This report summarizes results from a survey of 3,227 Canadians.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Sondage d'opinion auprès des Canadiens sur les services de police de la GRC.
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The RCMP has been conducting surveys of the Canadian public since 2003 to assess Canadians' opinions on quality of service, professionalism, sensitivity, community involvement, visibility, value of partnerships, and communication. Early editions of the survey were conducted by telephone. However, due to the challenges and costs associated with telephone surveys, and to reach a broader audience, in the 2017/18 fiscal year, the RCMP started to conduct the survey using an online/telephone methodology with the same representativeness used in the previous (telephone only) samples.
The current research, for the 2022/23 fiscal year, also used an online/ telephone methodology. A total of 3,227 Canadians were surveyed. As in previous surveys, the sample was drawn from across Canada and was weighted more heavily toward areas policed by the RCMP. The sample was stratified to ensure roughly equal representation from five regions (North, British Columbia, Prairies, Central, and Atlantic). We surveyed roughly 500 residents in the North, and about 675 in each of the other four regions.
The current survey was conducted primarily online (using our probability based online panel, Probit); however, to help with tracking previous survey results (which were also conducted using a hybrid methodology), and to ensure we could collect information from the North (which has a very limited number of online panellists), we also conducted interviews by telephone. We completed 1,445 telephone interviews, and 1,782 cases were collected online. Results were weighted by region, gender, and age to ensure that the sample is representative of the Canadian population 18 years of age and older.
Survey Findings
Outlined below are key findings from this study. The remainder of this report describes survey results in more detail.
Attitudes to the RCMP
Survey findings reveal that Canadians place a great deal of importance on the RCMP's contribution to public safety. Eight in ten (86 per cent) assign a high degree of importance to the RCMP's role in keeping Canadians safe, and just ten per cent say the RCMP's efforts to ensure public safety are of little or no importance. Tracking suggests that the perceived importance of the RCMP's contribution to public safety is stable over the past year, but is down somewhat over the past several years.
Results further reveal that six in ten Canadians (62 per cent) are satisfied with how the RCMP fulfills its role in maintaining public safety, while one in four (24 per cent) are dissatisfied. Tracking reveals a five-point increase in satisfaction with the RCMP's contribution to public safety over the past year, back to 2021/22 levels, but down from previous years.
Results reveal generally positive impressions of the RCMP. Three in five (58 per cent) agree that RCMP personnel serve with excellence, while half say the RCMP is an organization with integrity (51 per cent). Half also believe that RCMP personnel are respectful (53 per cent), and compassionate (50 per cent), and just under half feel the organization is accountable (46 per cent). Tracking reveals a slight increase in the proportion of Canadians who believe that RCMP personnel treat people with respect (up four points), and demonstrate compassion (up three points) since 2021/22.
The RCMP receives mixed, but improving, marks on indicators related to sensitivity. Half of Canadians agree that the RCMP is an organization that is welcoming and inclusive of people from various backgrounds (54 per cent), and that the RCMP treats people with a disability fairly (50 per cent). Just under half agree that RCMP personnel reflect the cultural diversity in their community (47 per cent), and that the RCMP treats women fairly (46 per cent). Four in ten agree that the RCMP is sensitive to the needs of Canada's various cultures and groups (45 per cent), that the RCMP treats members of racialized groups fairly (41 per cent), and that the RCMP treats members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities fairly (40 per cent). One in three agree that the RCMP treats Indigenous people fairly (35 per cent). Tracking reveals an increase in agreement over the past year across all of these issues.
Turning to views on responsiveness, findings reveal that over half of Canadians agree that the RCMP is quick to respond to calls for assistance (54 per cent), and this is up eight points since 2021/22. Four in ten agree that the RCMP rapidly adapts to new and emerging priorities (41 per cent - identical to last year).
Impact of the RCMP
Results reveal generally positive impressions of the impact of the RCMP on Canadians, although findings also suggest room for improvement in some areas, particularly Indigenous matters. Almost six in ten feel the RCMP effectively responds to national security threats (59 per cent), diminishes the threat of organized crime (57 per cent), provides an adequate response to border threats (54 per cent), and mitigates the impact of serious crime (54 per cent). Just over half believe the RCMP is contributing to traffic safety in their province or territory (52 per cent), reducing the production, sale and distribution of illegal drugs (51 per cent), and lessening the impact of economic crime (51 per cent). Half believe the RCMP is responding to cybercrime threats effectively (50 per cent), and just under half are satisfied with RCMP efforts to combat online fraud and scams (46 per cent), and address youth involvement in crime as offenders (43 per cent). Only about one in three are satisfied with the RCMP's efforts in fostering safer Indigenous communities (36 per cent), and advancing reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous peoples (35 per cent).
