A majority of Canadians favour increased federal government spending to bolster the economy, even if it means running a deficit, according to a national opinion poll completed this past weekend.

However, the results of the survey, which were released Thursday, indicate only weak support for an auto-sector bail-out.

Amid news stories that the federal Conservative government is contemplating a multi-billion dollar stimulus package, the McAllister Opinion Research poll found that 57% of Canadians agree that the federal government should follow this route, even if it means running a deficit. Another 42% disagree, including 18% who strongly disagree.

Support for economic intervention is highest in Ontario (63%) and lowest in Western Canada (52%) and higher among university graduates (64%) than those with less education. Support is also higher among older adults than young adults, with men 55 and older expressing the strongest support (71%) of all demographic groups.

Despite the general support for stimulus spending, respondents balked when asked whether the federal government should provide financial assistance to automakers. A slim majority (52%) across the country oppose the bailout — even in Ontario (52%), where most auto industry jobs are concentrated.

Atlantic Canadians and Quebeckers offer the greatest support (52%), while Westerners stand most firmly in opposition (57%).

The same poll found that 72% Canadians say that they are worried that the global economic crisis will impact their own personal financial situation. Meanwhile, 70% say that the recent crisis is proof that private sector institutions like banks and investment firms cannot be trusted to regulate themselves.

“These numbers follow on a trend of collapsing trust in private institutions,” said pollster Angus McAllister, in a news release.

“We have seen a noticeable decline in public faith that corporate Canada can be relied upon to do the right thing. Many Canadians feel they have no choice but to look to government for leadership out of the mess.”

The results are based on a national telephone survey of 1,015 Canadians conducted Nov. 17-23 by McAllister Opinion Research.

IE