This is the first in a series of five story lines based on the results of this work.
FEELINGS ABOUT CANADA AND OUR COMMUNITIES
By and large Canadians have a very good feeling about the country they live in. 90% say it is better than average, including 19% who believe it is the best country in the world, and 49% show say it is one of the best.
When it comes to the communities we live in pride is also pretty strong, with only 7% saying they live in a below average place, and 68% saying their community is good (30%) one of the best in Canada (34%) or the best in the country (4%).
Remarkably, results are fairly consistent whether people live in large cities, medium sized cities, or small towns. While Quebecers as somewhat more enthusiastic about the communities they live in, the differences from one end of the country to the other are rather modest overall.
WHAT MAKES US HAPPY/WHAT ARE OUR PAIN POINTS
We asked how happy people were with 29 different aspects of community life, and found that:
• 80% were satisfied with their quality of life, while 62% were satisfied with their economic opportunities.
• 3 in 4 or more were happy with recreational areas and services, garbage and waste management, and policing and safety from crime.
• The areas where happiness was in shorter supply were job opportunities for young people, current economic conditions, local taxes, affordability of housing, and the level of effort put into reducing poverty
One of the topics we were most interested in with this study is to see how responses varied by region and community size. When it comes to feelings about the quality of life in a community results vary not all that much from the biggest cities to the smaller towns, and from one end of the country to the other.
We do observe some differences when it comes to certain items:
• Anxiety about current economic conditions is highest in Alberta • Concern about housing affordability is highest in BC and is clearly linked to city size • Concern about local taxes is highest in Quebec, and lower in rural Canada • Concerns about opportunities for young people are highest in rural and Atlantic Canada • Concerns about policing are higher in rural areas and Atlantic Canada
GENERATIONAL PERSPECTIVES
When looking at how happiness varies by age across the areas tested, we found that:
• Quality of life is positively and fairly consistently rated across different generations • Older people show more anxiety about the economic situation facing the young • Housing affordability anxiety is fairly consistent across all age groups
HAPPINESS AND AFFLUENCE
When looking at how happiness varies by affluence across the areas tested, we found that:
• A majority in every income group said they were happy with their quality of life, but happiness levels are clearly higher among those with more money. • At least half of those in every income group are unhappy with housing affordability, but the level of dissatisfaction rises among those with lower income • There is a strong correlation between income and feelings about economic opportunity. The less affluent were also less satisfied with efforts to reduce poverty. • Feelings about local taxes are not really tied to income levels • Concern about opportunities for young people is high among all income groups.
THE UPSHOT
Canadians are generally pleased with the country they live in and the communities they are part of. Remarkably, their positive feelings about where they live have little to do with the size of community or the region of the country they live in.
When it comes to life in Canadian communities most show a high level of satisfaction with the quality of life and a range of municipal services provided (such as policing, waste management and recreational areas), but there are anxieties about the cost of living (including housing and local taxes) today, the amount of economic opportunity and the prospects for young people in particular.
Housing affordability is more intensely felt problem among those with less money and those living in the largest cities. It’s also evident that anxiety about the future for young people is not felt only by those with less money – it is a concern common to Canadians in every region and income group. However, as we have seen in our other studies, young people tend to feel less anxiety about this issue than older people do.
METHODOLOGY
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadian respondents from January 24 to January 26, 2016. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a large representative panel of Canadians, recruited and managed by Research Now, one of the world’s leading provider of online research samples.
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association policy limits statements about margins of sampling error for most online surveys. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20 for each province’s sample. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Abacus Data Inc.
We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and value added insight. Our team combines the experience of our Chairman Bruce Anderson, one of Canada’s leading research executives for two decades, with the energy, creativity and research expertise of CEO David Coletto, PhD.
Canadian millennials aged 25 to 34 are better off than their American counterparts — and are entering the housing market at a younger age than their parents did, suggests a new report from TD Economics.
“In Canada, millennials … have found good jobs, higher incomes — particularly females,” said Diana Petramala, an economist for TD Economics and co-author of the report.
“That’s allowed them to enter home ownership sooner than their U.S. counterparts, and even at a younger age than their parents did over 30 years ago.”
