It is exactly one month since Canadians voted in a new federal Conservative government. Contrary to Liberal campaign intimations, the country has not fallen apart.
What a surprise.
Although we hear many poll results during an election campaign, few seem to be commissioned afterward.
The Canadian Institute of International Affairs is the exception. It recently released the results of a Pollara Inc. survey in which it partnered. The poll gauged people’s expectations about prime minister Stephen Harper on the international stage.
“Overall, Canadians are optimistic about their expectations of Stephen Harper’s performance in the various foreign policy issue areas,” said a CIIA News release
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news issued last week. More than half think Harper will do a better job than former prime minister Paul Martin on improving relations with the United States and slightly less than half think he’ll do better than Martin in ensuring Canada’s peace-keeping troops have the necessary equipment and training.
Albertans have particularly high confidence in Harper. In the province that had a Conservative sweep in last month’s election, fully two-thirds of those surveyed think Harper will do a better job than Martin on improving U.S. relations and on supporting the armed forces. What a surprise.
Quebecers are less confident, the poll shows. There, 40 percent think Harper will surpass Martin in equipping the troops. They also have less confidence in his ability to solve the softwood lumber dispute or improve trade with China. Quel surprise.
As its name implies, the CIIA is concerned with international affairs. A survey on domestic issues is someone else’s bailiwick.
On another topic entirely, we direct your attention to Prime Cuts: Life Strategies for Farming After 50, By Noel McNaughton. Reading this book was like spending time with an old friend. In fact, it almost seemed like I’d read it before.
That’s because the book is a compilation of material that has appeared in the Western Producer in the Ranching After 50 column. We’ve had good response to this column since it started running in November 2004.
Readers tell us they find it comfortable, easy to read and relevant to many of their life situations, whether they are older than 50 or just hoping to be some day, considering the alternative.
McNaughton is a farmer, broadcaster, writer and speaker who uses his own experience and real examples in providing advice.
Use the contact information on his column, this week on page 45, to obtain it, or visit his website at www.midlife-men.com.
