Public confidence in Quebec declining: survey

Quebec is facing a crisis of trust, according to L’Institut de la confiance dans les organisations (ICO)’s 2025 survey released on Thursday.

The report showing that 68 per cent of Quebecers say their trust in the health system has declined over the past decade, and 65 per cent report the same about the provincial government.

Meanwhile, the survey also showing that young people are expressing a growing anxiety about housing (89 per cent), economic instability (84 per cent), the climate (81 per cent), and AI’s impact on jobs (76 per cent).

Additionally, trust in information sources is collapsing, the survey indicates 68 per cent have less confidence in what they read or watch than in 2015.

Social media saw the steepest decline (down 67 per cent), while public television remains the most trusted source (50 per cent).

AI is also fueling concern with 82 per cent seeing it as a privacy threat, and 68 per cent want Quebec-specific regulations.

Also according to the ICO’s survey, polarization is rising, with over half of respondents noting declining tolerance and civility.

Environmental awareness however has improved for 32 per cent of Quebecers.

“These results are a wake-up call for our society,” said ICO Director Donald Riendeau. “Trust is the glue that holds society together. When it erodes, the entire social fabric is threatened. It is imperative that all stakeholders recognize the urgency of taking action.”

The survey, conducted by CIBLE Recherche from Sept. 24 to 26, 2025, polled 500 adults and carries a ±4.4 per cent margin of error.