In Aftermath of Toronto G-20 Summit,
Majority (62%) of Canadians, GTA Residents (70%) Say Hosting G-20 in Toronto Was a Mistake

Toronto, ON - In the aftermath of the G-20 Summit held in Toronto, which saw police arrest more than 1,000 people, retail shops smashed and looted and violent clashes with police, a new Ipsos Reid poll conducted on behalf of Global Television, CFRB Radio and Canwest News Service reveals that a majority (62%) of Canadians - and 70% of those living in the Greater Toronto Area - `agree' that `it was a mistake to hold the G- 20 in Toronto'. However, despite security costs and the damage caused by violent protesters, four in ten (38%) Canadians and three in ten (30%) GTA residents `disagree' that it was a mistake to host the G-20 in Toronto.

Furthermore, a minority (44%) of Canadians and GTA residents (39%) `agree' that `despite the inconvenience and problems, the G20 summit was worth having in Toronto given the actual results reached by the leaders'. Conversely, a majority of Canadians (56%) and GTA residents (61%) `disagree' that hosting the summit in Toronto was worth it.

Much criticism has been levied on the Toronto police with some critics arguing that the police were slow to react to protesters and others arguing that police were too heavy-handed in their response. In this regard, three quarters (76%) of Canadians and eight in ten (81%) residents of the GTA `agree' that `all things considered, the police did a good job during the Summit'. However, one quarter (24%) of Canadians, and two in ten (19%) residents of the GTA `disagree' that the police did a good job.

Moreover, seven in ten (71%) Canadians and GTA residents (70%) `agree' that `police were prepared to handle the violent hooligans on Toronto's streets', while three in ten Canadians (29%) and GTA residents (30%) `disagree' that the policy were prepared to handle the situations that arose.

A similar proportion of Canadians (71%) and GTA residents (74%) `agree' that `the police properly balanced appropriate force and restraint given the circumstances as they arose'. On the other hand, three in ten Canadians (29%) and GTA residents (26%) `disagree' that the police properly balanced force with restraint.

Similarly, a majority of Canadians (66%) and GTA residents (71%) `agree' that `the police found a good balance between protecting the Summit Leaders and allowing people to voice their views on the streets'. A minority of Canadians (34%) and GTA residents (29%) `disagree' with this assessment.

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos Reid poll conducted between June 30 and July 5, 2010, on behalf of Global Television, CFRB Radio and Canwest News Service. For this survey, a sample of 1,859 adults from Ipsos' Canadian online panel was interviewed online (including 683 residents of the GTA). Weighting was then employed to balance demographics and ensure that the sample's composition reflects that of the adult population according to Census data and to provide results intended to approximate the sample universe. A survey with an unweighted probability sample of this size and a 100% response rate would have an estimated margin of error of +/-2.3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, of what the results would have been had the entire population of adults in Canada been polled. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

For more information on this news release, please contact:
John Wright
Senior Vice President
Ipsos Reid Public Affairs
(416) 324-2002
[email protected]

About Ipsos Reid

Ipsos Reid is Canada's market intelligence leader, the country's leading provider of public opinion research, and research partner for loyalty and forecasting and modelling insights. With operations in eight cities, Ipsos Reid employs more than 600 research professionals and support staff in Canada. The company has the biggest network of telephone call centres in the country, as well as the largest pre-recruited household and online panels. Ipsos Reid's marketing research and public affairs practices offer the premier suite of research vehicles in Canada, all of which provide clients with actionable and relevant information. Staffed with seasoned research consultants with extensive industry-specific backgrounds, Ipsos Reid offers syndicated information or custom solutions across key sectors of the Canadian economy, including consumer packaged goods, financial services, automotive, retail, and technology & telecommunications. Ipsos Reid is an Ipsos company, a leading global survey-based market research group.

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About Ipsos

Ipsos is a leading global survey-based market research company, owned and managed by research professionals. Ipsos helps interpret, simulate, and anticipate the needs and responses of consumers, customers, and citizens around the world.

Member companies assess market potential and interpret market trends. They develop and build brands. They help clients build long-term relationships with their customers. They test advertising and study audience responses to various media. They measure public opinion around the globe. Ipsos member companies offer expertise in advertising, customer loyalty, marketing, media, and public affairs research, as well as forecasting, modeling, and consulting. Ipsos has a full line of custom, syndicated, omnibus, panel, and online research products and services, guided by industry experts and bolstered by advanced analytics and methodologies. The company was founded in 1975 and has been publicly traded since 1999. In 2009, Ipsos generated global revenues of e943.7 million ($1.33 billion U.S.). .

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