Canseco: From Gretzky to Musk, Canadians Split on Icons in the Trump Era
The presidency of Donald Trump in the United States has brought new complexity to public opinion research. In earlier times, pollsters could introduce a policy, collect data for a few days, and confidently publish findings. Now, a sudden statement at a press event or a late-night post on social media can disrupt established narratives and make earlier data obsolete.
Recently, a survey of Canadians explored opinions on 12 well-known figures across politics, sports, activism, and entertainment. The results reveal deep divisions—some icons provoke admiration, others strong disapproval—showing an intensified polarization in public sentiment.
Canadian Reactions to Cultural and Political Figures
Donald Trump’s endorsement of former National Hockey League legend Wayne Gretzky as “governor” stirred mixed reactions among Canadians. This incident reflects the broader tensions between admiration for national icons and attitudes toward the current American president.
Earlier this year, Trump’s purported endorsement of former National Hockey League star Wayne Gretzky as “governor” angered some Canadians.
Falling Popularity of Wayne Gretzky
In 2023, 76 percent of Canadians expressed a positive view of Wayne Gretzky. This year, that share has dropped by 29 points to 47 percent. Regional results show his popularity strongest in Alberta (58 percent), Atlantic Canada (56 percent), and across Saskatchewan and Manitoba (52 percent). In contrast, ratings dip in British Columbia (49 percent), Quebec (43 percent), and Ontario (42 percent).
Mario Lemieux’s Standing
Mario Lemieux’s favorability has also decreased, though not as sharply as Gretzky’s. This reflects a general cooling of public warmth toward sports figures caught in the crosscurrents of political discourse.
Author’s summary: Canadian perceptions of cultural figures are increasingly shaped by politics, with Trump’s influence deepening divisions once confined to policy debates.