Nov. 11 - Most Canadians distrust government and big business and their cynicism towards politicians is increasing, according to the results of research by Professor David Zussman of the University of Ottawa. Despite these negative attitudes, Professor Zussman's research also shows that Canadians are relatively satisfied with their own economic and social conditions and they are increasingly turning to volunteerism to express their civic engagement.

The research, conducted by EKOS from October 10-24, 2005 was unveiled today at a conference entitled The Responsibilities of Citizenship and Public Service, hosted by The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation in collaboration with the Institute for Research on Public Policy (IRPP).

"It is often said that the strength of a democratic society rests on the engagement of its citizens, and the research unveiled today suggests that Canadians are increasingly taking citizenship into their own hands by volunteering," said Professor Stephen Toope, president of the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation.

•   Trust in government has plummeted from a high of 58 per cent of Canadians in the late 1960s to only 27 per cent in 2005 who state that they trust government always/most of the time.

• Cynicism about government is increasing. In July 2003, 48% of Canadians felt the government didn't care about them. Two years later that figure jumped to 57%. Moreover, 65 per cent of Canadians think that those elected to Parliament soon lose touch with people.

•  People in "help positions" are viewed as having high ethical standards compared to those in politics and big business. 78% of Canadians rate NGO volunteers as having high ethical standards, followed closely by doctors and scientists. 45% rate civil servants as having high ethical standards, whereas only 25% say that of big business executives and a mere 21% say that of politicians.

•  Canada is a satisfied nation. In 2005, more than three-quarters of Canadians say they are very satisfied with their life as a whole right now, a number reflected consistently across eachregion of the country. Canadians describe themselves as very satisfied with their health, occupations and their finances.

•  Political engagement is very low and declining. In just five year since 2000, the number of Canadians who say they have never been members of a political party or worked for a party in the past three years has jumped from 74% to 85% (2005).

•  Canadians have turned to volunteerism as a positive way of increasing their citizen involvement. In 2005, 59% of Canadians say they have volunteered in the past three years.

The Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation establishes a unique dialogue between outstanding scholars in the social sciences and humanities, and creative individuals with an interest in issues in public policy in government, the professions, business, the arts, and the voluntary sector. Well beyond funding research, the Foundation's goal is to generate and enhance public debate on society's major issues and to provide citizens of Canada and the world with a deeper experience of, and commitment to, democracy.