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A Gallup survey conducted May 7-12, 1997 found that 44% of Canadians believed unemployment was the most important problem in Canada, similar to 45% who believed unemployment was a primary concern following the previous federal election. Fourteen percent felt government debt was an important issue, followed by national unity at 10%. Prime Minister Jean Chretien was believed by 63% of Canadians to have strong leadership qualities, while Jean Charest received a high rating on leadership issues in Quebec. Former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau was considered the most credible defender of Canadian federalism by 41% of Canadians.

A Gallup survey conducted April 9-15, 1996 found that 27% of Canadians see the Progressive Conservative party as the most viable conservative hope for ousting the ruling Liberal Party. Nearly one quarter of those polled, 24%, favor the Reform Party. A proposed merger between the Conservative and Reform parties would be welcomed by 35% of those polled, while 46% would oppose a merger.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov 8-13, 1995 found that Canadians' support of the federal political parties has remained constant over the past month, even after the close vote in the Quebec referendum. The Liberals retained the majority of support among Canadian voters, the Progressive Conservative Party garnered 14%, the Bloc got 12%, and the Reform Party received 11% of the support. The Bloc Party received support from 53% of Quebecers, and now leads the federal Liberals in Quebec province. Only 8% of Quebecers are satisfied with the current state of Canada.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 94% of Canadians aware of the Quebec referendum, while only 23% of French, 36% of American, and 29% of British respondents know about it. While 15% of the French oppose Quebec's separation, 56% support it. By contrast, 43% of Americans oppose separation with 16% in favor. In Canada, 71% of the Quebecers are very interested, with 80% of English Canadians similarly interested. Interest levels are lower elsewhere, with 43% of Americans and 29% of French claiming interest, in contrast to the British 43% who are not interested in the election.

A public opinion poll indicated that 34% of Canadians, or approximately 1/3 of the voting population, support the merger of the Reform Party with the Progressive Conservative Party. Such an alliance might give the opposition its best chance of beating the governing Liberal Party in the next federal election given that 23% viewed the Conservatives as the best alternative to the Liberals while 21% viewed the Reform Party as the best alternative. However, 41% disapprove of a Reform-Conservative merger while 26% has no opinion.

Results of a Gallup Poll conducted during the week of November 4-9, 1996 revealed that 55% of Canadians surveyed approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. Residents in Quebec were not as happy with the Prime Minister, giving him only a 39% approval rating and a 46% disapproval rating. Jean Charest, Progressive Conservative leader received a 43% approval rating, down from his 47% approval in 1995. Opposition leader, Michel Gauthier received a 21% approval rating, while Reform Party leader, Preston Manning approval rating was at 28%.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov. 8-13, 1995 found that 60% of Canadians do not think the federal government is handling the economy competently. Only about one in three approve of the federal government's management of the government. Residents of Atlantic Canada voice the highest approval (40%), followed by Ontario, Prairies, British Columbia, and Quebec. In Quebec, 74% do not think the federal government is handling the economy well.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov 8-13 found that Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien's disapproval rating increased from 22% to 30% between October and November. The higher disapproval rate resulted from the narrow defeat of the referendum that would have granted sovereignty to Quebec province. Fifty-nine percent of Quebecers disapproved of Chretien in November, compared to 37% in October. Fifty-six percent of Quebecers voiced support of sovereignist leader Lucien Bouchard, while only 23% of all Canadians support the leader. Only 30% of Canadians like Preston Manning's performance as Reform Party leader.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov 8-13, 1995 found that national unity among Canadians is the top worry. A quarter of Canadians placed national unity issues as top priorities in November, up from 8% four months earlier. This rating follows the close vote on the referendum that would have granted sovereignty to Quebec province. Twenty-two percent of Canadians consider unemployment the biggest concern and 21% consider the economy the most important problem. Fewer Canadians think government deficits and debts are serious concerns, dropping from 27% in Jan 1995 to 13% in Nov 1995.

A Gallup poll conducted Jun 1-5, 1993, reveals that Jean Charest would solicit the most votes in a nation-wide election if he were named head of the Progressive Conservative Party. Charest has the support of 44% of the electorate, a 9% increase from Apr 1993. The Liberal Party dropped 3%, to 37% in the same time period. A Charest-led campaign would win 183 seats in the House of Commons, giving the Liberals 91. If Kim Campbell was the candidate, the Progressives would receive only 107 seats, while the Liberals would win 160.