DAVOS, Switzerland — Of the many politicians attending this year’s annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, there was one in particular who stood out as the most popular world leader for millennials: Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
Since he was elected in October, Trudeau has become an international sensation. The internet has swooned over his dashing good looks. Feminists have praised his bold stances on gender equality and women’s reproductive health. He’s even been dubbed the next Barack Obama.
In Davos, Trudeau’s rockstar status was on full display. Everywhere he went, Trudeau was swarmed by hordes of reporters, alongside crowds of googly eyed young people clamoring to take a selfie with the prime minister at every turn.
On Wednesday, Trudeau delivered a keynote address to a packed general audience in which he painted Canadaas a dynamic country of innovation and opportunity. But it was during a closed-door session on Thursday with a room full of Global Shapers, a group of under-30 leaders from around the world, where Trudeau’s unique appeal with millennials became evident.
Companies like A&W are trying to entice the next generation of entrepreneurs to launch a franchise
By:Lisa WrightBusiness Reporter,Published on Wed Jan 20 2016
Priya Dhillon has two children under the age of 4 and a PhD in molecular biology from the University of Guelph.
But the 33-year-old has her sights set on something a lot less scientific: to own an A&W franchise.
It’s actually not that off-the-wall for Dhillon, whose parents run 16 A&W locations in the Greater Toronto Area, which she now manages as vice-president of training and development.
And the concept is closer to becoming a reality for her now that the Canadian burger giant is actively recruiting and helping Millennials scoop up new franchises planned for urban locations, starting with Toronto.
Four names top the list of candidates attracting interest in the CPC race.
In our latest poll we asked people which of 7 possible candidates for the leadership of the Conservative Party of Canada they think would make the best leader. Note, this survey was conducted prior to Kevin O’Leary mentioning his interest in possibly running for the leadership.
Here are the highlights of our findings:
• Among those who say they would vote CPC today, Peter MacKay leads this field of 7. His support at 42% is well ahead of the other names we tested. Jason Kenney stand in second with 19% followed by Lisa Raitt and Tony Clement, both with 13%. Kellie Leitch, Max Bernier and Bernard Lord attract about 5% support each.
• Among those who say they would consider voting CPC but wouldn’t do so if an election were today, the results are slightly different. Jason Kenney drops back to 10%, Max Bernier moves up to a 3 way tie for second with Lisa Raitt, and Tony Clement, each with 12%.
• Among voters in Quebec, MacKay attracts 34%, but Bernier is not far behind with 23%, followed by Bernard Lord 14%, Lisa Raitt 11%, and Jason Kenney 10%. Tony Clement and Kellie Leitch are well back with 5% and 3% respectively.
• Among voters in Ontario, MacKay has 38% support, followed by Clement and Raitt at 19% and 17% respectively. Jason Kenney is a bit further back at 11%.
• Among BC voters, MacKay stands at 36%, followed by Raitt at 23%, with Clement (16%) and Kenney (11%) further back.
• Among men, MacKay has 41% followed by Raitt and Kenney with 14% each.
• Among women, MacKay leads but with only 33% followed by Raitt at 18% and Clement at 16%, and Kenney at 10%.
• Among voters who self describe as “right” on the political spectrum, MacKay (35%) leads Kenney (25%), followed by Raitt (15%). Among those who self identify as “centre-right”, the results are MacKay 39%, with Kenney 18% and Raitt at 16%, more closely bunched.
• Among younger voters (under 45) MacKay stands at 32%, followed by Lisa Raitt at 19%. The others all fall somewhat further back.
The Upshot
According The results suggest that while MacKay has strong name recognition and a considerable level of public support, that the race has the potential to prove a competitive one. Certainly, Jason Kenney has a significant level of support, especially among those who are most committed to the Party and most likely to participate in the process of selecting a leader.
Moreover, the regional differences and gender differences in these numbers suggest that Lisa Raitt and Tony Clement may well, if they choose to run, provide significant competition for Messrs. MacKay and Kenney. Ms. Raitt’s support among women and younger voters may prove a factor to watch if she decides to enter this race.
Finally, one of the questions that Conservative voters will consider as they go through this process is whether to pick a new leader to that be best suited to will rally and heal the base, or to grow the Conservative franchise, aiming at centre right voters. Where to put the emphasis will be one of the most important strategic choices that any of these candidates can make in the early going.
