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TORONTO, Ont. – Polling after last night’s debate by Ipsos Reid clearly shows that viewers were impressed by NDP leader Andrea Horwath. The poll shows that Ontarians think the NDP has the best ideas and policies, and that Horwath is the most likeable leader—by a huge margin.
“All along, we’ve known that people like Andrea Horwath when they meet her. She’s a down-to-earth people person with good ideas that help average families, and I think people picked up on that during the debate,” said CUPE Ontario President Fred Hahn.
“The poll results really reinforce what our members are saying. They’re volunteering on campaigns all over the province, and every time I visit a riding, they tell me they’re getting a really positive response at the door.”
After the debate, 67% of people polled said their opinion of Horwath improved during the debate, whereas only 10% said it had worsened. This is far better than Dalton McGuinty, who improved his standing with 29% but worsened it with 31%, or for Tim Hudak who improved in the minds of 37% but 34% of respondents said their opinion of him was worse after the debate.
Together with other recent polls and seat projections, the Ipsos Reid results clearly show that the NDP is on track to make big gains on October 6. Yesterday, the Globe & Mail published a seat projection showing the NDP doubling its number of seats, and internal polling shows the NDP leading in several swing ridings.
CUPE Ontario has endorsed NDP candidates province-wide and its members are helping out on campaigns in targeted ridings. Throughout the campaign, CUPE Ontario has been highlighting the need for better provincial support for healthcare, childcare, good jobs and high-quality, stable social services.
Key statistics from the Ipsos Reid poll:
• Most improved impression: Horwath +57, Hudak +3, McGuinty -2
• Most likeable: Horwath 52%, McGuinty 22%, Hudak 21%
• Best position on healthcare: Horwath 35%, McGuinty 33%, Hudak 22%
• Best position on pensions, daycare, housing: Horwath 46%, McGuinty 20%, Hudak 14%
• Best position on government accountability: Horwath 28%, Hudak 27%, McGuinty 19%
The Ipsos Reid poll results are available here:
http://www.ipsos-na.com/news-polls/pressrelease.aspx?id=5350
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For more information, please contact:
Craig Saunders, CUPE Communications, 416-576-7316
Or visit www.cupevotes.ca
