A recent poll indicates that support for Prime Minister Mark Carney remains steady despite the failure to secure a trade deal with the United States by the self-imposed August 1 deadline. The polling, conducted shortly after this deadline, reveals that the Liberal Party continues to enjoy considerable backing among Canadians, even in the face of economic concerns and affordability issues that remain prominent in public discourse.
The Abacus Data poll highlights that a significant 62 per cent of respondents view the rising cost of living as the most pressing issue confronting the country. This is followed by the state of the Canadian economy at 37 per cent, while concerns regarding President Donald Trump's contentious tariff policies garner the attention of 44 per cent of those surveyed. This suggests that Canadians are prioritizing domestic economic challenges over international trade complications when evaluating the government's performance.
According to Abacus Data CEO David Coletto, the current sentiment indicates that Canadians are distinguishing between their frustrations over outcomes and their perceptions of government accountability. However, he warns that this distinction may not endure as the economic landscape evolves, particularly as the fall approaches, suggesting that domestic economic concerns may further complicate the political atmosphere.
Despite the continued support, there are early signs of a waning honeymoon phase between the Canadian public and the Carney administration. The poll shows that approval for the Liberal Party has dipped to 50 per cent, a decrease of two percentage points since mid-July and the lowest level recorded since March. Coletto attributes this drop to worries about the government’s progress on key domestic issues and the lack of resolution in significant international negotiations.
The findings also indicate that a considerable number of Canadians are contemplating a change in government, with 40 per cent suggesting it may be time for a new direction. However, nearly one-third express uncertainty about viable alternatives to the current administration, while 43 per cent affirm that they would vote for the Liberals if an election were held today, maintaining their level of support since mid-July.
Mark Carney himself enjoys a favorable opinion among Canadians, with a support rating of 48 per cent. In contrast, the leader of the Conservative Party, Pierre Poilievre, sees his favorability ratings evenly divided, with 42 per cent of respondents viewing him positively and 41 per cent negatively. This marks his best net rating in recent months.
The survey was conducted among a sample of 1,686 Canadians between July 31 and August 7, with a margin of error of +/- 2.4 per cent, providing a reliable snapshot of current public opinion as the political climate evolves. As the situation progresses, the implications of these sentiments may shape the trajectory of the upcoming political season.
