ALMOST NOBODY LIKES THE NEXEN DEAL – December 7, 2012

GOVERNMENT FACES COLLISION WITH PUBLIC OPINION IN ANNOUNCING GO-AHEAD

[Ottawa – December 7, 2012] – A recent EKOS poll of 1,181 Canadians showed tough sledding ahead in selling the CNOCC offer to Purchase Nexen. While there is still flexibility in public opinion, the strength of current opposition will be a huge problem for those seeking to move forward. Barely 15% of Canadians support the deal with a picayune 3% supporting it strongly. On the other hand, 73% oppose with the plurality (42%) strongly opposed. Twelve per cent don’t know what their position is.

Even in Alberta, support only climbs to 29% and amongst Conservative supporters, the number is a similar 26%. Overwhelming opposition exists in pretty well all portions of Canadian society but it particularly staunch amongst NDP and Green Party supporters.

This remarkable public rejection is difficult to explain on the surface, but may link to hostilities and uncertainties about China and its rapid ascendance to global economic dominance. Whatever the sources, this will pose serious challenges to the government, which has just announced its plan to move forward with the deal. Stephen Harper does, however, share common ground with leadership hopeful Justin Trudeau, who has publicly supported the deal as well.

There may well be a sell on this deal to the Canadian public, but the evidence suggests that this will require considerable skill and effort. At this point, the public simply aren’t interested.

Click here for the full report: Full Report (December 7, 2012)

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