Some Canadians Wary of Trump’s Role in Alberta Separation

Just over a third of Albertans and Quebecers would vote in favour of their province becoming its own country.

Vancouver, BC [June 12, 2025] – More than two-in-five Canadians are concerned about possible meddling from the United States if Alberta ultimately holds a referendum on sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 45% of Canadians say it is “very likely” or “moderately likely” that the United States will take steps to annex Alberta as an American state if a referendum on Alberta becoming a sovereign country and ceasing to be a Province of Canada takes place.

Fewer Canadians believe three other scenarios are likely to materialize: the United States recognizing Alberta’s sovereignty if the referendum is successful (43%), the United States recognizing Alberta’s sovereignty even if the referendum is not successful (32%) and voters in Alberta choosing to become a sovereign country (31%).

Sizeable proportions of Canadians who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (50%), the Liberal Party (48%) or the Conservative Party (45%) in this year’s federal election believe the U.S. is likely to attempt Alberta’s annexation.

The Government of Alberta recently proposed to reduce the threshold for Citizen Initiatives. Under the new guidelines, proponents will have 120 days to gather the signatures of 10 per cent of voters who participated in the last provincial election to compel a province-wide vote on an initiative. A group has proposed holding a referendum on whether Alberta “shall become a sovereign country and cease to be a Province of Canada”.

Canadians are divided on whether the proponents of this referendum will be able to gather the signatures required in the allotted time to compel a province-wide vote on sovereignty, with 39% predicting they will reach the threshold and 44% believing they will not. In Alberta, 48% believe the signature drive will be successful, while 34% disagree.

Almost half of Canadians (47%) think the Government of Canada should not allow this referendum to happen if proponents gather the required signatures.

Support for the federal government effectively stopping the referendum on Alberta’s sovereignty is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (57%), followed by Ontario (53%), Atlantic Canada (52%), British Columbia (49%), Alberta (42%) and Quebec (36%).

On a separate question, 56% of Canadians say that, if voters in Alberta ultimately choose to become a sovereign country and cease to be a Province of Canada in a referendum, the Government of Canada should not allow Alberta’s separation to happen.

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (68%) and aged 35-to-54 (54%) think the federal government should ultimately block Alberta’s separation. The proportion is lower among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (47%).

Only one-in-five Canadians (20%) think Canada would be better off as an American state, while 73% disagree—including 65% who “strongly disagree”.

“Practically a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (32%) believe Canada would be better off as an American state,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (22%) and those aged 55 and over (7%).”

Slightly larger proportions of Canadians think their province would be better off as an American state (21% and rising to 25% in Alberta) or as its own country (29% and rising to 35% in both Alberta and Quebec).

When asked if they would vote in favour of Canada becoming an American state, 19% of Canadians agree while 75% disagree. The results are similar when Canadians are asked about voting in favour of their province becoming an American state (19% in favour, and 76% against).

Just under three-in-ten Canadians (28%) would vote in favour of their province becoming its own country—including 34% of Albertans and Quebecers. Two thirds of Canadians (66%) are opposed to this idea.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (67%) trust the Prime Minister of Canada to make the best decisions on issues of national unity. The rating is lower for provincial premiers (59%), the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada (51%) and provincial leaders of the Official Opposition (also 51%).

In Alberta, the four political leaders are separated by just five points on the issue of national unity: 58% for the Prime Minister, 56% for the leader of the Official Opposition in Canada, 55% for the provincial premier and 53% for the provincial leader of the Official Opposition.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from June 1 to June 3, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most Canadians Still Avoiding American Products When Possible

More than four-in-five of the country’s residents think the American tariffs are still a threat.

Vancouver, BC [June 5, 2025] – While the proportion of Canadians who are actively boycotting products made in the United States has subsided over the past two months, it still encompasses a sizeable majority across the country, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, three-in-five Canadians (60%, -4 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in late March) are avoiding the purchase of goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available.

At least three-in-ten Canadians are eschewing American restaurant franchises in Canada (36%, -5), have cancelled a planned trip to the United States (35%, -2) or are avoiding American entertainment options (30%, -5).

“Only 10% of Liberal Party voters in the 2025 federal election are not taking any action to avoid American products,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions rise to 22% among New Democratic Party (NDP) voters and to 30% among Conservative Party voters.”

More than four-in-five Canadians (82%) think the American tariffs are still a threat to Canada, while only 10% believe they are not a threat anymore.

Just over half of Canadians (51%, -7) support Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs recalling the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. in response to President Donald Trump’s statements related to Canada becoming an American state, while three-in-five (60%, -8) want Canada to officially demand an apology from Trump for his statements.

More than three-in-five Canadians continue to favour two ideas: Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers shutting off all energy exports to the United States until Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs (63%, -7) and Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers suspending all steel, aluminum, and wood exports to the United States until U.S. President Donald Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs (65%, -7).

Just under seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, -15) have recently followed news stories related to the tariffs dispute “very closely” or “moderately closely”.

More than three-in-five Canadians (64%, +5) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has managed the tariffs. The rating is significantly lower for Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre (39%, -8).

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -4) think a Conservative federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States, while 46% (+4) disagree.

More than half of Canadians (54%, -2) remain content with the performance of their premier on this file, while fewer than two-in-five (38% +1) feel the same way about their provincial official opposition leader.

The approval rating on the tariffs dispute is higher for the premiers of Ontario (58%, -1) and British Columbia (56%, +3) than for their counterparts in Quebec (49%, -7) and Alberta (47%, +5). The numbers are fairly similar for the provincial opposition leaders in Ontario (39%, +2), Quebec (also 39%, -4), Alberta (37%, -2) and British Columbia (34%, =).

At this point, Canadians are more likely to predict that the U.S. government will rescind the tariffs (40%, +4) than to foresee their expansion (27%, -9).

At least three-in-four Canadians continue to call for Canada to seriously consider enhancing trade with Australia and New Zealand (79%, -2), the United Kingdom (78%), the European Union (EU) (77%, -2), Mexico (76%, -2) and Japan (75%, =), while more than half (57%, -2) are in favour of requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).

Only one-in-five Canadians (20%, -1) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state. This idea is more popular in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (22%), followed by Ontario (21%), Alberta (also 21%), Quebec (18%), British Columbia (16%) and Atlantic Canada (14%).

Fewer than one-in-ten Canadians aged 55 and over (8%) think it is time to seriously consider a process for Canada to become an American state. The proportions rise to 22% among Canadians aged 35-to-54 and to 30% among Canadians aged 18-to-34.

Support for initiating a formal process for Canada to join the EU fell by six points since late March, from 52% to 46%.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from May 25 to May 27, 2025, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadian Voters Open to Changing the Electoral System

Two-in-five voters in this year’s federal election (40%) think the possibility of Alberta separation is real, while 46% disagree.

Vancouver, BC [May 8, 2025] – Many voters across Canada are willing to explore modifications to the way the members of the House of Commons are chosen, a new Research Co. “Exit Poll” poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election, more than half of respondents (58%) believe Canada should implement a system of proportional representation for federal elections.

“Enthusiasm about a possible move to proportional representation for federal elections is highest among Millennials (67%),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The numbers drop among members of Generation X (57%), Generation Z (56%) and Baby Boomers and Silent Generation members (49%).”

