Polls also show that Canadians hold conflicting values about work and the family. A similar pattern of consensus on core values and division on the specifics shows up when results of a youth roundtable discussion are considered in comparison with those of their elders. The young people were often critical of conventional strategies, and typically assumed a more holistic approach. Many participants were eager to discuss subjects that had not been included in the background materials, such as the importance of such basic needs as clean air and water. By combining a variety of poll results with findings from focus groups and roundtables, this discussion paper combines the visceral and timely reactions captured by polling to the more measured and deeper considerations of prolonged discussion.
People are mistrustful of money going directly into homes.
If that's the only option under discussion, you find opinion becomes polarized. There will always be people who interpret this as a type of welfare. They question how much of the money will find its way to the children. But when the question is whether a child-care system of some sort should be available for all families, a consensus emerges. What we learned is that there are, indeed, many core values shared by the majority of Canadians.