Support for Nova Scotia Tories and Premier Tim Houston holding steady: poll

HALIFAX, N.S. — More than two years into his mandate, Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston remains the people’s preferred leader and it seems most are satisfied with the job he and the Progressive Conservatives are doing.

Narrative Research’s Atlantic Quarterly polling of 400 eligible adults last month shows that 37 per cent believe Houston is the best choice for premier, a slight increase from August results (35 per cent). NDP Leader Claudia Chender, meanwhile, would have the votes of 15 per cent of voters, a significant dip since summer polling (23 per cent). The Liberals’ Zach Churchill polled at 13 per cent and few people would prefer Green Party leader Anthony Edmonds (three per cent), or Kyle Woodbury of the Atlantica Party (one per cent) as premier.

The Tories themselves have over half of voters on their side. An election called today would see 52 per cent casting ballots for a PC candidate — up from 47 per cent in August — compared to 22 per cent support for the NDP, 21 per cent for the Liberals and just 3 per cent for the Greens.

While noting satisfaction levels are higher outside the Halifax Regional Municipality, Narrative’s numbers indicate over half (53 per cent, compared with 57 in August) are satisfied and four in 10 (41 per cent, compared with 39 per cent) are dissatisfied.

Polling was conducted from Nov. 1- 21, 2023, and overall results accurate to within ±4.9 percentage points, 95 out of 100 times.