May 31, 2025 — In advance of the upcoming First Minister Meeting, fresh polling by Pollara shows Ontario Premier Doug Ford stands out as the most recognized Premier in Canada, with 79% of Canadians familiar with him. Alberta’s Danielle Smith (50%) and Quebec’s François Legault (44%), the only other premiers with significant national profiles, trail far behind.
Ford’s name recognition nears that of many premiers in their home provinces. Indeed, more voters in Newfoundland & Labrador say they are familiar with Ford (86%) than they are with new Premier John Hogan (62%).
Within their home provinces, Wab Kinew (+51 net impression), Susan Holt (+43), and John Hogan (+42) enjoy the highest net impression ratings. Danielle Smith (-5) and François Legault (-10) both draw net negative sentiments from their own electorates.
Ford is the most popular Premier nationally (+20), followed by Wab Kinew (+15). Doug Doug Ford and François Legault are the only premiers more popular outside their home province than within it.
Danielle Smith is the only premier with a net negative impression rating outside of her home province (-11). Impressions of Smith run net negative in every province in Canada.
See the full details in our report and commentary on the study in the Toronto Star.