Tracking reveals an increase over the past year in the proportion of Canadians expressing positive views on the impact of the RCMP across several of these issues. For example, there has been a three-point increase in the proportion who feel the RCMP is effectively responding to threats to national security, and a seven-point increase among those who believe the RCMP is reducing the impact of economic crime. As with many other results, while RCMP approval levels are up since 2021/22, they are down from previous years.
When asked to identify their main source of information about the RCMP. local/national media was mentioned most often (69 per cent), followed distantly by social media (9 per cent).
One in four Canadians (27 per cent) indicate they have had direct contact with the RCMP. Tracking suggests that contact with the RCMP has remained largely stable over the past several years.
Those who indicated they had contact with the RCMP in the past year were asked for their views on RCMP performance during this contact. Results are generally positive with more than eight in ten (82 per cent) agreeing that it was easy to get in touch with the RCMP, while similar proportions say RCMP personnel were courteous and respectful (81 per cent), demonstrated professionalism (80 per cent), and treated them fairly (80 per cent). Roughly seven in ten feel that RCMP personnel were knowledgeable and competent (73 per cent), delivered the service in a timely fashion (67 per cent), and expressed trust and confidence in the RCMP personnel with whom they interacted (67 per cent). Results are more mixed in terms of the RCMP going beyond minimum requirements in providing good service: 52 per cent feel the RCMP went beyond minimum service requirements, and 24 per cent disagree with this idea. Tracking reveals that these results have remained largely stable over the past few years, although there has been a decline in the proportion who feel it was easy to get in touch with the RCMP, and that the service was delivered in a timely fashion.
Those who indicated they had had contact with the RCMP in the past year were also asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the service they received from the RCMP. Seven in ten (67 per cent) expressed satisfaction, and only 20 per cent were dissatisfied.
Conclusions
Results reveal that the majority of Canadians are satisfied with the RCMP's contribution to public safety, and the organization scores reasonably well in terms of upholding many of its core principles (professionalism, integrity, accountability). Overall, attitudes towards the RCMP have improved somewhat over the past year, but are down from previous years.
Findings reveal mixed, but improving, views on issues related to sensitivity. Half of Canadians agree that the RCMP is an organization that is welcoming and inclusive of people from various backgrounds, and that the RCMP treats people with a disability fairly. Just under half agree that RCMP personnel reflect the cultural diversity in their community, and that the RCMP treats women fairly. Tracking reveals an increase in agreement across all of these issues since 2021/22. On a less positive note, only one in three agree that the RCMP treats Indigenous people fairly, and the RCMP receives consistently poor ratings from the 2SLGBTQI+ community on virtually every indicator.
Results also reveal that those who have had contact with the RCMP express high levels of satisfaction with the service received, with RCMP personnel scoring well across virtually all of the performance indicators examined, e.g. courteousness, fairness, professionalism.
1. Background and Methodology
1.1 Background and Objectives
The Strategic Policy and External Relations business line of the RCMP is responsible for the development and implementation of a comprehensive results-based management system that feeds into the internal performance tracking as well as the overall TBS government reporting system. In an evidence-based environment, the RCMP requires sound assessments from the Canadian public to gauge current performance and set targets for improved performance.
The RCMP has been conducting surveys of the Canadian public since 2003 to assess public opinions on quality of service, professionalism, sensitivity, community involvement, visibility, and communication.
Before 2017, this survey was conducted by telephone. However, due to the challenges and costs associated with telephone surveys, and to reach a broader audience, in the 2017/18 fiscal year, the RCMP started to conduct the survey using an online/telephone methodology with the same representativeness used in the previous (telephone only) samples.
1.2 Methodology
The current research also involved conducting an online/telephone survey. A total of 3,227 Canadians were surveyed from January 12 to February 9, 2023. As in previous surveys, the sample was drawn from across Canada and was weighted more heavily toward areas policed by the RCMP. The sample was stratified to ensure roughly equal representation from five regions (North, British Columbia, Prairies, Central, and Atlantic). We surveyed roughly 500 residents in the North, and about 675 in each of the other four regions.
The survey was conducted primarily online using our probability based online panel, Probit. However, to help with tracking previous survey results (which were conducted by telephone), and to ensure we could collect information from the North (which has a very limited number of online panellists), we also conducted interviews by telephone. Below we provide more detail on the methodology associated with both online and telephone components of the research.
Probit Panel (Online Sample)
We used our probability-based online panel, Probit, for the online completions. Probit is an online research panel that has been designed by Ekos to provide statistically representative data. Our panel offers complete coverage of the Canadian population (Internet, phone, cell phone), random recruitment (participants are recruited randomly, they do not opt themselves into our panel), and equal probability sampling. All respondents to our panel are recruited by telephone using random digit dialling, and their demographic information is confirmed by live interviewers.
The distribution of the recruitment process for our panel mirrors the actual population in Canada (as defined by Statistics Canada). As such, our panel can be considered representative of the general public (survey results from our online panel support confidence intervals and margin of error estimates, which is unique in Canada). The overall panel size is roughly 100,000 Canadian households. Random stratified samples are drawn from the panel database for individual research assignments.
