(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - A majority of Canadian adults believe the New Democratic Party (NDP) would do a good job as the largest opposition party in the country, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 59 per cent of respondents think the NDP would do a good job in this position.

In addition, 37 per cent of respondents believe the NDP would do a good job as the next federal government.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January 2006. 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 formed a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

Jack Layton became the NDP’s leader in January 2003. He was elected to the House of Commons in June 2004, winning the Toronto-Danforth constituency. In 2006, the NDP garnered 17.5 per cent of the vote and secured 29 seats in the House of Commons. Since its foundation in 1961, the NDP has never served as the official opposition in Canada

Yesterday, Layton discussed his views on the upcoming televised debates—in French and English—which are scheduled to take place on Oct. 1 and Oct. 2, saying, "This debate is coming down to essentially two visions, Mr. Harper’s vision for Canada and my vision for Canada, and to a decision to be made by people disappointed with [Liberal leader Stéphane] Dion."

The next federal election in Canada is scheduled for Oct. 14.

Polling Data

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?
("Agree" Listed)

Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,004 Canadian adults, conducted on Sept. 23 and Sept. 24, 2008. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

Archive Search

Over 19,600 Polls
Search the Angus Reid Global Monitor Polls & Research archive.