Just over two thirds of Canadian voters (68%) think it should be mandatory for candidates to attend at least one public debate in their riding with the candidates from other parties.

More than three-in-five Canadian voters support two other measures: making voting mandatory in all Canadian federal elections (61%) and declaring federal Election Day a public holiday in Canada (also 61%).

Majorities of Canadian voters say their parents or guardians voted in federal (75%), provincial (70%) and municipal (59%) elections, while just over two-in-five (42%) recall talking about politics at the dinner table.

The youngest voters—Generation Z members—are more likely to recall discussions about politics at the dinner table (51%) than Millennials (43%), members of Generation X (42%) and Baby Boomers and Silent Generation members (35%).

There has been some talk about the effect a Liberal Party victory will have in provinces where most voters support the Conservative Party, particularly Alberta. Almost two-in-five Canadian voters (39%) think the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada is not real and something they would not like to see happening.

Just over one-in-four Canadian voters (26%) say the possibility of Alberta separating from Canada is real and something they would not like to see happening, while fewer believe Alberta separation is real and something they would personally welcome (14%) or not real and something they would personally welcome (7%).

In Alberta, 29% of voters would welcome separation from Canada, while 64% would not. However, more than half (58%) believe the possibility of Alberta separation is real, while 35% regard it as not real.

Canadian voters were also asked about specific activities. In the past three weeks, more than two-in-five saw, read or heard an advertisement for a federal election candidate (49%) or saw, read or heard media stories where federal election candidates discussed their position on issues (46%).

At least one-in-five Canadian voters watched or attended a debate featuring the federal party leaders (33%), read a party’s electoral platform (26%) or visited the website of a federal election candidate (20%).

Fewer Canadian voters participated in four other activities: watched or attended a debate featuring local election candidates (18%), visited the website of a federal party (17%), interacted with a federal election candidate on social media (14%) or met canvassers or candidates who knocked at their door (12%).

Over the course of the past year, at least one-in-four Canadian voters visited a local library (38%), read community newspapers (36%) or used a community centre or community pool (25%).

Fewer Canadian voters placed a bet on a sporting website (18%), used a sports field in their community (17%), placed a bet on sports with friends or family (16%), volunteered at a school (11%) or volunteered for their municipality (10%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 27 to April 29, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,201 Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 2.8 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Conservative Golf Ad Missed Mark with Most Canadian Voters

Liberal “This Election is Different” advertisement regarded as more “informative” and less “boring”.

Vancouver, BC [May 5, 2025] – A side-by-side test of two political advertisements from the main federal parties in Canada yields mixed results, a new Research Co. “Exit Poll” poll has found.

The online survey of a representative national sample of English-speaking Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election showed respondents two advertisements that were featured on broadcast television in the final days of the campaign: “We can’t afford fore more years” from the Conservative Party, and “This election is different” from the Liberal Party.

Conservative Advertisement

“We can’t afford fore more years”

Just under two-in-five Canadian voters (39%) say they had seen this political advertisement before taking the survey—a proportion that rises to 55% among members of the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers and to 54% among residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

When asked if this ad makes them want to vote for the Conservative Party, Canadian voters are almost evenly split (Agree 47%, Disagree 46%). Agreement is highest among Millennials (55%), followed by members of Generation Z (50%), Generation X (44%) and Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (40%).

More than half of Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (56%) say the ad does not make them want to vote for the Conservatives—including 47% who feel “strongly” about this.

Canadian voters in the highest income bracket are more likely to say the ad makes them want to support Conservative candidates (53%) than their counterparts in the middle and lowest income brackets (46% and 45% respectively).

The results are similar when Canadian voters are asked if the Conservative ad makes them want to vote for the Liberal Party (Agree 46%, Disagree 47%).

Two-in-five Canadian voters (40%) say the ad makes them feel more negative about the Liberal Party, while a slightly larger proportion (42%) say it makes them feel more negative about the Conservatives.

Overall, just over half of Canadian voters (51%) feel the Conservative ad is “informative”, while more than two-in-five (44%) consider it “boring”.

The advertisement is regarded as boring by similar proportions of Canadian voters who belong to the Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (45%), Generation X (44%), Millennials (also 44%) and Generation Z (43%).

Canadian voters who reside in Atlantic Canada and Saskatchewan and Manitoba are more likely to say the ad made them feel more negative about the Conservative Party (53% each) than those in Quebec (44%), Ontario (40%), British Columbia (38%) and Alberta (26%).

Liberal Advertisement

“This election is different”

More than a third of Canadian voters (35%) saw this ad before taking our survey, including 43% of Silent Generation / Baby Boomers and 45% of residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba.

More than half of Canadian voters (56%) say this ad makes them more likely to vote for the Liberals, while 38% disagree. Agreement is highest among members of Generation Z (61%), followed by Millennials (55%), Generation X (54%) and Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (also 54%).

Just over half of Canadian voters in Alberta (51%) say the ad does not make them want to support Liberal candidates, along with 46% of those who live in Ontario.

Canadian voters in the middle income bracket are slightly more likely to say the ad makes them want to vote Liberal (58%) than their counterparts in the highest and lowest income brackets (57% and 53% respectively).

Only 38% of Canadian voters say this ad makes them want to vote for the Conservatives—a proportion that rises to 53% in Alberta.

About a third of Canadian voters (32%) say this advertisement makes them feel more negative about the Liberals, while the same proportion (32%) say it makes them feel more negative about the Conservative Party.

Overall, more than three-in-five Canadian voters (63%) believe the Liberal ad is “informative”, while fewer than two-in-five (38%) deem it “boring”.

Millennials are more likely to say the Liberal ad is boring (44%) than Canadian voters who belong to Generation X (39%), Generation Z (34%) and Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (30%),

Canadian voters who reside in Alberta and Ontario are more likely to say the ad made them feel more negative about the Liberal Party (38% and 37% respectively) than those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (33%), Quebec (28%), Atlantic Canada (27%) and British Columbia (26%).

“There is not much of a gender gap when Canadian voters assess the effect of the Liberal ad, with 57% of women and 54% of men saying it made them more likely to vote for the party,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While the Conservative ad achieved the same purpose with 51% of men, only 44% of women react the same way.”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 27 to April 29, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,034 English-speaking Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Split on Preferred Result of 2025 Federal Ballot

Similar proportions of Canadians would be “very upset” with the Conservatives (49%) or Liberals (46%) forming the government.

Vancouver, BC [April 29, 2025] – Canadian voters are deeply divided when assessing the possible outcome of the 2025 federal election, a new Research Co. “Exit Poll” poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election, 49% of respondents say they would be “very upset” if the Conservative Party forms the government, while a slightly smaller proportion (46%) feel the same way about Liberal Party.

“Animosity towards a federal Liberal government reaches 53% among Millennial voters in Canada,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “At least half of voters who belong to Generation X (50%), Generation Z (53%) and Silent Generation and Baby Boomers (51%) would be upset with a Conservative government.”

More than half of Canadian voters describe the campaigns of the Liberals (59%) and Conservatives (51%) as “very positive” or “moderately positive”. The numbers are lower for the New Democratic Party (NDP) (44%), the Green Party (33%), the Bloc Québécois (31%, rising to 51% in Quebec) and the People’s Party (25%).

Just over half of Canadian voters (51%) think Pierre Poilievre should resign as leader of the Conservative Party if he fails to form the government. While this course of action is favoured by 70% of Liberal voters, only 29% of Conservative voters concur.

