Abacus Poll Shows Youth-Led Rise in Canadian Patriotism Ahead of 158th Birthday

National pride in Canada has edged higher ahead of the country’s 158th birthday, according to an Abacus Data survey released on Canada Day. Sixty-eight per cent of respondents said they are proud to be Canadian, a two-percentage-point increase from 2024. The biggest shift came from young adults: 62 per cent of Canadians aged 18 to 29 reported feeling proud of their country, up 13 points from a year earlier. Pride among those 60 and older remained the highest at 83 per cent, while Canadians aged 45-59 registered a four-point decline to 63 per cent. Those citing national pride pointed to Canada’s natural landscapes, universal healthcare and relative peace and security. Respondents who were less proud most frequently mentioned dissatisfaction with government policy, economic pressures and a perceived lack of cultural identity. The polling results coincide with a jump in consumer expressions of patriotism. Brian Nash, president of flag maker Flags Unlimited, said flag sales are up 75 per cent from last year, while flagpole demand has risen 35 per cent. Despite the gains in optimism, the survey found continued debate over whether Canada remains an affordable place to build a life.