Methodology
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from January 8 to 12, 2016. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a large representative panel of over 400,000 Canadians.
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association policy limits statements about margins of sampling error for most online surveys. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Abacus Data Inc.
We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and value added insight. Our team combines the experience of our Chairman Bruce Anderson, one of Canada’s leading research executives for two decades, with the energy, creativity and research expertise of CEO David Coletto, PhD.
Almost a third (32%) of millennials admit they are “not at all knowledgeable” about retirement savings plans (RSPs), according to new survey by TD.
The survey found that only 50% of those aged between 18-33 know that the money in an RSP can help to purchase their first home and just 28% know RSP funds can help pay for full-time education or training as a mature student.
“Saving enough money for a down payment on a home can be difficult for many younger Canadians, so the ability to withdraw up to $25,000 from an RSP, or up to $50,000 for a couple, can help make it easier,” said Linda MacKay, senior vice president, personal savings and investing at TD Canada Trust.
“Building up an RSP from the earliest possible moment not only helps you save on income tax now, but could also help get you into your first home more quickly and lower your monthly mortgage payments down the road.”
Abacus Data conducted a nationwide survey on behalf of Teck Resources – Canada’s largest diversified resource development company and a significant Canadian exporter. The focus of the study was Canadians’ views of Canada’s relationship with China, with an emphasis on trade, including their preferences for that relationship going forward. This release highlights the key findings of this study.
Importance of the Relationship
Canadians have grown more aware of our economic relationship with China, and today a majority (56%) consider it to be very important to Canada (11%), or one of the most important (45%) relationships. Another 39% say it is important but not more than our relationship with other countries.
There are few differences based on where in Canada someone lives, interest in the Chinese relationship spans the country. There is an important relationship with age: the younger you are, the more likely you are to see the relationship with China as very important for Canada.
Future of the Relationship
A solid majority (61%) expect the economic and trade relationship with China will grow larger over the next 10-20 years, while only 9% say it is likely to decline.
Far more people would rather see the economic and trade relationship with Canada grow (52% than would like to see it shrink (16%). One in three (32%) would like it to remain about the same size.
To put this in context, we asked the same question about desire for the future of the relationship with the US. The number hoping to see an expansion of the relationship with the US was only slightly higher (58%).
As is normally the case with public opinion about trade relationships, Canadians are more enthusiastic about increasing exports to China (69% would like to see an increase) than about increasing imports from China (24% would like to see an increase.)
When it comes to investment flows: 38% would like to see increased investment from China into Canada and an almost identical 40% would like to see increased investment in China from Canada. Few are looking to see a decline in investment flows either way.
When it comes to Chinese ownership of Canadian companies, opinion is more mixed: while 38% would like to see no change, 19% favour an increase, and 44% would prefer a decline.
Overall, 30% say they are supportive of Canada having a closer relationship with China, while 24% say they don’t think they “can get comfortable with Canada having a much closer relationship with China”. The rest – the plurality – occupy a middle position “I could probably be persuaded to support a closer relationship with China if I knew more about what was involved and why it was in our interests”. (46%)
The Role of China in the World Economy
One in three Canadians (35%) say “China is already or will become the world’s most important economic player”, while a majority feel “China will be important in the world economy but so will a number of other countries. (65%)
Trust in China?
While the Chinese system of government and economy is different from that of Canada, most Canadians do not feel there is a major trust barrier in terms of dealing with China. 21% say China can be a trusted economic partner for Canada, another 51% say it can be trusted as much as any other country. Only 28% say China cannot be trusted as an economic partner.
Canadian Sovereignty Risk?
A fair number of people sense that Chinese investment in Canada can involve some risk to Canadian sovereignty. 53% say that “when China invests in Canada, Canadian sovereignty is put at risk” while 47% say “Chinese investment is good for Canada’s economy and the risks are minimal”.
Free Trade with China?
Canadians are evenly divided on whether free trade with China would be good or bad for Canada. Younger people and those on the right are more positive than older people and those on the left but the differences are not huge.
Historically, Canadians have been reticent about embracing the idea of free trade as an article of faith – they tend to want to be reassured that Canada has at least as much opportunity as it has risk. Over time, comfort levels with Canada-US Free Trade and NAFTA strengthened.
