IN a random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll among 678 Ontario voters, more than half disagree that Catholic schools should continue to receive public funding (51%). Just more than a third support continued public funding (38%) and one tenth don’t have an opinion (11%).
Opposition to public funding is strongest among the youngest (62%), mid-income groups ($60K to $80K – 63%), in Toronto 416 area code (57%) but not in Northern Ontario (35%), among the least educated (57%), among non-mainline Christians (60%), those of other religions (66%) and non-believers (69%) but not among Catholics (17%).
Support for funding is especially characteristic of boomers (55 to 64 – 44%), the least wealthy (43%), the wealthier ($80K to $100K – 48%), PC supporters (46%), those with children (42%) and, not surprisingly, Catholics (76%).
“We have tracked this issue for several years, and opposition to funding is always at about one half, while support is nearer one third. If it were ever put to a public referendum, Catholic school funding would lose, fair and square,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff.