March 31, 2004

Abstract: (CPOD) Mar. 31, 2004 - Liberal leader Paul Martin is the first choice for Canada's top political job, according to a poll by Léger Marketing. 39 per cent of respondents think Martin would make the best prime minister.

(CPOD) Mar. 31, 2004 - Liberal leader Paul Martin is the first choice for Canada's top political job, according to a poll by Léger Marketing. 39 per cent of respondents think Martin would make the best prime minister.

Martin took over as Canada's prime minister on Dec. 12, 2003. Although Martin does not have to hold a federal vote until November 2005, there is growing speculation about an election call this spring.

On Mar. 20, the Conservative Party chose Stephen Harper as its national leader. 13 per cent of respondents say Harper is best suited for the country's top office. Support for New Democratic Party leader Jack Layton and Giles Duceppe of the Bloc Québécois is in single-digits.

Polling Data

In your opinion, among the following political personalities, which one would make the best prime minister of Canada?

Paul Martin (Lib.)	39%
Stephen Harper (Con.)	13%
Jack Layton (NDP)	7%
Gilles Duceppe (BQ)	4%
Don't know	24%

Source: Léger Marketing
Methodology: Interviews to 1,500 adult Canadians, conducted from Mar. 19 to Mar. 22, 2004. Margin of error is 2.5 per cent.