Public Affairs, Advocacy, and Public Policy Polling: How Abacus Data Empowers Your Strategy
November 1, 2024
In today’s rapidly shifting political environment, understanding public opinion is no longer a “nice-to-have”—it’s an absolute necessity.
They need to see that consumers and workers believe it will help them.
Whether you’re engaging stakeholders, shaping policy, or advocating on behalf of your organization’s mission, reliable and timely data can provide the critical edge you need. At Abacus Data, we specialize in public affairs, advocacy, and public policy polling designed to deliver the insights that help you move from information to action. Our work is deeply rooted in a proven, research-based approach that reveals what Canadians think, what they need, and what it takes to shape their opinions into meaningful outcomes at the federal, provincial, and municipal levels.
What We Do: Data-Driven Research to Fuel Your Advocacy and Public Affairs Goals
Abacus Data provides customized public opinion research solutions to support advocacy campaigns, government relations strategies, and public affairs initiatives. Whether your goal is to influence policy, refine messaging, or gauge the impact of your communications, our team will craft a research program tailored to your unique needs.
We are fiercely independent and non-partisan. We partner with independent GR firms, associations, corporations, and trade unions.
Central to our methodology is the “three streams” model, which frames our approach to public affairs polling:
Problem Recognition: The public must first recognize that a problem or issue exists. Without broad awareness, policy change or advocacy efforts rarely gain traction.
Solution Viability: The public must believe that there are viable solutions to this problem—new policies, organizational changes, or resource allocations that can genuinely make a difference.
Political Will and Action: Ultimately, the public must be willing to act—directly or indirectly—to support the change you’re advocating. This could mean backing a particular policy option, pressuring decision-makers, or lending moral support to a campaign.
By considering these three critical streams together, we can identify exactly where public opinion stands and how best to move it toward a desired outcome. This integrated approach ensures that our polling doesn’t just measure sentiment—it guides strategic decision-making. Our research gives you clarity on the public’s priorities, insights into what resonates with key audiences, and a concrete roadmap to build momentum and drive policy change.
How We Do It: A Tailored, Expert-Led Research Process
Our research process begins by getting to know you—your organization, your mission, your goals, and the unique policy landscape you operate within. We start each project with a series of consultations to understand the context: the political environment, the stakeholders you need to influence, and the core opportunities or risks at hand.
Discovery and Questionnaire Design:
Based on these conversations, we design a customized polling instrument. The questionnaire is carefully crafted to capture not only top-of-mind public concerns and opinions but also the nuance needed to inform policy development or advocacy messaging. We understand that every situation is different, and our surveys reflect your particular strategic objectives—whether that’s identifying which policy proposals have the greatest public support or pinpointing which messages resonate best with target audiences. But in all cases – we do this work and will never expect you to write the questions.
Fielding the Survey and Gathering Data:
Next, we tap into our robust panel and data collection infrastructure to field the survey. We do this all in-house so we control the quality from beginning to end. No outsourcing. No cookie-cutter approach. We utilize rigorous sampling and weighting techniques to ensure our results are both representative and reliable, giving you confidence that the insights reflect the true state of public opinion. Our polling has been some of the most accurate in Canada.
Analysis and Reporting:
Once the data is collected, our team of experts digs deep. We examine trends, segment results by key demographic, geographic, or pyschographic factors, and layer in context from the broader political, social, and economic environment. The final report you receive isn’t just a stack of numbers. It’s a thoughtful, focused analysis centered on what matters most to your organization. We highlight key findings, strategic implications, and actionable recommendations.
Why We Are the Best: Expertise, Insight, and a Proven Track Record
Abacus Data is Canada’s most sought-after public affairs research team for a reason. We we release a poll “Ottawa listens”.
Our approach is spearheaded by Dr. David Coletto, one of Canada’s leading public opinion researchers, and is supported by a senior team of experts with deep academic and practical credentials. Among our team, you’ll find three senior researchers who hold PhDs and two who have Masters degrees in Political Management.
This depth of expertise means you’re not just getting raw data—you’re benefiting from a nuanced understanding of Canada’s evolving political, social, economic, and geopolitical context. Our researchers know what questions to ask, how to interpret the answers, and how to link these insights to the strategic decisions you face.
We pride ourselves on finding the unmet needs in public discourse and policy debate. Rather than recycling conventional wisdom, we uncover new angles and emerging trends that can set you ahead of the competition. Our track record of delivering high-quality, high-impact research has made us trusted partners to governments, organizations, industry associations, and advocacy groups across Canada.
What to Do With the Research: Turning Insights into Action
Information without application is a missed opportunity. Abacus Data goes beyond delivering a report—we help you translate insights into tangible steps that drive real change.
Inform Your Strategic Direction:
Understand what key audiences think, anticipate political reactions, and identify the best way to frame your ideas. Our polling results can help you refine internal strategies, ensuring your organization is united from the boardroom to the grassroots level.
Build Internal Consensus:
Use our research to unite stakeholders—your members, senior leaders, and board of directors—around a common narrative. With clear evidence and data-driven insights, it becomes easier to bring everyone on the same page, making strategy execution more efficient and impactful.
Optimize Your Advocacy Tactics:
Armed with a nuanced understanding of public sentiment, you can tailor messaging, choose the right communication channels, and engage the most influential stakeholders. Whether you’re sharing findings directly with government decision-makers or releasing data to the public, our insights guide you to the strongest advocacy strategies.
Amplify Your Reach Through Our Network:
When appropriate, we can share your findings through our network of 50,000 followers and our popular weekly newsletter, Worth a Look, to help your message reach a wider audience. Additionally, Dr. David Coletto can bring the data to life by speaking at your conferences, conventions, annual meetings, or board sessions, ensuring that decision-makers fully grasp the significance of the insights.
Ready to Get Started?
Unlocking the full potential of public opinion polling for public affairs, advocacy, and public policy work is as simple as reaching out to our team.
Contact Yvonne Langen to set up a 15-minute initial consultation, and we’ll connect you with one of our senior researchers.
From there, we’ll identify your objectives, design a research plan tailored to your needs, and deliver the actionable insights required to achieve your goals.
Don’t leave your policy outcomes to chance. Trust the experts who combine academic rigor, deep political understanding, and real-world experience to help you shape the future. With Abacus Data’s public affairs polling services, you’ll be ready to engage decision-makers, influence the debate, and drive meaningful change—backed by evidence-based research you can trust.
ABOUT ABACUS DATA
We are Canada’s most sought-after, influential, and impactful polling and market research firm. We are hired by many of North America’s most respected and influential brands and organizations.
We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail, and exceptional value.
And we are growing throughout all parts of Canada and the United States and have capacity for new clients who want high quality research insights with enlightened hospitality.
Our record speaks for itself: we were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2021 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in the 2019, 2015, and 2011 federal elections.
Contact us with any questions.
Find out more about how we can help your organization by downloading our corporate profile and service offering.
