Ontario Premier Doug Ford has experienced a notable resurgence in popularity, according to a recent poll conducted by Liaison Strategies. This shift comes in the wake of escalating trade tensions with the United States, where President Donald Trump imposed 50 per cent tariffs on billions of dollars of Canadian products. The poll, conducted on August 23 and 24, 2026 reveals a significant change in voter sentiment, with the Progressive Conservatives now leading at 39 per cent compared to the Liberals at 35 per cent.
The NDP and Greens trail behind with 20 per cent and 5 per cent respectively. This marks a reversal of fortunes for Ford’s party, which had been struggling in recent months due to a series of controversies, including the purchase of a private jet for the premier, changes to transparency laws, and a spending scandal.
Ford’s Heated Rhetoric and Political Gains
Ford’s recent comments about Trump, where he referred to the U.S. president as a “loser” and the “king of bankruptcies,” have added a personal dimension to the trade dispute. While these remarks initially sparked controversy, they seem to have resonated with voters, providing a temporary boost to Ford’s political standing. David Valentin, principal at Liaison Strategies, noted that the context of the trade war and Ford’s direct engagement with the issue have temporarily altered the political narrative in Ontario.
“This is a very different Ontario race than the one we saw in July,” Valentin said. “The obvious context is the trade war. This poll was in the field right as the latest U.S. tariffs took effect and as Ford and Trump turned the fight into something personal. Whether voters like Ford in general or not, this is the kind of issue that can temporarily change the frame around a premier.”
The Scandals That Preceded Ford’s Resurgence
Despite this recent surge, Ford’s tenure has been marked by a series of scandals that have tested his political resilience. In July 2026, Ford’s trip to Orlando, Florida, for a LiUNA conference cost Ontario taxpayers $11,709 for flights and hotels. This expense came to light amid a broader scandal involving 20 Tory MPPs and cabinet ministers who had billed taxpayers over $121,000 for stays in downtown Toronto luxury hotels, despite living within commuting distance of Queen’s Park.
Other controversies include the Ontario PC party’s covert surveillance operation against former Liberal leader Bonnie Crombie during her 2026 vacation in Jamaica, as well as the mismanagement of a $2.5-billion skill training fund. Additionally, Ford’s government faced backlash for attempting to expand Billy Bishop Airport in Toronto, a move seen as favoring a J.P. Morgan-controlled consortium.
The Ford Family’s Political Legacy
The Ford family’s political journey is as tumultuous as it is fascinating. Doug Ford, the third of four children, grew up in Etobicoke, a prosperous suburb of Toronto. His father, Doug Ford Sr, was a successful businessman, but the family’s history is marred by links to narcotics. Doug Jr. was reportedly a hashish dealer in his youth before transitioning into politics.
Doug’s brother, Rob Ford, became a controversial figure as the mayor of Toronto, known for his erratic behavior and substance abuse issues. Despite these challenges, the Ford brothers maintained a strong political presence, with Doug eventually becoming Ontario’s premier in. His rise to power was facilitated by a stroke of luck when Patrick Brown, the then-leader of the Ontario PC party, resigned amid scandal.
Ford’s political strategy has often involved appealing to working-class voters while advocating for policies such as the “Buck a Beer” initiative and scrapping the province’s carbon tax. However, his administration has faced criticism for its handling of public services, the housing crisis, and the shortage of family doctors.
As Ontario navigates these challenges, Doug Ford’s recent polling surge highlights the complex dynamics of political sentiment in the province. While his inflammatory remarks about Trump have temporarily boosted his standing, the long-term impact of his administration’s controversies remains to be seen.