Telephone Sample
Ekos relies on Survey Sample for the sample requirements of our telephone surveys. The software uses the most up-to-date directories as they become available and is updated quarterly. It samples by Random Digit Dial (RDD) methodology and checks its samples against published phone lists to divide the sample into "Directory Listed" (DL) and "Directory Not Listed" (DNL) RDD components. The flexibility of this software allows one to sample within specific regions or cities. One can sample according to population representativeness or stipulate stratification parameters, as required. Once the sample is determined for a specific survey, the numbers are imported into our Computer Assisted Telephone Interview (CATI) system and quotas are set for individual characteristics.
We completed 1,445 telephone interviews, and 1,782 cases were collected online. Results were weighted by region, gender, and age to ensure that the sample is representative of the Canadian population 18 years of age and older. Outlined below is the sample breakdown and margin of error (MOE) across mode and province/territory (please note the margins of error are for overall totals).
Margin of Error by Mode
Province/Territory
Sample size (online)
Sample size (phone)
Sample size (total)
Margin of error (±, 19 times out of 20)
Overall (phone and online)
n=1,782
n=1,445
n=3,227
1.7%
Telephone only
–
n=1,445
n=1,445
2.6%
Margin of Error by Province/Territory
Province/ Territory
Sample size (online)
Sample size (phone)
Sample size (total)
Margin of error (±, 19 times out of 20)
British Columbia
n=444
n=244
n=688
3.7%
Alberta
n=282
n=144
n=426
4.8%
Saskatchewan
n=91
n=52
n=143
8.2%
Manitoba
n=77
n=47
n=124
8.8%
Ontario
n=277
n=128
n=405
4.9%
Quebec
n=167
n=108
n=275
5.9%
New Brunswick
n=130
n=70
n=200
6.9%
Nova Scotia
n=197
n=92
n=289
5.8%
Prince Edward Island
n=38
n=25
n=63
12.4%
Newfoundland
n=79
n=53
n=132
8.6%
Yukon
0
n=224
n=224
6.6%
Northwest Territories
0
n=168
n=168
7.6%
Nunavut
0
n=90
n=90
10.4%
Response Rate
The telephone response rate for this survey was 6.9 per cent. The response rate is calculated by dividing the in-scope responding (1,821) by the total (functional) sample (26,449) – see table below.
Response Rate
Description
Result
Total
Total Numbers Attempted
--
59,215
Invalid numbers
--
32,766
Blocked
821
Business
1,141
Duplicate
15
Invalid
30,789
Unresolved (U)
--
14,759
No answer
0
Callbacks
14,759
In-scope – Not responding (IS)
--
9,869
Household refusal
0
Respondent refusal
9,869
Selected respondent not available
0
Qualified respondent break-off
0
In-scope – Responding (R)
--
1,821
Language problem
349
Quota filled
7
Other disqualify
20
Completed interviews
1,445
Total (U + IS + R)
--
26,449
Response Rate (R divided by Total)
--
6.9%
The online response rate for this survey was 11.8 per cent. The online response rate is calculated as follows: a total of 15,120 email invitations were sent out, and 58 bounced back, for a total of 15,062 valid emails. A total of 1,782 cases were completed, so dividing 1,782 by 15,062 results in a response rate of 11.8 per cent.
Note to the Reader
The current survey was conducted using what was referred to in the RCMP's 2017/18 survey of the public as a "hybrid" methodology (online and telephone). Starting in 2018/19, this methodology was referred to as the "overall" results. Overall results are tracked to the 2017/18 survey, which also used an online and telephone methodology; however, given that previous surveys (before the 2017/18 fiscal year) were conducted solely by telephone, only telephone results are tracked for earlier years.
It should be noted that online results tend to be generally less positive than telephone results – this is due to a mode effect (social desirability bias) that is exhibited in all telephone/online surveys. Social desirability bias occurs when individuals provide different responses in the presence of an interviewer to appear in a more favourable light.
Schonlau et al. (2004)[2] studied mode effects between online and telephone surveys. This study found evidence of social desirability bias among telephone respondents for sensitive questions. In particular, this study found that telephone respondents were far more likely to rate their health as "excellent" as opposed to merely "very good".
Greene et al. (2008)[3] conducted a meta-analysis of four health related studies that contrasted the results of online and telephone studies. All of these studies revealed evidence of social desirability bias among telephone respondents.
Given the subject matter in the survey (views on a national symbol of Canada – the RCMP), it appears that telephone respondents did not want to be as critical of the RCMP as those who completed the survey through a self-administered, online survey (with no interviewer involved).
Please also note that most of the questions in this survey asked respondents to respond using five-point scales, e.g. where one means strongly disagree, five means strongly agree, and the midpoint, three, means neither disagree nor agree. Responses of one to two and four to five are aggregated when discussing the findings in this report.
