Angus Reid Poll Shows Canadians Think Trudeau was Wrong to Break His Electoral Reform Promise



Angus Reid Global, in partnership with Fair Vote Canada, has conducted a survey of 1,510 Canadians on electoral reform.

When Justin Trudeau broke his election promise to end first-past-the-post and make every vote, he claimed that “there is no consensus” and that “only a few people” want proportional representation.” Clearly, that is not the case.

Poll questions and results:



https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Bz3Ud3n7ZFXdQFAYNc2kuqqVyj2xPha7aKnUFDT4RsE/edit?usp=sharing

“With our current voting system, the last two majority governments were elected with about 39.5% of the popular vote.” How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following?

“In order for a political party to form a majority government, it should have the support of over 50% of Canadians”

82% of respondents agreed with this statement.

“Our electoral system should encourage parties to cooperate and compromise so that the important policies that are passed in parliament reflect the support of over 50% of Canadians”

90% of respondents agreed with this statement.

“Do you feel that the overall composition of Parliament should be an accurate reflection of how people voted?”

80% answered yes, and 10% were unsure. Only 9% answered no to this question.

“Some people favour bringing in a form of proportional representation. This means that the total number of seats held by each party in Parliament would be roughly equivalent to each party’s percentage of the popular vote. Do you support or oppose moving towards a system of proportional representation in Canadian elections?”

77% of respondents said that they support moving towards a system of proportional representation. This included 80% of those who voted Liberal in the last federal election and 65% of those who voted Conservative. At least 69% across all age groups and provinces expressed support.

“Which of the following statements best reflects your opinion on electoral reform and the Liberal government’s handling of it?”



The Liberal government was right not to pursue electoral reform, even though it broke a promise;

The Liberal government was wrong not to pursue electoral reform — it should have kept its promise.”

70% of respondents said that the Liberal government was wrong not to pursue electoral reform. This included 61% of Liberal voters, 66% of Conservative voters and 83 to 85 % of NDP, Bloc Québécois or Green voters.

