OTTAWA, Ont. – Prime Minister Stephen Harper’s popularity is dropping, according to the latest figures from Abacus Data.

A recent poll found 50 per cent of respondents disapprove of the job he’s doing, while 35 per cent gave him the thumbs up.    

David Coletto of Abacus tells 1310News part of the problem is fatigue.  “This government has been in power now for over six years and that certainly weighs down his popularity.”

Federal New Democrat leader, Thomas Mulcair saw a jump in his approval rating to 36 per cent, with just 22 per cent not approving of his work.   The big challenge for him according to Coletto is grow his base.  “Most of the positive feelings from Canadians are coming from Quebec where he is overly popular”.

Coletto says both leaders are in the same boat, needing to grow their base. “They have to meet voters in British Columbia and Ontario, particularly in the GTA region and areas around Ottawa, and really start connecting with voters.

The survey also found the Conservatives and N.D.P are in a dead heat with 35 per cent each.  The Liberals garnered 17 per cent support.