Alberta Premier Smith’s consistency in approval ratings continues

The Alberta premier’s consistent run in approval ratings is continuing this month.

Latest polling from the Angus Reid Institute shows Danielle Smith has a 45 per cent approval rating – down one percentage point from the previous poll in September.

Smith’s approval has remained within five points since she became the new UCP leader in the fall of 2022.

“She’s doing great. She’s a great leader, she’s had some really tough decisions. I think she’s done very well. I’m fully supportive of her, so is my cabinet, so is my caucus,” said Brian Jean, Alberta Energy Minister.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew topped the Angus poll again for the fifth consecutive quarter with 67 per cent approval. The next most popular premiers are Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston (55 per cent), New Brunswick’s Susan Holt (54 per cent) and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe (52 per cent).

In the middle of the pack are Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Andrew Furey (46), B.C. Premier David Eby (46) and Smith.

The least-approved premiers are Quebec’s François Legault (36) and Ontario’s Doug Ford (34).

“Obviously, the premier would love to see really strong polling numbers and very strong support and see her party have a big lead, and they’re showing strengths in some areas. But it really doesn’t matter at this point, when it matters is during an election. I think we will start to see them take greater steps when it comes to affordability closer to that time when the election rolls around,” said Tom Vernon, Crestview Strategy.

CityNews spoke with locals on Whyte Ave — usually NDP territory — to find out what their thoughts were. Almost everyone spoken to brought up affordability as their top issue. 

“There’s a lot of young people without jobs, or very low paying jobs. They have a hell of a time finding a place to live in this city,” said Wendy, local.

“I’m living below the poverty line so things are not looking good for us,” said Tim Gilliland, local.

“I think she takes a run at the federal government way too much,” said Gerrard McClellan, local.

The fall session of the legislature saw the UCP government pass 3 contentious bills affecting trans people, an update to the bill of rights and a sovereignty act motion regarding oil and gas emissions. 

The opposition NDP says the premier is failing to make gains in popularity because her priorities are out of line with what struggling Albertans need now. 

“They’re worried about cost of living, housing costs, rents. They’re worried about access to schools, they’re worried about access to healthcare, they’re worried about insurance and utility costs, and it’s no wonder that those things are reflected in premier’s popularity,” said Irfan Sabir, NDP MLA for Calgary-Bhullar-McCall.

But Smith, who recently received 91.5% leadership approval at the UCPs AGM in Red Deer, still has time to win broader support across Alberta.

A general election is not until fall 2027 and she’s promised a tax break before then.

The online survey was conducted from Nov. 29 to Dec. 5, 2024 among a randomized sample of 4,004 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum. It polled 404 Albertans with a margin of error of +/- 5%.