Only one in five Canadians want 2008 election, poll suggests

THE CANADIAN PRESS
OTTAWA - A new poll suggests only about one in five Canadians want a federal election this year.

The Canadian Press Harris-Decima survey of just over 1,000 Canadians found 58 per cent wanted the election in 2009, while only 22 per cent wanted one this year.

The federal Conservative government has survived in a minority Parliament since early 2006 and opposition parties have been back and forth over when to bring it down.

Liberal Leader Stephane Dion has said he wants to wait to decide on a confidence vote until after the federal budget, expected in February or March.

The poll, conducted Jan. 17-20, also suggests Conservative supporters are less likely than those of other parties to back the idea of an election this year.

Bloc Quebecois and NDP supporters were the most likely to want an earlier election.

The survey is considered accurate to within plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times in 20.

© The Canadian Press, 2008