2. Attitudes toward the RCMP
Please note that, throughout this report, overall results refer to findings from both the telephone and online interviews (n=3,227). Overall results are tracked to the 2017/18 fiscal year survey (which also used an online and telephone methodology); however, given that previous surveys (before the 2017/18 fiscal year) were conducted solely by telephone, only telephone results are tracked for earlier years. Also, please note that throughout the report any discussion of tracking is referring to overall results, unless otherwise specified.
In this section, figures are based on valid responses only (in other words, the figures are adjusted to exclude those who skipped a given question).
2.1 Importance of RCMP's Contribution to Public Safety
Survey findings reveal that Canadians place a great deal of importance on the RCMP's contribution to public safety. Eight in ten (86 per cent) assign a high degree of importance to the RCMP's role in keeping Canadians safe, and just ten per cent say the RCMP's efforts to ensure public safety are of little or no importance.
Tracking suggests that the perceived importance of the RCMP's contribution to public safety is stable over the past year, but is down somewhat over the past several years.
Those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ are less likely to say the RCMP's efforts to ensure public safety are important (66 per cent, compared to 86 per cent on average).
2.2 Satisfaction With RCMP's Contribution to Public Safety
Results further reveal that six in ten Canadians (62 per cent) are satisfied with how the RCMP fulfills its role in maintaining public safety, while one in four (24 per cent) are dissatisfied. One in seven (14 per cent) are neither satisfied nor dissatisfied.
Tracking reveals a five-point increase in satisfaction with the RCMP's contribution to public safety over the past year, back to 2021/22 levels, but down from previous years.
Satisfaction rises progressively with age (from 48 per cent among those under the age of 35 to 76 per cent among those aged 65 and over).
Women (65 per cent) and those with high school education (69 per cent) also express higher satisfaction levels.
Those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ are less likely to say they are satisfied with the RCMP's contribution to public safety (32 per cent, compared to 62 per cent on average).
2.3 Impact on Sense of Safety
Results reveal that the RCMP is seen as having a positive impact on the public's personal sense of safety. The majority of Canadians (56 per cent) agree that they feel safer because of the RCMP, and only one in five (21 per cent) disagree with this notion.
Tracking reveals a five-point increase in the proportion of Canadians who say they feel safer because of the RCMP over the past year (back to 2020/21 levels, but down from previous years).
Agreement with this idea rises with age (from 43 per cent among those under the age of 35 to 68 per cent among those aged 65 and over).
Agreement is higher among those who live in the Prairies (62 per cent, compared to 56 per cent nationally).
Agreement is noticeably lower among those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ (29 per cent, compared to 56 per cent on average).
2.4 Core Values of the RCMP
Respondents were presented with a series of statements regarding the five core values of the RCMP (serve with excellence, act with integrity, take responsibility, show respect, and demonstrate compassion), and asked for their views on the RCMP's performance in each of these areas. Results reveal generally positive impressions of the RCMP.
Three in five (58 per cent) agree that RCMP personnel serve with excellence, while half say the RCMP is an organization that acts with integrity (51 per cent). Half also believe that RCMP personnel show respect (53 per cent) and demonstrate compassion (50 per cent). Just under half feel the organization takes responsibility (46 per cent). Few respondents (between 19 and 34 per cent) disagree with any of these ideas.
Tracking reveals a slight increase in the proportion of Canadians who believe that RCMP personnel treat people with respect (up four points), and demonstrate compassion (up three points) since 2021/22.
Agreement with these statements generally increases with age. For instance, 38 per cent of those of those under the age of 35 agree that RCMP personnel serve with excellence, a figure that rises to 72 per cent among those aged 65 and over.
Those with a high school education are consistently more likely to assign positive ratings to the RCMP. For example, 59 per cent described the RCMP as an organization with integrity, compared to 51 per cent of college graduates and 46 per cent of respondents with a university degree.
Women are more than men likely to agree with these statements. For instance, 51 per cent of women feel the RCMP is an accountable organization, compared to 41 per cent of men.
Those who identify as 2SLGBTQI+ are consistently less likely to provide a positive appraisal of the RCMP. For instance, 24 per cent say the RCMP personnel demonstrate compassion, compared to 50 per cent on average, and 26 per cent say the RCMP treats people with respect, compared to 53 per cent on average.
Indigenous and racialized respondents are also less likely to express positive views of RCMP performance across many of these issues.
2.5 Views of the RCMP (General)
Respondents were presented with four general statements about the RCMP and asked to rate the extent to which they agree or disagree with each one. More than half agree that the RCMP prioritizes quality service to the public (58 per cent), and express trust and confidence in the RCMP (58 per cent). Half of Canadians say they would encourage friends and family to apply to the RCMP (50 per cent), and one in three (36 per cent) agree that the RCMP is a forward-looking and innovative organization.
