May 24, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) May 24, 2004 - The Liberal party dropped slightly but continues to lead all political organizations in Canada, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for the Liberals in the upcoming parliamentary election.

(CPOD) May 24, 2004 - The Liberal party dropped slightly but continues to lead all political organizations in Canada, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 35 per cent of respondents would vote for the Liberals in the upcoming parliamentary election.

Yesterday, prime minister Paul Martin visited governor-general Adrienne Clarkson to set a federal election for Jun. 28. Although voters were not supposed to head to the polls until November 2005, there had been growing speculation about an election call this year.

The Conservatives are in second place with 26 per cent, followed by the New Democratic Party with 18 per cent and the Bloc Québécois with 12 per cent.

The top party leaders made their first campaign statements yesterday. Martin vowed to build on "historic strengths and values such as Medicare, generosity and an unflinching commitment to equality of opportunity." Conservative Stephen Harper said the election would be an opportunity "to hold the government accountable for an unprecedented record of mismanagement, waste and corruption."

Polling Data

What party would you support in the next federal election?

	May 20	May 17
Liberal	35%	39%
Conservative	26%	26%
New Democratic Party	18%	15%
Bloc Québécois	12%	12%
Green	5%	5%

Source: Ipsos-Reid / CTV / The Globe and Mail
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 1,000 Canadian adults, conducted from May 18 to May 20, 2004. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.