New research suggests Winnipeg citizens sense a racial divide in their city, and they believe that’s cause for concern.
A CTV Winnipeg/Winnipeg Free Press poll conducted by Probe Research found 75 per cent of people surveyed believe the division between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal citizens is a serious issue in our city. Of those 49 per cent strongly agreed, while 26 per moderately agreed.
The notion that racial disparity in our city is a problem was held consistently by people of all backgrounds, with 74 per cent of Aboriginals and 75 per cent of non-Aboriginals in agreement.
Those with post-secondary educations were more likely to agree the racial gulf in our community is concerning, with 77 per cent of university and college graduates acknowledging the issue. Only 68 per cent of people with a high school diploma or less felt the same.
“There’s pretty much agreement across the board,” said Probe Research Inc. Vice President Curtis Brown.
Young adults aged 18-34 (33 per cent) and supporters of the Progressive Conservative party (32 per cent) were most likely to disagree that the racial divide is an issue. Most of these respondents, however, view the city as being separated by race.
“It’s important to note that the majority of the people in those groups acknowledge that it’s an issue,” said Brown.
This survey suggests of Winnipeg agrees the gap between Aboriginals and non-Aboriginals is a serious issue.
Polling firm Probe Research Inc. surveyed 602 people about the racial disparity in Winnipeg. The results are considered accurate 95 per cent of the time, within plus or minus four percentage points.
