Issue Watch

About Us

The definitive online source for examining worldwide public opinion and democratic processes.

The Global Monitor is a vital source of timely political intelligence for journalists, students, policy makers, and citizens. By merging academic expertise with the highest journalistic standards, we seek to advance research, improve information exchange, and enhance understanding of the changing dynamic of public opinion and democracy.
Read More

Contact Us

Mario Canseco
Vice President, Public Affairs, Angus Reid Strategies
#700 - 858 Beatty St
Vancouver, BC, V6B 1C1
T: 604.647.3570
F: 604.647.1005
mario.canseco@angus-reid.com

Lower Support for Harper Government in Canada

September 26, 2006

- Fewer Canadians are satisfied with their federal administration, according to a poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 57 per cent of respondents approve of the Conservative government, down 10 points since July.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January. 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. Since February, Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

Yesterday, the Canadian government announced $1.8 billion U.S. in spending cuts related to several federal departments. Finance minister Jim Flaherty and Treasury Board president John Baird said specific "wasteful and ineffective programs" have been eliminated or retooled, including the Visitor Rebate Program, the Court Challenges Program, the Youth International Internship Program, and a medical marijuana research program.

Polling Data

As you probably know, it's been almost eight months since Stephen Harper and the Conservatives formed the government of Canada. Overall, how would you judge their performance in that period of time? Would you say you approve or disapprove of the job they have done?

Sept. 2006

Jul. 2006

Approve

57%

67%

Disapprove

34%

27%

Not sure

8%

6%

Source: The Strategic Counsel / CTV / The Globe and Mail
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,000 Canadian adults, conducted from Sept. 14 to Sept. 17, 2006. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.