Carney’s Approval Rating Declines as Conservatives Gain Ground

Prime Minister Mark Carney has experienced a significant drop in his approval rating for the first time since taking office. A recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute reveals that Carney’s approval has fallen by six points to 51 percent since June, while disapproval among Canadians has surged by 12 points. This shift in public sentiment comes at a time when voter support for the ruling Liberals is nearly tied with the opposition Conservatives.

The survey, released on Friday, indicates that the Conservatives now lead in voter intention, with 40 percent of respondents indicating support for the Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) compared to 38 percent for the Liberals. This decline in Carney’s popularity follows his controversial decision in August to remove counter tariffs on American goods. While 39 percent of Canadians approved of this move, 35 percent expressed disapproval, and 26 percent remained uncertain.

Critics, including Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre, have characterized the removal of the tariffs as a sign of weakness. This decision marks a shift away from what was previously termed Carney’s “Elbows Up” approach towards U.S. President Donald Trump, which had positioned Canada more assertively in trade negotiations.

Trade Talks and Public Confidence

Compounding these challenges, trade discussions with the United States remain unresolved, now more than a month past Trump’s stated August 1, 2023 deadline for a deal. Public confidence in Carney’s ability to secure a favorable outcome from these negotiations has diminished. In July, Canadians were nearly evenly split in their trust for Carney’s government to handle trade effectively. Currently, only 43 percent express confidence, while 53 percent do not.

Meanwhile, the New Democratic Party (NDP) has experienced a modest rise in support during their ongoing leadership search. Support for the NDP has increased to 10 percent, up from 6 percent in the recent spring election, potentially reflecting a shift among some former Liberal voters.

Poilievre has recently re-entered the House of Commons through a byelection in Alberta, yet his personal favourability remains low. Only 36 percent of Canadians view him positively, while a significant 58 percent hold an unfavorable opinion.

The sentiment among voters is increasingly critical, with half of those surveyed believing the country is on the wrong track. In contrast, only 28 percent feel that Canada is moving in the right direction. Among Liberal voters, optimism persists, with 54 percent expressing a positive outlook.

The full results of the Angus Reid Institute poll are available for public review, offering deeper insights into the evolving political landscape in Canada.