Doug Ford's Popularity Has Never Been Lower
For Ottawa residents watching Queen's Park, the numbers are hard to ignore: Premier Doug Ford is now the least popular he has ever been since taking office, according to a new poll that found his approval rating has fallen to just 21 per cent among Ontario voters.
The results, which tracked sentiment between March and June 2026, show a steep 10-point drop over just a few months — a significant slide that political observers say reflects mounting frustration with the Ford government's direction on a range of issues.
What's Driving the Drop?
While the poll doesn't break down specific causes, the timing aligns with a period of intense scrutiny for the Ford government. Issues that have drawn criticism include housing affordability, infrastructure spending, and the ongoing pressures facing Ontario's healthcare system — all concerns that hit close to home for residents of the National Capital Region.
Ottawa-area voters have had their own friction points with the provincial government, from funding disputes with the City of Ottawa to debates over Greenbelt protections and transit investments. The capital's relationship with Queen's Park has often been complicated, and with satisfaction at record lows across the province, local discontent may be feeding into the broader numbers.
A Province-Wide Reckoning
A 21 per cent approval rating is a stark figure for any sitting premier. To put it in context, Ford won a majority government in 2022 with roughly 40 per cent of the popular vote. Losing nearly half of that support in the polls — even outside of an election cycle — is a significant warning sign for any governing party.
Polling in Ontario has been volatile in recent years, reflecting a general unease among voters about the cost of living, public services, and the direction of provincial leadership. Ford is not alone among Canadian premiers facing headwinds, but hitting a personal worst at this point in his mandate raises real questions about his government's path forward.
What It Means for Ottawa
For the Ottawa region, provincial approval numbers matter beyond pure politics. Budget allocations, transit funding, and municipal-provincial negotiations are all shaped by the political climate at Queen's Park. A weakened Ford government could mean more uncertainty on key files that directly affect the city — or, alternatively, a pivot toward policies designed to rebuild support in vote-rich regions like eastern Ontario.
Local MPPs from both sides of the aisle will be watching closely. Opposition parties will see an opening; PC members in competitive ridings will be sweating.
Whether this is a temporary dip or the beginning of a longer decline remains to be seen — but for now, it's the worst the numbers have looked for Doug Ford since he first walked into the premier's office.
Source: Global News Ottawa / Full poll coverage
