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Column: Take polling information with grain of salt

There is currently a debate whether we are in a recession in Canada.

There is currently a debate whether we are in a recession in Canada.

The banter back and forth over this question is coming from those wanting to be the next prime minister.

Some are saying this is a technical recession, however, most data that I find says that a recession also shows a decline in employment.

We have not seen a net decline in employment that would characterize every recession Canada has ever had.

When many countries around the world are facing economic problems it is bound to effect Canada.

The stock market is taking dizzying turns downward and we in Canada don’t have much control over world economy slumping ... just look at Greece and China, to mention only a few countries that are struggling these days.

Polls are too easily manipulated to be of any real use, and decades of academic research has proven they are used as a tool by those desperate to perpetuate the status quo to manipulate the electorate.

Ignore the polls, talk to your friends and neighbors, investigate the issues for yourself, and look beyond the controlled mass media, then vote with your head and heart for a bright future and a good Canada.

If you remember the last provincial election in British Columbia, the polls suggested the NDP would win hands down, but the provincial Liberals under Christy Clark were not buying that the polls were right.

There have been several instances over the years where polls show one thing and when the voters go the polls the results are different.

Having said the polls may not be realistic here is one poll that suggests the federal political race in Canada is very close.

An Abacus poll suggests the political race to see who will lead Canada until the next election is very close and it would suggest we will have a minority government, either under Harper or Muclair.

The poll readings, if you believe them, suggest the NDP have 31 per cent of the vote, while the Conservatives are at 30 per cent and 28 per cent for Trudeau’s Liberals.

The polls show the Conservatives would loose to the NDP in the Cariboo Prince George riding.

I find that a little tough to believe but they have won in this riding a long time ago, so it may change.

Make sure you learn about the candidates and get out to cast your ballot on election day.  If you don’t, never complain about politics, because you did not vote.

Ken Wilson is a freelance columnist with the Tribune/Weekend Advisor.