don't know: 99
Q9
How concerned are you that gangs and gang-related violence are a threat to public safety outside your local community?
Very concerned: 1
Somewhat concerned: 2
Not very concerned: 3
Not at all concerned: 4
Don't know: 99
Q10
How often do you hear about gangs or gang-related violence in your local community?
Frequently: 1
Sometimes: 2
Infrequently: 3
Never: 4
Don't know: 99
Q11
How often do you hear about gangs or gang-related violence outside your local community?
Frequently: 1
Sometimes: 2
Infrequently: 3
Never: 4
Don't know: 99
Q12 [1,11]
From what source(s) do you hear information about gangs and gang-related violence in your community?
Select all that apply
[Phone version] Interviewer: Read list
Television: 1
Radio: 2
Podcasts: 3
Web/Internet: 4
Print (newspaper, magazines): 5
Online forums (e.g. Reddit, Quora): 6
Social media (Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, etc.): 7
School or community organization: 8
Word of mouth (from a neighbour, friend or family member): 9
Promotional materials/newsletters: 10
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q13 [1,12]
Why do you think most people join gangs?
Select all that apply
[Phone version] Interviewer: Read list
To make money: 1
Peer pressure: 2
Following family members: 3
Lack of education or job opportunities: 4
Safety/protection: 5
Media portrayal (Look cool on TV, movies, etc.): 6
Poor mental health: 7
Seeking friends or a social circle: 8
Cultural pressure: 9
Lack of belonging: 10
Intergenerational trauma: 11
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know: 99
Q14 [1,2]
What two activities do you most associate with gangs?
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about gangs in Canada?
Q15A
People join gangs because they feel they have to.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15B
All gangs are bad.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15C
Canada has a gang violence problem.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15D
Canada has a gun violence problem.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15E
Carrying a gun is dangerous.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15F
The media (TV, movies, music, etc.) glamourizes the gang lifestyle.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q15G
Social media glamourizes the gang lifestyle.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q16
Have you, or someone close to you, been affected by gang-related violence (criminal activity, drugs, gun-related violence, etc.)?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Don't know: 98
Prefer not to say: 99
Q17
How would you rate the performance of the Government of Canada when it comes to introducing measures (i.e., policies, programs) to address gang-related violence?
Excellent: 1
Good: 2
Fair: 3
Poor: 4
Don't know: 99
PREQ18
To what extent do you support or oppose each of the following measures to address firearm and gang-related crime and violence?
Q18A
Restrictions on the sale, purchase and transfer of handguns
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18B
'Red flag' law that would enable anyone to make an application to the court to immediately remove firearms from someone's possession who may pose a danger to themselves or others
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18C
'Yellow flag' law that would allow a Chief Firearms Officer to temporarily suspend a firearms licence for an individual who may pose a danger to themselves or others
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18D
Investments to support reintegration and reduce re-offending
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18E
Investments to provinces, territories, municipalities and Indigenous communities to fund crime prevention and enforcement programs
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18F
Investments to support border enforcement initiatives
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q18G
Changes in legislation and regulation
Strongly support: 1
Somewhat support: 2
Somewhat oppose: 3
Strongly oppose: 4
Don't know: 99
Q19
Do you feel safe in your community (emotionally and/or physically)?
Always: 1
Mostly: 2
Sometimes: 3
Rarely: 4
Never: 5
Prefer not to say: 99
Q20
Do you feel safe at your school (emotionally and/or physically)?
Always: 1
Mostly: 2
Sometimes: 3
Rarely: 4
Never: 5
Not applicable (do not attend school): 98
Prefer not to say: 99
Q21
Can you share what makes you feel unsafe in your community?
Please specify: 77
Prefer not to say: 99
Q22 [1,6]
Who would you talk to if you were feeling unsafe in your community? [Phone version] Would it be... (Interviewer: Read list)
Select all that apply
Parent/guardian: 1
Other family member (sibling, grandparent, etc.): 2
Teacher/educator/coach: 3
Friend: 4
[Phone version]
All of them: 5
Other (please specify): 77
I would never talk to anyone: 98
Don't know: 99
PREQ23
Have you ever felt pressure from friends or peers to do any of the following activities:
Q23A
Steal
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23B
Take drugs
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23C
Sell drugs
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23D
Carry a weapon (gun, knife, etc.)
