A new Postmedia-Leger survey reveals that nearly half of Ontarians have a worsened impression of Premier Doug Ford in recent months, and 56% believe the province is heading in the wrong direction. Only 36% of respondents think Ontario is on the right track.
Ford's Polarizing Approval
Premier Ford emerges as a polarizing figure, with the highest favourability (33%) and unfavourability (59%) rates among political leaders surveyed. NDP Leader Marit Stiles has 31% favourability, while Green Party Leader Mike Schreiner sits at 25%.
The poll indicates that 48% of Ontarians—including 27% of PC voters and 58% of Liberal voters—say their impression of Ford has worsened. Only 5% overall report an improved view, and 40% say their opinion remains unchanged.
Vote Intentions Shift
While the Progressive Conservatives still lead voting intentions with 39% support, the leaderless Liberal Party has closed the gap to 34%, followed by the NDP at 17%. Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Leger, noted that the Liberal brand may be benefiting from the popularity of the federal Liberal Party.
Key Concerns
Economic issues top voters' concerns: inflation and the rising cost of living (22%), housing affordability (10%), and political corruption (7%). Fears about the U.S. trade war have diminished to just 3%. Enns advised that the Ford government must refocus on affordability to maintain its mandate.
