Federal NDP and Conservatives in dead heat
Posted Jun 8, 2012 11:34:22 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The latest numbers from Nanos research show the federal N.D.P for the first time is ahead of the Tories.
Nik Nanos told 1310News the New Democrats had 33.6% compared to 33.5% for the Conservatives which is considered a statistical tie.
Considering the war of words N.D.P leader Thomas Mulcair had with western premiers over the oil sands last week, Nanos is surprised there was no blow-back.
“With this heat, you would expect the N.D.P numbers to go down,” said Nanos.
Nanos attributed the strong support due to the Liberals lack of profile for its leadership race and on policy.
Regionally, the New Democrats lost some support across the Prairies but saw gains in Quebec and B.C. They remain steady in Ontario.
Nanos said it may be part of Mulcair’s strategy.
“It appears Mulcair is trying to re calibrate N.D.P support away from the Prairies and into, what I’ll say, into vote rich Quebec and also British Columbia which is a strategic part of the N.D.P coalition,” said Nanos.
He added the Prairies are no longer crucial for the party to hang on to official party status.
