February 6, 2024 (Toronto, ON) – A new Liaison Strategies poll for the National Ethnic Press and Media Council of Canada (NEPMCC) finds Doug Ford leading Bonnie Crombie's Ontario Liberals by 8 points. At the same time, Ontarians have a dim view of the healthcare system with most not confident they could see a doctor within 24 hours, obtain a hospital bed or have surgery before their condition became worse.

Conducted from February 2-3, 2024, using interactive voice response technology, the poll surveyed 1,236 Ontario voters. The margin of error for the poll is +/- 2.79%, 19 times out of 20. Liaison is a member of the Canadian Insights Research Council (CRIC).

"While Doug Ford is leading the Crombie Liberals by 8 points, the regionals are looking a little rosier for Crombie," said David Valentin, Principal at Liaison Strategies.

"The Crombie Liberals are leading in the North (34%) and Toronto (40%) and are tied with the Tories in the 905 (38% to 38%). The Tories hold a commanding lead in most other regions, with strong support in Eastern Ontario (46%) Southwest (40%), South Central (36%)."

"This month we took a look at Ontarian's confidence in the healthcare system. A strong majority, 66% believes the healthcare system is worse today than it was 5 years ago. Looking ahead to the next 5 years, 48% believe the system will stay the same while 24% believe it will get worse."

"We also asked Ontarians about their confidence - or lack thereof, when it comes to the healthcare system."

Confident/Not Confident

‍- 78% were not confident that they could see a family doctor within 24 hours
- 69% were not confident they would receive a room in a hospital if needed
- 82% were not confident if they had a medical condition they would be able to see a specialist before their condition got worse
- 74% were not confident if they required surgery they would be able to receive it before their condition got worse
- 64% were not confident they would be able to acquire a sick note if they needed one

"Ontarians' confidence in the healthcare system is broken but at the same time, they would re-elect the incumbent government today. There is very little confidence in any aspect of the system, with the best ratings coming for those asked to consider if they could receive a sick note. We've seen many stories about the healthcare system in the last few months and it's clear from those stories and personal experiences that Ontarians have concluded there is not much in the system they can depend on," concluded Valentin.

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