Tracking reveals a five-point increase over the past year in the proportion of Canadians who express trust and confidence in the RCMP, and who would encourage others to apply to the RCMP. Results also reveal a two-point increase since 2021/22 in the proportion who agree that the RCMP prioritizes quality service, and who feel the RCMP is a forward-looking organization. However, as with many other findings, agreement with these ideas is down from earlier years.
Belief that the RCMP places emphasis on providing quality service rises with age (from 39 per cent among those under the age of 35 to 70 per cent among those aged 65 and over). Similarly, the likelihood of expressing trust and confidence in the RCMP rises with age (from 47 per cent among those under 35 years of age to 71 per cent among those 65 and over).
Those with high school education are more likely to agree that the RCMP places an emphasis on providing quality service to the public (67 per cent), compared to 52 per cent of college graduates, and 49 per cent of those who hold university degrees.
Residents of Central Canada (53 per cent), women (53 per cent), those 50-64 years of age (61 per cent), and those with high school education (58 per cent) are more likely say they would encourage friends and family to apply to the RCMP.
Women (41 per cent), those aged 65 and over (48 per cent), and those with high school education (46 per cent) are more apt to agree that the RCMP is a forward-looking organization.
Those in the 2SLGBTQI+ community express significantly less favourable views on these issues (for example, only 30 per cent express trust and confidence in the RCMP, compared to 58 per cent on average).
Indigenous respondents also provide less favourable feedback on these issues (for example, only 39 per cent express trust in the RCMP (compared to 58 per cent on average).
2.6 Views of the RCMP (Sensitivity)
The RCMP receives mixed, but improving, marks on indicators related to sensitivity. Half of Canadians agree that the RCMP is an organization that is welcoming and inclusive of people from various backgrounds (54 per cent), and that the RCMP treats people with a disability fairly (50 per cent). Just under half agree that RCMP personnel reflect the cultural diversity in their community (47 per cent), and that the RCMP treats women fairly (46 per cent). Four in ten agree that the RCMP is sensitive to the needs of Canada's various cultures and groups (45 per cent), that the RCMP treats members of racialized groups fairly (41 per cent), and that the RCMP treats members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities fairly (40 per cent). Only one in three agree that the RCMP treats Indigenous people fairly (35 per cent)
Tracking reveals an increase in agreement over the past year across all of these issues.
When it comes to the broader indicators of sensitivity, the likelihood of offering a positive appraisal of the RCMP rises with age. For example, 36 per cent of those under the age of 35 believe the RCMP is welcoming and inclusive of people from various backgrounds, compared to 65 per cent of those aged 65 and over.
Agreement with these statements consistently declines with educational attainment. For example, 53 per cent of high school graduates feel the RCMP is sensitive to the needs of different cultures and groups, compared to 38 per cent of university graduates.
2SLGBTQI+ respondents are significantly less likely to agree with these statements. Of particular note, just 20 per cent agree that the RCMP treats members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities fairly, compared to 40 per cent on average.
Those from a racialized group are less likely to agree that the RCMP treats racialized groups fairly (29 per cent, compared to 41 per cent on average).
2.7 Views of the RCMP (Responsiveness)
Turning to views on responsiveness, results reveal that Canadians express mixed, but improving, views of the RCMP in this area. Just over half agree that the RCMP is quick to respond to calls for assistance (54 per cent), but this is up eight points since 2021/22.
Four in ten agree that the RCMP rapidly adapts to new and emerging priorities (41 per cent - identical to last year).
Those aged 65 and over are more apt to agree that the RCMP responds quickly to calls for assistance (64 per cent versus 54 per cent on average), and that the RCMP rapidly adapts to emerging priorities (47 per cent, compared to 41 per cent on average).
Agreement with both statements declines with educational attainment. For instance, 47 per cent of respondents with a high school level education believe the RCMP rapidly adapts to emerging priorities, compared to 31 per cent of university graduates.
Those in 2SLGBTQI+ communities rate the RCMP more poorly along both measures.
Indigenous respondents are less likely to express positive views on the RCMP's response time (39 per cent, compared to 54 per cent on average).
2.8 Impact of the RCMP
Results reveal generally positive impressions of the impact of the RCMP on Canadians, although findings also suggest room for improvement in some areas, particularly Indigenous matters. Almost six in ten feel the RCMP effectively responds to national security threats (59 per cent), diminishes the threat of organized crime (57 per cent), provides an adequate response to border threats (54 per cent), and mitigates the impact of serious crime (54 per cent).
Just over half believe the RCMP is contributing to traffic safety in their province or territory (52 per cent), reducing the production, sale and distribution of illegal drugs (51 per cent), and lessening the impact of economic crime (51 per cent).
Half believe the RCMP is responding to cybercrime threats effectively (50 per cent), and just under half are satisfied with RCMP efforts to combat online fraud and scams (46 per cent), and address youth involvement in crime as offenders (43 per cent). Only about one in three are satisfied with the RCMP's efforts in fostering safer Indigenous communities (36 per cent), and advancing reconciliation with Canada's Indigenous peoples (35 per cent).