A Gallup survey conducted June 11-16, 1997 found that 54% of Canadians surveyed approved of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. This approval rating is up 10% from February and 4% from immediately prior to the election. Regional analyses found 38% of Quebec residents and 34% of French-speakers approved of Chretien, much less than the strong majority support he received from elsewhere in Canada and from English-speaking Canadians.

A Gallup Poll conducted the week of December 3-8, 1996 found that over half of Canadians approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien. This is slightly down from Nov.'s approval rating of 55%. Significant regional differences remain apparent, with Quebec residents demonstrating the lowest approval rating at 38%. Native language also plays a large part in Chretien's approval rating with up to 58% of English-speaking Canadians approving of him coupled with a lower approval rating of 39% by French-speaking Canadians. Chretien draws major support from the wealthier, better-educated, middle-aged sectors of the population.

The approval rating of Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has declined since Dec 1995, especially in his home province of Quebec. Chretien's approval rating fell from 59% in Nov 1995 to 54% in Dec 1995, and reached 51% in Mar 1996. His approval rating was higher among better educated, higher paid, older people who speak English as their first language. People in Ontario gave Chretien the highest ratings. The lowest rating Chretien has received since his election and from Jan 1994 was 50% in Jan 1996.

Support for the major Canadian political parties remained fairly stable between April 1995 and March 1996. Support for the ruling Liberal Party has only flunctuated by 5%, ranging from 56% down to 51%. Statistical variations between Feb 1996 and March 1996 were almost none existant, with support for the Reform Party remaining at 13%, support for the Bloc Quebecois dropping to 11% from 13%, support for the New Democratic Party remaining at 8% and support for the Progressive Conservative Party rising from 11% to 12%. Support for the Liberal Party remained at 55%.

A Gallup survey conducted Feb 8-13, 1996, found that 53% of Canadians approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien's performance, up from 50% in Jan, 1996. In Oct, 1995, his approval rating had been 61%. Although 17% had no opinion, Chretien received his highest-ever disapproval rating of 31%. By region, his approval ratings were 56% in British Columbia, 55% in Atlantic Canada, 66% in Ontario, but only 30% in Quebec. By age group, those 18-29 give him a 57% approval compared to 47% of those over 65. He receives higher support from more affluent, better-educated, and English-speaking Canadians.

Support for Liberals in Canada has increased since Dec 1995, from 51% to 55% in Feb 1996. The standings of other parties have remained virtually unchanged, except for the Conservatives, whose support has dropped from 14% in Jan 1996 to 11% in Feb. Liberals support comes from voter majorities in Atlantic Canada, Western Canada, and Ontario, but the Bloc Quebecois hold 54% to the Liberals 41% of the voters' support in Quebec.

Canada is divided regionally over whether the Reform Party or the Bloc Quebecois should hold the Official Opposition designation in the House of Commons. The parties hold an equal number of seats, making both eligible for the designation, which traditionally has been held by the party with the second-most number of seats to the majority party. A 68% majority in Quebec favor the Bloc Quebecois maintaining the designation, but the rest of Canada is split, with 44% supporting the Reform Party and 27% the Bloc Quebecois.

A Gallup survey conducted Jan 11-16, 1995, found that 52% of decided Canadian voters would vote for the Liberal Party, a slight increase from 51% in Dec 1995. Among other parties, 14% of decided voters support the Progressive Conservatives, 12% support the Bloc Quebecois and the Reform Party, and 9% support the NDP. Although 40% of Quebec residents would vote for the Liberal Party, 48% would support the Bloc in a national election. Jean Chretien's Liberals lead Conservatives in Atlantic Canada by 64% to 23% and by 62% to 17% in Ontario. In Western Canada, Liberals hold a big lead over the Reform Party.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec 6-11, 1995, found that 46% of Canadians approve of the country's Liberal party government, down from 57% in June, 1994. Of those surveyed, 35% disapproved and 19% had no opinion. These figures are higher, however, than the Conservative government's 1986 and 1990 ratings, also conducted after two years in office. Quebecers disapprove of the Liberals by 52% to 29% approval, and only 28% of francophones support the government. In other provinces, approval ratings are higher, reaching 60% in Ottawa.

