Torontonians Against Carding 47% To 42%

TORONTO, Ontario – A new Mainstreet Technologies poll finds 54% of Torontonians believe crime in the City of Toronto is increasing, though almost half are against the controversial practice of ‘carding’.

With 2,320 respondents, the poll has a margin of error of +/- 2.03%.

The poll also found the Toronto Police Service earning high marks with a 69% approval rating. It climbs to 73% among decided residents.

“A majority of Torontonians say crime is rising but 69% approve of the Toronto Police Services” said Mainstreet Technologies President, Quito Maggi.

“While the public is concerned about crime increasing most don’t believe ‘carding’ is the right way to go. In light of recent world events it is interesting that more Torontonians are opposed to ‘carding’ than are in favour of it,” the President added.

Mainstreet Technologies asked Torontonians; “When police create a record in a police database of someone they’ve interacted with the practice is called ‘Carding’. Critics say this practice unfairly targets and detains minority groups while supporters say it is a necessary tool to ensure public safety. Do you approve or disapprove of ‘Carding’?”

Only in Scarborough is there more support than opposition to ‘carding’, 54% to 37%. Opposition is strongest downtown at 55% (42% in favour). When it comes to crime, 66% of Scarborough residents say it is increasing — the highest score in Toronto.

“Scarborough is the only part of the city where more Torontonians support ‘carding’ than are against it — when you look at this alongside their view on crime in the city it’s very clear they are the most concerned with public safety,” Maggi concluded.