MEDIA INQUIRIES: Lorne Bozinoff, President [email protected] 416.960.9603

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Ford Leads Toronto Mayoral Race but October 15. 2010 Smitherman Closing Gap A new poll focusing on Toronto’s Mayoral campaign finds that the race is HIGHLIGHTS: tightening up as former Deputy Premier George Smitherman closes the gap with frontrunner . Among decided or leaning voters, 44% chose Rob Ford (up • George Smitherman is from 34% in early September, 2010) compared to 38% picking George closing in on frontrunner Smitherman (up from 22%). This suggests that Smitherman has picked up the Rob Ford (44% vs. 38% for lion’s share of Sarah Thomson and Rocco Rossi supporters after Thomson and Smitherman, up from 22% Rossi announced their withdrawals from the race. Deputy Mayor in early September 2010). (16%, up from 11%) was trailing and 2% of residents selected someone else (16% of voters remain undecided). • George Smitherman has Rob Ford maintains a stranglehold in Scarborough (53%, compared to 30% for made significant gains in George Smitherman) while George Smitherman has made significant gains in North York (42%, up from North York (42%, up from 20%), -York (39%, up from 14%). The race 20%) and Etobicoke-York remains neck-and-neck in Toronto (39% for Smitherman compared to (39%, up from 14%). 38% for Ford). • When decided / leaning Older Toronto voters were more likely to support Rob Ford, 18-34 (41%), 35-49 Joe Pantalone supporters (43%), and 50+ (49%). Support for Rob Ford was also higher among male voters were asked who they (50% male, 39% female). would back if Pantalone When decided / leaning voters supporting Joe Pantalone were asked who they withdrew, the race would back if Pantalone withdrew, the race becomes much closer with Rob Ford at becomes much closer (Rob 49%, George Smitherman at 48% and 3% supporting others. Ford at 49%, George The poll was conducted by Forum Research with the results based on a telephone Smitherman 48% and 3% survey of 700 randomly selected Toronto residents, conducted on October 14th, supporting others). 2010. Results are considered accurate +/- 4%, 19 times out of 20. This poll was conducted independently by Forum Research Inc. This research is not necessarily predictive of future outcomes, but rather captures the opinions of Toronto residents who plan to vote at one point in time.

With offices across Canada and around the world, 100% Canadian owned Forum Research is one of the country’s leading survey research firms.

180 Bloor Street W., #1400 Toronto, ON M5S 2V6 T 416.960.9600 F 416.960.9602 1 forumresearch.com

MEDIA INQUIRIES: Lorne Bozinoff, President [email protected] 416.960.9603

The key questions covered in the recent poll concerned: TORONTO Mayoral Voting Intentions - Decided / Leaning October 15. 2010

“If the election for the was held today, which candidate are you most likely to vote for? + Even though you may not have made up your mind, who would you be leaning towards at this time?”

Rob Ford – 44% George Smitherman – 38% Joe Pantalone – 16% Someone Else – 2% (Undecided) – (16%)

Race without Pantalone

“If the election for the Mayor of Toronto was held today, which candidate are you most likely to vote for? + Even though you may not have made up your mind, who would you be leaning towards at this time? + “And, If Joe Pantalone withdrew from the election, who would you vote for if the candidates for mayor were?’

Rob Ford – 49% George Smitherman – 48% Someone Else – 3% (Undecided) – (18%)

The complete poll results will be posted shortly at: www.forumresearch.com/mediacenter

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For more information: Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. President Forum Research Inc. Tel: (416) 960-9603 Fax: (416) 960-9602 180 Bloor Street W., #1400 e-mail: [email protected] Toronto, ON M5S 2V6 T 416.960.9600 F 416.960.9602 2 forumresearch.com