Video: An overnight survey indicates 53 per cent of Canadians support Justin Trudeau’s decision to remove 32 senators from the Liberal Caucus. Shirlee Engel reports.
TORONTO – Justin Trudeau’s removal of senators from the Liberal caucus Wednesday was a surprising move he claimed was an attempt to reform Canada’s scandal-plagued Senate, and a decision a majority of surveyed Canadians approve, according to a new poll.
Fifty-three per cent of respondents to Thursday’s Angus Reid Global survey either strongly or somewhat approve of the decision.
But 31 per cent are “still digesting” the news and don’t know how they feel about it.
“These are very early numbers that take the initial temperature of Canadians on Trudeau’s maneuver on Senate reform,” said Angus Reid Global Vice President Shachi Kurl in a release.
“At first glance, Trudeau may have reason to feel optimistic about his political gamble. However, the significant number of Canadians who are undecided about this issue means the battle for hearts and minds is far from over.”
The indecision could be related to the reaction from the expelled senators. After their shock wore off, the senators said they’d been “set free” and praised Trudeau for his move.
Then the group contradicted Trudeau’s assertion that they can’t designate themselves as “Liberal” senators anymore.
“We have agreed that we will style ourselves as the Liberal Senate caucus,” said James Cowan on Wednesday, adding he plans to continue leading the official Opposition in the Senate. Senators will remain Liberal party members and friends with elected Liberal MPs, he said. “I think not a lot will change,” Cowan said.
Watch below: Liberal leader Justin Trudeau stunned just about everyone, even those in his own caucus, by declaring there is no longer any such thing as a Liberal senator. Shirlee Engel explains. (Jan. 29)
Since Trudeau only kicked the senators out of the caucus and not the Liberal party itself, it appears they are still card-carrying Liberals and can associate as such in the Senate.
The survey, conducted online among 1,503 randomly selected Canadian adult Angus Reid Forum panelists, showed support for Trudeau’s decision was highest among those who voted NDP in the 2011 federal election (70 per cent of past NDP voters approved).
Support for Trudeau’s decision was also high for those who voted for the federal Liberals in 2011 at 68 per cent, compared with support from 41 per cent of those who voted Conservative.
The poll also suggested only 16 per cent somewhat or strongly disapproved of Trudeau’s decision, but 48 per cent of respondents believe the Senate needs a “massive overhaul and sweeping reforms.”
READ MORE: ‘It’s not wise,’ longest-sitting senator says after Trudeau boots 32 from caucus
When asked how much the Senate debate will factor into voting decisions in next year’s federal election, 51 per cent of those polled said it was “an important factor, but one among many,” and only 5 per cent called it “a deciding factor.”
READ MORE: Senate unlikely to be reformed, abolished despite scandals
With files from The Canadian Press
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