New poll suggests Canadians are favorably impressed by Ignatieff

Ignatieff ascension to Liberal leader favourably viewed: Poll

OTTAWA - A new poll suggests Canadians are favourably impressed by Michael Ignatieff's installation as federal Liberal leader.

Half of respondents to The Canadian Press/Harris-Decima survey said they reacted positively when the Liberal party last week chose Ignatieff to replace Stephane Dion at the helm.

Only 11 per cent reacted negatively while 36 per cent had a neutral opinion about the change.

Ignatieff's ascension garnered more positive than negative reviews in every region of the country, particularly Ontario and Quebec where a majority cheered the change.

Among Liberal supporters, 69 per cent of respondents had a positive impression of the switch in leaders.

The telephone poll of just over 1,000 Canadians was conducted Dec. 11-14 and is considered accurate within 3.1 percentage points 19 times in 20.