Results reveal an increase in the proportion of Canadians expressing positive views on the impact of the RCMP over the past year across several of these issues. There has been a three-point increase in the proportion who feel the RCMP is effectively responding to threats to national security, a seven-point increase among those who believe the RCMP is reducing the impact of economic crime, and who feel the RCMP is contributing to traffic safety in their province or territory. Results also reveal a five-point increase in belief that the RCMP is effectively addressing online fraud and scams.
As with many other results, while RCMP approval levels are up since 2021/22, they are down from previous years.
Compared to men, women convey a greater sense of confidence in the RCMP on most of the indicators tested, particularly when it comes to national security (65 per cent, compared to 55 per cent of men), economic crime (57 per cent compared to 46 per cent), border security (61 per cent, compared to 49 per cent of men), and reducing the production, sale and distribution of illegal drugs (57 per cent versus 47 per cent).
Those aged 65 and over are consistently more likely to express a positive opinion of the impact of the RCMP. For example, 66 per cent agree that the RCMP is effective at reducing the threat and impact of organized crime, compared to 57 per cent on average.
On many of the indicators tested, those with high school education are more likely to provide a positive assessment of the RCMP. For example, 54 per cent agree that the RCMP is effectively addressing online scams, compared to 46 per cent on average.
Members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities and, to a lesser extent, those who identify as Indigenous are consistently less likely to agree with these statements. For instance, 28 per cent of 2SLGBTQI+ respondents and 44 per cent of Indigenous respondents believe the RCMP is reducing the threat and impact of serious crime, compared to 54 per cent on average.
2.9 Views on RCMP's International Activities
Results also reveal that over half of Canadians (56 per cent) believe the RCMP effectively participates in activities such as peacekeeping and training foreign police, and only one in six (15 per cent) disagree with this idea. These results are stable over the past year.
Agreement with this idea rises progressively with age (from 41 per cent among those under the age of 35 to 70 per cent of those ages 65 and over), and declines with educational attainment (from 65 per cent among high school educated to 53 per cent among university graduates).
Agreement is higher in Atlantic Canada (60 per cent, compared to 56 per cent on average).
2SLGBTQI+ respondents are less likely to agree with this idea (37 per cent, compared to 56 per cent on average).
2.10 Views on CANADA's Firearm Program
When asked about the impact of Canada's firearms program, most Canadians (55 per cent) agree that the firearms program contributes to public safety in Canada, and fewer than one in three (30 per cent) disagree. These results have remained largely stable since 2021/22.
Belief that Canada's firearms program contributes to public safety is higher among women (63 per cent) and residents of Central Canada (57 per cent).
2.11 Main Source of Information
Canadians were asked to identify their main source of information about the RCMP. Local/national media was mentioned most often (69 per cent), followed distantly by social media (9 per cent).
Those 65 years of age and older (79 per cent) and those with university education (74 per cent) are most likely to mention local/national media.
Those 18-34 years of age (16 per cent) and 2SLGBTQI+ respondents (15 per cent) are particularly likely to identify social media as their main source of information about the RCMP.
3. Contact with the RCMP
This section looks at the incidence of recent contact with RCMP, as well as client satisfaction with the contact along a number of key measures. In order to remain consistent with past iterations of this survey, the figures reported in this section are unweighted. This ensures that demographic groups that have less contact with the RCMP, e.g., residents of Quebec and Ontario, do not have their perspectives overemphasized.
Note that "DK/NR" – or "Don't know/No response" – is used to denote those respondents who did not provide a response to a question.
3.1 Incidence of Contact With the RCMP
Respondents were asked if they have had any direct contact with the RCMP in the past year. One in four (27 per cent) indicate yes, while the majority (72 per cent) say no.
Tracking suggests that contact with the RCMP has remained largely stable over the past year.
Regionally, those in Central Canada are less likely to report contact (10 per cent, compared to 27 per cent on average).
Men (30 per cent), those 18-49 years of age (35 per cent), and Indigenous respondents (38 per cent) are more likely to have had direct contact with the RCMP.
3.2 Origin of Contact With the RCMP
Those who indicated they had contact with the RCMP in the past year were asked if they had initiated the contact. Most (65 per cent) indicate that they did initiate the contact, while about one in three (35 per cent) did not.
Tracking reveals that the proportion who initiated contact with the RCMP has increased over the past year.
3.3 Views on Contact With RCMP
Those who indicated they had contact with the RCMP in the past year were asked for their views on RCMP performance during this contact. Results are generally positive with more than eight in ten (82 per cent) agreeing that it was easy to get in touch with the RCMP, while similar proportions say RCMP personnel were courteous and respectful (81 per cent), demonstrated professionalism (80 per cent), and treated them fairly (80 per cent). Roughly seven in ten feel that RCMP personnel were knowledgeable and competent (73 per cent), delivered the service in a timely fashion (67 per cent), and expressed trust and confidence in the RCMP personnel with whom they interacted (67 per cent). Results are more mixed in terms of the RCMP going beyond minimum requirements in providing good service: 52 per cent feel the RCMP went beyond minimum service requirements, and 24 per cent disagree with this idea.
