Cost, transparency concerns raised over Nova Scotia government opinion polls

The Nova Scotia government spent more than $250,000 in a single year on public opinion polls and surveys, raising concerns about transparency and cost.

According to documents obtained by The Canadian Press through access to information legislation, the Nova Scotia government commissioned 28 polls, surveys and focus groups worth $252,875 between May 1, 2015 and April 28, 2016.

The topics of the reports run the gamut from assessing activity on the Nova Scotia government website to asking the public how often they pay for services “under the table.’’

Kevin Lacey, a spokesman for the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, said the province shouldn’t be using taxpayer dollars to conduct such polls and should be making evidence-based decisions on policy.

“Taxpayers shouldn’t be governed by polls. They should be governed by a government that looks at the issues and makes the best decision possible in the best interest of the province and for the taxpayers at large,’’ said Lacey in a recent interview.

“These types of polls are used by the government to try to put itself in the good light and to try and benefit themselves politically... That money should come out of the Liberal party if they’re doing things which benefit the electability of the Liberal party.’’

Elizabeth MacDonald, a spokeswoman for the province, said government-commissioned polls, surveys and focus groups are a worthwhile investment because the research helps inform policy decisions and enhances the delivery of services.

“We want to hear what Nova Scotians have to say on issues important to them, and we want to be sure that Nova Scotians are aware of the programs, services and government decisions that affect them,’’ said MacDonald in an email statement.

For example, the government conducted surveys about Service Nova Scotia centres and the data helped inform the province’s decision not to proceed with an “alternative service delivery’’ option for government registries, said MacDonald.

According to the documents, three surveys were conducted between August 2015 and March 2016 about Access Nova Scotia and cost a total of $11,100.

A March 2016 report said overall opinion of Access Nova Scotia was consistently favourable.