Winnipeg 
As the year comes to a close, Angus Reid has published their quarterly Premiers’ approval rating results based on the online survey, which was conducted from Nov. 24 – Dec. 1, 2023.
The survey was conducted among a randomized sample of 3,749 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.
Credit: Angus Reid
December 2023 quarterly premier approval ratings reveal a mixed landscape of political fortunes.
Quebec Premier François Legault faces significant challenges, with his approval plummeting by 16 points to 31%. His administration has been embroiled in controversies including a teachers’ strike, proposed out-of-province tuition fees, subsidies for NHL games, and the stalled Quebec City light rail project.
Angus Reid says Ontario’s Doug Ford, dealing with an RCMP investigation into the Greenbelt development deal, maintains a low approval rate of 34% despite a recent agreement with Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow on a major financial deal involving highway transfers and increased housing funding.
In New Brunswick, Premier Blaine Higgs, leader of the Progressive Conservative Party, also finds himself with a low approval rating of 33%. His leadership has sparked division within his party, leading to calls for a leadership review.
Premiers Andrew Furey of Newfoundland and Labrador and Tim Houston of Nova Scotia are both hovering around 48% approval. Furey has been active in clean energy cooperation and tackling homelessness, while Houston is addressing Nova Scotia’s housing affordability crisis with a plan to create new housing units.
British Columbia’s David Eby, facing a 2024 election, focuses on housing and affordability, introducing several housing-related bills. His approval rating stands at 46%.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith, dealing with controversial issues like withdrawing from the Canada Pension Plan and restructuring health care, has a 47% approval rating. Her government has also introduced the Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act, which could potentially conflict with federal regulations.
Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe, opposing the federal government on the carbon levy issue, sees his approval rating rebound to 54%. He has been vocal against the federal government’s perceived unfairness in carbon tax policies.
Credit: Angus Reid
Canada’s most approved provincial leader is Wab Kinew, with a 57% approval rating. The newly elected Premier of Manitoba has pledged to reduce healthcare wait times and transition homes to geothermal energy.
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.
