Winnipeg 
In Canada’s political landscape, provincial leaders are gearing up for upcoming elections and budget announcements with varied levels of public support, according to the latest Angus Reid Institute Premier Approval Ratings for March 2024.
Credit: Angus Reid Institute
Angus Reid says British Columbia’s Premier David Eby and Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe are entering their electoral contests this October with approximately half of their constituents’ approval.
Eby’s administration has recently unveiled a budget introducing substantial investments in housing and affordability, projecting a $7-billion deficit for 2024/25. His approval increased 2% compared to last quarter. In contrast, Premier Scott Moe of Saskatchewan, whose approval rating stands at 53%, has been embroiled in a dispute with the federal government over carbon tax policies.
Manitoba’s Premier Wab Kinew enjoys the highest popularity at 63%. According to Angus Reid, he saw a seven-point increase in approval this quarter to 63 per cent.
On the less favourable end of the spectrum, New Brunswick’s Premier Blaine Higgs faces an uphill battle with only 31% approval, making him the country’s least popular provincial leader. Higgs has been defending his stance on parental rights and LGBTQ2+ policies in education amidst recent criticisms.
Alberta’s Premier Danielle Smith maintains a 47% approval rating amidst controversies over education policies and clashes with federal climate policies.
In Quebec, Premier François Legault’s approval has stabilized at 32% after a significant drop. His government is poised to present a budget that will likely reflect a larger deficit due to negotiations with the province’s teachers’ union.
Ontario’s Premier Doug Ford, with a 34% approval rating, has proposed new legislation aimed at expediting infrastructure projects, amid mixed responses and political tension.
In Atlantic Canada, Nova Scotia’s Premier Tim Houston (44%) and Newfoundland and Labrador’s Premier Andrew Furey (47%) face challenges in boosting their approval ratings, amid critiques of fiscal management and health care spending, respectively.
Credit: Angus Reid Institute
The results are based on an online survey from Feb. 28 – March 6, 2024 among a representative randomized sample of 4,550 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.
Angus Reid says it is not feasible to obtain discrete samples due to the small population of Prince Edward Island. Hence, data for PEI is not available for release.
