(LifeSiteNews) — The Progressive Conservative (PC) Party of Ontario, led by Premier Doug Ford, is behind in polls for the first time in nearly half a decade.
A recent poll by Liason Strategies showed the Liberal Party of Ontario, which is currently leaderless, at 38 percent support, with the Conservatives trailing at 36 percent. This displays a similar trend to a recent Abacus Data poll that showed a PC lead at a mere 1 percent, compared to recent leads of +8, +12, +14 and +26.
This marks the first time that Doug Ford’s PC party has faced any legitimate polling adversity since 2020, with the party leading in 230 polls since 2021, compared to the Liberal total of 5 and the NDP total of 1. Ford has enjoyed comfortable polling leads throughout his last two elections (2022 and 2025), both of which resulted in runaway majority government victories and leadership changes in opposition parties.
The recent downward trend appears to be directly connected to the Ford government’s “gravy plane” controversy that transpired in April. The Ontario government completed the purchase of a $28.9 million Bombardier jet that would be responsible for Doug Ford’s travel amidst the ongoing American/Canadian trade dispute.
The move was met with significant criticism that extended far beyond the online world. A recent Pallas data poll showed that 79 percent of Ontarians polled opposed the purchase, with 65 percent of them opposing it “strongly.” Fewer than one-in-five respondents (18 percent) expressed support for the decision.
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Most interestingly, the unpopularity of the jet purchase crossed party lines, with a majority of PC voters declaring their opposition to the jet (54 percent).
The ripple effect from the decision also appears to be quite significant, as 18 percent of all voters polled stated that they had supported the Ontario PCs in the past but won’t do so again. An additional 14 percent stated that they are “less likely” to vote for the PCs even after previously doing so. Both of these statistics together show that nearly one-third of PC voters represented in this poll are either softening or outright severing their commitment to vote for the party in future elections.
Immediately feeling the ramifications of this decision, the Ford government announced a reversal of the private jet purchase, just two days after it was picked up and reported on by a variety of Canadian outlets. Ford acknowledged the immense public scrutiny and announced a commitment to sell the jet “as quickly as possible,” citing the poor timing of the move and the justified criticism surrounding it.
Days later, the jet was promptly sold back to Bombardier for the exact same price it was bought for. Despite the quick reversal, Premier Ford does not appear to be gaining or regaining favor among Ontario voters.
A combination of factors, including voter fatigue, affordability concerns, health care strains, and the loss of U.S. trade momentum, have slowly eroded Ford’s once seemingly immutable support.
Perhaps one of the most important factors in relation to Ford’s lessening popularity has been the perceived “betrayal” of his own right-wing base.
Premier Ford has consistently faced backlash from right-wingers after he adopted left-wing stances. Between his newfound policy stances, coziness to PM Mark Carney, and contentious relationship with federal Conservatives, specifically leader Pierre Poilievre, Ford’s moderate style of governing has lost many who once considered themselves strong supporters of “Ford Nation.”
Prominent Canadian conservative influencer Mario Zelaya, who is currently one of the most followed right-wing voices in the country, expressed his displeasure with the “gravy train” controversy in very blunt terms.
🚨 BREAKING
The Ford Gravy Plane is now for sale
He bought it Friday.
He’s selling it Sunday.
48 hours.
“Despite the best of intentions, now is not the right time.”
Translation: HE GOT CAUGHT.
This is the SAME Doug Ford who reversed the Greenbelt after getting caught.… pic.twitter.com/LPkU3ZhK6J
— Mario Zelaya (@mario4thenorth) April 19, 2026
Zelaya, an Ontario resident, often voices opposition and dismay toward Ford, representing a numerous group of federal Conservative supporters who refuse to support him and the PCs. Another recent post called Ford a “filthy crook” and affirmed the fact that he may “be in prison” by the end of his term.
I agree.
Politicians need to be held accountable.
I’ve always believed Ford is a filthy crook. https://t.co/7d0uZgwpgy
— Mario Zelaya (@mario4thenorth) May 4, 2026