A Gallup poll conducted Dec. 6-11, 1995 found that 60% of Canadian respondents support sending troops to the Balkans as part of the U.S.-led NATO peace-keeping mission. Thirty-two percent oppose sending the 1,000 troops that Canada has committed. Almost twice as many college-educated Canadians support deployment of troops (69%) compared to public school educated Canadians (35%). Support is greater in Atlantic Canada (70%) than in Quebec (54%). One-quarter of Canadians 65 years and older prefer total elimination of Canada's participation in the peace-keeping mission.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec. 6-11, 1995 found that 54% of Canadians back liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien, a drop from last month's 59% approval rating. His approval rate had reached 68% in May, 1995. Thirty percent of Canadians dislike Chretien's performance, and 16% had no opinion. Residents of Ontario and British Columbia give him approval ratings of 68% and 64% respectively, while only 34% of Quebecers approve of his performance. Sixty percent of college educated Canadians back Chretien. Forty-four percent of public school educated Canadians surveyed back the prime minister.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec. 6-11, 1995 found that 42% of Canadians support constitutional veto legislation, 37% are opposed, and 21% have no opinion. The legislation stops the federal government from making a constitutional change without the approval of Ontario, Quebec, and two of the four provinces. The legislation was altered to give British Columbia its own veto. Canadians responded similarly to both versions of the veto bill. Central Canadian residents showed the highest approval among Canadians.

A Gallup survey conducted Dec. 6-11, 1995 found that 51% of Canadians would vote for Jean Chretien's Liberal Party, down from 54% the previous month. Forty-two percent of Canadians either have not decided or are not willing to support a federal party. The Progressive Conservatives received support from 15% of the decided voters. The Bloc Party was supported by 12% of Canadians, but 48% of Quebecers. The Reform Party received 12% of support.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov. 8-13, 1995 found that four in 10 Canadians prefer the current prime minister, Jean Chretien, over other federal party leaders to occupy that office. Sixty-one percent of Ontarians, 48% of British Columbians, 47% of Prairie residents, and 47% of Atlantic Canadians prefer Chretien. Only 15% of Quebecers would chose Chretien as prime minister. Twenty-three percent of Quebecers prefer Jean Charest, who was a force behind the Quebec referendum.

A Gallup survey conducted Nov 8-13, 1995 found that 54% of Canadians feel that the provinces should receive more constitutional powers. Among Quebecers, 78% want provinces to have more constitutional strength. Only 39% of Ontarians want more constitutional powers accorded to provinces. Canadians are almost evenly divided on whether Quebec province's society should be constitutionally recognized, which is the highest level of support so far.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 59% of Canadians think that Native Canadians are treated well by the government, an increase from 39% in 1991. About 83% of francophones and 78% of Quebecers feel the government treats the Native Canadians well, but only 55% of Prairie residents support the government's treatment. Fifty-three percent of university-educated Canadians think Native Canadians are well treated, while 71% of public school educated Canadians think this way.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that two-thirds of Canadians still believe the Confederation will endure, despite differences among the provinces. But the number of Canadians who believe the differences are insurmountable have grown from 18% last October to 21%. Only 47% of Quebecois think the Confederation will survive, down from 54% last October. Eighty-one percent of English Canadians and 74% of Canadians who are not English or French expressed confidence in the future of the Confederation.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 61% of Canadians approve of Prime Minister Jean Chretien's job performance, up from a 57% approval rating the previous month. Only 22% of those polled disapprove of Chretien's performance. In Quebec, 39% approve of Chretien, while 37% disapprove. However, the rest of Canada strongly approves of him, highlighted by his 75% approval rating in Ontario. Demographically, nearly 70% of anglophones and allophones support him, while only 39% of francophones do. His approval ratings are highest among Canadians with higher educational and income levels.

