Polling firm sends legal letter to Premier Doug Ford over 'fake' poll claim

The Angus Reid Institute, a Canadian polling firm, has issued a legal letter to Premier Doug Ford demanding he retract his assertion that their latest public opinion survey was "fake." The quarterly report indicated Ford's approval rating had dropped to a record low of 21 percent, positioning him as the least approved provincial leader in the country.

Responding to the poll on Tuesday, Ford dismissed it as "fake," alleging that the survey's basis lay with opposition politicians and that its methodology involved polling in "hardcore NDP neighbourhoods." He suggested the media was running with "little games." These comments were made at an event in Thunder Bay.

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They put this fake poll out. They poll the NDP and Liberal caucus.

The non-profit polling firm stated it stands by its research and methodology, noting that Ford had not previously raised issues with their polling when it produced favorable results for him. Global News learned on Thursday that the firm had sent a formal letter to Ford's office requesting a retraction.

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It’s little games, and then you guys run with it.

"Angus Reid Institute stands by its work and its long record of independent, non-partisan public opinion research. We do not intend to litigate this issue in the media, but we do believe the public record should be corrected," stated President Shachi Kurl. The Premier's Office has not yet responded to a request for comment.

Ford's declining numbers reflect a broader trend since early 2026, with his Progressive Conservatives experiencing a steady decrease in public support. While polls still suggest the PCs could win another majority, their margins are tighter. Recent polls show the Liberals gaining ground, sometimes surpassing the PCs. Factors contributing to the slump include the government's decision to exempt ministers from freedom of information laws, Ford's legal fight over his cellphone records, and the purchase of a new government jet.

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Angus Reid Institute stands by its work and its long record of independent, non-partisan public opinion research. We do not intend to litigate this issue in the media, but we do believe the public record should be corrected.