Yesterday, I identified what I called a “wellbeing deficit” during the pandemic: more Canadians believe that the arts and culture have NOT been important to their wellbeing during the pandemic than believe that the arts and culture have been important.

Today, we’ll see whether there are demographic differences in this key indicator.

Like yesterday, the main data source is a survey in February and March of 2021 conducted by Environics Research Group for Canadian Heritage and the Canada Council for the Arts.

The survey’s large sample size – 10,220 Canadians 16 and older who reside in the 10 provinces – is perfect for an examination of demographic differences. The report for the survey notes that the sample was drawn from an opt-in panel, and no margin of error was calculated.

Territorial statistics are available but not reported here. A separate telephone survey was conducted in the three territories, but the results related to the benefits questions may not be comparable between the territories and the provinces, because of the different mode of contact.

Provincial differences will be examined in a separate post next week.

Respondents were asked about their level of agreement with the statement: “During the COVID 19 pandemic, arts and cultural activities have been important for my personal wellbeing.” (Options: Strongly agree, somewhat agree, somewhat disagree, strongly disagree, unsure.)

What are the similarities and differences in perceptions of the importance of the arts and culture for personal wellbeing during the pandemic for various aspects of demographics and identity?

This post investigates similarities and differences by:

• Gender

• Age

• Education

• Income

• People who are D/deaf and those who are not

• People who are disabled and those who are not

• Sexual orientation

• Immigrants and non-immigrants

• Languages spoken at home

• Members of official language minorities

• Urban and rural residents