Half want Harper out

According to an EKOS poll conducted January 15 – 17, a full 50% of Canadians would prefer a coalition government led by Michael Ignatieff over the current Harper Tory rule (43%).

This is particularly interesting given that Iggy himself has not shown any great love for the coalition, though he has agreed to vote against the upcoming budget if it is not what he thinks Canadians want.

While Stephen Harper, with his disrespect for the Parliamentary system and his palpable disinterest in the economic woes of the average citizen, carries much of the responsibility for the desire for change, I suspect that some of it lies with our neighbour to the south.

Harper and George W. Bush got along well (who can forget "my buddy Steve"?), with shared right-wing views. A new, Democratic, government in the U.S. is less likely to work well with the Conservatives. And, since the Americans are our major trading partners, that is a serious consideration.

A coalition headed by Michael Ignatieff could be very beneficial at this time, and apparently the majority of the people see that.

Unfortunately, it is unlikely to come to pass. Harper is not a fool, and will almost certainly put forward a budget, when Parliament resumes, that will win reluctant acceptance. But always keep in mind, Harper: most of us want you gone.