- Only a minority of Canadians are aware of the Government’s partnership with the World Economic Forum’s ‘Known Traveller Digital Identity’ initiative.
- Once hearing about it, nearly half of Canadians would use Digital ID to travel, if available, though three-in-ten would need more information before deciding.
June 16, 2022:
In early 2021, the Canadian Government partnered with the World Economic Forum’s ‘Known Traveller Digital Identity’ initiative, which is intended to strengthen cross-border security and promote seamless travel by using digital identification to confirm proof of citizenship and other aspects of a passenger’s identity, such as frequency of travel. It also aims to assist security agencies in better detecting potential risks and threats by focusing on less-known travellers. Following up on the World Economic Forum’s conference in Davos, Switzerland, and the subsequent discussions around this initiative, we wanted to gather information on Canadians’ awareness of the program and their attitudes towards Digital ID.
Canadians’ knowledge of the Federal government’s partnership in the ‘Known Traveller’ program is relatively low, with just 13 percent of respondents indicating they were aware prior to taking the survey. Conversely, eight-in-ten Canadians stated they were not aware of Canada’s partnership, while less than ten percent were not sure. These results remain consistent across regions, age groups, employment status and education.
However, despite low initial awareness, when provided with information about the Digital ID initiative, nearly half of Canadians would be likely to use the program (45%). Meanwhile, 20 percent be unlikely to use Digital ID, while three-in-ten are not sure and need more information before they decide. Those who are unlikelyto use Digital ID tend to be aware of the ‘Known Traveller’ program, whereas the likelihood of using Digital ID increases with household income and age.
Results shown are from a survey conducted in partnership between Narrative Research and the Logit Group. The survey was conducted online between May 17 and 19, 2022 with 1,234 Canadians 18 years of age or older from the Logit Group’s Canadian Omnibus. Data were weighted based on the 2016 Census, by gender, age, and region to reflect these population characteristics in each province. As a non-probability sample (i.e., a panel sample where residents have joined a panel to share their opinions), and in accordance with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards, a margin of error is not applied.
The questions included in this press release are the following:
The Canadian Government is a partnering in an initiative to strengthen cross-border security and promote efficient travel by using digital identification to confirm proof of citizenship and other aspects of a passenger’s identity. This program will also allow security agencies to better detect potential risks and threats. Before today, have you heard about Canada’s partnership with the World Economic Forum in this ‘Known Traveller Digital Identity’ program?
- Yes
- No
- Not sure
Based on the information provided, how likely would you use digital identification?
- Extremely likely
- Somewhat likely
- Somewhat unlikely
- Extremely unlikely
- Not sure / need more information
- No need / don’t travel outside the country
For more information, please contact:
Margaret Chapman, COO & Partner, Narrative Research – 902.493-3834, mchapman@narrativeresearch.ca
OR
Sam Pisani, Managing Partner, Logit Group – 416.629.4116, sam.pisani@logitgroup.com
Narrative Research (www.narrativeresearch.ca), is a leading public opinion and market research company headquartered in Canada. The company was recently certified as a WBE (Women Business Enterprise). As a non-partisan, 100% Canadian-owned research company, Narrative Research is dedicated to providing clients with state-of-the-art research and strategic consulting services.
The Logit Group (https://logitgroup.com/) is a leading North American data collection and market research execution company headquartered in Toronto, conducting large-scale projects for a variety of well-known research agencies and brands. Logit employs industry-best technologies across an array of methodologies, and is independent, experienced and quality-oriented.
Follow us on Twitter at @EveryNarrative and @LogitGroup
