25 episodes

For the past 10 years, I’ve built one of Canada’s leading polling and public opinion research firms: Abacus Data.

And in that time, my team and I interviewed hundreds of thousands of Canadians and hosted focus groups across the country.

This podcast will feature conversations with smart, curious, and interesting people who love politics, public policy, and figuring out what makes people think and act the way they do.

If you work in polling or market research, public affairs, public relations, government relations, advocacy, or in communications – this podcast is for you.

inFocus with David Coletto David Coletto

    • News
    • 4.7 • 18 Ratings

For the past 10 years, I’ve built one of Canada’s leading polling and public opinion research firms: Abacus Data.

And in that time, my team and I interviewed hundreds of thousands of Canadians and hosted focus groups across the country.

This podcast will feature conversations with smart, curious, and interesting people who love politics, public policy, and figuring out what makes people think and act the way they do.

If you work in polling or market research, public affairs, public relations, government relations, advocacy, or in communications – this podcast is for you.

    inFocus: How can foreign aid spending become a political winner?

    inFocus: How can foreign aid spending become a political winner?

    On August 30, the Globe and Mail published an editorial highlighting the fact that Canada’s foreign aid spending is in decline – again.
    They wrote, after noting that Canada’s defence spending is no where near the NATO target, “there’s a similar yet lesser known international yardstick on which Canada also falls well below the collective goal: spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on official development assistance.” The editorial goes onto conclude: “Ottawa needs to further bolster spending on foreign aid,” because, they argue “Canada’s presence in the world, whether military, economic development, or humanitarian, needs to be backed up with adequate funding.”
    So today, we ask: Can foreign aid be a political winner?
    On this episode of inFocus, I’m joined by Julia Anderson, the CEO at the Canadian Partnership for Women and Children’s Health or CanWaCH for short. CanWaCH has over 100 members ranging from NGOs, academic institutions, health professional associations and individuals partnering to improve health outcomes for women and children in more than 1,000 communities worldwide. It has also been a client of mine for several years now.
    Joining Julia is Robert Greenhill, the Executive Chairman of Global Canada Initiative and a CIGI fellow. Robert served as managing director and chief business officer at the World Economic Forum. Prior to this, he was president and deputy minister of the Canadian International Development Agency and a senior visiting executive with the International Development Research Centre in Ottawa.
    I’m thrilled to have both of these leaders on the podcast to talk about how Canada’s doing today when it comes to foreign aid, what is holding us back, and explore the results of a public opinion survey Abacus Data recently completed for CanWaCH on the topic.

    • 50 min
    The Conservatives open up a 12-point lead over the Liberals in the latest Abacus Data survey

    The Conservatives open up a 12-point lead over the Liberals in the latest Abacus Data survey

    In this episode, host David Coletto briefs on the latest Abacus Data poll that finds the Conservatives ahead of the Liberals by 12-points and a majority of Canadians feeling the Prime Minister shouldn't run in the next election.You can subscribe to his substack at davidcoletto.substack.com and find more research over on the Abacus Data website - abacusdata.ca

    • 6 min
    If a political leader promised to reduce immigration levels, would they win or lose votes?

    If a political leader promised to reduce immigration levels, would they win or lose votes?

    In this episode, host David Coletto delves into the contentious issue of immigration in Canada. He discusses his recent article "Would a Leader Who Promises to Reduce Immigration Win Votes?", revealing the findings of his public opinion survey on immigration attitudes. With data suggesting a majority of Canadians are in favor of reducing immigration levels, David explores the implications for political leaders, societal pressures, and public sentiment. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of this complex issue, as David challenges the belief that Canada is immune to anti-immigration sentiment, pointing to wider societal concerns about housing and healthcare. This episode provides crucial insights into the emerging debates that are shaping Canada's future.You can subscribe to his substack at davidcoletto.substack.com and find more research over on the Abacus Data website - abacusdata.ca

    • 6 min
    Final Alberta Poll: UCP poised to win a very close election

    Final Alberta Poll: UCP poised to win a very close election

    In this episode of inFocus, pollster David Coletto shares his perspective on the final Abacus Data poll released earlier this morning (Sunday) on the Alberta provincial election.
    Full details of the poll can be accessed on the Abacus Data website.

    • 7 min
    Alberta Election 2023: The Alberta NDP takes the lead

    Alberta Election 2023: The Alberta NDP takes the lead

    In this episode of inFocus, pollster David Coletto shares his perspective on a new Abacus Data poll released with just two weeks to go in the Alberta provincial election.
    Full details of the poll can be accessed on the Abacus Data website.

    • 5 min
    On your marks... the Alberta election is about to begin

    On your marks... the Alberta election is about to begin

    In this episode of inFocus, pollster David Coletto shares his perspective on a new Abacus Data poll released just prior to the start of the 2023 Alberta provincial election.
    In this episode, we'll be exploring vote intentions and the motivators of vote choice in Alberta. So, let's dive right in.
    This comprehensive province-wide survey interviewed 1,000 eligible voters between April 21 and 25, just before the Calgary event center announcement.
     

    • 5 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
18 Ratings

18 Ratings

gerry613 ,

Thoughtful conversations

I look forward to these episodes every week. David’s non-partisan and thoughtful approach to interviewing is wonderful. And the range of guests and perspectives makes every discussion so valuable.

I love what Abacus Data produces and this podcast is a great addition to the content they produce.

Canada’s best polling team

WJGuy1 ,

Perspective

Fascinating non-partisan perspective into politics in general and Canadian politics in particular.

Ontario Canuck ,

Love to see all sides of a story

So glad I accidentally found you. Learning much. Especially appreciated interview with the i dependent senator. I too would appreciate some 20% increase in volume.

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