Tracking reveals that these results have remained largely stable over the past few years, although there has been a decline in the proportion who feel it was easy to get in touch with the RCMP, and that RCMP personnel delivered the service in a timely fashion.
Women and those 65 years of age and older are particularly likely to agree with many of these statements.
Conversely, agreement with these statements is consistently lower among 2SLGBTQI+ respondents.
3.4 Satisfaction With Contact With RCMP
Those who indicated they had had contact with the RCMP in the past year were also asked to rate their overall satisfaction with the service they received from the RCMP. Seven in ten (67 per cent) expressed satisfaction, and only 20 per cent were dissatisfied.
Tracking reveals a slight drop in satisfaction over the past several years.
Women (73 per cent), those with high school education (77 per cent), and those 65 years of age and older (79 per cent) express higher levels of satisfaction with the service received from the RCMP.
Conversely, 2SLGBTQI+ respondents express the lowest levels of satisfaction with RCMP service (39 per cent).
Appendix A: Questionnaire
Online Introduction
We are conducting a survey on behalf of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) to determine the Canadian public's level of satisfaction with specific aspects of the RCMP's performance. On this 150th anniversary of the RCMP, we greatly welcome your feedback to help them know where it is meeting your needs and where it can improve.
Please rest assured that we are not selling or soliciting anything. The survey is voluntary and your responses will be kept entirely confidential and anonymous.
How important is the RCMP's contribution to keeping Canadians safe?
Very important: 1
Somewhat important: 2
Neither important nor unimportant: 3
Somewhat unimportant: 4
Not at all important: 5
Don't know: 99
Q2 [0,1]
How satisfied are you with the RCMP's contribution to keeping Canadians safe?
Very satisfied: 1
Somewhat satisfied: 2
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied: 3
Somewhat dissatisfied: 4
Very dissatisfied: 5
Don't know: 99
Q3 [0,1]
I feel safer because of the RCMP.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know: 99
PQ5
For each of the following statements about the RCMP's performance, please indicate whether you strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree, or strongly disagree.
General
Q5A [0,1]
RCMP personnel serve with excellence.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5B [0,1]
The RCMP is an honest organization that acts with integrity.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5D [0,1]
RCMP personnel demonstrate compassion.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5E [0,1]
The RCMP is an accountable organization that takes responsibility.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5F [0,1]
RCMP personnel treat people with respect.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5G [0,1]
The RCMP places an emphasis on providing quality service to the public.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5K [0,1]
I have trust and confidence in the RCMP.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q5KK [0,1]
I would encourage friends and family members to apply to the RCMP.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PQ5L
Relationship With the RCMP
RELQ5P [0,1]
The RCMP is an organization that is welcoming and inclusive of people from different backgrounds.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
RELQ5U [0,1]
RCMP personnel reflect the cultural diversity in my community.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PQ5U
Sensitivity
SENQ5U [0,1]
The RCMP is sensitive to the needs of different cultures and groups.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
SENQ5V [0,1]
The RCMP treats Indigenous peoples fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
SENQ5VV [0,1]
The RCMP treats members of racialized groups (visible minorities) fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
SENQ5W [0,1]
The RCMP treats women fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
SENQ5X [0,1]
The RCMP treats members of 2SLGBTQI+ communities fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
SENQ5XX [0,1]
The RCMP treats persons with a disability fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PQ5Y
Service and Responsiveness
RESQ5AA [0,1]
The RCMP is effective at responding quickly to calls for assistance.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
RESQ5BB [0,1]
The RCMP is contributing to traffic safety in my province or territory.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
RESQ5DD [0,1]
The RCMP is a forward-looking, innovative organization.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PQ5EE
Priorities of the RCMP
PRIQ5EE [0,1]
The RCMP is addressing youth involvement in crime as offenders.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5FF [0,1]
The RCMP is reducing the threat and impact of organized crime.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5GG [0,1]
The RCMP is reducing the threat and impact of serious crime, such as murder, sexual assault, robbery, and arson.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5II [0,1]
The RCMP is effectively responding to threats to national security.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5LL [0,1]
The RCMP is contributing to safer Indigenous communities.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5MM [0,1]
The RCMP is advancing reconciliation with Indigenous peoples of Canada.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5OO [0,1]
The RCMP is reducing the overall impact of economic crime, such as money laundering, stock market (capital market) fraud, and serious organized fraud.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5PP [0,1]
The RCMP is effectively responding to cybercrime threats.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5QQ [0,1]
The RCMP is effectively addressing online frauds and scams.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5RR [0,1]
The RCMP is reducing the production, sale, and distribution of illegal drugs.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5SS [0,1]
The RCMP is effectively responding to threats at the border between the ports of entry.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5UU [0,1]
The RCMP is effectively participating in a variety of international activities, such as peacekeeping missions and offering training to foreign police.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5VV [0,1]
The RCMP rapidly adapts to new and emerging priorities.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
PRIQ5WW [0,1]
Canada's firearms program contributes to public safety in Canada.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Don't know/ No response: 99
Q6 [0,1]
What is your main source of information about the RCMP?
