Thanksgiving in Canada traces its roots to Indigenous celebrations of good harvests, well before Europeans arrived in Canada. The first evidence of a European Thanksgiving in what was to become Canada happened in 1578, in Nunavut, or Newfoundland (there are different accounts).

Either way, it was about 40 years earlier than the Pilgrims’ feast in Plymouth Massachusetts.

Thanksgiving became a holiday in Canada almost 150 years ago.

This year feels, for many people, like a struggle. So much in the world seems uncertain, and the big questions can dampen optimism and cause people to lose faith.

Two weeks ago, Prime Minister Carney gave a talk in New York, in which he spoke extensively about Canada’s potential, even in the midst of so much challenging news.

We decided to ask Canadians what they thought, about what he said.

First off, his argument that Canada has many things the world values, and this should help us win more investment and trade opportunities - 85% agree with that. This is a strong endorsement of Canada’s potential, and one which is not affected by partisanship, or even regional sensitivity. It’s an assertion that there is a path to a more settled and successful future for the country’s economy.

In the course of his speech, Carney itemized the things he believes are powerful advantages for Canada, and considerations that could contribute to Canadian success in global markets. We tested 17 of the items he mentioned. In every case, large majorities believe these are solid or meaningful advantages for Canada.

At or near the top of the list of things Canadians see as big advantages are our critical minerals and mining expertise, our clean and conventional energy, the fact that we welcome investment, prefer free trade, and know how to work with and trade with the world. We have a strong, reliable banking system, great schools, good health care, a stable and predictable system of government. Our people want to work hard and succeed. We’ve got good infrastructure, that we are adding to, and strength in AI, computing and tech talent.

Carney also mentioned that we are a pluralistic, multi cultural society with a sound, diverse and free public square. No doubt there are some investors, entrepreneurs and trading partners for whom this aspect of Canada has become more noteworthy.

On all 17 items tested, more than 70% feel these are advantages for Canada, and in 15 of the 17, the floor is 80% agreement.

The thing about how people answer questions like this, drawing on about 40 years in the polling field, is to recognize that some of this is a function of people having some knowledge, and some of it is a measure of whether - amidst the uncertainty and challenges - there is ample optimism in the tank.

As Canadians celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday, surrounded by an unusually high degree of economic anxiety, there is a lot of faith in our ability to weather challenges, and a desire to see us take our message and promote our advantages to the world.