What Does the Poll Show?
1. Conservative leader Erin O’Toole would have an easier time winning the 905 if he reverses course on carbon taxes, and pairs it with income tax reductions. O’Toole said he needs a credible climate plan to win 905 voters. Our poll confirms 905ers are looking for a credible climate plan that includes carbon pricing.
Key facts:
- 67% of potential Conservative voters say they cannot vote for a party that doesn’t have a credible climate plan.
- 67% also say a carbon tax and rebate should be a priority in a credible plan.
- 28% of 905 voters say they’d be more likely to vote for the Conservatives if they adopted a carbon tax paired with reductions in personal income taxes.
2. Ontario Premier Doug Ford is deciding this week whether to appeal his gas pump sticker court loss. Our poll says he shouldn’t. Most Ontarians do not support the premier’s campaign against the carbon tax.
Key fact:
- 65% of potential Conservative voters say they oppose Doug Ford using taxpayer money to fight the carbon tax.
3. The Supreme Court will hear Ontario and Saskatchewan’s challenges to the carbon tax on September 22-23. Our poll shows the case is unpopular with 905ers.
Key facts:
- 67% of voters support the carbon tax and rebate when told the money goes back to Canadians, including 58% of Conservative voters.
- Only 41% of 905ers support Ford’s carbon tax challenge.
The Leger/Clean Prosperity poll was conducted by past Conservative Party of Canada pollster Andrew Enns. It surveyed a representative sample of 1,001 voting-age respondents across the 905 region between August 21 and August 27, 2020.
Photo credit: Benson Kua