A Gallup survey conducted Oct 4-10, 1995 found that 39% of Canadians think Prime Minister Jean Chretien should call for a federal election if Quebec citizens vote for sovereignty. However, 44% do not think that a federal election would be necessary. Atlantic Canadians favor an election by 47% while 31% oppose it, but support in other regions is not as strong. Although 32% of Liberal party supporters favor an election call, Bloc Quebecois supporters are 36% in favor. Progressive Conservatives are 43% in favor, reform supporters are evenly split, and 58% of New Democratic Party voters support an election call.

A Gallup survey conducted Sep 6-11, 1995, found that 57% of Canadians approve of the job Jean Chretien is doing as their nation's Prime Minister. Only 24% disapprove of the job Chretien is doing. The only region of the country where Chretien does not enjoy the support of a majority of citizens is Quebec. Chretien's approval is strongest amongst middle class males, those with higher educations and wealthier Canadians.

A Gallup survey conducted Sept. 6-11, 1995, found that the Liberal Party still has the support of most Canadians, with 54% of decided voters saying they would vote for the Liberals in a federal election. The party has maintained support levels between 53% and 56% since Apr. 1995. The Conservative Party would receive 16% of the votes in a federal election, followed the Bloc Quebecois, with 9%. Thirty-two percent of those surveyed were undecided.

A Gallup survey conducted Aug 7-13, 1995 found that 59% of the Canadian public approves of the job Jean Chretien is doing as their nation's Prime minister, down from 60% a month earlier. Twenty-three percent are unsatisfied with the job Chretien is doing. Chretien is most well-liked in Ontario where 73% of the public support him, and less-well received in Quebec, where only 44% are satisfied with the job he is doing.

A Gallup survey conducted July 4-10, 1995 found that the Liberal Party still enjoys 56% of the support of Canada's public in federal elections. The Reform Party would receive 12% of the vote, up from 9% a month earlier, and the Conservative Party would receive 15% of the vote, down from 20% in June. The separatist Bloc Quebecois party would receive 8% of the vote and the New Democratic Party 8%.

A Gallup survey conducted June 12-16, 1995, found that the ruling Liberal Party of Canada has earned the approval of 52% of Canadians. This is a decrease of 5% from the high of 57% recorded in December of 1994. The Liberals have a higher approval than disapproval rating in every region of the country other than Quebec, and their approval rating is twice as high as the approval rating given the Progressive Conservative Party when they were in their second year of federal rule in 1986.

A Gallup survey conducted June 12-16, 1995, found that the Progressive Conservatives continue to gain the support of the Canadian public, with 20% saying they would support the Conservatives in a national election, up from 9% in April. Jean Chretien's ru;ng Liberal Party still has a significant advantage, however, with 53% of the public's support. The Reform Party would be first choice for 10% of Canadians.

A Gallup poll conducted May 8-12, 1995, found that Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien has the approval of 68% of his constituents. Nineteen percent disapprove of his performance. These approval ratings are an all-time high for a Prime Minister in Gallup polls, surpassing the previous record of 64%. Chretien has the support of the majority of people in every region of the country, and his highest approval rating, 80%, was registered in Ontario. Public opinion of Lucien Bouchard and Preston Manning is also discussed.

A public opinion poll indicated that 55% of Canadian adults would vote for Jean Chretien's governing Liberal Party in May 1995. This represents a drop from the 61% who would have voted for the Liberals in April. However, support for the Liberals still well exceeds the 41% they received at the 1993 federal election, indicating that they would easily win again if the election were held immediately. Fourteen percent support the Progressive Conservative Party.

Nearly 40% of Canadians polled in a Gallup survey conducted June 22-July 3, 1993, believe that economic and social policies would not be affected by Kim Campbell's election as Prime Minister. Over half of those polled expected the government to differ somewhat or greatly under Campbell's leadership. The fact that many Canadians expect little change is not surprising since Campbell was part of Mulroney's cabinet. Campbell received higher approval ratings than her party, the Progressive Conservatives.

A Gallup poll conducted July 8-13, 1993 reveals that 54% of Canadians favor the abolition of the Senate. This is the first time that a majority of respondents have favored the Senate's abolition, and represents a sharp increase from 1991, when 34% chose felt similarly. Only 4% of those polled believe the Senate should become part of the Upper House, while 37% said the Senate should be an elected body. Quebec stands apart from the other four geographic regions, with 68% of residents saying the Senate should be abolished. Older respondents and those with less education were more likely to choose abolition.