A recent survey conducted by Léger ahead of the upcoming municipal elections in Quebec reveals that an overwhelming 81% of Quebecers feel it is crucial for their municipality to take action against climate change. The survey also highlights that older individuals show greater concern for this issue.
Scheduled for November 2, elections across all Quebec municipalities are approaching rapidly. The survey, published on Thursday, indicates that 88% of women, in contrast to 73% of men, emphasize the importance of municipalities addressing climate change by both preventing and adapting to it.
Christian Savard, the executive director of Vivre en ville, a member organization of Vire au vert, notes the substantial support for municipal action on climate change, with minimal opposition. Savard emphasizes that while the government may be fatigued by discussions on climate, the public remains engaged and adamant about the issue.
Vire au vert, a group dedicated to prioritizing environmental concerns in Quebec and Canada’s elections, aims to emphasize this crucial topic.
The survey, conducted by the Copticom agency, also reveals that individuals aged 55 and above (85%) place a higher importance on combating climate change in municipal elections compared to younger individuals aged 18 to 34 (76%).
The survey also showcases public support for Vivre en ville’s platform, “The 12 Tasks of Our Communities,” introduced last spring. Proposals such as promoting local food, protecting natural environments, preserving ecological corridors for biodiversity, and enhancing walkability and cycling infrastructure have garnered varying degrees of support among respondents.
Moreover, the survey underscores disparities in opinions across different age groups, educational backgrounds, and regions within Quebec.
Alice-Anne Simard, the Executive Director of Nature Québec and a member of Vire au vert, hopes that the survey results will encourage candidates to prioritize environmental issues and take concrete actions to address them during the elections.
