Vancouver Olympics create a big jump in nationalism, survey finds

The fervent flag-waving, raucous singing of "O Canada" and success of the athletes during the Winter Olympics appear to have influenced more Canadians -- especially Quebecers -- to view themselves as "Canadian nationalists," according to a survey conducted in the days following last week's closing ceremonies.

Andrew Cohen, president of the Historica-Dominion Institute, says the numbers show that Quebecers are feeling much closer to Canada, something he says is because the country is in a "sweet spot of security, unity and prosperity."

More than 80 per cent of Canadians in general, and two-thirds of Quebecers, are willing to call themselves "Canadian nationalists," suggests the Ipsos-Reid poll conducted on behalf of the institute.

That's a sharp rise from an identical poll conducted last March.

Then, only 48 per cent of Quebecers surveyed, and 72 per cent of Canadians surveyed overall, said they would use the term.

"The unity crisis, which has bedevilled us for so long, no longer seems prominent," Cohen said.

More than 80 per cent of respondents in Quebec agreed that "Canada plays a positive role in international affairs," up 16 points from last year, and 76 per cent agreed they're "patriotic," an increase of 11 points.

Cohen pointed out that two of the most compelling stories from the Olympics were that of Canada's first gold-medallist, moguls skier Alexandre Bilodeau, and the inspirational performance of figure skater Joannie Rochette, who competed days after the sudden death of her mother.

"I think Quebecers saw how their athletes were embraced by the rest of the country," Cohen said.

However, the national-pride level may be fleeting, since Canadians are still basking in the afterglow of the country's record-setting medal haul and gold-medal victory in the men's Olympic hockey final.

"Suddenly, everything is rosy," Cohen says. "But the question remains: Is it lasting?"

Mark Iype, The Province/Canwest News Service