Canadians' concern for climate change rises sharply during wildfire season

July polling by the Angus Reid Institute and Abacus Data revealed that roughly 21% of Canadians now consider climate change a top concern, a rise of about 50% since March. Support was strongest among those aged 18 to 34, but increases were observed across every age bracket. The surveys were conducted while major wildfires burned in British Columbia and northwestern Ontario, prompting evacuations and heavy smoke.

Both firms attribute the heightened salience to the immediate impact of the fires and broader extreme-weather events worldwide. Despite the rebound, climate issues still trail other priorities such as cost of living and health care, and it remains unclear whether this shift will endure once the fire season eases.