NDP doubles Atlantic Canada support, at expense of Liberals

A poll released Wednesday shows many Atlantic Canada voters are ready to switch from red to orange, with the Liberals' massive lead softening in favour of an NDP surge.

Halifax-based Corporate Research Associates found support for the NDP in the four Atlantic provinces jumped from 14 per cent to 29 per cent in just three months.

CRA chairman Don Mills said the results are likely a consequence of the stunning victory the NDP scored in May's election in Alberta.

"The election of the NDP in Alberta may be a watershed moment in Canadian politics," Mills said in a statement.

"It appears that the Alberta victory has increased the legitimacy of the NDP as a viable alternative to the Conservatives and Liberals."

The poll shows support for the Liberals dropped from 56 per cent to 43 per cent in the same period of time. The support for the Conservatives changed marginally, from 26 per cent to 24 per cent.

Trudeau's support slipping, but still on top

Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau remains the top pick among the federal leaders, although Atlantic Canada support dropped from 41 per cent to 36 per cent.

NDP Leader Tom Mulcair's support bounced from 14 per cent to 22 per cent, while Conservative Leader Stephen Harper's support dropped from 21 per cent to 19 per cent.

Green Leader Elizabeth May's support edged from six per cent to five per cent. 

CRA surveyed 1,502 adults between May 11 and June 1. The poll has a margin of error of 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.