Polls
April 7, 2017 (Ottawa, ON) – A new Mainstreet/Postmedia poll finds the progressive conservatives continue to lead in the province but finds low support for carbon pricing and healthcare investment deferral. The Mainstreet/Postmedia poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
“Manitobans are divided on the idea of a carbon tax with 39% supporting it and 50% opposing it,” said Quito Maggi, president of Mainstreet Research. “This difference in opinion on a carbon tax is most visible in Manitoba outside of Winnipeg where just 28% support and 60% oppose the idea. In Winnipeg, the opinions are evenly divided, 46% in favour, and 45% opposed.”
“The good news for Premier Pallister is, it appears that most Manitobans would not be affected by a carbon tax or be more likely to re-elect the PC government. When asked about the possibility of putting a price on carbon, 40% of people said it would not affect their likelihood of voting PC in the next election and 16% are more likely to vote PC if they bring in a carbon tax. This is compared to 32% who said this would make them less likely to vote PC.””
“A majority of Manitobans (60%) however agreed when asked if a referendum should be held before the introduction of a carbon tax. Among those, more than 4 in 10 Manitobans strongly agreed, that was compared to just 16% who strongly disagreed. It appears that most Manitobans did not know that the PC platform contained a pledge to have a carbon tax during the 2016 election. Just 17% said they were aware compared to 48% who were not aware and 35% who are not sure.”
“The current voting intentions point to little risk in a carbon tax for Pallister and the PC government who enjoy the support of almost half of Manitoba voters (47%). The NDP retains a slight edge over the Liberals for second place at 23% among decided and leaning voters with the Liberals at 19%. The strength of the Green party continues to show pre-election support that failed to materialize when ballots were counted.”
“The greater risks may lie in core Provincial services of Healthcare and Education. A large majority (61%) of people disagree with the government decision to delay new healthcare facility funding to help balance the budget. Similarly, (60%) a large majority of people think school boards should get increased funding to cope with inflation related cost increases. ”
“When asked about School boards specifically, opinions were very mixed about whether they should be able to levy their own taxes. 36% said they want school boards to raise funds through taxes, 32% were opposed and another 32% were unsure. This is not an idea that has wide public awareness.”
“When asked about labour and the proposal to change the way it bargains collectively, again, opinions were mixed. 39% agreed with the PC government proposal and 40% disagree with just over two in ten who were not sure,” finished Maggi.
-30-
Mainstreet – Manitoba March 2017 by Mainstreet on Scribd
