Battle between UCP, NDP too close to call as provincial election inches closer: ThinkHQ

A new political poll surveying Albertans ahead of May's provincial election shows a deep divide within the province, with the governing United Conservative Party and Alberta's New Democrats fighting neck and neck for support.

A new political poll surveying Albertans ahead of May's provincial election shows a deep divide within the province, with the governing United Conservative Party and Alberta's New Democrats fighting neck and neck for support.

ThinkHQ says if a provincial election were held tomorrow, the NDP hold a marginal edge with 46 per cent of the decided vote, statistically tied with the governing UCP with 45 per cent.

The firm says the Alberta Party remains well out of contention with only six per cent, followed by the Liberals at two per cent.

ThinkHQ Marc Henry says the governing UCP should have an easier path to re-election, with large support across rural Alberta.

"The results of this survey are a bit surprising, almost counter-intuitive," Henry said.

"The Smith government has released a 'chicken-in-every-pot' budget, are spending a lot on advertising the budget and their 'inflation-fighting' measures. Yet, they aren't seeing a return on that investment in the polls; in fact, they're down three points from January. Margin of error, but still."