2023 Poll Results

Justice system failing those with mental health issues according to Canadians

TORONTO, June 2, 2023—In a new poll of Canadians, only 16% say the country’s criminal justice system is doing a “good job” supporting those with mental health issues. The opinion that the system is failing this vulnerable group is consistent across demographic groups, including amongst supporters of all political parties. The May poll of 1,343 Canadians was conducted for the Provocation Ideas Festival by Innovative Research Group.

Of those surveyed, almost half (45%) believe that alternative approaches to criminal justice are a good idea, with only 12% expressing opposition to the proposal. A plurality of Canadians also believe that the justice system should prioritize rehabilitation over punishment (48% vs 41%), with those who have accessed mental health or substance misuse support significantly more likely to believe in rehabilitation (65%). The poll results show that three out of five Canadians (61%) want the use of illegal drugs to be considered an illness rather than a crime, with prevention and treatment prioritized.

“The results of this poll clearly show that Canadians believe the country’s criminal justice system is failing to adequately support those with mental health issues,” said Mark Rosenfeld, Founding Director and President of the Provocation Ideas Festival. “It is evident that Canadians think it is time to invest in alternative approaches that prioritize rehabilitation over punishment.”

When it came to their own experiences with mental health or substance misuse supports, 26% of Canadians said they had accessed or tried to access help for themselves or someone they know within the past year. Of those, 40% were unable to access mental health or substance misuse supports—that is one in every ten Canadians. Women aged 18–34 were far more like to have accessed support than those in other demographic groups.

“The results of this poll indicate that Canadians believe it is time to change how we treat those struggling with their mental health or substance misuse,” said Greg Lyle, President of Innovative Research Group. “They see a system that isn’t doing enough to support those in need.”

Justice and mental health will be the focus of a Critical Conversation on Sunday, June 4 at the MOTIVE Crime and Mystery Festival at Harbourfront Centre in Toronto. The Provocation Ideas Festival is partnering with the International Festival of Authors to present the “Critical Conversations” series at the MOTIVE Festival, with additional conversations focusing on the challenges of reporting crime, how prejudice leads to miscarriages of justice, and cybercrime. For all upcoming events, visit: https://www.provocation.ca.

Founded in 2022, the Provocation Ideas Festival aspires to create a new public square of spirited discussion rooted in local communities but informed globally, for which an informed and engaged public is critical. For more information visit https://provocation.ca.

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For more information, contact:

Mark Rosenfeld, President, Provocation Ideas Festival

contact@provocation.ca

416-270-6859

Download Poll Results

New poll shows Canadians concerned about AI

Majority worried AI a threat to individual agency

TORONTO, May 18, 2023—A new poll shows that many Canadians are concerned about how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact their daily lives and believe it should be regulated. The poll, conducted by Innovative Research Group for the 2023 Provocation Ideas Festival (PIF), shows that 47% of Canadians are more concerned than excited about the increased use of artificial intelligence, with only 9% saying they are more excited than concerned. Further, a majority of Canadians (78%) think that AI should be regulated even if it is difficult—which 73% of respondents believe it will be.

Canadians said they would be excited if AI could one day do household chores (55%), perform repetitive tasks (50%), diagnose medical problems (49%), or slow the aging process and prevent disease (58%). However, many are concerned with the possibility that AI might be used to speed up the development of military technology (42%), make important life decisions for people (61%), and predict people’s thoughts and behaviours (64%).

“This poll shows that Canadians are uncertain and anxious about how AI will be used,” said Mark Rosenfeld, Founding Director and President of the Provocation Ideas Festival. “They see potential benefits, but are worried that AI may be abused in ways that make the world less safe and strip away individual agency. There is clearly a need for further research and debate about how AI should be developed and applied. We plan to use these results to continue this discussion at the 2023 Provocation Ideas Festival this weekend.”

Of those polled, only 8% believe AI should be unregulated, but the road to regulation is likely to be a challenging one. There seems to be awareness of this amongst those polled, with 73% believing such regulation will be somewhat or very difficult and a majority (54%) suggesting that such regulation would be more effective if negotiated and enforced internationally.

“AI is at the leading edge of digital technology innovation and will shape our lives in ways we can’t even imagine yet,” said Greg Lyle, President of Innovative Research. “These results paint a really interesting image of the current attitudes of Canadians and point to some compelling areas for further inquiry, especially with regards to regulation.”

The 2023 Provocation Ideas Festival will take place May 19-20 at Innis College at the University of Toronto. The festival will feature expert panels on The Promise and Perils of Digital and The Promise and Perils of AI; AI-generated artwork installations; and dance and film performances.

All events are open to the public and free of charge. The full festival programme can be viewed at:

https://www.provocation.ca/2023-events-toronto