To view a detailed poll analysis with illustrations, click here

CARP surveyed members immediately before the federal Throne Speech (February 26) and immediately after the federal Budget (March 4). This report presents results from both surveys.

In advance of the Throne Speech and the Federal Budget, CARP members wanted the government to focus on retirement security and pension reform issues, but expected, instead, to be confronted with taxes and deficit reduction. Members say neither the budget nor the Throne Speech met their expectations and this will make them less likely to vote for the government next time. Members agree the Afghan mission should end, do not believe in its goals and think our troops are being put in needless danger. More members expected a spring election than wanted one, and the Conservative party is favoured, although by significantly lower margins than were evident last summer and fall.

When asked which priorities they want the government to focus on in the Throne Speech, it is apparent retirement security is uppermost in members’ minds, followed by continuing economic stewardship of the nation’s finances. While their priority is retirement security , however, members expect the government to focus on economic stewardship to the exclusion of most other priorities.

When asked which one spending measure they would like most to see in the budget, members focus on retirement security again (“substantial increases to CPP/OAS”), but they expect the government to deliver tax increases instead. Additionally, in a triumph of hope over reason, members expect the now-defunct home renovation credit to be extended.

The majority of members say both the Throne Speech and the budget failed to meet their expectations and significant minorities say they are less likely to vote for the government as a result.

Members agree the Afghan mission should end in 2011, and they don’t think Canada or anyone else can help Afghanistan become a functioning democracy. While the plurality say the mission’s true purpose is development and democracy building, a plurality also says our troops are needlessly being put in danger.

minorities say they are less likely to vote for the government as a result.

Members agree the Afghan mission should end in 2011, and they don’t think Canada or anyone else can help Afghanistan become a functioning democracy. While the plurality say the mission’s true purpose is development and democracy building, a plurality also says our troops are needlessly being put in danger.

One fifth of members believe a spring election is required, but almost twice that proportion believe we are likely to vote again in the spring.

If an election is held, the Conservative party is favoured, but by a much reduced majority over findings recorded this summer and fall.

To view a detailed poll analysis with illustrations, click here

Keywords: budget, retirement