Premier Tim Houston speaks to reporters at One Government Place in Halifax (Jacob Moore/Acadia Broadcasting)
A new Abacus Data poll suggests Premier Tim Houston and the Progressive Conservatives are heading into the winter sitting of the legislature with a strong lead, but with signs support is beginning to soften.
The survey, conducted January 21st to 28th, places the PCs at 48 per cent support among decided voters.
While still a commanding advantage, it’s a four‑point drop from the fall and the first time in more than a year that the party has fallen below the 50‑percent threshold.
The NDP sits at 25 per cent, and the Liberals at 18, both posting modest gains.
Regionally, the PCs continue to dominate. Support reaches 62 per cent in Cape Breton, around 50 per cent across the mainland, and 43 per cent in Halifax, where the NDP remains their closest challenger.
Demographically, the PCs lead across age and gender, with particularly strong numbers among voters over 45.
Where the government faces more concern is in approval and issue performance.
Overall approval of the Houston government has dropped from 52 to 44 per cent since September.
On major files like affordability, housing and healthcare, the province earns some of its lowest ratings. Only 22 per cent of respondents feel the government is doing a good job on housing, and 18 per cent say the same about affordability and rising costs.
The poll lands less than a week before the legislature resumes on Monday, February 23rd.
Full details on the poll, including methadology can be found on the Abacus website.
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