More than two-in-five Canadian voters (41%) believe Mark Carney should resign as leader of the Liberal Party if he is unable to assemble a government. While 25% of Liberal voters agree with this statement, the proportion rises to 62% among Conservative voters.

When asked what their main motivation was for supporting a party in 2025, similar proportions of Canadian voters cite its ideas and policies (34%) and its leader (33%). Fewer were primarily moved by a desire for change (12%), a desire for stability (9%), the party’s candidate in the riding (also 9%) or disgust with other contending candidates (3%).

Liberal voters are significantly more likely to have cast a ballot primarily for the party’s leader (40%) than those who supported the Conservatives (30%) or the New Democrats (24%). Conversely, almost half of NDP supporters (46%) say they were chiefly motivated by ideas and policies, compared to 33% among Conservatives and 30% among Liberals.

Just under a third of Canadian voters (32%) say they would have supported the Liberals if Justin Trudeau was their leader, including 54% of those who supported the party in the 2025 election. A similar proportion of Canadian voters (30%) would have backed the Liberals with Chrystia Freeland as leader.

More than a third of Canadian voters (37%) say they would have voted for the Conservatives this year if Stephen Harper was their leader—a proportion that rises to 62% among 2025 Conservative voters. Just over one-in-four Canadian voters (26%) would have backed the Conservatives with Jean Charest as their leader, while a similar proportion (24%) would have voted for the party under Maxime Bernier.

At least three-in-five Canadian voters get their news and information related to federal politics through television news (68%) and the internet and digital media (60%). Fewer mention family (38%), friends (33%) newspapers (31%) or radio news (30%).

Television news is the overwhelming leader in providing information to Canadian voters who are members of the Silent Generation or Baby Boomers (82%), while digital media is preferred by Millennials (66%) and members of Generation Z (64%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 27 to April 29, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,201 Canadians who voted in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 2.8 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

No Major Shifts Seen in Final Week of Canada’s Federal Election

Likely voters who are Millennials or Generation Z members are more concerned about housing than their older counterparts.

Vancouver, BC [April 27, 2025] – The Liberal Party heads to tomorrow’s federal election in Canada as the frontrunner, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters and Canadians who have already cast their ballot in the advance polls, 44% of decided voters favour the Liberals (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in mid-April) while 39% (+1) back the Conservative Party.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is in third place with 7% (-1), followed by the Bloc Québécois with 6% (=), the Green Party with 2% (=) and the People’s Party with 1% (=).

The Liberals are ahead of the Conservatives in Atlantic Canada (57% to 39%), Ontario (47% to 41%) and British Columbia (44% to 41%). In Quebec, the Liberals are first with 43%, followed by the Bloc with 24% and the Conservatives with 23%.

The Conservatives hold sizeable leads over the Liberals in Alberta (60% to 31%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (51% to 37%).

When the vote is analyzed by generation, the Liberals are ahead of the Conservatives among:

  • Voters who are members of the Silent Generation and Baby Boomers, or those born in 1964 or before (47% to 38%).
  • Voters who are members of Generation X, or those born from 1965 to 1980 (42% to 38%).
  • Voters who are members of Generation Z, or those born in 1997 or after (45% to 36%).

The two parties are tied among Millennials, or those born from 1981 to 1996 (Liberals 41%, Conservatives 41%).

The NDP is only holding on to 39% of its voters from the 2021 election, with 37% saying the intend to vote for the Liberals this time. The retention rate is superior for the Conservatives (89%) and the Liberals (79%).

Only 12% of decided voters say they may change their mind and support a different party tomorrow—a proportion that rises to 17% among those aged 18-to-34.

As was the case during the entire campaign, Canada-U.S. Relations is the most important issue for likely voters (26%, -2), followed by housing, homelessness and poverty (21%, -2), the economy and jobs (20%, +1), health care (11%, +2), immigration (7%, -1) and crime and public safety (3%, -1).

“One-in-four Millennial (25%) and Gen. Z (26%) likely voters say housing, homelessness and poverty is their greatest concern,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Canada-U.S. Relations is the top issue for Gen. X (29%) and Baby Boomers and Silent Generation members (32%).”

There was little fluctuation in the approval ratings of the three main party leaders compared to mid-April, with Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney at 59% (=), Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre at 48% (+1) and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh at 43% (-1). The numbers remain lower for Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (29%, +1), Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (24%, -3) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (22%, +1).

Carney maintains a 10-point advantage over Poilievre on the Preferred Prime Minister question (45% to 35%), with the remaining contenders in single digits.

Millennial likely voters are evenly split when assessing which one of the two main party leaders would make the best head of government for Canada (Carney 39%, Poilievre 39%). The Liberal leader is ahead of his Conservative rival among Gen. Z. (48% to 31%), Gen. X (43% to 33%) and Silent Generation / Baby Boomers (52% to 35%).

Bernier posts the worst momentum score of all federal party leaders at -19 (only 6% of likely voters say their opinion of the People’s Party leader has improved since the start of the campaign, while 25% say it has worsened). Carney is the only leader to finish the campaign with a positive momentum score (+9), while the perceptions are negative for Poilievre (-8), Blanchet (-12), Pedneault (-15) and Singh (-18).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on April 26 and April 27, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,050 likely voters in Canada, including 1,019 decided voters and Canadians who have already cast their ballot in the advance polls in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 3.1 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Five-Point Lead for Liberals as Canadian Federal Vote Looms

Canada-U.S. Relations remains the most important issue for likely voters across the country.

Vancouver, BC [April 21, 2025] – More than four-in-five decided voters in Canada are supporting either of the two main parties with a week left in the federal campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters, 43% of decided voters would back the Liberal Party (-1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early April), while 38% (+2) would support the Conservative Party.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) remains a distant third with 8% (=), followed by the Bloc Québécois with 6% (+1), the Green Party with 2% (-1) and the People’s Party with 1% (-1).

The Conservatives have made significant gains in Alberta (65%) and are three points behind the Liberals in British Columbia (41% to 44%). The Liberals are still leading in Ontario (46% to 40%) and Quebec (46% with the Bloc in second place at 23%). 

While sizeable majorities of decided voters who supported either the Conservatives or the Liberals in 2021 are staying with their respective parties (88% and 80% respectively), only 39% of NDP voters in the last federal election intend to back the New Democrats this year.

More than a quarter of likely voters (28%, -3) identify Canada-U.S. Relations as the most important issue facing the country, followed by housing, homelessness and poverty (20%, +2), the economy and jobs (19%, =), health care (9%, -2), immigration (8%, +3) and crime and public safety (4%, +2).

“More than four-in-five decided voters across Canada (82%) say they will not change their mind before election day,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “This proportion rises to 86% among those aged 55 and over.”

Compared to early April, overall voter consideration is stagnant for the Liberals (55%, =), the Conservatives (48%, =) and the New Democrats (41%, =). At least one-in-four likely voters say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the Greens (28%, +4), the Animal Protection Party (23%, +2) or the Libertarian Party (21%, +3) if they ran a candidate in their riding.

Voter consideration is lower for the People’s Party (19%, -1), the Canadian Future Party (also 19%, =), the Christian Heritage Party (16%, +2), the Marijuana Party (15%, =), the Centrist Party (also 15%, +2), the United Party (14%, -1), the Communist Party (13%, +3),  the Rhinocéros Party (12%, +1) and the Marxist-Leninist Party (10%, -2).

