Canadians Fine with Runner-Up Governing

A new poll finds the last thing the public wants is another election if the results on May 2 are inconclusive.

Should they elect a minority government, and if the House of Commons doesn't have confidence in the election's winner, Canadians aren't at all opposed to the Governor General giving the leader of the opposition a crack at forming a government, according to a new poll. Only 19 per cent of respondents said they thought there should be another election if Parliament can't work out its problems, while 43 per cent said Gov. Gen. David Johnston should hand over the reins to whomever takes up residence at Stornoway. The remainder were indifferent to how it all works out, suggesting the Conservatives' endless refrain about “reckless coalitions” seizing power hasn't found traction with much of the voting public.

For The Mark’s full election coverage, click here.

For a quick guide to where the parties stand on the major issues, click here.