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23E
Join a gang
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23F
Bullying or cyberbullying
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23G
Engage in sexual activity
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23H
Physical violence
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q23I
Distribute intimate images without consent
Yes: 1
No: 2
Prefer not to say: 99
Q24
Has someone talked to you about the risks and harms of gangs before?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q25 [1,6]
Who talked to you about the risks and harms of gangs? [Phone version] Was it... (Interviewer: Read list)
Select all that apply
Parent/guardian: 1
Other family member (sibling, grandparent, etc.): 2
Teacher/educator/coach: 3
Friend: 4
[Phone version]
All of them: 5
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q26 [1,8]
What are the activities you do most often after school?
Select all that apply
Sports: 1
Art: 2
After-school programs (either through school or through community groups): 3
Work at a part-time job: 4
Homework: 5
Entertainment (movies, TV, video games, YouTube, social media, etc.): 6
Get together with friends: 7
Other (please specify): 77
Prefer not to say: 99
Q27
Have you ever spoken to a child about the risks and harms of gangs?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q28 [1,9]
Where would you go for resources on how to support a child who may be at risk of joining a gang?
Select all that apply
Government websites: 1
Non-profit organizations (community centers, Boys and Girls clubs, etc.): 2
School/educators (teachers, counselors, etc.): 3
Police or authorities: 4
Religious or cultural leader: 5
Social media: 6
Friends/Family: 7
Online forums (Reddit, Quora, etc.): 8
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know: 99
Q29
How much have you heard about available resources and programs that can help at-risk youth and prevent youth from joining gangs?
Heard a lot about this: 1
Heard a bit about this: 2
Had not heard about this at all: 3
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q30
How effective do you think youth programs (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.) are to help keep kids out of gangs?
Very effective: 1
Somewhat effective: 2
Not very effective: 3
Not at all effective: 4
Don't know: 99
Q31 [1,3]
Have your ever participated in or enrolled a child in a youth program (such as sports/activities, after-school programs, mentorships, community outreach, etc.)?
Select all that apply
I have participated in a youth program as a child: 1
I have participated in a youth program as an adult (coach, educator, mentor, etc.): 2
I have enrolled a child in a youth program: 3
I have never participated or enrolled a child in a youth program: 98
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q32 [1,5]
What youth programs have you participated in or enrolled a child in?
Select all that apply
Group sports: 1
Individual sports: 2
Arts/culture-related activities: 3
Mentorship/educational activities: 4
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know/can't remember: 99
Q33 [1,10]
What has prevented you from participating in or enrolling a child in a youth program?
Select all that apply
[Phone version] Interviewer: Read list
Too expensive: 1
Time commitment: 2
Feeling unwelcome: 3
No programs or openings in my community: 4
Not sure where to find information or how to register: 5
Transportation concerns (no accessible bus routes, don't have access to a car, etc.): 6
Never thought about it: 7
Health concerns/limitations: 8
Child not interested/unnecessary: 9
Other (please specify): 77
Don't know: 99
PREQ36
To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements:
Q36A
My family worries about money a lot.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q36B
There are places in my neighborhood to spend time/socialize that are free and easy to get to.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
Q36C
Social media shows you/gives you an accurate and honest look at other people's lives.
Strongly agree: 1
Somewhat agree: 2
Somewhat disagree: 3
Strongly disagree: 4
Don't know: 99
QEDUC
To finish up, we have just a few questions about you for statistical purposes only. Please be assured that your answers will remain completely confidential.
What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?
[QAGEMIX = 1,2,3]
I am in middle school: 1
[QAGEMIX = 1,2,3]
I am in high school: 2
Less than high school diploma or equivalent: 8
High school diploma or equivalent: 3
Trade certificate or diploma (apprenticeship, technical institute, trade, or vocational school): 4
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma (other than trades certificates or diplomas): 5
University (undergraduate degree): 6
University (graduate or professional degree): 7
Prefer not to say: 99
QBORN
Were you born in Canada or another country?
Canada: 1
Other country, please specify: 77
Prefer not to say: 99
QBORNB
When did you move to Canada?
Enter year: 7777
Don't know/can't remember: 9999
QMINOR [1,6]
Which of the following, if any do you identify as?
