Public also greatly receptive to biometric passports.
Canadians are clearly in favour of some of the cost-cutting proposals that the federal government presented last week, but are not as keen on plans to allow foreign investment in the satellite and telecommunications industries or build a national Holocaust memorial, a new Angus Reid Public Opinion poll has found.
The online survey of a representative sample of 1,011 adult Canadians reviewed how respondents felt about 11 specific ideas outlined in the latest Speech from the Throne, read by Governor-General Michaëlle Jean on Mar. 3.
A separate survey revealed that English-speakers overwhelmingly rejected the plan to alter the lyrics to “O Canada”, which was ultimately abandoned by the government.
More than four-in-five Canadians endorsed the government’s proposal to freeze wages for MPs, cabinet ministers and senators (92%) and freeze the overall budgets for the offices of ministers, as well as departmental operating budgets (81%).
At least seven-in-ten Canadians also welcome the possibility of issuing passports with biometric information (such as an iris scan, fingerprints, or facial recognition data) (72%) and acting to create a Canadian securities regulator (71%).
About two-thirds of respondents support implementing a free trade agreement with the European Free Trade Association (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland) (67%) and establishing a national Seniors Day (65%). In addition, 59 per cent support endorsing the United Nations (UN) declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and 55 per cent are in favour of establishing Pier 21 in Halifax as Canada’s National Museum of Immigration.
The most contentious proposals relate to trade, the telecommunications industries, and a Holocaust memorial. Half of Canadians (50%) support implementing a free trade agreement with Peru and allowing foreign investment in the satellite and telecommunications industries. The proposal to build a national Holocaust memorial was backed by 49 per cent of respondents.
Full Report, Detailed Tables and Methodology (PDF)
Canadian Political Polls from Angus Reid.
CONTACT:
Mario Canseco, Vice President, Public Affairs
+604 647 3570
mario.canseco@angus-reid.com
No mention of the completely absurd and trade endangering “victims of communism memorial”? That was the most absolutely ridiculous announcement ever. Who is Harper channeling Senator McCarthy?
With regards to the passport changes; I believe NEW Canadians, that is someone NOT born in Canada, should be required to live in our country for at least ten years before they can become a Canadian. Up until recently Canadians were well respected world wide due to our values and integrity. But something has changed. I feel there needs to be stricter regulations regarding Canadian citizenship AND PASSPORTS. Another Canadian icon that is deteriorating. Why make it easier to get a passport???? Why change the rules???? Because some people are having difficulty finding the required signatures…too bad for them. I am fed up with the government bending over backwards to make life easier for some people to get what they want. Get in line like the rest of us.