Canadian Investment & Chinese Controlled Enterprises in Different Sectors in Canada
We explored how Canadians felt about the potential for increased Chinese investment in different sectors of the economy, from airlines to biotechnology. The majority support or are “willing to support with conditions” greater Chinese investments across all sectors tested. Between 31-41% would oppose more Chinese investment in any of the 13 sectors tested.
Resistance to Chinese investment is slightly higher in respect of the oil, pipeline and newspaper sectors, and slightly lower in the wireless, biotechnology, aerospace, cable TV, natural gas, and airlines sectors.
We also probed how people would feel if the investments amounted to “control” of Canadian firms by Chinese owners. The result is that opposition rises, to a range of 37% in the case of railways to 55% in the case of oil, gas, and pipeline companies.
Segmentation
When we step back from individual questions and look at patterns of responses, it is possible to identify three different segments in Canadian public opinion when it comes to our economic relationship with China.
Just over a third (36%) are supportive, just over a quarter (28%) are generally opposed to a closer relationship and the rest could best be described as conditionally supportive.
The supportive segment is slightly more male than female, evenly distributed by age, and across region. What makes this group unique is that they are more convinced that the economic might of China will grow, that China can be trusted, and that free trade would serve Canada’s interests.
The opposed segment is more likely to be made up of older people, more females than males, and live in BC and Ontario. They tend to worry about Canadian sovereignty, doubt China can be trusted, and are more likely to vote NDP.
The conditionally supportive segment is more likely to be female, younger, and urban dwellers, This group is concerned about sovereignty but the issue for them is more about trade deals generally, rather than trust in China specifically: they would want to be convinced that the merit for Canada was clear, and the upside compelling.
The Upshot?
Canadians recognize that China has become one of the world’s most important economic players and want to see Canada have a significant relationship with China when it comes to trade and investment flows.
This is not a view that is skewed by region: people across the country see the benefits of strong economic ties. Perhaps even more noticeable is that young Canadians are more open to strengthening our ties with China, as they will have the ability to influence policies and economic choices over the longer term.
However, as with most choices, Canadians also exhibit a degree of caution and prudence. This is not so much to do with China per se, as the majority believe that China is no less trustworthy than any other potential trading partner. Instead, Canadians are looking for the best of all possible worlds: more exports, but not necessarily more imports; healthy two-way investment flows, but ideally without seeing control of Canadian enterprises shifting to Chinese investors.
In most cases, there is not so much opposition and hesitation – a desire to be caution and to be convinced of the merits, rather than to take a risk. Still, if one compared these results to the views Canadians would have had about China over the last few decades, there can be little doubt that the country has become more enthusiastic about this relationship and convinced that a strong economic relationship with China is important to Canadians’ standard of living in the future.
Moreover when it comes to the idea of a free trade deal with China, the results suggest a degree of openness that might not have been there a decade ago. Canadians will naturally have concerns about being competitive enough with Chinese companies, but also recognize the potential economic upside is significant too.
Methodology
The survey was conducted online with a total of 1,500 residents of Canada aged 18 years and older, between September 9th and 11th, 2015.
A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a large representative panel of Canadians, recruited and managed by Research Now, one of the world’s leading provider of online research samples.
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association policy limits statements about margins of sampling error for most online surveys. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of 2.1% 19 times out of 20.
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched to population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Abacus Data Inc.
We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and value added insight. Our team combines the experience of our Chairman Bruce Anderson, one of Canada’s leading research executives for two decades, with the energy, creativity and research expertise of CEO David Coletto, PhD.
In our latest poll we asked how people felt about a range of the promises that the Liberal Party made while campaigning last fall. In each case, we asked if people wanted them to go ahead with the promise, would prefer they not go ahead, or didn’t care much one way or another.
The results, in a nutshell, reveal:
• Large majorities want the government to proceed with tax cuts for the middle class (80%), with increasing taxes on the wealthiest people (77%) and with increased spending on infrastructure (64%). In each of these cases, opposition never rises above 18%.
• Opinion is more mixed when it comes to being willing to run a deficit to help stimulate the economy: 48% say go ahead, 38% would prefer not, and 14% have no strong feelings.
• Similar results are found for “changing our role in the fight against ISIS, to put more emphasis on training local troops and ending our bombing missions”.