Local/national media (newspapers, radio, television news): 1
Social media (Facebook, Twitter, Reddit, YouTube): 2
Family/friends: 3
RCMP (website, detachment, employee): 4
Other: 5
Don't know: 99
Q7 [0,1]
In the past year, did you have any direct contact with the RCMP, such as reporting a crime, being stopped for a traffic offence or accident, seeking information, or any other reason?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Don't know: 99
Q9 [0,1]
Did you initiate the contact with the RCMP yourself?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Don't know: 99
PQ10
Regarding your contact(s) with the RCMP in the last year, please indicate whether you strongly agree, agree, neither agree nor disagree, disagree or strongly disagree with each of the following statements about the RCMP's performance.
If a statement does not apply, select "Not applicable".
Q10A [0,1]
It was easy to get in touch with the RCMP.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10B [0,1]
RCMP personnel treated me fairly.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10C [0,1]
RCMP personnel demonstrated professionalism.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10D [0,1]
RCMP personnel were courteous and respectful.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10E [0,1]
RCMP personnel were knowledgeable and competent.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10F [0,1]
RCMP personnel delivered the service in a timely fashion.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10G [0,1]
RCMP personnel went beyond minimum requirements in providing good service.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q10H [0,1]
I had trust and confidence in the RCMP personnel with whom I interacted.
Strongly agree: 1
Agree: 2
Neither agree nor disagree: 3
Disagree: 4
Strongly disagree: 5
Not applicable: 98
Don't know: 99
Q11 [0,1]
How satisfied were you with the service you received during your contact(s) with the RCMP?
Very satisfied: 1
Somewhat satisfied: 2
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied: 3
Somewhat dissatisfied: 4
Very dissatisfied: 5
Don't know: 99
Q12 [0,1]
In which of the following age categories do you belong?
18-34 years: 1
35-49 years: 2
50-64 years: 3
65 years or older: 4
Prefer not to answer: 99
Q13 [0,1]
What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?
Less than High School diploma or equivalent: 2
High School diploma or equivalent: 3
Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma: 5
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma: 6
University certificate or diploma below Bachelor's level: 7
Bachelor's degree: 8
Post graduate degree above bachelor's level: 9
Prefer not to answer: 99
Q17 [0,1]
What is your gender?
(Refers to current gender which may be different from sex assigned at birth and may be different from what is indicated on legal documents.)
Male: 1
Female: 2
Another gender: 3
Prefer not to answer: 99
Q14 [0,4]
Do you identify as...
Select all that apply.
A person with a disability: 1
A member of a racialized group (visible minorities): 2
An Indigenous person (Inuk (Inuit), First Nations, Metis): 3
A member of the 2SLGBTQI+ communities: 4
None of the above: 5
Don't know / Prefer not to answer: 99
QMINORA [0,7]
Racialized
Which racial group do you identify with?
Select all racial groups that apply
Black: 1
East / Southeast Asian: 2
Latino / Latina / Latinx: 3
Middle Eastern: 4
South Asian: 5
White: 6
Another racial group: 7
Prefer not to answer: 99
QMINORB [0,3]
Indigenous
You indicated that you identify as an Indigenous person. Please indicate which of the following apply to you.
Select all that apply.
Inuk (Inuit): 1
First Nations: 2
Metis: 3
Prefer not to answer: 99
Q15 [0,1]
Which of the following best describes the community you live in:
Population up to 1,000: 1
Population of 1,001 to 5,000: 2
Population of 5,001 to 15,000: 3
Population of 15,001 to 30,000: 4
Population of 30,001 to 100,000: 5
Population over 100,000: 6
Don't know: 99
Q16 [0,1]
Do you live in an Indigenous community, settlement or reserve?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Sometimes: 3
Don't know: 98
Prefer not to answer: 99
Q4 [0,1]
Is the RCMP your local policing service?
Yes: 1
No: 2
Partially: 3
Don't know: 99
QPROV
In which province or territory do you live?
Newfoundland and Labrador: 1
Prince Edward Island: 2
Nova Scotia: 3
New Brunswick: 4
Quebec: 5
Ontario: 6
Manitoba: 7
Saskatchewan: 8
Alberta: 9
British Columbia: 10
Yukon: 11
Northwest Territories: 12
Nunavut: 13
None of the above: 99
QFSA [0,1]
Please indicate the first three characters of your postal code.
77: 77
Thank You
Thank you very much for taking the time to complete this survey.