Angus Reid polls Albertans, left with “terrible” provincial leader options

The latest data published Friday from the Angus Reid Institute has Albertans polling the three United Conservative Party (UCP) leader front-runners as “bad” or “terrible” for the province.

Former Global News radio anchor Danielle Smith, who has put forward the controversial Alberta Sovereignty Act, has received the highest negativity in the poll, with 55 per cent of Albertans viewing her as “bad” or “terrible” for the province.

Fellow UCP front-runners Brian Jean and Travis Toews don’t fare much better, with 45 per cent and 37 per cent, respectively, in the polling.

Jean and Toews also have high numbers in what Angus Reid labels as “terrible for Alberta,” with 16 per cent and 21 per cent, respectively. Smith leads both with 42 per cent.

However, throughout the province, Jean and Smith are nearly tied in the category “Which leadership candidates do you find appealing?” at 26 per cent and 24 per cent.

Within the UCP party voters, Smith leads 44 per cent over Jean’s 36 per cent. Toews trails both with 16 per cent overall and 23 per cent of the UCP voters.

NDP doesn’t fare any better

NDP leader Rachel Notley also sees “terrible” results, with 52 per cent of the province saying she would be “bad” or “terrible” for the province.

The most notable participants fall into two age groups, 66 per cent of people aged 55 years and up say Notley would be “bad” or “terrible,” while those aged between 35-54 say Notley would be “good” or “great” for Alberta at 36 per cent.

Along with views on provincial leaders, Albertans were asked questions on issues they say the province is dealing with.

Sixty-three per cent of Albertans said the top issue is the cost of living and inflation, with healthcare following close behind at 51 per cent.

Another issue, the sovereignty act, saw 91 per cent of NDP voters oppose it, and 56 per cent of UCP follow suit in opposition. Overall, 43 per cent of Albertans “strongly oppose” the act.

RELATED STORIES:

• Smith releases plan for sovereignty act; Kenney calls it ‘catastrophically stupid’

• Alberta UCP leadership candidates unite to raise alarm on Alberta sovereignty bill

• Kenney defends Alberta lieutenant governor, attacks ‘cockamamie’ sovereignty bill

Nearly half of Albertans would vote for UCP if an election were held today at 47 per cent, a lead over the NDP (41 per cent) by six points, which is the highest from Angus Reid since 2019.

Premier Jason Kenney is not looked at favourably, at least according to the poll, with 35 per cent of Albertans saying he will be remembered as a “poor” leader.

Most Albertans say Kenney will be remembered as a “below average” premier at 59 per cent, while 29 per cent say he will be remembered as “average.”

Only 11 per cent think Kenney will be remembered as “above average” or “outstanding” as premier.

READ MORE: Jason Kenney, soon out as Alberta premier, pokes fun at himself in speech

The survey was conducted online from Sept. 19-20 and included 598 Albertans who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.

The non-profit institute says a probability sample size would carry a margin of 3 per cent, below or above, 19 times out of 20.