Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s race to majority
Although Canadians, in general, seem to be more comfortable with the Conservatives, they hold mixed feelings when asked about Prime Minister Stephen Harper. A poll conducted by the Strategic Counsel shows the Conservatives and the Liberals deadlocked, with each being named as the first choice of 33 percent of respondents.
In general though, Canadians seem satisfied with where the country is headed with its current Conservative party. When asked if the country is on the right track, 57 percent said “yes”. That’s down 4 percentage points from last year at this time, but up more than 10 points since the final days of the Liberals in early 2006.
Traditional views on Canadian politics and parties also seem to be changing. Liberals who say they might vote for another party, list the Conservatives as their second option - a reversal from the period before the 2006 election. In the suburbs of Toronto, where Liberal support is known to dominate, the Conservatives have climbed seven percentage points, to hold 38 percent of popular support, since the last election.
Is it going to happen (a majority)? My bet: most probably. When asked if the country is on the right track, 57 per cent said “yes”. 37.5 gets you a majority. It is perhaps more remarkable that 81 percent of respondents said their thoughts of Mr. Harper would improve if he were tougher on crime. That’s a huge number; and if campaigned with reducing hospital waiting times, I feel Harper can definitely achieve a conservative majority government.
As a leader, I’m not too fond of PM Harper, but I do like the way things are headed - at least with this minority. These minorities seem to be more dependable, and accountable. They also work harder to achieve public goals because of the increased pressure from the opposition - similar to perfect competition, versus a monopoly in a marketplace. Things seem to be a bit more balanced this way. Conservatives can cut a bit here, and the Liberals can spend a bit there. I think keeping the minority would be ideal, and equally beneficial to Canadians, and Canada as a country.
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