PROVINCIAL LIBERALS (44%) LEAD THE TORIES (39%) AS HARRIS CALLS 1999 ELECTION

PROVINCIAL LIBERALS (44%) LEAD THE TORIES (39%) AS HARRIS CALLS 1999 ELECTION

NEW NUMBERS SHOW A 3 POINT DROP FOR THE lIBERALS, AND A 4 POINT GAIN FOR pcs SINCE MID-APRIL STANDINGS OF 47% to 35%

NDP HOLDS AT 15% - 1 POINT UP SINCE LAST POLL STANDINGS, WHILE 2% SUPPORT "SOME OTHER PARTY" AND 10% OF ONTARIANS REMAIN UNDECIDED

This Angus Reid Group/Globe and Mail/CFRB poll was conducted by telephone from April 28th to May 3rd, 1999 among a representative cross-section of 526 Ontarian adults.

These data were statistically weighted to ensure the sample's regional and age/sex composition reflects that of the actual Ontarian population according to the 1996 Census data.

With a provincial sample of 526, one can say with 95 percent certainty that the results are accurate to within +4.3 percentage points of what they would have been had the entire adult Ontarian population been polled. The margin of error will be larger within regions and for other sub-groupings of the survey population.

As Premier Harris announces the call for a June 3rd election, the Opposition Liberals (44%) led by Dalton McGuinty lead the governing Tories (39%). This latest Angus Reid Group/Globe and Mail/CFRB poll places the Liberals just three points lower and the Provincial Conservatives four points higher than mid-April poll standings of 47% to 35% in favour of the Liberals. The NDP led by Howard Hampton holds at 15% - up 1 point, while only 2% say they would vote for some other party - down 3 points since April. The undecided vote sits at 10% of the Ontario population.

These latest provincial standings are based on a telephone survey conducted among 526 Ontarians between April 28th and May 3rd, 1999. A sample of this size has a corresponding margin of error of + 4.3 percentage points from that of the entire adult Ontario population.

The Liberals Have the Lead with 44% of the Vote

The Liberals garner 44% of the decided vote, as Ontarians prepare for the upcoming election. Down three percentage points since the latest poll findings (47% in mid-April), strong support lies with younger Ontarians (50%), women (46%) and those who earn less than $30k (47%). Support for the Liberals waned slightly in the following areas: those aged 35 to 54 (from 56% to 47%), women (52% to 46%) and middle income earners (46% to 39%).

The Provincial Government (39%) Heads into the Election Campaign 5 Points Behind the Liberals (44%)

The provincial Tories currently sit at 39% of the decided vote marking a 4 point gain over the mid-April standings. Highest levels of support for the PCs are seen in those aged 55 and over (52%), men (44%) and those earning $60k or more (44%). Increase in support from those aged 18 to 34 (26% to 33%) and over 55 (45% to 52%), men (38% to 44%), those earning less than $30k (from 26% to 33%) and middle income earners (35% to 41%) contributed to a 4 point gain in overall voter support.

NDP Holds at 15%, While 2% Name "Some Other Party" and 10% of Ontarians Remain Undecided).

The Ontario New Democratic Party is holding its ground with 15% of the decided vote. Another 2% of Ontarians say they will vote for some other party. Ten percent of Ontarians are undecided about how they would vote, with 2% saying they won't vote.

For further information, please contact:

John Wright
Senior Vice-President
Angus Reid Group (416) 324-2900