Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s approval ratings drop by four points since being elected, survey finds
Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s approval ratings appear to have taken a dip over the last few months since he was re-elected, according to a new Angus Reid survey.
The survey, which was released Thursday morning, suggests Ford’s approval ratings now sit at about 41 per cent. This is down four points from June when the Progressive Conservatives handily won a majority.
It’s also significantly lower than the approval ratings Ford enjoyed at the beginning of the pandemic between March and June 2020, when his approval sat just under 70 per cent.
Chart of Ontario Premier Doug Ford's approval ratings from a 2022 Angus Reid survey released on Sept. 22, 2022. (Angus Reid)
Angus Reid cited the expansion of private health-care as one of the primary reasons why Ford’s approval could have dropped, although the survey also said this issue was “quickly eclipsed” by Bill 7—legislation that would allow hospitals to force senior patients into long-term care homes not of their choosing or face a $400 a day fee.
The PC government faced a lot of criticism for Bill 7, with advocates arguing seniors would be transferred to long-term care homes far away from family and the regulations would disproportionately impact lower-income Ontarians.
The government is also in heated negotiations with five major education unions, whose contracts expired in August.
As of August, the PCs had offered education workers making less than $40,000 a two per cent raise in a proposed four-year deal, with all other employees getting a 1.25 per cent raise.
At the time, the Canadian Union of Public Employees called for a $3.24 an hour raise for all education workers, regardless of salary.
Overall, Ford ranked sixth of nine Canadian premiers included in the Angus Reid survey in terms of approval for the last quarter.
The Premier of Saskatchewan, Scott Moe, received the highest approval rating at 57 per cent, followed by Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston, and British Columbia Premier John Horgan.
Manitoba Premier Heather Stefanson received the lowest approval rating at 22 per cent.
The online survey of 3,941 Canadians was conducted by the Angus Reid Institute between Sept. 19 and Sept. 21, with a margin of error of plus or minus 1.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.