May 2005 in Canada - May 1, 2005

May 1, 2005

• Four new polls suggest that the Liberals are tied or leading over Conservatives for popular support. According to EKOS Research Associates poll of 1,212 voters, the parties had the following percentage of support:
  • Liberals - 33%
  • Conservatives - 31%
  • NDP - 19%
  • Bloc Québécois - 12%
  • Green Party - 6%

An independent poll of 1,000 voters by Ipsos-Reid had similar results, except that the Conservatives (33%) were ahead of the Liberals (30%), the NDP had 17%, and the Green Party had 5%. (CBC)

• Public security minister Anne McLellan and former Ontario premier Bob Rae met with families of Air India victims. Bob Rae has been appointed to investigate whether the Air India incident requires a public inquiry. (CBC) (CP)
• Quebec premier Jean Charest disagrees with federal Revenue minister John McCallum's statement that Ontario's request for additional federal funding threatens national unity. (CP)
• Flooding along the St. John River in New Brunswick has forced Fredericton to close several roads. The high level of water in the river from spring thaw, combined with the heavy rainfall, is forcing some people in New Brunswick and Quebec from their homes. Officials do not expect the flood to continue for much longer. (CBC) (CTV)
• Windsor, Nova Scotia introduces a voluntary gambling tool known as a "smart card" to help counteract gambling addiction. Rather than pay cash at video lottery terminals, gamblers can pay using a smart card. If a gambler wishes to only spend a certain amount of money, they program their smart card to only allow that amount. The card will become mandatory in the fall. (CBC)