Ekos Research Associates

EKOS Research Associates was established in 1980 by Frank Graves, who continues to serve as the firm's president and chief executive.{{cite web |url=https://aapor.org/media/public-opinion-pod/ |title=Public Opinion Podcast Episode 10: Misinformation |website=AAPOR |date=2024-05-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}} The company's name is derived from the Greek word "oikos" (οἶκος), meaning "household" or "family."{{cite news |title=Pollster Graves is in 'the house' |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/story/2003/03/17/pollster-graves-is-in-the-house/277070/ |work=The Hill Times |date=March 17, 2003 |access-date=2025-04-21}}{{subscription required}}

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, EKOS established itself as a major player in Canadian public opinion research, securing contracts with various federal government departments.{{cite web |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2013/rhdcc-hrsdc/RH64-87-1999-eng.pdf |title=Evaluation of the Self-Employment Assistance Program |author=Frank Graves and Benoît Gauthier |publisher=Human Resources Development Canada |date=1999 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}} By the early 2000s, the firm had expanded its services to include more comprehensive policy research and strategic consulting.{{cite web |url=https://www.poltext.org/sites/poltext.org/files/sondagesOpinionPublique/rapportsAnnuels/CAN_OP_2004-2005_annuel_en.pdf |title=Public Opinion Research in the Government of Canada 2004-2005 |publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada |date=2005-01-01 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}{{cite web |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2016/sc-hc/H14-214-2003-eng.pdf |title=Evaluation of the Rural and Remote Health Innovations Initiative: Final Report |publisher=Health Canada |date=2003 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}

In 2009, EKOS began a partnership with CBC News to provide exclusive polling data, a relationship that continued intermittently for several years.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2009/11/cbc-viewers-suggest-ekos-questions-november-19-2009/ |title=CBC VIEWERS SUGGEST EKOS QUESTIONS – November 19, 2009 |website=EKOS Politics |date=2009-11-19 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2009/11/ |title=November 2009 Archives |website=EKOS Politics |date=2009-11-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}} The firm later established a similar data-sharing arrangement with iPolitics, an online political news outlet.{{cite news |url=https://www.ipolitics.ca/2018/07/31/closure-of-market-research-body-after-60-years-doesnt-seem-fathomable-say-pollsters/ |title=Closure of market research body after 60 years 'doesn't seem fathomable,' say pollsters |author=Marco Vigliotti |newspaper=iPolitics |date=2018-07-31 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

EKOS employs a variety of research methodologies, including traditional telephone surveys (using random digit dialing – RDD), interactive voice response (IVR) technology, and its proprietary hybrid online/telephone research panel, Probit.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2025/04/massive-gender-divide-underpins-tightened-race/ |title=Massive Gender Divide Underpins Tightened Race |website=EKOS Politics |date=2025-04-17 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2024/04/conservative-party-holds-11-point-lead/ |title=Conservative Party holds 11-point lead |website=EKOS Politics |date=2024-04-26 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

EKOS utilizes IVR technology for political polling, which uses automated phone systems rather than live interviewers. This approach offers cost advantages and can reduce social desirability bias, though it may face challenges with response rates among certain demographics.{{cite news |last=Blackwell |first=Tom |date=August 7, 2013 |title=How robo-calls work: the cheap and easy way to poll |url=https://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/politics/how-robo-calls-work-the-cheap-and-easy-way-to-poll/article13656102 |work=The Globe and Mail |access-date=2025-04-21}} In recent years, EKOS has emphasized its hybrid methodology (Probit), which combines random digit dialing telephone recruitment with online panel participation. This approach aims to provide exhaustive coverage of the population (Internet, landline, cell phone) using probability-based sampling. Mixed-mode methodologies are often employed in the polling industry to address challenges like declining response rates and potential demographic biases associated with single-mode approaches.{{cite web |url=https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/201/301/public_accounts_can/html/2014/rop-por/rspe-srbp-eng.html |title=Best Practices in Mixed-Mode Public Opinion Surveys |publisher=Public Works and Government Services Canada |date=2014-01-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

In 2018, EKOS introduced refinements to its methodology, including enhanced cell phone sampling and more sophisticated weighting techniques to better represent younger demographics and mobile-only households.{{cite news |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/2018/10/15/polling-firms-adjusting-methodology-ahead-2019-federal-election/171481 |title=Polling firms adjusting methodology ahead of 2019 federal election |newspaper=The Hill Times |date=2018-10-15 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

