The results are in: Nova Scotians among Canada's nicest neighbours

Survey commissioned by Delta Hotels and Resorts kicks-off Good Neighbours Challenge 2010

HALIFAX, April 20 /CNW/ - Starting Tuesday, April 20, Delta employees across Canada will come together to launch the Good Neighbours Challenge 2010 - a commitment across all properties to raise $1 million and donate 10,000 volunteer hours to local charities.

In anticipation of the announcement, Delta commissioned a survey of 2,526 Canadians asking them all about neighbours. While 94% of Canadians consider themselves a "good neighbour" Nova Scotians (49%) and Quebecers (46%) are more likely to consider themselves to be a "very good neighbour".

"It comes as no surprise to me that Nova Scotians are some of the friendliest neighbours in Canada," said Stuart Jolliffe, Regional Vice President, Atlantic Canada Region, Delta Hotels and Resorts. "We've seen first-hand the generosity of this community at our fundraising events over the years and we're certain this region will play a big role in contributing towards the Good Neighbours Challenge."

The survey results show that Nova Scotians are also among Canada's closest neighbours, and are more likely (20%) than residents of other provinces to feel that they know their neighbours very well. They are also the most trusting neighbours in Canada, with 27% trusting their neighbours completely, well above other provinces surveyed. Finally, Nova Scotians (56%) are significantly more likely than the national average to feel that their neighbourhood comes together to support one another in difficult times.

    
    * For full survey results, including regional differences, see summary
        below
    

The Good Neighbours Challenge 2010 will see Delta employees conduct a series of local charitable fundraising and volunteering events from coast to coast as they work towards this ambitious goal. The Challenge will focus on four main areas: improving access to affordable housing, protecting the environment, supporting neighbourhood causes and volunteering.

The Good Neighbours Challenge is a part of Delta's corporate social responsibility program, Delta Helps and demonstrates Delta's commitment to strengthening Canadian communities. Whether it is building a home for a family in need with Habitat for Humanity, hosting a food drive or planning a community car wash, Delta is committed to making a difference one hour and one dollar at a time.

Canadians are invited to join the conversation about what makes a good neighbour via Twitter. Follow @DeltaHotelsLtd for chances to win free stays at Delta hotels and resorts across Canada.

For more information please visit www.deltahotels.com/goodneighbours

About Delta Hotels and Resorts

A leading Canadian hotel management company, Delta Hotels and Resorts operates and franchises a diversified portfolio with 45 full-service, city centre and airport hotels and resorts under the Delta brand. Widely regarded as Canada's "brand of choice" by guests and owners, Delta also distinguishes itself as an exemplary employer. It is the only hotel company to have been recognized for its sustained focus on business excellence by the prestigious National Quality Institute with three Canada Awards for Excellence, including the award program's highest honour, the Order of Excellence (2007). The company also consistently ranks as one of the country's best employers in The Globe and Mail's Report on Business annual "50 Best Employers" list (2001-2003, 2005-2010). As well, its Corporate Social Responsibility platform, Delta Helps, includes a chain-wide commitment to the communities it serves through a national partnership with Habitat for Humanity Canada, participation in the Hotel Association of Canada's Green Key Eco-Rating program, and work with various other charitable groups.

For more information, visit www.deltahotels.com.

    
    * Delta Good Neighbours Challenge Survey Summary
    --------------------------------------------------
    

In 2010 Delta Hotels and Resorts introduced the Good Neighbours Challenge as part of its ongoing corporate social responsibility program, Delta Helps. The Good Neighbours Challenge aims to raise $1 million and to donate 10,000 employee volunteer hours to local Canadian charities from coast to coast.

To help kick off the challenge, in March 2010 Delta Hotels and Resorts commissioned a survey by Angus Reid of 2,526 adult Canadians asking them what makes a good neighbour.

National Findings

We think we make great neighbours!

    
    -   An overwhelming majority of Canadians (94%) consider themselves to be
        a good neighbour. 44% consider themselves to be a very good neighbour
        and 50% consider themselves to be a moderately good neighbour.
    

We trust our neighbours (for the most part)

    
    -   18% of Canadians trust their neighbours completely (rating of 10)
    -   3% do not trust their neighbours at all (rating of 0)
    -   72% of Canadians trust their neighbours at least somewhat (rating
        6-10)
    -   13% of Canadians do not trust their neighbours (rating 0-4)
    

We look out for each other

    
    -   Four in ten (42%) of Canadians feel that their neighbourhood does
        come together to support one another in difficult times
    

Our dream neighbour is handy

    
    -   Canadians see Mike Holmes (21%) as their ideal Canadian celebrity
        neighbour, followed by David Suzuki (12%) and Wayne Gretzky and
        Celine Dion (both at 7%)
    -   Quebecers (27%) are more likely to choose Celine Dion
    -   Albertans (13%) are more likely to choose Wayne Gretzky
    -   British Columbian's (10%) are more likely to choose Sarah McLachlan
    

The Top Three things we do that make us a good neighbour:

    
    1.  Kindness and consideration (71%)
    2.  Looking out for our neighbours (65%)
    3.  Keeping our property tidy (62%)
    

The Top Three things our neighbour can do for us:

    
    1.  Keep an eye out for us when we're on vacation and bring in our
        mail/papers (61%)
    2.  Let us have our privacy (55%)
    3.  Keeping their property tidy (39%)
    

Regional Findings

Canada's Best and Worst Neighbours

    
    -   British Columbians (41%) are the least likely to consider themselves
        to be a very good neighbour
    -   Nova Scotians (49%) and Quebecers (46%) most likely to consider
        themselves to be a very good neighbour
    

Canada's closest neighbours

    
    -   Nova Scotians (20%) and Quebecers (18%) are more likely than
        residents of any other provinces to feel that they know their
        neighbours very well.
    -   British Columbians (40%) and Albertans (40%) are more likely than
        residents of any other provinces to feel that they know their
        neighbours not very well or not at all well
    

Quebecers prize their privacy

    
    -   Most every area in Canada consider having a neighbour 'Keep an eye
        out when I'm on vacation and bring in my mail/papers' was the top
        thing a neighbour could do for you except in Quebec where 76%
        responded 'Let me have my privacy' was the top thing a neighbour
        could do for them
    

Canada's trust issues

    
    -   Nova Scotians (27%) are the most likely to trust their neighbours
        completely (rating of 10)
    -   British Columbians (14%), Quebecers (15%) and Albertans (16%) are the
        least likely to trust their neighbours completely (rating of 10)
    

Quebecers aren't supportive, but they love to party!

    
    -   Quebecers (31%) are significantly less likely than the national
        average (42%) to feel that their neighbourhood does come together to
        support one another in difficult times
    -   Quebecers (38%) are significantly more likely than those living in
        any other province (average 26%) to live in a neighbourhood that
        celebrates with block parties and community events throughout the
        year
    

East-coasters are the most supportive

    
    -   Nova Scotians (56%) on the other hand are significantly more likely
        than the national average to feel that their neighbourhood does come
        together to support one another in difficult times.
    

For further information: Allison Stokes, Media Profile, Direct: [phone], [email protected]; Sandy Indig, Delta Hotels and Resorts, Direct: [phone], Cell: [phone], [email protected]