Why is ekos research calling me

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Last updated: April 8, 2026

Quick Answer: Ekos Research is likely calling you because you've been selected for a public opinion survey, as they are a legitimate market research firm founded in 1980 that conducts telephone polls on topics like politics, social issues, and consumer behavior. They typically use random digit dialing to reach a representative sample of Canadians, with calls often occurring during election periods or for government-funded studies. If you're receiving repeated calls, it might be because your number was randomly selected from a pool, and you can opt out by requesting removal from their list.

Key Facts

Ekos Research Associates was founded in 1980 by Frank Graves, a prominent Canadian pollster
The firm conducts an average of 50-100 surveys annually, covering federal and provincial politics in Canada
Ekos uses random digit dialing (RDD) methodology, contacting thousands of households per survey
Their polls have margin of error typically around ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20
In 2021, Ekos was commissioned for multiple COVID-19 impact studies by Canadian government agencies

Overview

Ekos Research Associates is a Canadian public opinion and market research firm established in 1980 by Frank Graves. Based in Ottawa, the company has built a reputation for conducting political and social research, particularly during election cycles. Unlike telemarketers or scammers, Ekos operates as a legitimate research organization that follows professional standards set by the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association (MRIA). The firm gained national prominence through its election polling, including accurate predictions in multiple federal elections. Ekos employs approximately 25 full-time researchers and maintains a network of interviewers across Canada. Their work extends beyond politics to include studies on healthcare, education, and consumer trends, often commissioned by government agencies, academic institutions, and private corporations. The company's methodology has evolved from primarily telephone surveys to include online panels, though traditional phone polling remains a significant component of their data collection.

How It Works

When Ekos Research calls you, it's typically part of a structured survey process. First, their system uses random digit dialing (RDD) to generate phone numbers, ensuring a statistically representative sample of the population. Interviewers then contact these numbers, usually between 5:00 PM and 9:00 PM on weekdays or during daytime hours on weekends to maximize response rates. Calls begin with a standardized introduction identifying Ekos and explaining the survey's purpose, which might cover topics like voting intentions, policy opinions, or consumer habits. The interview follows a pre-written questionnaire designed to minimize bias, with responses recorded electronically. For political polls, Ekos often weights results by demographic factors like age, gender, and region to reflect census data. Participants can decline any question or end the call at any time, and personal information is kept confidential under MRIA ethical guidelines. The collected data undergoes quality checks before analysis and publication.

Why It Matters

Ekos's calls matter because they contribute to democratic processes and informed decision-making in Canada. Their polling provides real-time insights into public opinion, helping media outlets, policymakers, and academics understand societal trends. For instance, during elections, Ekos data influences campaign strategies and voter awareness. Beyond politics, their research on issues like healthcare access or climate change informs government programs and corporate initiatives. Participation in these surveys gives Canadians a voice in shaping policies, as aggregated results can highlight public priorities to leaders. However, it's important to distinguish legitimate research calls from scams; Ekos never asks for payment or sensitive financial information. Recognizing legitimate surveyors helps maintain trust in social research while protecting against fraud.