The Conservative party has increased its lead over the Liberals in the CEO panel from a 1.5 ratio in 2004 to a 2.4 ratio in 2006. Almost two-thirds of panelists today (66%) plan to vote Conservative compared to half (53%) a year and a half ago.

The increase in voting support for Harper is modest compared to a pattern of dramatically increased confidence in him and his potential government. Former Finance Minister Paul Martin has lost much of his halo while uncertainties about Harper have largely dissipated. In 2004, 42% anticipated that a majority Liberal government would have a decidedly positive impact on the economy compared to 54% in the case of a majority Conservative government. The corresponding proportions today are 41% and 72%, respectively, with the Conservatives holding a dramatic lead over the party led by a former finance minister.

Asked to grade the party leaders on 100 point scales for their performance in the first two weeks of January, 2006, panelists gave Harper a 72% average - his highest score ever and far higher than Martin’s present score (46%) or than the vast majority of scores that Martin has ever earned. Martin receives a failing grade while Harper’s grade is higher than for almost all other politicians in COMPAS proprietary database of performance scores.

Asked about the costliness of party platform promises in the campaign and whether any leader stands out as responsible, the panelists single out Harper as responsible - 54% vs. 13% highlighting Martin as responsible.

These are the key findings from this past week’s web survey of CEOs and business leaders undertaken by COMPAS for The Financial Post under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

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