Poll shows N.S. Progressive Conservatives in strong position to be re-elected

The upcoming Nova Scotia election scheduled for Nov. 26 has seen the Progressive Conservatives take a significant lead in one of the initial polls conducted by Abacus Data. The survey, which involved 600 eligible voters in the province from Oct. 28-31, delved into voting intentions, key concerns, and the decision to call an early election before the fixed election date next year.

According to the poll results, the Progressive Conservatives currently hold 45 percent of the vote among committed voters, with a margin of error of 4.1 percent, 19 times out of 20. The NDP follows behind at 26 percent, the Liberals at 25 percent, and the Greens at four percent.

David Coletto, the chair and CEO of Abacus Data, highlighted the Progressive Conservatives’ substantial lead in voting intention, as well as their popularity among voters and their competitiveness on key issues. However, a quarter of eligible voters remain undecided leading up to the election.

Health care emerges as the most pressing issue for 71 percent of respondents, closely followed by concerns about affordability. Additionally, about half of the surveyed individuals prioritize improving housing and reducing homelessness, while 38 percent seek a reduction in taxes.

As campaigning intensifies, party leaders are targeting Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM). NDP Leader Claudia Chender recently visited campaign offices in the capital region, where the party holds 36 percent support, closely trailing the Progressive Conservatives at 38 percent. Both Progressive Conservative Leader Tim Houston and Liberal Leader Zach Churchill also focused their efforts in HRM over the weekend.

Regarding leadership preferences, a third of those surveyed believe Houston would make the best premier, while Chender and Churchill are tied at 18 percent. Nevertheless, 30 percent of voters remain unsure about who should lead the province.

Perceptions about the election outcome also vary, with nearly half of respondents foreseeing a Progressive Conservative victory, compared to 18 percent for the Liberals and only six percent for the NDP.

As Nova Scotians gear up for the election, it is evident that health care, affordability, housing, and homelessness are at the forefront of voters’ minds. The race is heating up, and party leaders are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to secure support across the province.