The latest Canadian Press/Harris Decima survey asked about public funding of pro sports facilities

• Nationally, a majority are opposed to the federal government investing in pro sports facilities. Overall, 55% opposed the notion of the federal government investing in arenas and stadiums for pro sports teams, including 24% who said they are strongly opposed. Conversely, 41% are supportive of such funding; with 11% strongly support it.
• Notably, both the number of people who strongly support and strongly oppose the funding is relatively low, suggesting opinion is ‘soft’ on the matter, and not likely a top of mind issue.
• Regionally, support for such funding is highest in Quebec, where 53% support funding for pro sports facilities. Opposition to such a plan is highest in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and Alberta, where 62% are opposed to such funding.
• Men (55%) and women (53%) shared similar views on the question, with a majority being opposed to such funding.
• Younger Canadians are more likely than those older to support funding for such facilities. A majority of those under the age of 35 (51%) actually support such funding, while just 35% of those over the age of 50 answered in kind.
• Across the political spectrum, supporters of the BQ are most supportive of the proposal, while a majority of all other voters are opposed.
   

Each week, Harris/Decima interviews just over 1000 Canadians through teleVox, the company’s national telephone omnibus survey. The most recent data were gathered between January 27 and January 30, 2011. A sample of the same size has a margin of error of 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.