In the first few months of 2024, Canadians were exposed to stories—particularly on social media—that reignited the debate on capital punishment. In British Columbia, the case of Robert Pickton was back in the spotlight after his impending eligibility for day parole was criticized by federal Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre.

Pickton, originally detained in 2002, was convicted for the murders of six women, but was charged in connection with 20 other disappearances. Pickton’s life sentence does contemplate the possibility of parole in 2027, although it is highly improbable that any board will approve it.

The Conservatives, who successfully connected with Canadian voters on the concept of mandatory minimum sentences when Stephen Harper was their leader, also hammered the current federal government on the decision to transfer Luka Magnotta—who was convicted of first-degree murder in 2014—to a medium-security facility in Quebec. Type the names “Pickton” or “Magnotta” on X, and you will be immediately exposed to tweets calling for the return of capital punishment.

Starting in 2020, Research Co. and Glacier Media have asked Canadians annually about their views on the death penalty for murder. Although our country eliminated this possibility in July 1976, we have consistently seen about half of Canadians voicing support for reinstating capital punishment.

We also asked........

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