Angus Reid demands Ford retract 'fake' polling claim
The polling firm sent a legal letter after the premier dismissed approval-rating data as skewed, saying their research is independent and accurate.
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The Angus Reid Institute, a non-partisan polling firm, has demanded a retraction after Premier Doug Ford called its numbers "fake."
The institute's recent poll showed Ford's approval rating among Ontario residents at just 21 per cent — his lowest ever. Ford disputed the finding, insisting the numbers were skewed to make him look bad.
The polling firm responded with a statement affirming their research is conducted "without fear or favour" and standing by their data. Now it has taken the step of sending a legal letter to Ford demanding the retraction.
"I confirm the existence of a legal letter sent to Premier Doug Ford," Angus Reid president Shachi Kurl told Global News. "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."
Ford's office did not respond to requests for comment.
The poll results emerged amid ongoing controversy over several Ford government decisions, including the private jet purchase and return, changes to Ontario Place, adjustments to OSAP, the Greenbelt development, and modifications to Freedom of Information laws.