As the commencement of advance polling approaches for some Ontarians this week, Doug Ford and the Progressive Conservatives maintain a substantial lead, particularly in the critical battleground of the Greater Toronto Area, according to a recent survey conducted by CTV News’ official pollster, Nanos Research.
The survey, which included 915 adult participants and was released on Sunday, indicates that the Progressive Conservatives enjoy the backing of 45.2 percent of decided voters throughout Ontario. This is followed by the Liberals at 29.5 percent, the NDP at 17.7 percent, and the Greens at 5.4 percent.
Approximately 8.8 percent of those surveyed expressed uncertainty regarding their voting choice.
The results show minimal variation from the previous Nanos survey published on Saturday, with the Progressive Conservatives increasing by 0.6 points, while both the Liberals and NDP decreased by 0.3 points. The Greens experienced a slight decline of 0.1 points.
Nik Nanos, chief data scientist for Nanos Research, remarked, “The Progressive Conservatives possess a 15-point lead in voter support with roughly two weeks remaining in the election campaign. Ford is favored as the preferred leader for premier among Ontarians.”
In the Greater Toronto Area, the survey reveals that the Progressive Conservatives continue to hold a dominant position, securing the support of 56.7 percent of decided voters. The Liberals follow with 30.9 percent, while the NDP garners 7.7 percent support, and the Green Party stands at 4.1 percent.
Doug Ford is identified as the leading candidate for premier among voters in the Greater Toronto Area, with 46.4 percent indicating their preference for him. Following him is Crombie, who has garnered 27.2 percent support, while NDP Leader Marit Stiles has 10 percent, and Green Party Leader Mike Shreiner stands at 5.1 percent.
Ford’s support is notably stronger among male voters, with 50 percent expressing a preference for him as premier. The Conservative Party enjoys the backing of 55.6 percent of decided male voters.
In contrast, among male voters, Crombie receives 19.6 percent support, while Stiles has 12.7 percent and Shreiner 6.9 percent.
Ford also leads among female voters, securing 30.4 percent of their support. Crombie follows closely with 29 percent, while Stiles has 20.2 percent and Shreiner 7.5 percent.
Overall, Ford maintains his position as the preferred candidate for premier across the province, with 40 percent support. Crombie is in second place with 24.4 percent, followed by Stiles at 16.5 percent and Green Party Leader Mike Shreiner at 7.2 percent.
A recent Nanos survey, released on February 16, indicates that Doug Ford remains the top choice for voters regarding the premiership. Four percent of respondents expressed a preference for none of the candidates, while 7.9 percent were uncertain.
The survey utilized a rolling sample over three days, comprising 300 interviews conducted each day, and carries a margin of error of 3.3 percentage points, with a confidence level of 95 percent.