Alberta's Danielle Smith has a 47 per cent approval rating, according to a new survey from the Angus Reid Institute. (Photo: Lethbridge News Now)

By David Opinko

Alberta’s Smith remains middle-of-the-pack in premiers’ approval ratings

Dec 29, 2023 | 10:29 AM

When it comes to how strongly Canadians approve of their province’s premiers, Danielle Smith remains firmly in the middle.

The Angus Reid Institute released its quarterly Premier Approval Ratings for December 2023.

A total of 3,749 Canadians were surveyed from Nov. 24 to Dec. 1. That number includes 392 people who reside in Alberta.

With Prince Edward Island and the territories being excluded from the study, nine provincial leaders were assessed based on how popular they and their policies are.

The survey found that Manitoba’s new premier Wab Kinew was the most popular at 57 per cent, while Quebec’s Francois Legault has fallen by 16 points to a last-place 31 per cent.

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Coming in at fifth place is Danielle Smith, the premier of Alberta, at an unchanged 47 per cent approval.

Approximately 28 per cent of respondents said they strongly approve of Smith, 19 per cent moderately approve, 10 per cent moderately disapprove, and 36 per cent strongly disapprove. Another eight per cent were not sure.

A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute show how popular Canada’s premiers are as of December 2023. (Photo: Angus Reid Institute)

A new survey states that 47 per cent of Canadians approve of Alberta premier Danielle Smith. (Photo: Angus Reid Institute)

The ARI notes that 2023 has been an eventful year for Smith, being elected to her first full term as premier following May’s election after winning the United Conservative Party’s leadership race last fall.

The organization said she and her government have taken several major steps to transform Alberta.

Some examples of this include exploring the province’s potential exit from the Canada Pension Plan, restructuring the health care system, and activating the Sovereignty Within a United Canada Act in regards to federal net-zero electricity regulations.

“Politically, the events of the recent quarter have had little impact on assessments of Smith in Alberta, who draws the approval of 47 per cent, identical to the number registered in September,” the institute said.

The full survey can be read on the ARI website.