• When it comes to changing the electoral system and how we vote, 41% say go ahead, 25% say don’t and 34% have no strong feelings.
• Finally, on legalization of marijuana, opinion is split with 38% saying go ahead, 38% preferring not, and 24% expressing limited interest.
Naturally, the results to these questions vary somewhat by partisan inclination and other socio-demographic differences.
Here’s what that analysis shows:
When it comes to running a deficit to stimulate, support for going ahead is higher than average in Quebec and Atlantic Canada and among voters on the left. Among those who voted CPC, only 17% want the government to go ahead with this promise, but notably, among Albertans support for a stimulative deficit is 43%.
Support for spending more on infrastructure is high and pretty consistent across subgroups. It is lowest among CPC voters, but 52% of those voters support going ahead with this promise. Only those who consider themselves “right wing” tend to be opposed. Those on the right account for less than 10% of all voters. Among centre-right voters, 63% want the government to go ahead with this promise.
When it comes to adjusting our role in the fight against ISIS, young people are more supportive of this promise and older people more hesitant. Majorities of those on the left want to see this promise kept, as well as a plurality of those in the centre.
On changes to the electoral system, support for change is highest in BC and Quebec, while only in Alberta is a plurality opposed to this idea. While Conservative supporters are more likely to be opposed than supportive, the differences are not as large as might be expected. Among those who voted CPC in October 28% want the government to proceed, 47% prefer not, and 25% have no strong views.
There are virtually no differences when it comes to cutting taxes for the middle class: 67% of Conservatives, 83% of New Democrats, and 88% of Liberals want to see this proceed. On higher taxes for the wealthiest large majorities in every region, and a majority of CPC supporters (56%) as well as 86% of Liberals (86%) and New Democrats want this promise to be carried through. It is worth noting that among those with household incomes above $100,000, 70% believe the Liberals should go ahead with their promise to increase taxes on the wealthiest while 19% prefer that they would not go ahead.
On the promise to “legalize marijuana and regulate and tax it’s use”, men, younger people, and those on the left tend to be more supportive, while women, older people and those on the right feel otherwise. 61% of CPC voters want this idea dropped, which reflects the fact that those on the “centre right” are 27% pro, 50% con, while those on the “right” are 16% pro – 67% con. Worth noting is that among voters on the centre, opinion is clearly mixed, with 35% wanting the promise kept, 40% saying no. Opposition to legalizing marijuana is higher among those who say they have never tried it. 53% think the Liberals should not go ahead with their promise while 23% think they should go ahead. Support for going ahead with the promise is higher among those who have used marijuana (40% among those who have tried only once or twice, 80% among the 14% who use it at least sometimes).
The Upshot
According to Bruce Anderson: “The Liberals no doubt will feel increasing pressure to review their list of promises as economic and other circumstances evolve. As things stand right now, these numbers suggest that there remains broad comfort with the approach they promised on taxation, and infrastructure spending, and a reasonable level of acquiescence when it comes to running a deficit. Results show more tension across political lines when it comes to electoral reform, marijuana legalization and a shift in our role in the fight against ISIS.
The data don’t suggest that following through on these promises will necessarily trigger a massive backlash, but rather that there will be a need for careful execution and effective communications to mitigate concerns or anxieties.”
Methodology
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from January 8 to 12, 2016. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a large representative panel of over 400,000 Canadians.
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association policy limits statements about margins of sampling error for most online surveys. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Abacus Data Inc.
We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and value added insight. Our team combines the experience of our Chairman Bruce Anderson, one of Canada’s leading research executives for two decades, with the energy, creativity and research expertise of CEO David Coletto, PhD.
Highest positives for Trudeau son & father Highest negatives for Stephen Harper
In our latest poll we asked how people felt about the last 7 people who won elections and became prime minster. The results provide some context in which to assess feelings about the two most recent election winners, Justin Trudeau and Stephen Harper, and also tell us something about how reputations might shift with the passage of time and how partisanship affects our views of prime ministers.
Here are the points that most caught our attention:
• Of all 7 tested, Justin Trudeau is easily the most popular, followed by his father, Pierre Trudeau. Justin Trudeau is not only the most popular of these men among Liberal voters (95% have a good view of him), he’s also the most popular among NDP voters (49% positive – 24% negative). Among Conservative voters, he’s easily the most disliked with 69% saying they have a negative view of him. Conservatives don’t like his father that much, either but are less hostile to Paul Martin or Jean Chretien.
