(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Canada believe politics and religion should not mix, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 66 per cent of respondents think it is inappropriate for political candidates to talk about their religious beliefs as part of their political campaigns.
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) – Many adults in Canada believe politics and religion should not mix, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 66 per cent of respondents think it is inappropriate for political candidates to talk about their religious beliefs as part of their political campaigns.
In addition, 82 per cent of respondents believe it is inappropriate for religious leaders to urge people to vote for or against a political candidate.
Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. The Conservative party—led by Stephen Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party. In December 2006, former environment minister Stéphane Dion became the new leader of the Liberals.
Last month, Canadian industry minister Jim Prentice announced the appointment of Reform party founder Preston Manning to the Council of Canadian Academies, declaring, "There is no doubt that his diverse knowledge and extensive involvement in strengthening relations with scientific communities will be of great value to the Council."
In his personal website, Manning discusses his views on religion and politics, saying, "The separation of church and state—an important principle to be preserved—does not mean that we can or should keep faith perspectives from influencing political decisions or vice versa. (…) We cannot profess to be a free society and a representative democracy and impose a de facto ban on expression or consideration of spiritual views in the political arena."
Polling Data
Do you think it is appropriate or inappropriate for political candidates to talk about their religious beliefs as part of their political campaigns?
|
Appropriate |
25% |
|
Inappropriate |
66% |
|
Not sure |
9% |
Do you think it is appropriate or inappropriate for religious leaders to urge people to vote for or against a political candidate?
|
Appropriate |
12% |
|
Inappropriate |
82% |
|
Not sure |
6% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,007 Canadian adults, conducted on Jul. 29 and Jul. 30, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.
Complete Poll (PDF)
