(Angus Reid Global Scan) - Many adults in Canada believe their current prime minister is fairly responsible for the problems in the federal sponsorship program, according to a poll by The Strategic Counsel released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 69 per cent of respondents believe Paul Martin should be held accountable, even if he was not directly involved in the scandal.

Martin took over as Canada's prime minister in December 2003. In the June 2004 election, his Liberal party secured a minority government with 135 seats in the House of Commons. Last year, Martin called a public inquiry into the federal sponsorship program—initiated during the tenure of prime minister Jean Chrétien to promote Canada in Quebec—after auditor-general Sheila Fraser concluded that approximately $75 million U.S. of the program's budget was paid to Liberal-friendly advertising firms for little or no work.

Justice John Gomery was put in charge of the investigation, which is expected to conclude in December 2005. On Apr. 21 in an uncommon televised address, Martin argued for the completion of the inquiry, saying, "Let the facts come out and then the people of Canada will have their say." 48 per cent of respondents say they support the prime minister and the Liberals much less since the inquiry began.

On Apr. 27, Conservative leader Stephen Harper criticized an agreement on the federal budget reached by Martin and New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton, saying, "I will be asking our caucus to put this government out of its misery at the earliest possible opportunity." 66 per cent of respondents believe the Liberals when they say Harper has a "hidden agenda."

Polling Data

Is Paul Martin accountable for the sponsorship scandal?

Do you still support Paul Martin and the Liberals since Gomery?

The Liberals say Stephen Harper and the Conservatives have a hidden agenda. Do you find that claim believable?

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