EDMONTON – The anticipation of holiday gatherings often brings the possibility of family conflicts rooted in politics, relationships, and social issues. However, an online survey indicates that a majority of Canadians still prioritize spending time with loved ones during these important events. According to Andrew Enns, the executive director of Leger, over 70 percent of Canadians view family gatherings as significant.
The recent survey revealed that more than half (52 percent) of respondents feel more cautious about what they say during discussions now compared to a few years ago. Enns noted that family gatherings are expected to serve as comfortable settings for healthy debates, yet many individuals find this is no longer the case. The online poll, conducted by Leger during the Thanksgiving long weekend, involved 1,500 Canadians. Due to the nature of the survey's methodology, the results do not carry a margin of error.
When asked about which topics were most likely to provoke arguments at the dinner table, about half of the respondents identified politics as the primary contentious issue. Money followed, cited by 25 percent, while 19 percent pointed to immigration as stirring up disputes. Generational differences emerged in the survey results, with a substantial number of Generation Z and millennials—between 11 percent and 23 percent—indicating that discussions around gender identity, parenting styles, social media, cancel culture, relationships, or dating frequently lead to conflicts among relatives. In contrast, 22 percent of those aged 55 and older highlighted the state of the world and religion as particularly controversial topics.
Despite the potential for disagreement, 36 percent of participants expressed a willingness to voice their opinions even if it escalated tensions. In contrast, 24 percent indicated that they would prefer to change the topic if a dispute arose. Among those who opted to redirect the conversation, 20 percent were men while 28 percent were women, suggesting that men are more inclined to engage with provocative topics than women.
Leger also conducted a corresponding survey in the United States, garnering responses from an additional 1,500 Americans. Enns noted the similarities between Canadian and American attitudes toward family gatherings, with approximately 72 percent of Americans also deeming them important. The most contentious topics in American households mirror those in Canada, with politics and money leading the charge. However, unlike Canada, where immigration was a hot-button issue, Americans cited concerns about the general state of the world as their third major topic of dispute.
Enns commented that Canadians appear to approach these contentious issues with somewhat less intensity than Americans, although the survey did not reveal significant differences in opinion between the two countries. He remarked on how the topics of debate reflect public discourse and media discussions impacting families. Enns recounted personal family debates from previous decades, such as those surrounding Canada’s involvement in Afghanistan and the Vietnam War.
To mitigate potential conflicts during family gatherings, Enns advised individuals to communicate with relatives regarding sensitive topics they prefer to avoid. He emphasized the shared experience of grappling with these issues during the holiday season. As the festivities approach, he noted ongoing discussions about gift expenditures and greetings—like “Merry Christmas” versus “Happy Holidays”—illustrate the divisions that often arise.
Ultimately, as families prepare for the conversations that will unfold at their holiday tables, awareness of the potential for disagreements can encourage thoughtful dialogue and perhaps even foster understanding among loved ones.
