In Toronto, Liberals and Progressive Conservatives Tied

It’s Competitive despite historically low approval rating for sitting Premier

Toronto, February 10th – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1,090 Toronto voters, support amongst decided and leaning city of Toronto voters is statistically tied between the Progressive Conservatives (35%) and the Liberals (34%). The NDP would receive (22%), Green (7%), with (2%) to other parties.

PCs lead, but not by much

If Patrick Brown’s Progressive Conservatives hope to form government in 2018 they must make seat gains in what has been, since 2003, the Liberal Fortress of Toronto. While Brown’s PCs currently lead amongst voters (35%), their lead is not strong (1%). Support for the PCs is most common amongst those aged 45-54 (41%), 55-64 (43%), and those 65 and above (40%). They also have strong support amongst high income-earners with (43%) amongst $60,000-$80,000, (36%) amongst $80,000-$100,000, and (42%) amongst those earning $100,000-$250,000, as well as those who have completed college or university (38%).

Liberals not out of it

Kathleen Wynne’s Liberals are competitive in Toronto, despite a historically low level of approval for the premier (Nov 23rd: 13%), which shows how strong the Liberal brand is in the city.

Support for the Liberals amongst voters is common amongst those aged 18-34 (34%), those earning less than $20,000 (48%), and those earning between $20,000 and $40,000 (41%). They are also well supported by those with a post-graduate degree (40%), and those who primarily take transit to work (39%).

“Progressive Conservatives in the city should hope to compare more favourably against the Liberals than a statistical tie, given Kathleen Wynne’s historically low approval, and how many provincial seats are at stake in Toronto,” said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne Bozinoff

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.