Shields’ survey hits big issues, plays to local Conservatives

Posted on August 15, 2024 by Vauxhall Advance

By Cal Braid
Vauxhall Advance
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

In his July newsletter, Bow River MP Martin Shields simplified his message and featured plenty of photos from his travels in the riding. Each month he sends out a survey for his constituents to participate in, and while the results fall in line with what might be expected from Shields’ supporters, it’s often an interesting exercise to join in on. Here are the questions and the latest results:

Q: Do you think the common sense Conservatives have done a good job exposing the NDP-Liberal corruption like ArriveScam and McKinsey in this spring session?

A: 102 answers – 87 said yes, five no, and 10 unsure.

Q: Do you think the conservative by-election win in downtown Toronto-St.Paul’s is a sign of future results in the next federal election?

A: 104 answers – 92 said yes, one no, 11 unsure.

Q: Do you support Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives plan to simplify the tax system in Canada?

A: 103 answers – 98 said yes, two no, three unsure.

Q: Do you think Steven Guilbeault should resign for trying to hide the internal report that proves the carbon tax will cost Canadian families almost $2,000 extra per year?

A: 104 answers – 101 said yes, two no, one unsure.

Q: Do you think Justin Trudeau or Steven Guilbeault should publicly apologize to the Parliamentary Budget Officer Yves Giroux for smearing and gagging him?

A: 104 answers – 99 said yes, one no, four unsure.

Q: Have you cut back on any groceries because of the increase in food prices thanks to this Liberal government’s inflationary spending?

A: 104 answers – 83 said yes, 18 no, three unsure.

Q: If you answered yes, which grocery items have you cut back on?

A: Multiple vote options – 73 said meat, 26 said dairy, 51 said produce, 35 said fish, 10 said legumes, 17 said other specific foods.

Q: Do you think government spending should be reallocated to support our military and meet the 2 per cent NATO spending target?

A: 104 answers – 81 said yes, 10 no, 13 unsure.

Q: Do you think foreign aid funding should be cut back?

A: 104 answers – 93 said yes, four no, seven unsure.

Q: Do you think the immigration target should be in line with Canada’s needs in the job market (ie. skilled trades, doctors, etc.)?

A: 104 answers – 97 said yes, six no, and one unsure.

Q: Do you plan to attend community festivals or celebrations this summer?

A: 104 answers – 34 said yes, 35 no, 35 unsure.

Of course, these are not necessarily representative of a broader Canada-wide perspective; they’re simply answers from a select readership that engages with Shields’ newsletter. However, for those with an active interest in national politics, these mini-polls can be helpful guide to researching and understanding a number of issues that will no doubt factor into the upcoming 2025 election.