Environment is top Canadian priority, poll finds

Canadians are more concerned about the state of the environment than they have been at any point in the last 15 years, and a majority feel Ottawa should levy a tax to increase the cost of carbon-based energy sources, according to a new poll for CanWest News Service and Global Television.

The Ipsos Reid survey found that 26 per cent of participants said the environment, more than any other issue, should receive the greatest attention of Canada’s leaders. Those who cited health care the perennial top priority of Canadians as the most important issue came in second with 24 per cent.