– Chow’s approval rating decline
– Toronto budget impact on Chow’s approval rating.
Accident – Death – Obituary News : 
A recent poll conducted by Liaison Strategies has revealed that Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow’s approval rating has experienced a decline in the aftermath of the city’s 2024 budget announcement. The poll, released on Monday, demonstrates that Chow’s approval rating now stands at 55 per cent.
David Valentin, the principal at Liaison Strategies, commented on the findings, stating, “The Olivia Chow honeymoon is over. In previous months, we’ve witnessed her approval rating as high as 75 per cent and as low as 71 per cent.”
Valentin attributes the drop in support to the release of the 2024 budget. The poll indicates that only roughly 47 per cent of Toronto residents approve of the proposed budget, which entails a 9.5 per cent increase in taxes for homeowners this year.
While Chow received commendation for her efforts in fostering Toronto’s relationship with other levels of government (65 per cent) and advancing affordable housing (64 per cent), her handling of crime garnered approval from only 48 per cent of respondents, according to Valentin.
Concerns over Budget Cuts and Crime
Valentin further highlighted the shift in public opinion concerning budget cuts. “Support for cutting funding from the Toronto Police Service to fund social services is down from 39 per cent to 31 per cent, with 44 per cent now opposing the measure,” he stated.
Interestingly, Valentin noted that crime, despite being ranked as the most important issue by only 17 per cent of respondents, has impacted Chow’s approval rating. Conversely, affordable housing was identified as the primary concern by approximately 36 per cent of participants, while transit was ranked the top issue by 21 per cent.
Changing Perceptions of Toronto’s Direction
Prior to Chow assuming office, a majority of respondents believed that Toronto was moving in the wrong direction. However, this perception has significantly shifted, with 49 per cent now stating that the city is moving in the right direction, as emphasised by Valentin.
“The numbers illustrate that Torontonians largely approve of the current state of affairs. Sustaining approval ratings in the 70 per cent range was always going to be a challenge for any politician, especially once discussions about the budget and tax rates took centre stage,” Valentin concluded.
The poll, conducted from February 5th to February 6th, surveyed 875 Toronto residents and boasts a margin of error of plus or minus 3.31 per cent, with a confidence level of 95 per cent.
For more information, read the full article on CTV News.
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– Chow’s approval rating drops after new Toronto budget
– Chow’s approval rating declines following Toronto budget revisions.
