On common gains

A new Decima poll should help put to rest the theory that the NDP and Greens are fighting for the same pool of voters in a zero-sum game, as both look to be improving their standing lately:

The survey found 33 per cent support for the Tories among decided voters across the country compared with the 36.3 per cent they won in January.

The Liberals had 28 per cent, down from the election showing of 30.2 per cent.

The NDP was at 19 per cent, above their election night 17.5 per cent. The Bloc was holding steady at 10 per cent...

The survey of 1,010 Canadians was conducted Aug. 24-28 as part of a Decima omnibus phone poll. It is considered accurate to within 3.1 percentage points 19 times out of 20.

The findings also suggested that the Green Party has doubled its support to eight per cent from its 4.5 per cent election night showing.

Part of the change might be explained by the constant stream of controversy surrounding both the Cons' government and the Libs' leadership race, which can only make a breath of fresh air look like a positive step. And it could be as well that a virtually universal focus on the environment is turning support generally toward the parties with a strong record in that area, rather than the ones who are simply pretending to be interested now that the issue looks like a popular one.

But whatever the reason, it's plain that the NDP and Greens aren't merely competing for the same pool of voters, but can both succeed in winning support away from the traditional parties. And the more inroads both the Dippers and Greens can make into seats traditionally held by the Libs and Cons, the better Canada's political system will look following the next election.