It seems like the only thing going around more than the virus itself is discussion around it. Here in Quebec, we are no stranger to having a multitude of beliefs and opinions, and conversations pertaining to how to move forward with the pandemic is no exceptions. A study conducted by the Association for Canadian Studies, in collaboration with Leger, entitled "Quebec: Should the Vaccine be Mandatory or Voluntary?" looks into Quebecers' opinions on the issue, as well as the continuing tightening and easing of lockdown measures. Editor's Choice: 8 Outdoor Things To Do In & Around Montreal Right Now That'll Cure Your Cabin Fever Published on December 17, the study collected information from participants between November 27 and 29 through a web survey. Montreal has different opinions compared to the rest of Quebec. According to the study, more people in Montreal think that the vaccine should be mandatory than in the rest of Quebec. 47% of Montrealers think so, compared to the 40% elsewhere in the province. Exactly half of Montrealers think that the vaccine should be voluntary compared to 57% of non-Montrealers. In both groups, 3% of people are unsure of their stance. As for who should ultimately make the decision, 54% of Quebecers think it should be up to the federal government and 15% of people think it should be up to the provincial government. The latter figure is the highest among all provinces. 23% of participants think that it should not be up to either government and 7% don't know. More non-Francophones believe that the vaccine should be mandatory. The study goes on to explain that "a major divide exists between non-francophone and francophone Quebecers over whether the vaccine should be mandatory." 39% of Quebec's francophone community believes that the vaccine should be "mandatory for all" and 58% believe it should be voluntary. 3% replied, "I don't know." By contrast, 55% of the non-francophone community believes that all citizens should be required to take the vaccine and 4% of the community is unsure. When asked if employers should have the right to require employees be vaccinated, 57% of Francophones believe that they should, compared to 68% of non-Francophones. Some people think there should be heavier restrictions in Quebec. The study concludes by asking people their opinions on imposing stricter lockdowns and/or restrictions. When asked if the government should "ease restrictions as soon as possible, even if there is a possibility of another wave in early 2021," 22% of Francophones and 15.8% of non-Francophones agree. 18% of Montrealers agree, along with 23.1% of Quebecers outside the city. 57.7% of Francophones and 55.5% of non-Francophones believe that restrictions should stay the same until the cases reach zero. As for Montrealers and non-Montrealers, the numbers are quite comparable at 57.3% and 57.2%, respectively 20.1% of Francophones and 28.7% of non-Francophones think the restrictions should be tightened. 24.7% of Montrealers and 19.7% of non-Montrealers think so, too. This article's cover photo was used for illustrative purposes only.
