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THUNDER BAY- When asked about the political leaders and which one they would like to interact with in some typical social activities, Canadians' responses showed preference, depending on the activity.

"It's fascinating how Canadians' level of interest in the leaders of our nation's political parties changed depending on the activity," said Adam Froman, President CEO of Delvinia Group of Companies, which owns the 130,000+ AskingCanadians.com panel. "I think it clearly demonstrates that Canadians have very defined views of the leaders' personalities and ideologies and how interesting they would be in a social context."

A Stones Concert

When asked which leader they would like to go to a Rolling Stones concert, 40 per cent of Canadians wanted to "get satisfaction" with NDP Leader, Jack Layton. Approximately 27 per cent would choose Green Party Leader Elizabeth May to dance beside and 19 per cent would rock out with Conservative Leader Stephen Harper.

Friends?

Thirty-one per cent of Canadians said they most want to be Facebook friends with Harper, although almost an equal number of respondents (26 per cent) said they would choose Layton and May. When asked about conversation over coffee, 36 per cent of Canadians choose Harper and 24 percent wanted a caffeine chat with Layton and 19 per cent would choose May.

In Quebec, Gilles Duceppe, Leader of the Bloc Quebecois, was a favourite when asked who they would invite to a backyard BBQ.

"It's obvious that Canadians believe Layton would be the most fun, but when it comes to more interactive activities like chatting online or over coffee, Harper appears to rise to the top," said Froman. "What's surprising is how few Canadians were interested in interacting with Stephane Dion - less than 10 percent wanted to be Facebook friends or have him over at a backyard BBQ."

Appearances

Harper has the best hair of all political party leaders according to 37 per cent of Canadians followed by May (19 per cent) and Duceppe (18 percent). But when asked about who would make the best movie actor and had the most sex appeal, Layton was the leader of choice with 40 per cent and 36 per cent of respondents, respectively. When asked who they would nominate for the cover of GQ, Canadians were torn between Harper and Layton (tied at 33 per cent).

"Canadians think both Prime Minister Harper and Jack Layton have charisma," added Froman. "But Layton seems to be thought of as the best movie actor amongst the leaders. I'm not sure if that's a good or a bad thing."

AskingCanadians.com's election polling survey began immediately following the announcement that there will be a 2008 federal election and runs until voting day. The weekly survey is conducted Friday to Monday and is nationally representative of 1,000 females and males. Results can be viewed online at election2008.askingcanadians.com.

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