• Pierre Trudeau has been out of office for 30 years and his reputation has likely improved somewhat with the passage of time. Worth noting is that those under 45 give the elder Trudeau a more positive rating (+23) compared to those over 45 (+14). Also, the views of women (+21) are a bit more favourable than those of men (+16). Pierre Trudeau is the second most unpopular among Conservative supporters, disliked by just under half. Among New Democrats, Pierre Trudeau is the second most popular of the PMs tested.
• Jean Chretien’s reputation across the country is more positive (36%) than negative (25%). Among Liberals and New Democrats he’s 3rd most popular. Among Conservatives he’s not particularly disliked (26% positive, 38% negative). Views of Mr. Chretien are better among those under 45 (+17) than those older (+5).
• Views of Stephen Harper may soften somewhat with the passage of time, no doubt that is what has happened with opinions of Mr. Mulroney and Pierre Trudeau. For the moment, he has by far the highest negatives. In fact, his numbers are almost the mirror opposite of the man who beat him in October of last year.
• Mr. Harper’s numbers reflect a high degree of partisan feeling. 80% of Conservatives have a positive view of him, compared to 27% have a positive view of Brian Mulroney, and only 21% like Joe Clark. This speaks to the fact that this is in many ways a different party than the Progressive Conservative Party, more resembling the attitudes of the defunct Reform Party.
• Only 8% of Liberals like Mr. Harper, while 75% dislike him. Liberals have far less animosity towards Brian Mulroney (-8) or Joe Clark (+8)
• NDP voters show the same pattern. Reactions to Mr. Harper (-65) are far more intense than to Joe Clark (-11) or Brian Mulroney (-22).
• Stephen Harper’s ratings are negative among men (-25) but moreso among women (-32). While for much of his time in office his ratings were notably better among older people, this may have dissipated a bit. Among those under 45 Mr. Harper has a net -32; among those older than that his score is -25.
• In Quebec, Justin Trudeau is the most popular, and Stephen Harper the least so. Again, the numbers pretty much mirror each other: +48 for Trudeau and -46 for Harper. However, Pierre Trudeau falls to 3rd most popular in Quebec, after Brian Mulroney. In Quebec, Mr. Mulroney is far more liked (+19) than Mr. Harper (-46). Joe Clark also attracts far less negative opinion among Quebec voters.
The Upshot
According to Bruce Anderson: “As we know very well, popularity of politicians fluctuates over time, and how people view Stephen Harper and Justin Trudeau today maybe quite different from their views a year from now. With that caveat noted, it is compelling that these two men find their reputations almost the mirror image of each other.
It’s fascinating to note the degree to which Justin Trudeau and to a lesser degree his father are polarizing: both are popular among Liberals and New Democrats but among today’s version of the Conservative Party, the Trudeau name is like a red flag to a bull. Mr. Harper is a polarizing figure too, and the fact that he is widely disliked by NDP voters helps underscore the fact that the last election became for many voters a question of how best to get a new Prime Minister.
Finally, today’s Conservative Party supporters, (27% in this poll), feel good about Stephen Harper but show little positive feeling about Brian Mulroney or Joe Clark. This underscores one of the central challenges facing the Party, whether it needs to do more to draw in more progressive Conservatives or remain more true to the vision of Stephen Harper and reject that idea. Right now, only 43% say they would consider voting Conservative, a pool that is about 10 points smaller than the NDP and roughly 20 points smaller than the Liberals.”
Methodology
Our survey was conducted online with 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and over from January 8 to 12, 2016. A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey from a large representative panel of over 400,000 Canadians.
The Marketing Research and Intelligence Association policy limits statements about margins of sampling error for most online surveys. The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is +/- 2.6%, 19 times out of 20. The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population according to age, gender, educational attainment, and region. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding.
Abacus Data Inc.
We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail and value added insight. Our team combines the experience of our Chairman Bruce Anderson, one of Canada’s leading research executives for two decades, with the energy, creativity and research expertise of CEO David Coletto, PhD. For more information, visit our website at http://www.abacusdata.ca/
