The Liberals have spent over $11.3 million in taxpayer funds for opinion polls while in government.
An annual report by Public Services and Procurement Canada reveals that the federal government hired polling firms to conduct 121 different research projects. Part of the cost includes $1 million spent towards yearly subscriptions.
“In total, the government awarded contracts for custom public opinion research services to 30 research firms. These firms delivered various research services, ranging from survey data collectionto full qualitative and/or quantitative research services (research design, data collection, analysis and reporting),” claims the report.
“Thanks to these new insights, the government becomes better equipped to adapt its communications approach, policies or programs that consider the views and interests of Canadians from all regions of the country and from all segments of the population. These segments include women, Indigenous Peoples, members of visible and linguistic minorities, people with disabilities, and members of the LGBTQ2 communities.”
Health Canada and the Public Health Agency of Canada recorded the highest amount of spending for opinion polls. The departments spent over $2.8 million on 24 different research projects.
The highest paid polling supplier by the Liberals was The Earnscliffe Strategy Group Inc. which was awarded over $1.2 million for their services on 9 different projects.
Since 2016, spending on polling has nearly tripled from $3.8 million to $12.5 million.
In comparison, spending by the previous Conservative government showed a declining trend in money spent on opinion polls.