Select all that apply
[Phone version] Interviewer: Read list
A racialized minority: 1
Indigenous (First Nation, Inuit, or Metis): 2
A person with a learning disability (learning, memory or development impairment that limits daily activities): 3
A person with a mental illness that limits daily activities: 4
A person with a physical disability (long-term or recurring impairment such as vision, hearing, mobility, memory that limits daily activities): 5
2SLGBTQI+ (two-spirited, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and the + is inclusive of people who identify as part of sexual and gender diverse communities, who use additional terminologies): 6
None of the above: 98
Prefer not to say: 99
QETHN [1,2]
Which of the following best describes your ethnic background or nationality?
Select up to two responses:
British isles (English, Scottish, Irish, Welsh): 1
French: 2
Other European (i.e. German, Italian, Ukrainian, Polish, Dutch, etc.): 3
Indigenous/First Nations/Métis/Inuit: 4
Chinese: 5
Other East or Southeast Asian (i.e., Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Filipino, etc.): 6
South Asian (i.e., Indian, Pakistani, Sri Lankan or Bangladeshi): 7
African: 8
Latin American: 9
Middle East/West Asian (i.e., Iran, Turkey, etc.): 10
Caribbean: 11
Canadian: 12
French Canadian: 13
Other, please specify: 77
Prefer not to say: 99
QINC
Which of the following categories best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes.
Select one only:
Under $20,000: 1
$20,000 to just under $40,000: 2
$40,000 to just under $60,000: 3
$60,000 to just under $80,000: 4
$80,000 to just under $100,000: 5
$100,000 to just under $150,000: 6
$150,000 and above: 7
[QAGEMIX = 1,2]
Don't know: 98
Prefer not to say: 99
QAREA
Which of the following best describes where you live?
An urban area: 1
A suburban area: 2
A small town, rural or remote area: 3
An Indigenous community: 4
Other (please specify): 77
[QAGEMIX = 1,2]
Don't know: 98
Prefer not to say: 99
QYOUTHREC
Thank you for participating in this survey!
We would like to also invite [QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5,6] your child who is between the age of 12 and 24 [Else] a youth that you provide support to if they are between the ages of 16 and 20 to take part in this survey online. As we outlined at the start, this survey is completely voluntary, and this youth will be able to exit the survey at any point. If they do not complete the survey, any answers they provided will not be retained. If they complete the survey, their answers will never be associated with their identity or contact information. They can also choose to skip any questions they do not want to answer.
[QPARENTB not = 3,4] Note that you can choose to have the survey invitation with the link to participate sent to your own email address (which you can forward) or our research team can send it directly to this youth. If an email for a youth is provided this will only be used for this survey. It will be permanently deleted following the collection of the survey. It will not be used for any other purpose or provided to anyone outside of the Ekos/Probit research team.>
If this youth agrees to participate, they will receive a $10 Amazon gift code as a thank you for their time.
[QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5,6] It is important that your child has the opportunity to complete the survey by themselves. Please give your child as much privacy as possible while they fill out the survey. If your child is unsure how to answer a question, please encourage them to choose an answer to the best of their ability or they can skip the question.
[QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4] Do you consent to your child participating in this survey and to assist us in informing your child about this survey so they can choose whether or not to participate? [Else] Do you agree to assist us in informing [QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5] your child [Else] this youth about this survey so they can choose whether or not to participate?
[QPARENTB not = 3,4]
[QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4] Yes, I consent and send the link to the youth's email address at: [Else] Yes, send the link to the youth's email address at: 1
[QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4] Yes, I consent and send the survey invitation with the link to my email address at: [Else] Yes, send the survey invitation with the link to my email address at: 2
[QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4] No, I do not consent and I do not wish to have a survey invitation made available to [QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5] my child [Else] this youth [Else] No, I do not wish to have a survey invitation made available to [QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5] my child [Else] this youth: 3
No, [QPARENT = 1 and QPARENTB = 3,4,5] my child [Else] this youth is not between the ages of 12 and 24 years: 4
Thank You
[QYOUTHREC = 1,2] Thank you, the survey invitation email has been sent. Those are all the questions we have for you. Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this survey, it is greatly appreciated. Your answers have been saved and you may now close your browser window.
THNK2
Screened-out
Unfortunately, based on your responses you are ineligible to participate in this survey. Thank you for your time!
