Almost 4-in-10 Think Nova Scotia Headed in Wrong Direction

Almost 4-in-10 Think Nova Scotia Headed in Wrong Direction

A third see Healthcare as their biggest issue

Toronto, May 8th – In a random sampling of public opinion taken by The Forum Poll™ among 1042 Nova Scotia voters, almost 4-in-10 (38%) say that Nova Scotia is moving in the wrong direction. Just under a quarter (22%) say that Nova Scotia is moving in the right direction, with just under a third (29%) saying it’s neither moving in the right nor wrong direction, and (11%) responding they do not know.

Respondents most likely to say that Nova Scotia is moving in the wrong direction include those aged 35-44 (48%), earning $80,0000-$100,000 (48%), with a post-graduate degree (49%), living in Cape Breton (46%), and supporting the NDP (59%).

Respondents most likely to say that Nova Scotia is moving in the right direction include those aged 55-64 (29%) or 65+ (31%), the least wealthy (27%) or earning $40,000-$60,000 (30%), with some college/university (33%), and supporting the Liberals (52%).

Healthcare the dominant issue

Healthcare was identified by a third (32%) of voters as the issue that is most likely to determine their vote. Following well behind is the economy (17%), Education (16%), and Jobs (14%). Not likely to be a factor in this campaign are the environment (8%) or infrastructure (5%). Other issues (5%) not listed were identified by (5%), and a very small proportion (3%) did not know what would determine their vote at the time of this survey.

Respondents most likely to say that healthcare is their ballot question include those aged 65+ (49%), females (40%), earning $20,000-$40,000 (38%) or $40,000-$60,000 (36%), with some college/university (36%) or a college/university degree (35%), living in Cape Breton (40%), and supporting the PCs (36%) or Liberals (34%).

Almost 4-in-10 expect the Liberals to win

Just under 4-in-10 (37%) see the Liberals as the eventual winners of the 2017 provincial election. Just over a quarter (28%) see the PCs as the eventual winner, with a small proportion of voters (12%) believing the NDP will win. (23%) aren’t sure who will win and said they do not know.

 “Most voters expect the Liberals to win, but clearly voters have concerns as the plurality believe that Nova Scotia is moving in the wrong direction. If the opposition can tap into this overall dissatisfaction, they will greatly increase their chances of unseating a very popular Liberal government,” said Dr. Lorne Bozinoff, President of Forum Research.

Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416) 960-9603.