Our Democracy

The Democratic Deficit 1870s Prime Minister Alexander Mackenzie Canada’s Second Prime Minister (First Liberal PM) Came to power when the Macdonald government fell as a result of the Pacific Scandal Implemented secret ballots Created the Supreme Court of Canada Created the Office of the Auditor General Voter Turnout at Federal Elections  Mackenzie Government elected (1874) – 69.6%  First election after Secret Ballot (1878) – 69.1%  Highest all time turnout (1958) – 79.4%  2006 Federal Election – 64.7%  2008 Federal Election – 58.8% (Lowest all time)

Research on the Democratic Deficit ResponsesPercentage Citizens should have a more direct say in influencing public policy and should have more opportunity to shape government decisions 61% Between elections, it is the responsibility of the elected official to use their best judgment and make policy decisions on behalf of citizens 31% Neither4% Unsure5% The same research found that outside of voting during an election 24% of Canadians had never taken part in any of the following types of public engagement: - signing petitions (57%) - attending town hall meetings (38%) - writing a letter to their MP (32%) - attending demonstrations (22%) - joining a political party (21%) I am going to read you two statements regarding how much citizens should get involved in public policy debates and I would like you to tell me which statements comes closer to your view. (Nanos Research/Public Policy Forum, )

Views on a Minority Government Situation Is your overall impression of a minority government situation positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative or negative? (Source: Nanos Research) RegionsPositive Somewhat Positive Atlantic Canada* (96) Quebec (258) Ontario (305) Prairies (205) British Columbia (139)

Minority Situation Impression Drivers Why do you have that impression? [open-ended] (Follow up question to: Is your overall impression of a minority government situation positive, somewhat positive, somewhat negative or negative?) (Source: Nanos Research) Positive or somewhat positive impression drivers(n=538) It’s good because it forces parties to co-operate54.8% They are inefficient5.0% No particular reason2.2% It depends on the party in power2.0% Other (less than 2% each)4.2% Unsure31.8% Negative or somewhat negative impression drivers(n=373) They are inefficient59.8% The system is corrupt/they are just power-hungry7.2% It’s good because it forces parties to co-operate3.5% Other (less than 2% each)8.1% Unsure21.4%

The Political Landscape

Concern over economy remains top issue

Nanos Ballot Tracking Atlantic Canada* QuebecOntarioPrairies British Columbia (n=72)(n=197)(n=214)(n=156)(n=116) Conservative Liberal NDP BQ Green

Thank you.