Polls & Research

Harper Maintains Good Numbers in Canada

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Most Canadian adults are satisfied with their new federal administration, according to a poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 36 per cent of respondents think Stephen Harper and the Conservatives are doing a good job so far, and only 10 per cent believe they are performing poorly.

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, leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

In his campaign platform, Harper vowed to improve waiting times for health care patients, increase mandatory minimum sentences for gun crimes, give families a child care allowance of $1,000 U.S. per year for each child under six, and reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST).

In addition, the Conservatives 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. 63 per cent of respondents think the priorities of the new government are identical or similar to their own.

On Apr. 15, Harper criticized Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad's call for the annihilation of Israel, saying, "The Canadian people reject the hatred that underlies such appalling and irresponsible statements. It is particularly disturbing that these remarks are being made at a time when Iran is in serious violation of its international obligations with respect to nuclear non-proliferation."

Polling Data

Do you think Stephen Harper and the Conservatives are doing a good job so far?

How do the Conservatives' priorities compare to your own?