Practically three-in-five likely voters (59%, +1) approve of the performance of Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney. The rating is lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, +3), NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (44%, +4), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (28%, +3), Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (27%, +2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (21%, -1).

Carney once again achieves a positive momentum score (+14), with 38% of likely voters saying their opinion of him has improved since the campaign began. The scores remain in negative territory for Poilievre (-5), Pedneault (-15), Blanchet (also -15), Singh (also -15) and Bernier (-17).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, the gap between the two main party leaders has narrowed. Carney is first with 45% (+2), and Poilievre is second with 35% (+6). Singh is third with 8% (-1), followed by Blanchet (3%, -1), Bernier (1%, -1) and Pedneault (1%, =).

Almost half of likely voters (47%, +4) say there is nothing Carney can say or do to make them vote for the Liberals. The numbers are higher for Poilievre and the Conservatives (52%, +1) and Singh and the New Democrats (57%, +3).

Just under three-in-five likely voters (59%, -1) say they are comfortable with Carney being in charge of Canada’s economy. The rating for Poilievre on this question increased by four points, from 46% in early April to 50% now.

Likely voters were asked to choose which one of the two main party leaders would be the best person to handle 10 different issues. Poilievre leads Carney on crime and public safety (41% to 35%) and the two leaders are statistically tied on immigration (Poilievre 39%, Carney 37%) and energy and pipelines (Carney 40%, Poilievre 38%).

The Liberal leader is ahead of his Conservative counterpart on seven issues, but with lower margins than at the start of the month: Canada-U.S. Relations (48% to 34%), foreign affairs (47% to 34%), the economy and jobs (43% to 39%), accountability and leadership (43% to 36%), health care (42% to 34%), housing, homelessness and poverty (41% to 35%) and the environment (41% to 32%).

Likely voters were provided with a list of words that people may use to describe politicians and asked to select up to six to describe each of the three main party leaders.

The top five words used to describe Singh are compassionate (28%, -12 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023), intelligent (26%, -11), down to earth (also 26%, -7), weak (25%, +7) and out of touch (22%, +2).

Almost two-in-five Canadians (39%, -1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February) brand Poilievre as arrogant. Other words used to describe the Conservative leader are intelligent (33%, =), strong (30%, -2), dishonest (27%, +1) and out of touch (24%, +1).

The words used for Carney outline a significant difference from the way Canadians described Justin Trudeau two years ago: intelligent (48%, +13), strong (35%, +16), efficient (33%, +16), honest (27%, +8) and dishonest (25%, -11).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on April 19 and April 20, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,006 likely voters in Canada, including 965 decided voters in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Dissatisfaction with Political Freedom Rises in Canada, Drops in U.S.

A third of Americans and a quarter of Canadians disagree with other people “many times” when discussing national politics.

Vancouver, BC [April 17, 2025] – While residents of the United States remain more upset when analyzing political freedom, the proportion of Canadians who appear dissatisfied has grown markedly since 2022, a new two-country Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of representative national samples, 51% of Canadians (up 12 points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in August 2022) feel their freedoms are under attack by elected politicians—a view shared by 69% of Americans (down four points).

Almost two-in-five Canadians (38%, +6) say they cannot express their political views sometimes because they fear reprisals. In the United States, 45% of Americans (-4) feel the same way.

The proportion of Canadians who think the federal government is oppressive and controlling jumped from 41% in 2022 to 46% in 2025. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, +7) feel that their vote in federal elections does not make a difference.

In the United States, perceptions of the federal government being oppressive and controlling increased from 62% in 2022 to 64% in 2025. Fewer than half of Americans (46%, -6) think their vote in federal elections does not make a difference.

More than a third of Canadians report a decline in four situations over the past 10 years: the ability of people to disagree with each other on social media (45%), the ability of people to disagree with each other in conversation (40%), the ability of people to convince others about looking at an issue differently (36%) and the ability of people to question stories they learn about in the media (35%).

Practically half of Americans believe two situations are worse now than a decade ago: the ability of people to disagree with each other in conversation (49%) and the ability of people to disagree with each other on social media (48%). Slightly fewer think two other scenarios have worsened: the ability of people to convince others about looking at an issue differently (44%) and the ability of people to question stories they learn about in the media (39%).

Respondents in the two countries were asked how often they find themselves disagreeing with other people about specific issues.

In Canada, more than one-in-five Canadians disagree with others “many times” when discussing federal politics (26%), provincial politics (24%), international politics (also 24%), COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (also 24%), immigration (also 24%), religion (23%) and morality (21%). The proportions are lower for discussions about municipal politics (19%), sports (16%), Indigenous issues (15%) and arts and entertainment (12%).

In the United States, more than one-in-five Americans disagree with others “many times” when discussing national politics (32%), immigration (27%), COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (26%), local politics (23%), religion (also 23%), morality (also 23%) state politics (22%), sports (21%) and international politics (20%). Fewer express the same view about discussions related to arts and entertainment (14%) and Native American issues (also 14%).

Canadians are more likely to have stopped talking to a person, or avoided a person, on account of a disagreement related to COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (29%) than about religion (25%), morality (24%), federal politics (24%) or immigration (23%). Fewer Canadians have taken this course of action after a disagreement related to international politics (22%), provincial politics (21%), municipal politics (21%), Indigenous issues (17%), sports (16%) or arts and entertainment (14%).

At least one-in-four Americans have stopped talking to a person, or avoided a person, on account of a disagreement related to national politics (30%), morality (29%), religion (28%) or COVID-19 mandates and vaccines (25%). Fewer have taken this step after disagreements related to immigration (24%), state politics (23%), local politics (23%), international politics (21%), sports (19%), arts and entertainment (16%) or Native American issues (15%).

“More than a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35%) and Americans aged 18-to-34 (36%) have effectively ended a friendship over disagreements related to national politics,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among their counterparts aged 55 and over in both the United States (24%) and Canada (17%).”

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 adults in Canada, and an online survey conducted from March 23 to March 25, 2025, among 1,000 adults in the United States. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada and the United States. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty, for each country.

Find our data tables for Canada here, data tables for the United States here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Concerns About Savings and Investments Surge in Canada

Just under three-in-ten Canadians say the country’s economic conditions are “very good” or “good” right now. 

Vancouver, BC [April 15, 2025] – The proportion of Canadians who express confidence in the country’s financial standing has dropped to the lowest level observed over the past three years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 29% of Canadians rate the economic conditions in Canada as “very good” or “good”, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in February.

Just over two thirds of Canadians (68%, +4) say the country’s economic conditions are currently “poor” or “very poor”.

More than a third of respondents in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (37%) think Canada’s financial standing is “very good” or “good” right now. The proportions are lower in Atlantic Canada (33%), Quebec (32%), Alberta (27%) Ontario (26%) and British Columbia (also 26%).

More than two-in-five Canadians (43%, -5) believe the Canadian economy will decline in the next six months, while 31% (=) expect no changes and only 16% (+1) foresee a recovery.

Canadians are deeply divided when assessing their own personal finances, with 49% (-3) describing them as “very good” or “good” and 48% (+2) considering them “poor” or “very poor”.

