Danielle Smith middle of the pack nationally in premier approval ratings: poll
Posted Mar 18, 2026 4:26 pm.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s approval rating has edged upward since late last year, according to new data released by the Angus Reid Institute.
Smith’s approval is up two points to 46 per cent, placing her in the middle of the pack nationally.
The survey shows wide variation across provinces with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew leading the country with 61 per cent approval.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford sits near the bottom at 31 per cent, while Quebec Premier François Legault ranks lowest overall, with just 26 per cent approval. The report also notes a significant decline for B.C. Premier David Eby.
Smith’s slight increase comes during a period of heightened attention on Alberta’s fiscal and policy direction. Angus Reid’s analysis highlights that Alberta is projecting a $9.4‑billion deficit for the upcoming fiscal year.
The report notes that while rising oil prices, driven in part by global instability, may help soften the deficit, the provincial government has opted against austerity measures. Instead, it has introduced increases to various taxes and fees to offset spending pressures.
The institute also points to the province’s rapid population growth as a factor the government has cited in its budget challenges. Ahead of the budget, Smith announced several referendum questions planned for the fall ballot, including topics related to immigration and access to provincial services for temporary residents.
The results come from an online survey of a random sample of more than 4,000 Canadian adults. It was conducted between March 11 and 17.
