The Canadian Press: Manitoba government runs ads and poll on temporary fuel-tax cut
The government has hired a polling firm to ask people whether they have seen various iterations of the ads and what they like and dislike about them. One ad featured Christmas wrapping paper with the message, “Unwrap gas saving.”
“The research being done alongside advertising helps ensure that the advertising is effective — and cost effective — and is reaching Manitobans in a way that resonates with them,” Finance Minister Adrien Sala’s office said in a written statement.
A political analyst said these kinds of political ads have been done by parties of all stripes.
“What it brings to mind is advertising after provincial budgets. We saw the Conservatives do that after each of (their) budgets, and the NDP used to do it as well,” Christopher Adams, an adjunct professor of political studies at the University of Manitoba, said Monday.
“Whether it’s something that should be done is another question. Because the gasoline tax cut by the province is happening, whether you’re aware of it or not. So it’s more of a public relations exercise for the provincial government.”