A new poll suggests Premier Doug Ford and his Progressive Conservatives have lost ground, falling into a statistical tie with the Ontario Liberals following backlash over the government’s now-cancelled private jet purchase.
According to a Liaison Strategies survey, the Ontario Liberal Party now leads with 38 per cent support among decided and leaning voters, narrowly ahead of the Progressive Conservative Party of Ontario at 36 per cent. The Ontario New Democratic Party trails at 20 per cent, while the Green Party sits at four per cent, with about eight per cent of voters still undecided.
The shift comes after controversy surrounding the province’s decision to purchase a $28.9-million private jet, which was later sold following public criticism. Opposition parties mocked the purchase as wasteful, while many Ontarians questioned the timing and necessity of the expense.
Ford acknowledged he could have communicated the decision better, issuing an apology but continuing to defend the need for such an aircraft to support provincial travel and economic outreach.
Polling data suggests the issue has had a broader impact on public perception. Only 27 per cent of respondents said they approve of Ford’s performance, while 65 per cent believe Ontario is on the wrong track. Trust levels also appear strained, with just 30 per cent saying the premier is honest and trustworthy.
A significant majority — 65 per cent — said they have little or no confidence in the government’s ability to manage taxpayer money, highlighting the political damage tied to the jet controversy.
Pollster David Valentin noted that the Progressive Conservatives have been gradually losing support since late last year, and the jet issue may have accelerated that decline. He suggested that while momentum could stabilize over the summer, governments that accumulate political baggage often struggle to regain lost ground.
Regionally, the Liberals are leading in Toronto and the 905 region, while the NDP maintains strength in northern Ontario, Hamilton and Niagara. The Progressive Conservatives continue to lead in other parts of the province, keeping the overall race highly competitive.