2. Columbia Institute: Centre for Civic Governance National charitable organization dedicated to enhancing local governance by inspiring, informing and supporting local leaders Founded in BC in 2005 Began work in Ontario 2007

3. Columbia Institute: Centre for Civic Governance Conducting research to support councillors and school trustees Connecting leaders to share ideas and information Linking leaders to national and international experts on critical issues

4. Confidence Poll: Methods Sought a benchmark for confidence in local leadership – with surprising results Fielded by Strategic Communications as additional questions in the Ontario Omnibus Poll n=605 Margin of error = +/- 4.0, 19 times out of 20 Comparisons to BC polling: Stratcom’s BC Omnibus Poll, n=606, M.O.E.= +/- 4.0, 19 times out of 20

5. In general, when you're facing a problem whom would you expect to be most responsive in dealing with that problem? Would it be … [rotate] Your local councillor Your Ontario MPP Your MP

6. In general, when you're facing a problem whom would you expect to be most responsive in dealing with that problem. Would it be:

8. Some people believe that local governments have an adequate tax base to provide services and infrastructure for local communities and that its important for local governments to live within their means. They say that the present arrangements for funding local governments should not be changed. Other people believe that local governments do not have an adequate tax base to provide services and infrastructure for local communities. They say that the Provincial and Federal Governments should provide local governments with more regular and more flexible sources of funds. Which is closer to your view?

11. Regional Comparison

12. Education

13. Who would say is doing the best job in relation to public education in your community...

14. Who would you say is doing the best job in relation to the public education system in your community?

16. Regional Comparison

18. Top 3 Education Issues by Region Toronto 1) Lack of funding 2) Quality/Standards 3) Crowded classrooms Rest of GTA 1) Lack of funding 2) Crowded classrooms 3) Quality/Standards Southwest Ontario 1) Lack of funding 2) Quality/Standards 3) Not enough teachers East Ontario 1) Lack of funding 2) Lack of discipline 3) Crowded classrooms Central Ontario 1) Lack of funding 2) Crowded classrooms 3) Discipline, Violence/safety/drugs North 1) Lack of funding 2) School Closures/Not enough schools 3) Violence/safety/drugs

19. Conclusions Strong vote of confidence in local leaders Strong message to next Government: Local government is the government Ontarians trust most, and they should be given the tools they need to deliver at the local level