Nova Scotians most likely to prefer Cecil Clarke as PC leader: poll

A recent poll indicates that of the five candidates running to lead the Nova Scotia Progressive Conservative Party, residents would prefer to see Cecil Clarke as premier.

The survey conducted by Corporate Research Associates Inc. (CRA) says 23 per cent of Nova Scotians polled would likely support the current Cape Breton Regional Municipality mayor.

Clarke previously had 26 per cent support in a February 2018 CRA poll.

“Cecil Clarke has a slight edge in support among the general population as the most preferred leadership candidate,” said Don Mills, chairman and CEO of Corporate Research Associates, in a statement.

“These results only reflect current public preferences of the PC leadership candidates and not support within the party for each individual candidate.”

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The next preferred candidate, according to the survey, is Halifax Seaport Farmers’ Market executive director Julie Chaisson, at 13 per cent.

CRA says Chaisson was not included in the February poll.

The survey indicates Pictou East MLA Tim Houston is the next preferred candidate, with 11 per cent of the vote.

Meanwhile, only four per cent of residents would choose Kings North MLA John Lohr or Cumberland North MLA Elizabeth Smith-McCrossin.

Smith-McCrossin’s support is down from 11 per cent in the February poll.

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One-third of Nova Scotians surveyed did not have an opinion on the matter, while one in 10 did not prefer any of the five current candidates.

CRA surveyed 400 people by telephone between May 7 to 23. The overall results are accurate to within ± 4.9 percentage points, 95 times out of 100.