CANADIANS’ TROUBLED NATIONAL PSYCHE
And What Can Be Done About It
Ron Unruh
I have read the 2025 Edelman Trust Barometer and copied detailed notes to myself. It reveals a sobering reality; Canadians are increasingly disillusioned with government, business, and other institutions.
TRUST UNDER PRESSURE
Edelman Trust Institute
2025 Edelman Trust Barometer
World Events Put Trust Under Pressure, specially over 25 Year Period.
Trust, Wealth, and Workplace Fears: A Snapshot of Canadian Sentiment
In Canada, Business remains the most trusted institution when it comes to doing what is right, ranking higher than NGOs, media, and government. Among these institutions, only Business is perceived as both competent and ethical. Scientists and Teachers are seen as more likely to do what is right than institutional leaders, neighbors, fellow citizens, CEOs, journalists, and government officials. Notably, trust in "my CEO," "government leaders," and "all CEOs" lags behind that of educators and researchers.
There is also a strong sense of economic unfairness. A clear majority of Canadians (73%) believe the wealthy take more than their fair share, while 61% feel the wealthy don't pay their fair share of taxes. Additionally, many agree that the selfishness of the wealthy contributes to a range of societal problems.
Concerns around job stability are growing, especially in the context of global uncertainties. Rising geopolitical fears worsen job security. A significant percentage of employees say their job security feels threatened by:
Globalization:
International trade conflicts (53%)
Foreign competitors (50%)
Offshoring (44%)
Economic pressures and a looming recession, compounded by:
Advancing technology (52%)
Automation (50%)
Lack of training opportunities (52%)
These statistics paint a picture of a workforce increasingly anxious about the future, and a society grappling with questions of fairness, leadership, and trust.
A Bleak Outlook: Fear, Distrust, and Rising Hostility Among Canadians
Our Future is in Peril. We Lack Optimism for the Next Generation. Canadians are increasingly pessimistic about the future. Only 21% believe the next generation will be better off than today, a stark contrast to 69% of people in Saudi Arabia and China, where optimism about the future remains high.
Among young adults in Canada, a troubling trend is emerging: 67%, nearly 7 in 10, view hostile activism as a legitimate way to drive change. This includes:
24% who engage in attacking people online
24% who intentionally spread disinformation
20% who are willing to threaten or commit acts of violence
24% who support damaging public or private property
Meanwhile, public trust in leaders is eroding at an alarming rate. A growing number of Canadians believe their leaders intentionally mislead them, by making statements they know are false or grossly exaggerated.
67% fear government leaders are lying to them (up from 46% in 2021)
66% fear business leaders are being dishonest (up from 50% in 2021)
62% fear journalists and reporters are misleading the public (up from 49% in 2021)
These figures underscore a climate of growing cynicism, disillusionment, and desperation, especially among the younger generation, who increasingly question whether traditional institutions and truth itself can still be trusted.
Mistrust in Media, Fear of Discrimination, and Growing Grievances
In Canada, 63% of people express concern about the credibility of news sources, saying it is increasingly difficult to distinguish between respected journalism and content designed to mislead. No single news source enjoys complete public trust:
58% trust traditional media
56% trust media accessed through search engines
36% trust owned media (such as company publications)
28% trust social media platforms
This erosion of trust in media is accompanied by deep societal concerns. Roughly 1 in 2 Canadians across most demographics fear discrimination—whether due to prejudice, racism, or other forms of bias:
By gender: 48% of men, 52% of women
By age: 57% of those aged 18–34, 53% of those 35–54, and 43% of those 55+
By income: 52% of low-income, 54% of middle-income, and 45% of high-income Canadians
Further compounding public frustration, 62% of Canadians say they have a grievance against business, government, and the wealthy. These grievances include the belief that:
Business and government serve only a select few
Their actions cause personal harm
The system unfairly favors the rich
And that "the rich are getting richer" while others are left behind
Together, these findings point to a growing sense of alienation, skepticism, and unrest, warning signs of a nation grappling with trust on multiple fronts.
