RCAF Foundation poll: 86% say November 11 should be observed by everyone, regardless of a personal military connection; 92% say honouring Canadians' military service is important

TORONTO, Nov. 9, 2026 /CNW/ -- With Remembrance Day approaching, a new RCAF Foundation poll finds that half of Canadians (48%) say they plan to attend a November 11 ceremony this year, while an overwhelming majority believe remembrance is a responsibility shared by everyone—not only those with a personal connection to the military.

The national survey, conducted by Canada Pulse Insights from October 1–8, finds that 86% agree Remembrance Day should be observed by everyone, regardless of whether they have a personal military connection. Nine in ten Canadians (92%) say it is important to honour and remember Canadians' military service.

"Remembrance belongs to all Canadians. You do not need to have served, or have a family member in uniform, to have a place at a Remembrance Day ceremony," said Jeremy Diamond, CEO of the RCAF Foundation. "These findings are an invitation to Canadians: take time on November 11 to honour those who served, learn their stories and help carry their memory forward."

The survey was conducted October 1–8, before the tragedy at CFB Wainwright. The national attention and outpouring of support for those who died, those injured and their families may encourage more Canadians to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony than these earlier findings suggest.

Younger and older Canadians equally likely to plan to attend

Canadians aged 18–34 are just as likely as those aged 55 and over to say they plan to attend a ceremony: 51% in each group, compared with 42% among those aged 35–54. Planned attendance is similar among men (49%) and women (47%).

Nationally, 48% say they plan to attend a Remembrance Day ceremony, including 20% who agree "very much."

Planned attendance varies across the country

Planned ceremony attendance is highest in Atlantic Canada (66%), followed by British Columbia (59%), Saskatchewan/Manitoba (57%), Alberta (52%), Ontario (51%) and Québec (26%).

While planned ceremony attendance is lower in Québec, substantial majorities there say it is important to honour and remember Canadians' military service (86%) and that November 11 should be observed by everyone, regardless of a personal military connection (71%).

Key findings

• 48% of Canadians say they plan to attend a November 11 Remembrance Day ceremony this year, including 20% who agree very much.
• 86% say November 11 should be observed by everyone, regardless of a personal military connection; 54% agree very much.
• 92% say it is important to honour and remember Canadians' military service; 62% agree very much.
• Planned attendance is 51% among both adults aged 18–34 and those aged 55+, compared with 42% among those aged 35–54.

About the survey

Canada Pulse Insights conducted the survey October 1–8, 2026, among 1,531 Canadian adults aged 18+ as part of its national omnibus, with data collection partner Sago through its curated online panel. Respondents participated in English or French. Results were weighted to Statistics Canada population estimates by region, age, gender and education. A probability-based random sample of this size would have a margin of error of ±2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.Full details are located at https://canadapulseinsights.com/insights

SOURCE RCAF Foundation