The proportion of Canadians who are dissatisfied with their own personal finances reaches 51% among those aged 35-to-54, 52% among Albertans, 52% among those who voted for the New Democratic Party (NDP) in the 2021 federal election and 63% among those in the lowest annual household income bracket.

There is a significant shift in the financial issues that are troubling Canadians. More than half say they have worried “frequently” or “occasionally” in the past couple of months about the safety of their savings (55%, +12) and the value of their investments (also 55%, +8).

Fewer Canadians are troubled about being able to pay their mortgage or rent (43%, -4), unemployment affecting their household (also 43%, -2) or their employer running into serious financial trouble (37%, -11).

“The constant discussions about tariffs are clearly taking a toll on middle-aged Canadians,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Concerns about savings and investments are affecting practically three-in-five Canadians aged 35-to-54.”

Our collective views on inflation also went through significant changes. The expectation that gasoline prices will go up in the next six months fell from 78% in February to 52% this month.

Majorities of Canadians expect to pay more in the next six months for real estate (52%, -5), a new television set (57%, -4), a new car (70%, -1) and a week’s worth of groceries (75%, -3).

Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%) trust Prime Minister Mark Carney to do the right thing to help the economy, while 43% (-2) feel the same way about federal opposition leader Pierre Poilievre. The rating for Governor of the Bank of Canada Tiff Macklem on this question is 35% (-4).

Majorities of Canadians aged 55 and over (62%), aged 35-to-54 (56%) and aged 18-to-34 (58%) express confidence in Carney as an economic manager.

Poilievre posts his best numbers on finances among Canadians aged 18-to-34 (53%, +5). The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (45%, -4) and those aged 55 and over (33%, -4).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from April 7 to April 9, 2025, among 1,002 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Still Think Use of Emergencies Act Was Justified

Just over a third think no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented.

Vancouver, BC [April 10, 2025] – More than half of Canadians think the federal government made the right call in invoking the Emergencies Act during the COVID-19 pandemic, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 56% of Canadians think the actions of the federal government were justified (-2 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2024), while 31% (-1) consider them unjustified and 13% (+2) are not sure.

Public support for the federal government’s decision is higher among Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party in 2021 (73%) than among those who supported the New Democratic Party (NDP) (67%) or the Conservative Party (47%) in the last federal ballot.

In January and February 2022, a series of protests and blockades against restrictions and mandates related to the COVID-19 pandemic took place in Ottawa and other parts of Canada. Almost seven-in-ten Canadians (69%, -2) say they followed news stories related to the protests and blockades “very closely” or “moderately closely.”

Canadians are divided when assessing the protests and blockades, with 46% (-4) saying they opposed them and 43% (+2) saying they supported them.

“Opposition to the anti-mandate protests varies greatly by age,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “While only 39% of Canadians aged 18-to-34 were opposed, the proportions grow to 41% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 61% among those aged 55 and over.”

Half of Canadians (50%, +5) say the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were fighting for freedom. More than two-in-five (43%, +1) think the actions of the people protesting against restrictions and mandates were justified.

Fewer Canadians agree with two other statements: that the federal government should be overthrown (35%, +1) and that no COVID-19 mandates and restrictions should have been implemented (34%, =).

More than three-in-five Canadians (61%, +2) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about Canada’s image in the world being negatively affected by the protests and the federal government’s actions.

Larger proportions of Canadians are worried about three other issues: the federal government relying on the Emergencies Act to end other protests in the future (64%, -1), foreign money being used to fund the activities of protestors (70%, +5) and violence breaking out at the site of protests and blockades (77%, +1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty. 

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Liberals Remain Ahead of Conservatives in Canadian Campaign

Mark Carney leads Pierre Poilievre when likely voters are asked who would be best to manage seven important issues.

Vancouver, BC [April 8, 2025] – The governing Liberal Party holds an eight-point advantage over the opposition Conservative Party as the federal election campaign continues in Canada, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample of likely voters, 44% of decided voters would support the Liberals (+3 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in late March), while 36% (-1) would back the Conservatives.

The New Democratic Party (NDP) is third with 8% (-1), followed by the Bloc Québécois with 5% (-2), the Green Party with 3% (=) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

The Liberals are ahead of the Conservatives in Ontario (48% to 39%), Quebec (47% to 22%, with the Bloc at 19%) and British Columbia (44% to 38%). The Conservatives are first in Alberta (51%, with the Liberals at 28%).

“The retention rate continues to be stellar for both Conservatives and Liberals, who are holding on to at least four-in-five of their 2021 voters (82% and 80% respectively),” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The New Democrats are keeping fewer than half of their voters from the last federal election (45%).”

Just over three-in-ten likely voters (31%, +1) think Canada-U.S. Relations is the most important issue facing the country. Significantly fewer choose the economy and jobs (19%, -1), housing, homelessness and poverty (18%, +1), health care (11%, +2) and immigration (5%, -2).

Overall voter consideration remains higher for the Liberals (55%, +2) than for the Conservatives (48%, +2) and the New Democrats (41%, +6)

Fewer than one-in-four likely voters say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting their ballot for the Greens (24%, -1), the Animal Protection Party (21%, -2), the People’s Party (20%, -1), the Canadian Future Party (19%, -5), the Libertarian Party (18%, +1), the United Party (15%, +1), the Marijuana Party (also 15%), the Christian Heritage Party (14%, -1), the Centrist Party (13%, =), the Marxist-Leninist Party (12%, +2) the Rhinocéros Party (11%, +1) or the Communist Party (10%, =) if they ran a candidate in their riding.

Maxime Bernier of the People’s Party has the lowest approval rating among the six main party leaders (22%, -3). The numbers are higher for Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (25%, -5), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (also 25%, =), NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (40%, +2), Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (44%, -2) and Prime Minister and Liberal leader Mark Carney (58%, +1).

Carney posts a positive momentum score this week (+14), with 36% of likely voters saying their opinion of him has improved since the start of the campaign and 22% saying it has worsened. The scores are in negative territory for Poilievre (-13), Pedneault (-14), Blanchet (-16), Singh (-18) and Bernier (also -18).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, more than two-in-five likely voters (43%, +4) choose Carney, while fewer than three-in-ten (29%, -4) select Poilievre. Singh is third with 9% (=), followed by Blanchet (4%, +1), Bernier (2%, =) and Pedneault (1%, -1).

More than half of likely voters (54%) say there is nothing Singh can say or do to make them vote for the NDP. The proportions are lower on this question for Poilievre and the Conservatives (51%) and Carney and the Liberals (43%).

Three-in-five likely voters (60%, +1) are comfortable with Carney being in charge of Canada’s economy, while 46% (=) would be comfortable if Poilievre were to take over.

Likely voters were asked to choose which one of the two main party leaders would be the best person to manage 10 different issues. Perceptions are particularly close on three issues: crime and public safety (Poilievre 36%, Carney 34%), energy and pipelines (Carney 38%, Poilievre 37%) and immigration (Carney 37%, Poilievre 36%).

