OTTAWA—Canadians are broadly dissatisfied with their options for prime minister in the lead up to October’s federal election, according to a new poll by Forum Research shared with the Toronto Star.The leaders of the three major political parties have a net disapproval rating, with just 34 per cent of respondents saying they approve of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s performance. A total of 56 per cent of respondents say they disapprove of the prime minister’s job performance.Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer had similar numbers, with 33 per cent saying they approve of his work as opposition leader, while 45 per cent disapproved. Jagmeet Singh, the leader of the New Democrats, had just 23 per cent saying they approve of his performance while 40 per cent disapproved.Only Elizabeth May, the Green party leader, had a positive net approval rating — with 44 per approving her performance and 22 per cent disapproving.“The leaders are fairly unpopular, except for Elizabeth May,” said William Schatten, vice-president of Forum Research, in an interview Tuesday.“That’s not great news for the Liberals, right? It’s dividing the vote on the left now between arguably three parties, the Liberals, the NDP and the Greens. So this benefits the Conservatives.”Nationwide, Forum puts the Conservatives ahead with 34 per cent – although their lead over the governing Liberals is almost within the margin of error, with 30 per cent saying they support Trudeau’s party. The NDP and the Greens are tied for third at 13 per cent each, with the Bloc Québécois (6 per cent) and Maxime Bernier’s People’s Party (4 per cent) rounding out the list.But the Conservative numbers in seat-rich Ontario should give Scheer cause for concern, Schatten said.“The Conservatives are not doing very well in Ontario,” Schatten said.Schatten speculated that Premier Doug Ford, who has seen his popularity wane ...
|
