(L-R) Thomas Mulcair, Justin Trudeau and Stephen HarperReuters/CP/Reuters
Canadians see Prime Minister Stephen Harper as a CEO, Thomas Mulcair as someone they can rely on in a jam and Justin Trudeau as a guy they want to hang out with, a new poll suggests.
Abacus Data surveyed 1,005 Canadians about their opinions of the three leaders of the biggest federal political parties. Respondents were asked which of the leaders they would rather have involved in a series of activities or roles.
Mr. Harper, leader of the governing Conservatives, scored best on questions of money and management. He was the top choice among respondents on who they would like to be CEO of a large company (47 per cent), and who they would like to get advice from about how to invest their money (46 per cent) or advice about their career (41 per cent).
Mr. Mulcair, leader of the Official Opposition New Democrats, scored best on compassion. He was the top choice for "most likely to lend you $100 if you needed it" (38 per cent), and the second choices for "most likely to stop and help if your car was stranded" (38 per cent) or who respondents would want negotiating a contract on their behalf (35 per cent).
Mr. Trudeau, leader of the Liberals, scored best on questions involving fun activities. He was the top choice as a vacation companion (55 per cent), and rated highly for recommending a good movie (53 per cent).
The poll was conducted from January 26 to 28 and, as an online survey, has a probabilistic margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 per cent, 19 times out of 20.
The next federal election is scheduled for Oct. 19.
Chris Hannay