June 15, 2007

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in Canada find the claims of a singer and activist more credible than the words of their own prime minister, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 48 per cent of respondents think Bono was truthful when he accused Stephen Harper of "blocking progress" in the fight against global poverty.

(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Adults in Canada find the claims of a singer and activist more credible than the words of their own prime minister, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 48 per cent of respondents think Bono was truthful when he accused Stephen Harper of "blocking progress" in the fight against global poverty.

Conversely, 28 per cent of respondents think Harper—who has said the allegations are "completely false"—is telling the truth, and 25 per cent are undecided.

On Jun. 8, Bono—who attended this month's G-8 summit in Germany—accused Harper of blocking a deal on African aid, saying, "It's as if we have the place bugged, because everybody tells us. We know who's causing the trouble and who isn't. And we know that Canada blocked progress. We know that Harper blocked it. (...) I can't believe that this Canada has become a laggard. I think (Harper's) out of sync with the people." 60 per cent of respondents agree with this statement.

The G-8 leaders pledged $60 billion U.S. in aid and assistance to Africa, reaffirming commitments made two years ago in Scotland. Harper defended his country's position, declaring, "Canada is on target to meet those obligations. I think we're the only country on target to meet them and to meet them early, in fact." 45 per cent of respondents think Canada should increase its humanitarian aid to poor countries, even if it affects domestic spending, while 49 per cent disagree.

The G-8 was created after the 1998 Birmingham summit. Russia had attended previous meetings of the G-7, but had been excluded from specific discussions on financial and economic matters.

The group holds annual summits where the heads of government of Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Russia and the United States discuss economic and political affairs. The European Union (EU) also attends these meetings as an observer. 55 per cent of respondents think the G-8 summits rarely achieve anything and are a waste of time and money, and 44 per cent think unelected activists should not participate in G-8 meetings.

Polling Data

At the recent G-8 summit in Germany, singer and activist Bono accused Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper of "blocking progress" in the fight against global poverty. Harper has said the allegations are "completely false." Which one of them do you think is telling the truth?

Bono is telling the truth	48%
Harper is telling the truth	28%
Not sure	25%

Do you agree or disagree with these statements?

	Agree	Disagree	Not sure
Stephen Harper is "out of sync" with the Canadian people	60%	32%	8%
Canada should increase its humanitarian aid to poor countries, even if it affects domestic spending	45%	49%	6%
Unelected activists should not participate in G-8 meetings	44%	44%	12%
The G-8 summits rarely achieve anything and are a waste of time and money	55%	34%	11%

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,088 Canadian adults, conducted on Jun. 12 and Jun. 13, 2007. Margin of error is 3.0 per cent.

Complete Poll (PDF)

Archive Search

Over 18,400 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.

Advanced Search

Newsletter

Join our Mailing List