The Liberal leader holds the upper hand over his Conservative counterpart on seven issues: housing, homelessness and poverty (41% to 31%), the environment (42% to 26%), health care (43% to 28%), accountability and leadership (44% to 32%), the economy and jobs (46% to 32%), foreign affairs (46% to 30%) and Canada-U.S. Relations (49% to 29%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on April 5 and April 6, 2025, among a representative sample of 1,007 likely voters in Canada, including 956 decided voters in the 2025 federal election. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points for likely voters and +/- 3.2 percentage points for decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Canadians Back Retaliation as Trump’s “Liberation Day” Nears

The “Buy Canadian” movement shows no signs of slowing down, as support for enhanced trade with other nations remains high.

Vancouver, BC [April 1, 2025] – More than two thirds of Canadians are ready for targeted action to counter the American president’s overtures on tariffs and sovereignty, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 72% of Canadians support Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers suspending all steel, aluminum, and wood exports to the United States until U.S. President Donald Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs.

Seven-in-ten Canadians (70%) support Canada’s prime minister and provincial premiers shutting off all energy exports to the United States until Trump completely removes the threat of tariffs, while just over two thirds (68%) endorse Canada officially demanding an apology from Trump for his statements related to Canada becoming an American state.

Just under three-in-five Canadians (58%) support Canada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs recalling the Canadian ambassador to the U.S. in response to Trump’s statements.

In the middle of a federal election campaign, more than four-in-five Canadians (84%) have followed news related to the tariffs “very closely” or “moderately closely”, down three points since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in early February.

Practically three-in-five Canadians (59%) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has dealt with the tariffs. The rating did not move for Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (47%, =).

“Two thirds of Canadians aged 55 and over (66%) are content with the way Prime Minister Mark Carney has managed the dispute over tariffs,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The approval rating for Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre among this group is decidedly lower (35%).”

More than half of Canadians (56%, -5) are satisfied with the performance of their premier during the tariffs dispute, while more than a third (37%) feel the same way about their province’s official opposition leader.

The approval rating fell significantly for the premiers of British Columbia (53%, -14) and Alberta (42%, -12) and remained mostly stable in Ontario (59%, -5) and Quebec (56%, -2).

This month, Quebec has the highest ranked opposition leader on the tariffs dispute (43%, -1) followed by Alberta (39%, -5), Ontario (37%, -10) and British Columbia (34%, -3).

Canadians are evenly divided when asked to ponder what the future will bring, with 36% (-5) expecting the U.S. government to rescind the tariffs and the same proportion (36%, +2) predicting their expansion.

There is also a split on which type of federal government would be better positioned at this point to deal with the tariffs implemented by the United States. More than two-in-five Canadians (44%, -5) think a Conservative government would do better, while 42% (+4) disagree.

As was the case in early February, more than three-in-five Canadians (64%, +1) are avoiding the purchase of goods originated from the United States, if a non-American alternative is available. More than a third say they are avoiding American restaurant franchises in Canada (41%, =), cancelled a planned trip to the United States (37%, +11) and avoiding American entertainment options (35%, +4).

The proportion of Canadians who are not partaking in any of these four actions stands at 20% (-4). This group encompasses one-in-four Conservative Party voters in the last federal election (25%) and only one-in-ten Canadians who voted for either the Liberal Party (10%) or the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 10%) in 2021.

Canadians appear to be having a difficult time figuring out which restaurant franchises are domestic. More than two-in-five correctly identified five of 10 brands tested as Canadian: Harvey’s (52%), Pizza Pizza (50%), Swiss Chalet (49%), Boston Pizza (46%) and Cora (45%). The proportions of correct responses are lower for Mary Browns (37%), Freshii (34%), New York Fries (23%), Panago (23%) and Ricky’s All Day Grill (21%).

At least three-in-four Canadians think Canada should seriously consider enhancing trade with Australia and New Zealand (81%, +3), the European Union (EU) (79%, +2), Mexico (78%, +3) and Japan (75%, =).

Support for requesting an independent dispute settlement panel under the terms of the Canada–United States–Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) stands at 59% (-5).

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%, -1) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to become an American state. On a regional basis, support for this notion is highest in Quebec (24%), followed by Ontario (22%), Alberta (21%), Saskatchewan and Manitoba (18%), British Columbia (17%) and Atlantic Canada (17%).

Just over half of Canadians (52%) would seriously consider initiating a formal process for Canada to join the EU, while 35% disagree and 13% are undecided.

Majorities of Liberal and NDP voters in 2021 (61% and 55% respectively) favour taking a look at Canada’s possible membership in the EU. Support is lower among Conservative voters (45%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Carney Boosts Liberals as Canadian Federal Campaign Begins

Canada-U.S. Relations becomes the most important issue for voters, outpacing jobs, housing, health care and immigration.

Vancouver, BC [March 25, 2025] – Support for the governing Liberal Party has significantly increased since Mark Carney was selected as its leader, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 41% of decided voters in Canada would cast a ballot for the Liberal candidate in their constituency if the federal election took place today, up 20 points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in early January, prior to the announcement of Justin Trudeau’s departure as head of government.

The Conservative Party is in second place with 37% (-10), followed by the New Democratic Party (NDP) with 9% (-6), the Bloc Québécois with 7% (-3), the Green Party with 3% (=) and the People’s Party with 2% (=).

Three regions of the country post statistical ties in the early stages of the federal campaign: Atlantic Canada (Liberals 42%, Conservatives 40%), Ontario (Liberals 43%, Conservatives 40%) and British Columbia (Liberals 41%, Conservatives 39%).

The Conservatives are ahead in Alberta (56%), while the Liberals are leading in Quebec (43%, with the Conservatives and the Bloc tied at 22%).

“Practically one-in-four voters who supported the New Democrats in 2021 (24%) are voting for the Liberals in 2025,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The retention rate is significantly higher for the Conservatives (85%) and the Liberals (83%).”

More than half of Canadians (53%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the Liberals if they ran a candidate in their constituency. Voting consideration is currently lower for the Conservatives (46%), the New Democrats (35%) and the Greens (25%).

Just over one-in-five Canadians (21%) would consider voting for the People’s Party, which has never elected a candidate to the House of Commons. Consideration is higher for the Canadian Future Party (24%) and the Animal Protection Party (23%) and lower for seven other political organizations: the Libertarian Party (17%), the Christian Heritage Party (15%), the United Party (14%), the Centrist Party (13%), the Rhinocéros Party (10%), the Marxist-Leninist Party (also 10%) and the Communist Party (also 10%).

Three-in-ten Canadians (30%) say Canada-U.S. Relations is the most important issue facing the country right now, followed by the economy and jobs (20%, -2), housing, homelessness and poverty (17%, -12), health care (9%, -7) and immigration (7%, -6).

There is a significant age gap on the top issue, with Canada-U.S. Relations peaking at 44% among Canadians aged 55 and over, but dropping to 30% among those aged 35-to-54 and to 17% among those aged 18-to-34. The country’s youngest adults are more likely to be concerned about housing, homelessness and poverty (24%) or the economy and jobs (23%).

More than half of Canadians (57%) approve of the way Mark Carney has handled his duties as Prime Minister and leader of the Liberal Party. The rating is lower for Conservative and Official Opposition leader Pierre Poilievre (46%, -6), NDP leader Jagmeet Singh (38%, -1), Green co-leader Jonathan Pedneault (30%), Bloc leader Yves-François Blanchet (25%, -2) and People’s Party leader Maxime Bernier (also 25%, +2).

On the “Best Prime Minister” question, almost two-in-five Canadians (39%) select Carney, while one third (33%, -6) choose Poilievre. The remaining party leaders are in single digits on this question, where the level of undecided respondents fell from 17% in January to 12% this month.

