Quebec values charter support down, poll shows

A new Lger Marketing poll suggests support is dropping for the Parti Qubcois governments proposed charter of Quebec values.

Support for the charter is diminishing, said Christian Bourque, the vice president of Lger Marketing.

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The poll, conducted for the Journal de Montral and which surveyed 2,000 people, indicates that while 43 per cent of Quebecers are in favour of the charter, 42 per cent are opposed.

He said 49 per cent of the provinces francophones supported the idea of the charter.

Those numbers were very different three weeks ago, when the marketing company conducted a similar poll.

When we asked the question about three weeks ago, 57 per cent of Quebecers and 65 per cent of francophones were supportive of the concept of the charter, Bourque said.

Bourque said he was surprised to see how drastically the numbers dropped in the past few weeks. He said people tend to shy away from voicing their opinions in conflict situations, pointing to the example of last years student tuition protests.

Were seeing that theres a drop of support among francophones and a hardening of opposition among anglophones and allophones, Bourque said.

Still, despite growing opposition tothe PQs proposed charter, support for the party itself hasnt waned.

The pollshows that 33 per cent of Quebecers would vote for the PQ if an election were to be held today. The approval rating is close to the partys numbers the day it was voted in as the provinces minority government.

Numbers breakdown

Overall support for the charter

Island of Montreal: 40 per cent in favour, 49 per cent against

Quebec City: 37 per cent in favour, 48 per cent against

Question: Are you in favour or not in favour of the charter of Quebec values project?

43 per cent of Quebecers in favour, 42 per cent of Quebecers against

Francophones: 49 per cent in favour, 34 per cent against

Anglophones: 15 per cent in favour, 72 per cent against

Question: Do you agree or disagree with the decision to keep the cross in the national assembly?

54 per cent of Quebecersagree, 38 per cent disagree

Question: Do you agree or disagree with the proposition to make it mandatory to uncover ones face when receiving or giving government services?

90 per cent of Quebecers agree, 6 per cent disagree