Given continuing talk of the vulnerability of minority governments and a never ending possibility of a new election, CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS business panel were asked to assess how economic policy is made and what kind of government would perform best.

Panelists believe that the opinions of the G7 are among many factors that influence economic policy. The views of the Opposition in Parliament in a minority government situation affect the economic performance of a government to a considerable degree, they feel. It is perhaps for this reason that panelists perceive either a Harper majority or an Ignatieff majority as best for the economy.

Between a Harper majority and an Ignatieff majority, the former is perceived more often to be the better performer—by a factor of 3:1 to 4:1—in respect of assuring economic growth, inflation control, controlling taxes, and keeping a lid on spending.

These are the key findings from this past week’s Internet survey of CEOs and business leaders on the COMPAS panel. The weekly business survey is undertaken for Canadian Business magazine under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody LLP.

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