June 19, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe the theory of evolution is correct, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 59 per cent of respondents think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada believe the theory of evolution is correct, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 59 per cent of respondents think human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years.

Conversely, 22 per cent of respondents believe God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years, while 19 per cent are not sure.

Charles Darwin's "The Origin of Species" was first published in 1859. The book details the British naturalist's theory that all organisms gradually evolve through the process of natural selection. Darwin's views were antagonistic to creationism, the belief that a more powerful being or a deity created life.

Earlier this month, the Big Valley Creation Science Museum opened in Alberta. One of the museum's displays suggests that dinosaurs and human beings co-existed on earth. 42 per cent of respondents agree with this assertion, while 37 per cent disagree.

In November 2000, Canadian Alliance leader Stockwell Day—who currently serves as Canada's public safety minister—said there is "scientific proof" that early man co-existed with dinosaurs. Day rejected criticism of his views, declaring, "If you're looking for dinosaur politics, you need to look at the Liberals."

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

Polling Data

Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view regarding the origin and development of human beings on earth?

Human beings evolved from less advanced life forms over millions of years	59%
God created human beings in their present form within the last 10,000 years	22%
Not sure	19%

The Big Valley Creation Science Museum opened this month in Alberta. One of the museum's displays suggests that dinosaurs and human beings co-existed on earth. Do you agree or disagree with this assertion?

Agree	42%
Disagree	37%
Not sure	21%

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,088 Canadian adults, conducted on Jun. 12 and Jun. 13, 2007. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.

Complete Poll (PDF)

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