VANCOUVER – Premier Doug Ford’s change in tone has been a significant undercurrent in the story of the Ontario government’s handling of the coronavirus pandemic a new poll indicates.
The switch in approach from “stridently partisan” to “universally comforting” has not only elevated his own personal approval levels, but also the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario’s (CPCO) electoral fortunes, the pollster states.
Recent data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds that 45 per cent of Ontario residents say they would cast their ballot for Ford’s party, an increase from the 36 per cent who said the same in February.
Angus Reid officials note that only one year ago, then federal Conservative leader Andrew Scheer found it politically safer to avoid campaigning alongside Ford out of fear it would diminish his electoral hopes in Ontario.
The PCPO maintains support of half of residents outside the Toronto. In the city itself, on the other hand, the same number say they would vote for the PCPO (35%) and the NDP (34%) if an election were held tomorrow.