EKOS utilizes its Probit panel, described as a hybrid online/telephone research panel constructed using probability-based methods. Recruitment for the panel is conducted randomly via telephone (using random digit dialing for both landline and cell phones), and respondents participate either online or by phone.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/probit/ |title=Probit |website=EKOS Politics |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/about-ekos/research-infrastructure/ |title=Research Infrastructure |website=EKOS Research Associates Inc. |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://epe.bac-lac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/financial_consumer_agency/2024/023-23-e/summary/023-23-summary.html |title=Monthly Financial Well-being Monitor: July 2023 - June 2024 - Final Report |publisher=Financial Consumer Agency of Canada |date=2024 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://epe.bac-lac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/financial_consumer_agency/2021/016-20-e/summary/016-20-summary.html |title=COVID-19 Financial Well-being Survey: Final Report |publisher=Financial Consumer Agency of Canada |date=2021 |access-date=2025-04-20}} This hybrid approach aims to provide exhaustive coverage of the Canadian population and support margin of error estimates, unlike non-probability opt-in panels.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/probit/ |title=Probit |website=EKOS Politics |access-date=2025-04-20}}

For data analysis, EKOS applies multi-variable iterative weighting procedures (such as Random Iterative Method or RIM weighting) to adjust its survey samples.{{cite web |url=https://epe.bac-lac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/financial_consumer_agency/2024/023-23-e/summary/023-23-summary.html |title=Monthly Financial Well-being Monitor: July 2023 - June 2024 - Final Report |publisher=Financial Consumer Agency of Canada |date=2024 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/acfc-fcac/FC5-73-1-2022-1-eng.pdf |title=COVID-19 Financial Well-being Survey: Final Report |publisher=Financial Consumer Agency of Canada |date=2023-03-01 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}} These adjustments typically account for demographic variables including age, gender, region, and educational attainment to ensure the sample's composition reflects population benchmarks, often based on Census data.{{cite web |url=https://www.debates-debats.ca/en/transparency/public-opinion-research-provide-evidence-interpretation-participation-criteria-leaders-debates/ |title=Public opinion research to provide evidence for the interpretation of the participation criteria for leaders' debates |publisher=Leaders' Debates Commission |date=2021-08-19 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://www.elections.ca/content.aspx?section=res&dir=rec/eval/gen2004&document=p1&lang=e |title=Survey of Electors, Voters and Non-Voters Following the 38th General Election |publisher=Elections Canada |date=2004 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://epe.bac-lac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/financial_consumer_agency/2024/023-23-e/summary/023-23-summary.html |title=Monthly Financial Well-being Monitor: July 2023 - June 2024 - Final Report |publisher=Financial Consumer Agency of Canada |date=2024 |access-date=2025-04-20}} EKOS has noted that weighting by education can be appropriate when response rates appear correlated with this variable, though acknowledging the complexities involved in comparing survey samples to Census data on education due to measurement and coverage factors.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2013/10/an-analysis-of-the-effects-of-weighting-by-education/ |title=An Analysis of the Effects of Weighting by Education |website=EKOS Politics |date=2013-10-31 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

In its qualitative research, EKOS employs methods such as focus groups, key informant interviews, ethnographic research, and content analysis to gain deeper understanding of public attitudes and motivations.{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/our-services/ |title=Our Services |website=EKOS Research Associates Inc. |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/about-ekos/research-infrastructure/ |title=Research Infrastructure |website=EKOS Research Associates Inc. |access-date=2025-04-20}} The available sources do not specify whether their content analysis techniques involve computational methods like natural language processing (NLP) or proprietary algorithms.{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/our-services/ |title=Our Services |website=EKOS Research Associates Inc. |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/about-ekos/research-infrastructure/ |title=Research Infrastructure |website=EKOS Research Associates Inc. |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/ |title=EKOS Politics |website=EKOS Politics |access-date=2025-04-20}}

EKOS's accuracy record has been subject to both academic analysis and public scrutiny, particularly following federal and provincial elections.