I accept that Canadian church leadership should be aware of these details. This moment presents a powerful opportunity for the Church to step forward, not with fear, but with clarity, compassion, and conviction. It’s a time for our churches to live what we proclaim: that Jesus Christ is Lord and His Kingdom is not like the systems of this world. By practicing transparency in leadership, creating spaces of authentic community, and equipping the next generation with wisdom and hope, the Church can stand out as a trustworthy witness in uncertain times. We must not ignore the distrust and division around us. Rather, our response must be as those who know the One who brings peace, restores dignity, and holds history in His hands. This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action.
Restoring Trust: Toward a More Honest, Inclusive, and Hopeful Future
The deep fractures in Canadian trust—across media, leadership, economic fairness, and societal inclusion—require more than short-term fixes. They call for courageous, coordinated responses from every sector of society. Here are several pathways forward:
1. Rebuilding Credibility Through Transparency
Institutions—especially media, government, and business—must commit to greater transparency. This means:
Clear sourcing and fact-checking in journalism
Open communication from leaders, including public acknowledgment of mistakes
Ethical business practices that are accountable to the public, not just shareholders
People trust those who speak honestly, admit complexity, and engage humbly. Restoring credibility means rejecting spin in favor of truth—even when it’s uncomfortable.
2. Investing in Civic and Digital Literacy
With 63% of Canadians unsure whether they can trust the news they see, and with social media trusted by only 28%, there is an urgent need to teach people how to critically evaluate information. Schools, community organizations, and online platforms should:
Promote media literacy education, especially among youth
Encourage discernment over outrage, and depth over virality
Provide accessible tools to identify misinformation and disinformation. An informed public is the best defense against manipulation.
3. Addressing Inequity with Tangible Reform
When 62% of Canadians believe the system serves the rich and harms the rest, the solution is not platitudes—it’s reform. Possible measures include:
Progressive tax policies that ensure the wealthy contribute fairly
Public accountability for government spending and subsidies
Support for small and mid-sized businesses that build inclusive growth
When people see that systems work for everyone—not just the elite—grievances begin to dissolve.
4. Fostering Dialogue Instead of Division
The rise in hostile activism, particularly among younger Canadians, reveals both frustration and a deep desire to be heard. Constructive alternatives must be created:
Civic engagement platforms that amplify diverse voices in decision-making
Local town halls and forums where disagreement doesn’t lead to dismissal
Mentorship and leadership opportunities that empower youth to build, not burn
Anger without hope becomes destructive. But anger with a voice and a vision can lead to reform.
5. Leading with Integrity and Empathy
Finally, Canadians long for leaders—whether in media, government, or business—who act with moral clarity. Rebuilding trust requires leadership that:
Listens first
Tells the truth, not what polls approve
Serves the many, not the few
This is not idealism. It’s a return to what leadership is meant to be: stewardship on behalf of others.
6. The Role of the Faith Community in Public Consciousness
I accept that Canadian church leadership should be aware of these details. This moment presents a powerful opportunity for the Church to step forward, not with fear, but with clarity, compassion, and conviction. It’s a time for our churches to live what we proclaim: that Jesus Christ is Lord and His Kingdom is not like the systems of this world. By practicing transparency in leadership, creating spaces of authentic community, and equipping the next generation with wisdom and hope, the Church can stand out as a trustworthy witness in uncertain times. We must not ignore the distrust and division around us. Rather, our response must be as those who know the One who brings peace, restores dignity, and holds history in His hands. This is our moment to reflect the heart of God in our culture, with faith, love, and Spirit-empowered action.
In Conclusion
The statistics reveal a troubled national psyche. But they also reveal an opportunity. Canadians still care deeply about truth, fairness, and a better future. What’s needed now is the collective courage to confront hard truths, make meaningful changes, and build a society where trust is not demanded, but earned.
