Kathleen Wynne remains most unpopular premier in Canada: poll

Kathleen Wynne doesn’t seem to be gaining any traction among voters in Ontario as she remains the most unpopular premier in Canada with a provincial election slated for June, according to a new poll.

A survey by Angus Reid Institute, released on Wednesday, found Wynne’s approval rating is stagnant at 19 per cent, just one percentage point lower than numbers reported in December, and seven percentage points more than her lowest recorded rating of 12 per cent in March of last year.

The results come as the premier faces an electorate which has seemingly grown tired of the Liberal brand in Ontario.

According to a poll conducted on behalf of Global News by Ipsos Global Public Affairs and released last week, Ontario’s Progressive Conservative Party could form a majority government after the upcoming election, despite the polarizing effect of new PC party leader Doug Ford.

Despite campaign-style announcements during March Break and funding promises, such as free prescription drugs for people 65 and older and a $2.1 billion infusion into the mental health system, Wynne still hasn’t been able to soften potential voters.

Comparison with other premiers in Canada

Wynne is in last place compared to Canada’s nine other premiers, 10 percentage points behind New Brunswick Premier Brian Gallant, who has a 29 per cent approval rating. Quebec Premier Phillipe Couillard and Nova Scotia’s Stephen McNeil round out the bottom four with 30 per cent each.

Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe and B.C.’s John Horgan take the top two spots in approval rating at 52 per cent.

Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Dwight Ball maintains a 42 per cent approval rating with Manitoba’s Brian Pallister and Alberta’s Rachel Notley at 37 per cent and 33 per cent respectively.

The Angus Reid Institute analyzed the results of an online survey conducted from March 6 – 15, among a randomized sample of 5,423 Canadian adults who are members of the Angus Reid Forum. The sample plan included large over-samples in many provinces, weighted back to provide a national snapshot. The sample of this size would carry a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.