According to post-election analyses, EKOS's final polls in both the 2019 and 2021 Canadian federal elections were generally within the margin of error for major parties nationally.{{cite news |url=https://macleans.ca/politics/ottawa/338canada-how-polls-keep-underestimating-the-conservative-vote/|title=338Canada: How polls keep underestimating the Conservative vote |author=Philippe J. Fournier |newspaper=Maclean's |date=2020-08-11 |access-date=2025-04-20}}{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2021/09/liberals-headed-to-form-government-2/ |title=Liberals Headed to Form Government |website=EKOS Politics |date=2021-09-19 |access-date=2025-04-20}} Some analyses noted a tendency among multiple pollsters, including EKOS, to underestimate Conservative support, particularly in Alberta during the 2019 election.{{cite book |url=https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/20.500.12657/61673/1/9781773854182_OA.pdf |title=Orange Chinook: Politics in the New Alberta |editor1-last=Bratt |editor1-first=Duane |editor2-last=Sutherland |editor2-first=Richard |editor3-last=McCoy |editor3-first=Jared J. |date=2022 |publisher=University of Calgary Press |isbn=978-1-77385-418-2 |page=61 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF |chapter=Standard Error: Public Opinion Polling in the 2019 Alberta Election |chapter-url=https://library.oapen.org/bitstream/20.500.12657/61673/1/9781773854182_OA.pdf}}

After the 2015 federal election, where many polling firms underestimated Liberal support,{{cite news |url=https://macleans.ca/facebook-instant-articles/how-accurate-are-canadian-polls/ |title=How accurate are Canadian polls? |author=Philippe J. Fournier |newspaper=Maclean's |date=2019-05-20 |access-date=2025-04-20}} EKOS published a methodology paper detailing adjustments to their weighting procedures to better capture younger voters and mobile-only households.

Analyses from polling aggregator sites like 338Canada have noted that EKOS's provincial polling has shown more variance in accuracy, particularly in Alberta elections where polls historically underestimated conservative support.

Academic research has identified EKOS as having slight "house effects" that historically showed marginally higher Green Party support compared to election results.

EKOS offers a range of research and consulting services, including public opinion polling, policy research and analysis, program evaluation, market research, and economic research.

The firm conducts research across various sectors, including healthcare,{{cite web |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/Collection/SW21-109-2004E.pdf |title=Chronic Disease Prevention: A Background Paper |publisher=Health Canada |date=2004 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}} national security,{{cite web |url=https://www.ourcommons.ca/Content/Committee/372/FAIT/Reports/RP1032319/faitrp03/faitrp03-e.pdf|title=Partners in North America: Advancing Canada's Relations with the United States and Mexico |publisher=Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and International Trade |date=2002-12-01 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}} democratic institutions,{{cite web |url=https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/corporate/about-health-canada/reports-publications/health-canada-policy-toolkit-public-involvement-decision-making.html |title=Health Canada Policy Toolkit for Public Involvement in Decision Making |publisher=Health Canada |date=2000-11-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}} immigration,{{cite web |url=https://repositorio.comillas.edu/jspui/bitstream/11531/25400/1/Book%20Chapter%20-%20Biderbost.pdf|title=Public Opinion about Immigration in Western Countries |author=Pablo Biderbost |publisher=Universidad Pontificia Comillas |date=2012 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}} and social policy.

While primarily focused on Canadian research, EKOS has developed several international research initiatives over the years.

The firm has conducted several cross-border studies comparing Canadian and American public opinion on issues like healthcare, immigration, and trade relations.{{cite web |url=https://publications.gc.ca/collections/collection_2023/isde-ised/iu4/Iu4-387-2001.pdf |title=North American Linkages: Conference Proceedings |publisher=Industry Canada |date=2001 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}

Frank Graves has participated in international security research networks, including collaborative work with NATO-affiliated research groups on public attitudes toward security threats and alliance relationships.

