The fear of stigmatization ranks high among people surveyed by Statistics Canada as Canada emerges from months of physical distancing. About one in five participants said they fear being exposed to COVID-19 related stigmatization. For some, it’s because of personal characteristics such as racial identity or because of underlying health conditions. For others, it’s because of their work environment or because of personal practices or choices.

Almost half said it was because they did not wear a mask at all times. A recent report suggested that about one-third of Canadians did not intend to wear a mask in public spaces when physical distancing is difficult. However since then, several administrations across the country have introduced legislation to make wearing a mask mandatory in all indoor public places.

Immigrants were almost twice as likely as Canadian-born to report fear of stigmatization. Racial identity was the reason most often given for the fear of unwanted or intimidating acts.