New public opinion research suggests that Canada’s governing Conservative Party may be out of step with the priorities of many members of the Canadian public.
The findings are based on consultation with focus groups carried out the NRG Research Group in January. The research was commissioned by the federal Finance Department.
According to the study, the focus groups raised health care, pensions and veteran as their key issues.
NRG says the groups had “little enthusiasm” for the Northern Gateway project, the proposed bitumen pipeline that would carry oil from Alberta to the British Columbia coast for distribution by tankers to Asia.
The focus groups also called for more processing and refining of Canadian oil at home and in a more environmentally friendly manner.
The findings suggest Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s focus on central policy themes of trade and the economy are not resonating with the general public.
Mr. Harper’s Conservatives were elected with a majority in 2011. The next federal vote is scheduled for October, 2015.
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