Government contract records show EKOS has undertaken evaluations of certain Global Affairs Canada international development programs, particularly in francophone Africa and Latin America.{{cite web |url=https://search.open.canada.ca/en/ct/?sort=contract_value_f%20desc&page=1&search_text=EKOS|title=Search Contracts - Open Government Portal |website=Government of Canada |access-date=2025-04-20}}

EKOS has conducted numerous high-profile studies on Canadian public opinion, including:

EKOS regularly releases voting intention polls during federal and provincial election campaigns. During the 2021 Canadian federal election, EKOS's final poll projected the Liberal Party would win the most seats, which aligned with the actual election outcome.{{cite web |url=https://www.ekospolitics.com/index.php/2021/09/liberals-headed-to-form-government-2/ |title=Liberals Headed to Form Government |website=EKOS Politics |date=2021-09-19 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

Since 2019, EKOS has published research on growing polarization in Canadian society, particularly around issues of immigration, climate change, and economic outlook.{{cite web |url=https://peacediplomacy.org/standard-blog-whole-post/ |title=Canada's Failed Bid for the United Nations Security Council: What Went Wrong? |author=Sarah Goldfeder |website=Centre for International Policy Studies |date=2020-07-20 |access-date=2025-04-20}} This research has identified differing outlooks among voters, which has been cited as a framework for understanding contemporary political divisions in Canada.

EKOS frequently tracks Canadian economic confidence, including public perceptions of personal financial situations, job security, and economic outlook.{{cite web |url=https://uwaterloo.ca/trust-research-undertaken-science-technology-scholarly-network/sites/default/files/uploads/documents/trust-in-canada-recent-trends-in-measures-of-trust-april-2024.pdf |title=Trust in Canada: Recent Trends in Measures of Trust |author=Trust in Research Undertaken in Science and Technology Scholarly Network (TRuST) |publisher=University of Waterloo |date=2024-04-01 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cgai.ca/the_rise_and_fall_of_military_strategic_communications_at_national_defence_2015_2021 |title=The Rise and Fall of Military Strategic Communications at National Defence, 2015-2021 |author=Brett Boudreau |website=Canadian Global Affairs Institute |date=2022-06-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

During the COVID-19 pandemic, EKOS conducted extensive research on Canadians' attitudes toward public health measures, vaccine acceptance, and the economic impacts of the pandemic.{{cite news |url=https://www.hilltimes.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/041221_ht_1-1.pdf |title=Canadians are 'confused and anxious': COVID-19's third wave making Liberals 'vulnerable,' say pollsters |author=Peter Mazereeuw |newspaper=The Hill Times |date=2021-04-12 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}{{cite web |url=https://www.cgai.ca/the_rise_and_fall_of_military_strategic_communications_at_national_defence_2015_2021 |title=The Rise and Fall of Military Strategic Communications at National Defence, 2015-2021 |author=Brett Boudreau |website=Canadian Global Affairs Institute |date=2022-06-01 |access-date=2025-04-20}} This research was frequently cited by media outlets and government agencies.

The firm has conducted research on Canadian attitudes toward immigration and multiculturalism, noting shifts in public opinion over time.{{cite journal |url=https://www.facetsjournal.com/doi/10.1139/facets-2021-0014 |title=Immigration to Canada: A Work in Progress |author1=Lori Wilkinson |author2=Joseph Garcea |author3=Anna Kirova |journal=FACETS |date=2021-06-09 |volume=6 |issue=1 |pages=716–743 |doi=10.1139/facets-2021-0014 |access-date=2025-04-20}}

Frank Graves remains the president and founder of EKOS Research Associates. He frequently appears as a commentator in Canadian media discussing public opinion trends. Known for his outspoken commentary and analysis, Graves has been described as an influential figure who has helped shape the discourse around Canadian polling methodologies and public opinion research.

The senior leadership team includes experts in quantitative and qualitative research methodologies and policy analysis.{{cite web |url=https://ekos.com/about-ekos/team/ |title=EKOS Team |website=EKOS Research Associates |access-date=2025-04-21}}

EKOS has secured numerous contracts with the Government of Canada over the years. According to the federal government's proactive disclosure database, between 2017 and 2023, EKOS was awarded multiple public opinion research contracts from various departments, including Health Canada, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, and the Privy Council Office.{{cite web |url=https://epe.lac-bac.gc.ca/100/200/301/pwgsc-tpsgc/por-ef/elections_canada/2020/2020-05-e/Narrative_Report-EN.pdf |title=Survey of Candidates – 43rd General Election: Narrative Report |publisher=Elections Canada |date=2020-05-01 |access-date=2025-04-20 |format=PDF}}

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• [https://www.ekos.com Ekos homepage]

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Category:Canadian companies established in 1980

Category:Companies based in Ottawa

Category:Companies established in 1980

Category:Market research companies of Canada

Category:Public opinion research companies