(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Fewer Canadians are satisfied with their prime minister, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 29 per cent of respondents approve of Stephen Harper's performance, and 28 per cent say their opinion of the head of government worsened over the past month.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. The Conservative party—led by 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. Only 14 per cent of respondents approve of Dion's performance, and 21 per cent of respondents say their opinion of the Liberal leader has worsened over the past four weeks.

When asked which of the two main federal leaders would make the best prime minister, 40 per cent of respondents pick neither, 33 per cent select Harper, and 14 per cent choose Dion.

On Jul. 20, Dion announced that political commentator and author Jocelyn Coulon will be the Liberal candidate in an upcoming by-election in Montreal's Outremont riding. Dion explained the decision, saying, "He is a professor at the University of Montreal and one of the best experts we have in foreign affairs (...) at a time when our foreign affairs policies are not going in a good direction at all with Mr. Harper." 39 per cent of respondents think Canada is on the right track.

Polling Data

Do you approve or disapprove of Stephen Harper's performance as prime minister?

Do you approve or disapprove of Stéphane Dion's performance as leader of the opposition?

Over the course of the past month, would you say your opinion of Stephen Harper has improved, stayed the same or worsened?

Over the course of the past month, would you say your opinion of Stéphane Dion has improved, stayed the same or worsened?

Which of these two leaders would make the best prime minister of Canada?

Overall, do you think Canada is headed in the right track, or the wrong track?

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