(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Public support for Canada's opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) could grow in the next federal ballot, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 30 per cent of respondents say they would definitely or probably consider voting for the NDP in the next election to the House of Commons.

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 leads 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. 37 per cent of respondents believe Layton would make a good prime minister, and 52 per cent think it is important to have NDP lawmakers in the House of Commons.

In the January 2006 ballot, the NDP received 17.5 per cent of the vote and secured 29 seats in the House of Commons. The party had its best showing in a federal election in 1988, under leader Ed Broadbent, garnering 20.38 per cent of the vote and 43 seats. 41 per cent of respondents are uncomfortable with the NDP's relationship with labour unions, and 45 per cent believe the NDP cares more about the environment than any other federal party.

On Jun. 15, Layton discussed his proposal to enact a national drug program, saying, "Fairness for all Canadians really means making sure the prosperity gap doesn't extend to the point that if you're sick you can't get the care you need because you can't afford the medications you need. We have too many people who cannot afford the medications their doctors tell them they really should be taking." 45 per cent think NDP legislators act with honesty and uphold the highest ethical standards.

Polling Data

In the next federal election, would you consider voting for the New Democratic Party (NDP) candidate in your riding?

Which of these statements comes closest to your own point of view?

Do you agree or disagree with the following statements?

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