A new poll shows the Ontario Liberals maintaining a narrow lead over the Progressive Conservatives, while Premier Doug Ford’s personal approval has dropped a sharp 24 per cent as his government faces mounting scrutiny over MPP hotel expenses. Liaison Strategies’ Ontario Political Tracker, conducted July 20 and July 21, finds the Liberals at 38 per cent among decided and leaning voters, ahead of the PCs at 33 per cent and the NDP at 24 per cent. Among all voters, including undecided respondents, the Liberals sit at 33 per cent, the PCs at 29 per cent, and the NDP at 21 per cent.
Ford’s approval numbers are the standout finding: 72 per cent disapprove of his performance as premier. Liaison principal David Valentin noted that the trend is unmistakable. “Ford’s personal numbers are the bigger problem… Just 24 per cent approve of the job he is doing as Premier.
That is the lowest approval and highest disapproval we have measured for Ford in this tracker.” The poll arrives as the Ford government deals with backlash over thousands of dollars in hotel claims submitted by PC MPPs — including members who live within commuting distance of Queen’s Park. Ford has apologized and said the expenses will be repaid. Valentin says the scandal may not be the cause of the movement, but it reinforces a damaging political narrative.
“When an incumbent premier is already at 24 per cent approval, stories about MPPs billing taxpayers for Toronto hotel rooms are exactly the kind of thing that reinforces a bad frame.” Direction of the province: Grim numbers for government Only 26 per cent of respondents believe Ontario is headed in the right direction, while 71 per cent say it is on the wrong track. Regional breakdown The race remains fractured across Ontario: Liberals lead in Toronto at 46 per cent Liberals and PCs are tied at 40 per cent in the 905 PCs lead in Eastern Ontario at 42 per cent NDP strongest in Northern and South Central Ontario Data centres: A divisive issue The poll also tested attitudes toward large data‑centre development in Ontario — an increasingly prominent policy debate. Key findings include: 44 per cent support allowing more large data centres; 42 per cent oppose 73 per cent believe data centres would increase household electricity bills 81 per cent say data‑centre companies should pay for any required electricity infrastructure 60 per cent say they would be mo…
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