Chairman & CEO
David Coletto

David is one of the Founding Partners and CEO of Abacus Data.

Connect with David!

Infinitely curious, passionate, and eternally optimistic—these are just a few words to describe David Coletto, the founder, Chair, and CEO of Abacus Data. With a career spanning over two decades, David has devoted his life to exploring what people think and feel about their work, their lives, and their politics. He believes that understanding what motivates and informs people’s worldview, we can create a more understanding, empathetic, and action-driven world.

David is one of Canada’s best known and most respected public opinion analysts, pollsters, and social researchers. He works with some of North America’s biggest and most respected brands, associations, and unions and is frequently called upon by news organizations to assess public opinion as events happen.

QUOTE:
“Coletto is the CEO of Abacus Data, and in my opinion the best pollster in the country…He has a knack for knowing exactly what people want and respond to.” – Ottawa Citizen, October 28, 2022

Earning a PhD in Political Science from the University of Calgary in 2010, David is an expert on survey research methodology, voting behaviour, and the intersection of public opinion and public policy. He is a professor in the Graduate Program of Political Management at Carleton University where he teaches courses in polling, political marketing, and designing public affairs strategies.


Outside of Abacus, David is also involved in his community. He’s a member of the Board of Directors of the Ottawa Board of Trade and Ottawa Riverkeeper and on the policy committee of Imagine Canada.


Obsessed with all things cycling, David brings his bike anywhere he can, exploring the landscape, food, and people of places all around the world. He is also active and a sponsor of Canada’s only professional cycling team Toronto Hustle.

Best of David Coletto

David’s Most Recent Insights:

United Conservatives poised for victory in a very close Alberta election: Abacus Data Poll

Analyzing the final poll of an election is both an exciting and anxiety-inducing exercise, especially when the election is close. Throughout the pre-campaign and campaign periods in Alberta, I’ve tried to offer a deeper understanding of what’s going on in the province, starting with our first survey back in December.…

How Much Money Do You Need to Earn to Live Comfortably?

The last year has shown that living costs can be high and unpredictable. The cost of food and other home goods has meant living a comfortable life day-to-day is more pricey for everyone. And the rapid rise in house prices, not yet matched by wage increases, have meant other living…

Abacus Poll: UCP leads NDP in Alberta with one week to go.

After the leaders’ debate last Thursday, we launched our second last survey of the campaign to gauge what impact the debate and campaign may be having on voting intentions. The survey was conducted from May 19 to 22, 2023, and surveyed 1,507 eligible voters in Alberta online. In this report,…