Polls & Research

Harper Approval Reaches 59% in Canada

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - More Canadians are content with Stephen Harper, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CanWest Global. 59 per cent of respondents approve of the prime minister's performance, up five points since early February.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons on Jan. 23. 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, who was sworn in on Feb. 6, will lead a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

In May 2005, an opposition attempt to topple the government led by Liberal prime minister Paul Martin failed by just one vote. The allegations of mishandling of funds in the federal sponsorship program—initiated during prime minister Jean Chrétien's tenure to promote Canada in Quebec—prompted the establishment of a judicial commission to investigate the matter.

In his campaign platform, Harper promised 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. 58 per cent of respondents believe the current government will be more ethical than the last one.

Polling Data

Thinking about the recently elected Conservative government under the leadership of Stephen Harper, from what you have seen, read or heard , would you say that you strongly approve, somewhat approve, somewhat disapprove, or strongly disapprove of their performance so far?

Thinking again about federal politics, please tell me if you agree or disagree with each of the following statement: I believe that the Harper Conservatives will govern in a more ethical way than the Martin Liberals?