EXCERPTS
Nanos Research finds a regional split on subsidized spaces for children versus tax deductions, while medical options may be a more defensive issue for Conservatives than Liberals
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In a question on child care, Nanos found that Canadians are more likely to prefer subsidized child-care spaces proposed by Liberals and New Democrats than tax deductions on child-related expenses proposed by the Conservatives. According to the research, 50 per cent of respondents preferred subsidized spaces while 40 per cent prefer the Conservative tax-deduction approach. Residents from the Atlantic region were more likely to prefer the Liberal and NDP approach while most residents from the Prairies preferred the Conservative approach.
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Mr. Nanos said the Liberal proposal for subsidized child care is not an overwhelming political winner. He said that although Canadians are likely united on a child-care plan, there is no consensus on how to proceed. “The Liberal plan, which is modelled on Quebec’s child-care plan is, not surprisingly, favoured in Quebec. This could help Liberal fortunes in Quebec while being a hindrance to the Conservatives in Quebec.”
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On the child-care issue, survey respondents were asked: “The Liberal Party and the NDP are both promising to create new, subsidized child-care spaces at an average cost to parents of $10. The Conservative Party says it would take a different approach by converting the existing Child Care Expense deduction into a refundable tax credit that would cover up to 75 per cent of the cost of child care for lower-income families. Based on what you’ve heard so far during the campaign on child care, do you prefer the Liberal and NDP proposals for subsidized child care spaces or the Conservative proposal for a tax deduction on child care expenses?”
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