Bread and Butter Survey

1. In the next six months, do you think the Canadian economy will become:

stronger

weaker

not change

2. How would you rate the job being done by the federal government in dealing with the economic crisis:

3. In terms of its potential impact on the broader economy, do you think the country's current economic situation is:

a crisis

a serious problem but not a crisis

a problem but not a serious one, or

not much of a problem at all

4. On a scale of 1 to 5, where 1 is “no confidence at all” and 5 is “very confident”, how much confidence do you have in the Stephen Harper Conservative government to deal with an economic downturn:

5. Do you support, somewhat support, somewhat oppose or oppose governments in Canada running a deficit during an economic downturn:

6. Jobs in our economy are mostly made up of corporate private sector jobs and government public sector jobs. In your view will cutting government services help our economy by saving money, or will this make the economic downturn worse:

cutting government services will help our economy by saving money

cutting government services will make the economic downturn worse

neither position reflects my view

7. On a scale of 1 to 5 where 1 is “not at all important” and 5 is “very important”, how important is it that the government increase investment in public services like health care, social services, and education during an economic downturn :

8. Only 40% of unemployed workers qualify for Employment Insurance (EI) benefits. Reforms to the EI program could provide both an economic stimulus and ensure a cushion for unemployed workers and families against the economic turmoil. In your view:

the government should make it easier to qualify for EI

the government should raise the benefits provided by EI

the duration that EI benefits can be collected should be extended

no changes are required to the EI program

choose any or all statements you agree with

9. Pension funds and the private savings of Canadians have been hit hard by the stock-market meltdown. Given the circumstances should the federal government help retirees and the nearly retired by increasing the rate of benefits provided under CPP:

strongly agree

somewhat agree

somewhat disagree

strongly disagree

10. Which of the following statements comes the closest to reflecting your opinion:

During a recession governments have to choose between reviving the economy and protecting the environment because they can't afford to do both.

We do not have to choose either a strong economy or a clean environment. In fact the solutions to the climate crisis are the same measures needed to renew our economy.

By investing in green technology our governments can renew our economy and confront climate change.

11. The banks have received protection and support from the federal government during the economic downturn. How should the banks help struggling families and businesses during these tough times:

reduce interest rates on mortgages and lines of credit

put a cap on credit card interest rates

eliminate ATM fees

continue charging rates and fees as usual

choose any or all statements you agree with

Additional thoughts and comments:

We are interested in your experiences during this economic downturn and ideas about how the government can turn things around for you, your family and your community.

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