December 16, 2005

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - The Liberal party remains on top in Canada, according to a tracking poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for the Liberals in next month's federal election.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The Liberal party remains on top in Canada, according to a tracking poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 34 per cent of respondents would vote for the Liberals in next month's federal election.

The opposition Conservative party is second with 30 per cent, followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 17 per cent, the Bloc Québécois with 14 per cent, and the Green party with six per cent. Support for the Tories increased by one point.

The poll also reviewed the controversy over recent comments by U.S. ambassador David Wilkins, who declared, "It may be smart election-year politics to thump your chest and criticize your friend and your number-one trading partner constantly. But it is a slippery slope, and all of us should hope that it doesn't have a long-term impact on the relationship."

Apparently, the phrase was delivered in direct reaction to prime minister Paul Martin's comments on Washington's environmental policies. 61 per cent of respondents believe Martin has a responsibility to make such statements, and 56 per cent believe Wilkins has the responsibility to express the point of view of the United States.

Canadians will elect a new government on Jan. 23, 2006. The Liberal party has formed the federal administration since 1993.

Background - How it began, how we got here
Campaign Log - Day-to-day coverage of parties and leaders
The Numbers - Where the parties stand, where they go
Live Commentary - Who's winning, who's losing, why it matters

Polling Data

If the federal election was being held tomorrow, do you think you'd be supporting the Liberal candidate in your area, Conservative candidate in your area, the NDP candidate in your area, or the Green Party candidate in your area or (Quebec only) the Bloc Québécois candidate in your area?

	Dec. 14	Dec. 13	Dec. 12	Dec. 11
Liberal	34%	34%	33%	34%
Conservative	30%	29%	31%	30%
New Democratic Party	17%	17%	17%	16%
Bloc Québécois	14%	14%	13%	14%
Green	5%	6%	6%	6%

How do Canadians feel about Paul Martin's recent criticism of U.S. efforts to reduce global warming?

The prime minister has a responsibility to make such statements even during an election	61%
Making such statements amounts to playing politics and is inappropriate	35%
Don't know	4%

How do Canadians feel about David Wilkins' criticism of Paul Martin's statements about U.S. efforts on global warming?

David Wilkins has the responsibility to express the U.S. point of view	56%
Making such statements amounts to interfering in Canadian affairs	37%
Don't know	7%

Source: The Strategic Counsel / CTV / The Globe and Mail
Methodology: Interviews with 1,750 Canadian adults, conducted from Dec. 12 to Dec. 14, 2005. Margin of error is 2.4 per cent. Questions about U.S.-Canada relations are based on interviews with 750 Canadian adults, conducted on Dec. 14, 2005.