Vancouver, British Columbia – A new poll by McAllister Opinion Research found that 57 per cent of Canadians favour increased federal government spending to bolster the economy, even if it means running a deficit, but there is only weak support for a bailout of the auto sector, even in Ontario where most auto jobs are located.

Support for economic intervention was highest in Ontario, at 63 per cent, and lowest in Western Canada, at 52 per cent. However, 52 per cent across the country opposed the bailout. In Ontario, the finding was the same, with 52 per cent opposing the bailout. The greatest support was in Atlantic Canada and Quebec, where 52 per cent were in favour of economic support for the auto industry; Western Canada was most firmly in opposition, with 57 per cent saying no to a bailout.

The results are based on a national telephone survey of 1,105 Canadians from November 17 to 23, 2008.