Canadian Social Connection Survey
The Canadian Social Connection Survey began in 2021 after Pete Bombaci and Dr. Kiffer Card connected on Twitter and quickly recognized a shared commitment to advancing social connection research in Canada. At the time, Dr. Card was leading the Social Bubble Project, and together they identified a critical gap in Canadian specific data on social connection. While international research on loneliness was growing, Canada lacked timely, population level evidence that could inform practical programs, public awareness efforts, and policy conversations. GenWell funded the inaugural national survey to better understand how Canadians were experiencing social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness, and to generate findings that could translate into tangible, everyday action.
Following the first year, Dr. Card successfully secured funding from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, allowing the survey to continue annually from 2022 through 2025. This sustained research effort significantly expanded Canada’s evidence base on social connection across diverse populations and regions. The growing body of data became foundational to the work of the Canadian Institute for Social Connection and Health. Just as importantly, the findings validated the urgency and relevance of GenWell’s mission and inspired the evolution of new tools, national campaigns, and social health programming designed to translate research into practical action.
Dr. Card later became Chair of the GenWell Scientific Advisory Panel, further strengthening the bridge between research and real world impact. The expanding evidence base ultimately informed the development of the first ever national public health guidelines for social connection created by any country, established here in Canada through collaboration between researchers, practitioners, and GenWell. What began as a connection on social media evolved into a nationally funded research initiative that has helped position Canada as a global leader in advancing social health as a key determinant of well being.
You can see the first set of Social Connection Guidelines launch in any country globally here – https://www.socialconnectionguidelines.org/en
In 2025, the Canadian Social Connection Survey was paused due to a lack of sustained funding. At a time when social isolation, disconnection, and loneliness continue to impact millions of Canadians, the absence of ongoing national data leaves a critical gap in our ability to measure progress, identify emerging risks, and guide informed action. The momentum built between 2021 and 2025 demonstrated both the need and the impact of this work. Restarting the survey in 2026 is not simply an academic priority. It is a national imperative. We are actively seeking research institutions, corporate leaders, and government partners who understand that meaningful change requires measurement. With renewed investment and collaboration, we can restore this vital tool and continue building the evidence base necessary to strengthen social health across Canada.
