10/27/2009 3:02:33 PM Ontario Liberal support tumbles as PCs take the lead. TORONTO: After a summer and early fall marked by a ministerial resignation over e-health spending, an auditor-general’s report that was critical of government spending practices and news about a spiraling deficit, support for Dalton McGuinty’s Ontario Liberals has declined sharply. For the first time since the last provincial election, they now trail the Ontario Progressive Conservatives, according to the latest Environics Research Group survey of 401 Ontarians, conducted in October 2009. Liberal support now stands at 32 percent of decided voters, down 12 points since June. This marks a 10-point drop from the level of support the Ontario Liberals received when they were re-elected in October 2007. The sharp drop in support for the Ontario Liberals is matched by increases in support for each of the opposition parties. The Progressive Conservatives now lead, with the support of 37 percent of decided voters, (up 5 points). Support for the NDP is also up slightly; it now has the support of 19 percent of decided voters, (up 4 points). Eleven percent of decided voters opt for the Ontario Greens (up 3 points). Eleven percent of eligible voters express no party preference. For further information, please contact: Derek Leebosh, Senior Associate – Environics Research Group (416) 969-2817 derek.leebosh@environics.ca Methodology Methodology These results are taken from an Environics survey of 401 Ontarians aged 18 and older, conducted in between October 6 and 15, 2009. On a provincial basis, these results are accurate to within +/-5.0 percentage points, in 95 out of 100 samples. Questions: If a provincial election were held today, which one of the following parties would you vote for [ROTATE PARTIES] the Liberal Party, the Progressive Conservative Party, the New Democratic Party or the Green Party? [If “Undecided” ask] Perhaps you have not yet made up your mind; is there nevertheless a party you might be inclined to support? For pdf attachment click here [ Latest News Articles ]       [ View Past Articles ]