Carney also holds the upper hand over Poilievre on a question related to financial management. Almost three-in-five Canadians (59%) say they are comfortable with the Liberal leader being in charge of Canada’s economy, a 25-point improvement from Trudeau’s last result in early January.

Fewer than half of Canadians (46%, -9) say they would be comfortable with Poilievre being in charge of Canada’s economy—a proportion that rises to 62% in Alberta.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on March 23 and March 24, 2025, among 1,003 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Perceptions of Constitutional Monarchy Improve Across Canada

Catherine, Princess of Wales, has the highest favourability rating among six different members of the Royal Family. 

Vancouver, BC [March 21, 2025] – Public views on Canada’s existence as a constitutional monarchy and federal state have improved over the past year, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 31% of Canadians would prefer for Canada to remain a monarchy, up eight points since a similar Research Co. survey conducted in March 2024.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -6) would like for Canada to have an elected head of state, while 18% (-3) do not care either way and 11% (+1) are undecided.

“Support for Canada remaining a monarchy has returned to the level observed after the death of Queen Elizabeth II in September 2022,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The gap between republicanists and monarchists has shrunk from 23 points in 2024 to nine points in 2025.”

Public backing for Canada remaining a monarchy is highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (36%) than with their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (31%) and aged 35-to-54 (25%).

On a regional basis, Quebec has the lowest proportion of residents who endorse the continuation of the monarchy (24%). The proportions are higher in Alberta (31%), British Columbia (32%), Atlantic Canada (34%), Ontario (also 34%) and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (35%).

More than half of Canadians (53%, +1) believe Canada will “definitely” or “probably” remain a monarchy two decades from now, while just under a third (32%, -1) think the country will “definitely” or “probably” have an elected head of state.

Majorities of Canadians who voted for the Liberal Party (61%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (59%) or the Conservative Party (56%) in the 2021 federal election expect the country to retain its status as a constitutional monarchy in 2045.

This month, Princess Kate holds the highest favourability rating among six Royal Family members in Canada (58%, +4). The numbers are lower for Prince William (54%, =), Prince Harry (47%, -1), Duchess Meghan (40%, -2), King Charles III (also 40%, +2) and Queen Consort Camilla (30%, +5).

Favourable opinions of King Charles III are highest among Canadians aged 55 and over (50%), Liberal voters in the 2021 federal election (also 50%) and British Columbians (46%),

More than three-in-five Canadians who want the monarchy to continue (62%) hold favourable views on King Charles III. Only 32% of Canadians who want to have an elected head of state feel the same way.

The perceptions of Canadians on specific issues related to the current monarch have shifted over the past 12 months. Just over half (51%, -17) want King Charles III to commit to reduce the carbon footprint of the entire Royal Family, and more than two-in-five (44%, -16) believe he should advance the cause of reconciliation with Indigenous peoples.

Two-in-five Canadians (40%, -10) say they would have liked to see Prince William become King of the United Kingdom and the other 14 Commonwealth realms, including Canada—a proportion that rises to 49% in Alberta.

Canadians are divided on the presence of King Charles III on coins and bills that will be used in the country, While 44% of respondents (-8) say they have no problem with this scenario, 41% (+4) disagree.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Most British Columbians Dismayed by Pro-Palestinian Protests

Concerns about antisemitism remain high, as the public calls for the strict vetting of immigration applications from Gaza residents.

Vancouver, BC [March 20, 2025] – The post-October 7, 2023, conflict in Israel and Gaza is making British Columbians uneasy about issues related to public protests and immigration, a new Research Co. poll has found.

The online survey of a representative provincial sample shows that most British Columbians are dissatisfied with the actions of Pro-Palestinian protestors, which have included the burning of Canadian flags and chants in support of groups identified by the Government of Canada as terrorist entities.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) say these rallies go against Canadian values and should not be allowed, while just over two thirds (68%) think these actions are clearly illegal and those involved should be arrested.

British Columbians are divided on whether police and governments are doing enough to combat antisemitism (Agree 43%, Disagree 42%).

“More than half of BC Green Party voters in 2024 (51%) think police and governments are managing antisemitism properly,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Fewer British Columbians who voted for the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) (47%) or the Conservative Party of BC (45%) feel the same way.”

More than four-in-five British Columbians (82%) say that, based on the public handover ceremonies that have taken place in Gaza, the treatment of hostages is inhumane and makes them doubt there is a path to peace. More than half (53%) suggest that creating a state in Gaza will simply result in a new terrorist state being created.

More than seven-in-ten British Columbians (72%) want the federal government to have strict controls to ensure no Hamas members or supporters are allowed to come to Canada, and just over two thirds (68%) want immigration from Gaza to cease immediately, including in-process visas.

Only 37% of British Columbians believe the vetting of immigrants from Muslim nations is currently adequate, while majorities say that too many immigrants from Muslim nations are participants in the angry protests targeting Jewish Canadians and calling for the extermination of Israel (60%) and do not share or practice Canadian values (69%).

Four-in-five British Columbians (80%, +1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in June 2024) are “very concerned” or “moderately concerned” about attacks, including gunfire and firebombs, on synagogues, Jewish schools and businesses.

More than three-in-four British Columbians are concerned about three other issues: aggressive behaviour by Pro-Palestinian protestors (78%, +4), protestors targeting Jewish neighbourhoods and Jewish-owned businesses (77%, +1) and rising prejudice against Jewish Canadians (antisemitism) (76%, +1).

Two thirds of British Columbians (67%, +1) believe that Canadian Jews are being unfairly targeted for what is happening in Israel and Gaza.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 10 to March 12, 2025, among 812 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to Canadian census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbians Outline Priorities for Official Opposition

Almost half think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Vancouver, BC [March 13, 2025] – Most British Columbians believe the Official Opposition in the Legislative Assembly should concentrate on four issues during the next four years, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, four-in-five British Columbians want the Conservative Party of BC to focus on fostering economic growth in all areas of the province (80%) and getting the government to invest more on health care (also 80%).

Majorities of British Columbians call for the Official Opposition to work on developing a housing policy that rivals what the provincial government is doing (70%) and getting more pipelines built and more energy projects approved (59%).

Fewer British Columbians think the BC Conservatives should spend time banning transgender women from taking part in women’s sports leagues competitions (42%) or reverting the ban on plastic straws (35%).

Almost three-in-five British Columbians (59%) say they trust the governing BC New Democratic Party (NDP) to stand up to the threats generated by Donald Trump. Just under half of the province’s residents (48%) trust the Conservative Party of BC for this same endeavour.

British Columbians aged 18-to-34 are more likely to express confidence in the BC NDP to manage the American president (64%) than the BC Conservatives (49%). Those aged 55 and over feel the same way about the two parties (51% each).

Almost half of British Columbians (48%) think the province needs a centre-right party to serve as an alternative to the BC NDP and the BC Conservatives.

Two-in-five British Columbians (40%) think the Conservative Party of BC is a “free enterprise coalition”, while just over a third (34%) refer to BC Conservative leader John Rustad as a “premier-in-waiting”.

“Residents of Northern BC (46%), Southern BC (44%) and the Fraser Valley (43%) are more likely to regard the BC Conservatives as a free enterprise coalition,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “The proportions are lower among those who live in Metro Vancouver (39%) and Vancouver Island (36%).”

