A recent poll conducted by Ipsos exclusively for Global News indicates that a majority of Canadians are calling for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to step down before the House of Commons resumes in the fall. The poll shows that 68 percent of Canadians believe Trudeau should no longer hold the position, with the highest desire for him to resign coming from Alberta at 79 percent and Atlantic Canada at 76 percent. The survey, conducted between June 12 and 14, suggests that if an election were held tomorrow, the Conservatives would have a substantial lead with 42 percent of the decided vote, while the Liberals would only receive 24 percent and the NDP 18 percent. Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker noted that after eight years in power, Trudeau’s declining popularity may be affecting his party’s success.
Furthermore, nearly half of Canadians (44 percent) believe Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre would make the best prime minister, indicating a shift in public opinion towards the Conservative Party. The survey also revealed that 75 percent of Canadians want another party to take over, with only 25 percent believing the Liberals deserve re-election. Despite these concerning numbers, some members of Trudeau’s inner circle have dismissed the polling results, focusing instead on policy achievements such as dental care, pharmacare, housing supports, and childcare. Treasury Board President Anita Anand and Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon emphasized the government’s progress on various fronts and their commitment to navigating the challenges facing the country.
Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged the difficult global economic climate and the government’s responsibility to steer the country through these challenging times. The Liberal Party is faced with the task of reviving their fortunes and overcoming sagging poll numbers, particularly in the upcoming federal byelection in the riding of St-Paul’s in Toronto. The riding has historically been a safe Liberal seat, but the upcoming contest is shaping up to be more competitive, with the Conservatives nominating Don Stewart to challenge Liberal staffer Leslie Church for the seat. The outcome of this election will be telling for the Liberal Party’s standing in voter esteem, according to Darrell Bricker of Ipsos.
The poll results suggest that Trudeau’s leadership may be at a low point, with a significant portion of Canadians expressing a desire for him to step down as prime minister. The Conservatives are currently enjoying a comfortable lead in popularity and perception of leadership, with a growing number of Canadians indicating a preference for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre as prime minister. Despite efforts to highlight policy accomplishments and progress under Trudeau’s leadership, the Liberal Party is struggling to gain traction and reverse their declining fortunes in the face of public dissatisfaction and calls for change. The upcoming federal byelection in St-Paul’s will serve as a crucial test for the Liberals, demonstrating their ability to retain historically safe seats and regain voter trust in the midst of shifting political dynamics.
