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Canadians Assess Qualities of Prime Ministers
(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Adults in Canada hold differing views on the character traits of their heads of government, according to a poll by Innovative Research Group for the Dominion Institute. 29 per cent of respondents believe having a common touch is the most important characteristic in a prime minister, while 25 per cent cite being a great communicator.
Being decisive was third on the list with 21 per cent, followed by being an intellectual with 15 per cent, and the ability to speak both English and French with four per cent.
Canadians renewed the House of Commons on Jan. 23. 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, who was sworn in on Feb. 6, will lead a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.
In his campaign platform, Harper promised to increase mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, and vowed to improve waiting times for health care patients. The Conservatives are also expected to introduce the Accountability Act—which would include the appointment of a special prosecutor to handle politically-sensitive cases, tighter controls over polling and advertising contracts, and a ban on secret donations to political candidates—and cut the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Polling Data
Which of the following characteristics is most important to you in a prime minister?
Has a common touch | 29% |
Great communicator | 25% |
Decisive | 21% |
An intellectual | 15% |
Bilingual | 4% |
Source: Innovative Research Group / The Dominion Institute
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,008 Canadian adults, conducted from Jan. 19 to Jan. 22, 2006. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.