A new poll released Monday shows Alberta Premier Jason Kenney sitting nearly dead last in approval amongst Canada’s premiers..But the Angus Reid poll tells a different story for his B.C. counterpart John Horgan – he is on top of the list..“Response to the coronavirus pandemic continues to be a key metric by which Canadians rate their political leaders in 2020. The issue consistently supersedes all others in terms of importance. But new data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute indicates approval ratings for Canada’s premiers does not necessarily correlate with the number of cases or severity of outbreak province to province,” the polling company said.. pollAngus Reid poll on popularity of Canadian premiers .While Kenney only had 42 per cent support, Horgan came in at a whopping 69 per cent..“British Columbia’s John Horgan receives high approval for the work he has done this quarter. Despite rising numbers of cases, which reached record levels last week, Horgan’s approval is highest in the country at 69 per cent, suggesting that low (though increasing) hospitalization rates may be calming the public to some extent,” the poll said..“Horgan recently reached out to B.C-born celebrities Ryan Reynolds and Seth Rogen in an effort to change the message. The popularity of the Premier has led to speculation that a fall election may be called.”.Saskatchewan’s Scott Moe also did well at 59 per cent and Manitoba’s Brian Pallister only garnered 44 per cent..The lowest rated premier was Newfoundland’s Andrew Furey at only 34%. POLL: Many Albertans say they will ignore Christmas COVID lockdown .“Kenney is facing a number of challenges. Albertans have grown increasing critical of his government’s response to the coronavirus and the province’s finances are in historically poor shape with oil revenues plummeting and pandemic-related economic shocks persisting,” pollsters said..“COVID-19 cases began rising in mid-July to an average of more than 100 per day and remain above that mark. Two-in-five Albertans (42%) approve of Kenney, the lowest number recorded since his United Conservative Party formed government in 2019.”.As for Pallister “cases in that province have risen in recent weeks and the premier has faced criticism over a government decision to promote Manitoba as a tourism destination during the pandemic.”.The poll noted Moe and his party holds a considerable lead in vote intention as he heads into an election in November..Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com.TWITTER: Twitter.com/nobby7694
