Canadians, by a 2 to 1 margin, want governments to spend whatever is required to rebuild and stimulate the economy, even if it means running large deficits for the foreseeable future, according to a new poll conducted by Abacus Data for the Broadbent Institute.

The poll, which was released Friday, said Canadians also widely support an economic recovery that meet specific criteria, including:

  • Building Canada’s ability to produce key products like food and medical supplies domestically instead of relying on global markets (79 per cent extremely or very important);
  • Investing in strengthening the health system, including universal public pharmacare (72 per cent extremely or very important).
  • Not letting richer Canadians off the hook for contributing their fair share (71 per cent extremely or very important);
  • Helping people who need it the most (71 per cent extremely or very important); and
  • Focusing on helping people and preventing corporations from using funds for excessive executive pay, stock buy-backs, or increased dividends (70 per cent extremely or very important).

“Canadians want a recovery that is fair, focused on people, and builds up our resilience for future challenges,” said Rick Smith, Executive Director of the Broadbent Institute, in a news release.