When it comes to performance, Canadians give top marks to their municipal level of government.
In the May 2002 Vector Poll, Canadians were asked which level of government was most responsive, provided the best quality front-line services and offered the best value for money. Municipalities won each time, placing ahead of provinces and the federal government.
A majority (55 per cent) said it was easiest for them to have an influence at the municipal level, 34 per cent said local governments deliver the best public services and an equal number said municipalities give citizens the best value for their taxes.
When asked how concerned they are about key issues, more than half (54 per cent) said they were worried or very worried about the safety of their drinking water, being about to afford the health care they need and having enough money to live on in retirement.
The Vector Poll surveyed 1,041 adults and 19 times out of 20 its results are accurate within a 3.0 margin of error.