British Columbians are split when comparing Rustad to the politicians who commanded the BC Liberals. About one-in-five respondents feel the BC Conservative leader is better than Gordon Campbell (19%), Christy Clark (21%), Andrew Wilkinson (19%) and Kevin Falcon (19%). Roughly three-in-ten British Columbians believe Rustad is worse than Campbell (32%), Clark (33%), Wilkinson (29%) and Falcon (29%).

Among British Columbians who voted for the BC Conservatives in last year’s provincial election, the perceptions are markedly better. More than a third believe Rustad is better than Falcon (40%), Clark (38%), Wilkinson (36%) and Campbell (36%).

More than three-in-five British Columbians (63%) think the Conservative Party of BC resembles the current Conservative Party of Canada, while just over two-in-five (44%) think it is akin to the federal Progressive Conservative Party that existed from 1942 to 2003.

Significantly fewer British Columbians believe the BC Conservatives are similar to the federal Reform Party / Canadian Alliance (30%), the defunct provincial Social Credit Party (29%), the BC Liberals (29%) and the current federal Liberal Party (24%).

Respondents to this survey were also asked to choose a position that a political party should take based on five contrasting statements.

Three-in-four British Columbians (75%) prefer parties where all members are free to vote individually, while one-in-four (25%) prefer parties where all members vote as a group.

Seven-in-ten British Columbias (70%) prefer parties that acknowledge and help the less fortunate, while three-in-ten (30%) prefer parties that choose not to provide handouts when in power.

Two thirds of British Columbians (66%) side with parties that acknowledge Indigenous reconciliation instead of with those that do not (34%).

Majorities of the province’s residents prefer parties that are anti-American (64%) and that advocate for more economic and personal freedoms (also 64%) over those perceived as pro-American (36%) and that defend the status quo on economic and personal freedoms (also 36%).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 3 to March 5, 2025, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

British Columbia’s Political Scene Remains Closely Contested

The standing of the two major parties has not changed much since the October 2024 provincial election.

Vancouver, BC [March 11, 2025] – British Columbia’s main political parties hold similar levels of public support as the legislative session gets underway, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative provincial sample, 44% of decided voters would back the BC New Democratic Party (NDP) if an election were held today, while 42% would support the Conservative Party of BC.

The BC Green Party is third with 11%, while 3% of decided voters would support other parties or independent candidates.

“More than half of decided voters aged 55 and over (54%) would back the BC NDP in a new provincial election,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Almost half of decided voters aged 35-to-49 (49%) are with the BC Conservatives.”

On a regional basis, the New Democrats are clearly ahead of the Conservatives in Vancouver Island (50% to 31%). The race is closer in Southern BC (BC NDP 49%, BC Conservatives 47%) and in Metro Vancouver (both parties tied with 44%). The BC Conservatives hold leads in the Fraser Valley (47% to 34%) and in Northern BC (44% to 39%).

The BC NDP is ahead on a separate question, with 53% of British Columbians saying they would “definitely” or “probably” consider voting for the party in the next provincial election. Consideration is lower for the BC Conservatives (45%) and the BC Greens (39%).

More than half of British Columbians (55%) approve of the performance of Premier and BC NDP leader David Eby, up two points from the final Research Co. election survey conducted in October 2024. Satisfaction is lower with Official Opposition and Conservative Party of BC leader John Rustad (40%, -2) and interim BC Green Party leader Jeremy Valeriote (34%).

A merger of the BC Green Party and the BC NDP is regarded as a “good idea” by 46% of British Columbians and a “bad idea” by 33%.

Just over a third of British Columbians (34%) think BC United merging with the Conservative Party of BC is a “good idea”, while two-in-five (40%) deem it a “bad idea”.

More than a third of British Columbians (36%, -4) say housing, poverty and homelessness is the most important issue facing the province, followed by health care (21%, -2), the economy and jobs (20%, +6), crime and public safety (6%, =), the environment (3%, -1) and accountability (3%, =).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from March 3 to March 5, 2025, among 802 adults in British Columbia. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in British Columbia. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.5 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

How Ontario Voted: A Provincial “Exit Poll”.

The governing party connected equally well on leadership and policies. The two opposition parties were unable to break through on desire for change.

The foibles of Canada’s first-past-the-post system can explain why supporters of the Progressive Conservative Party in Ontario are going through mixed feelings after last week’s provincial election. Premier Doug Ford will form a majority government once again, with his party going from 41% of the vote and 83 seats in 2022, to 43% of the vote and 80 seats in 2025.

The early election, designed to give Ford a mandate than would last longer than the second term of United States President Donald Trump, once again showed how widely vote efficiency can vary. The Ontario New Democratic Paty (NDP) will form the Official Opposition, with 27 seats secured with 19% of the province-wide vote. The Ontario Liberal Party received 30% of all cast ballots but won just 14 seats.

In our “Exit Poll”, more than three-in-five Ontarians (63%) claim to have voted strategically, defined as voting for the candidate in their riding who had the best chance of defeating a party they dislike, even if the candidate they voted for was not their first preference. The numbers do not sway much among supporters of specific political parties: 68% for Liberals, 63% for New Democrats and 61% for Progressive Conservatives. We are almost as likely to find a PC supporter who voted against the Liberals or New Democrats, than to find a hard-core Liberal who went for the NDP in order to ensure that a seat did not turn blue.

The main motivators for Progressive Conservative supporters were the party’s leader (33%) and the party’s ideas and policies (also 33%). The score for the leaders of the Liberals and New Democrats is slightly lower (31% and 26% respectively).

Desire for change—which usually jumps when the opposition connects well—sits at a low 14% for both opposition parties. The party’s candidate in the riding rises to 17% for the New Democrats, well ahead of the Liberals (11%) and Progressive Conservatives (9%).

Ontarians are still divided on whether the Liberals and New Democrats should merge into a single political party, with 44% agreeing with the concept and 42% disagreeing with it. Majorities of Ontarians who cast a ballot for Liberal candidates (62%) and New Democratic candidates (52%) like the idea, but only 32% of those who voted for the Progressive Conservatives concur.

In our 2022 Exit Poll, only 39% of Ontarians welcomed a possible Liberal-NDP merger. As another election cycle goes by without a solid alternative to the Progressive Conservatives, appetite for a deal featuring centre-left parties has grown.

In addition, more Ontarians are getting behind electoral reform. More than three-in-five voters (62%) think Ontario should implement a system of proportional representation for provincial elections, up four points since 2022. What is striking about the findings this year is that voters aged 35-to-54 are more likely to desire a different system (67%) than their counterparts aged 18-to-34 (61%) and aged 55 and over (58%). In any case, we have majorities across all age groups who openly wonder whether a party should have so much control of the legislature with fewer than 50 per cent of all cast ballots.

Ford’s latest transformation into “Captain Canada” has not gone unnoticed. Almost half of provincial voters in Ontario (47%) say they would like to see him become leader of the Conservative Party of Canada at some point. The gender gap on this question is negligible (Men 49%, Women 45%) and the idea is particularly appealing to Ontario voters aged 18-to-34 (51%), as well as residents of two seat-rich regions: the 905 (50%) and the 416 (49%) area codes.

We asked these same voters if they would like to see Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre become Prime Minister later this year. The province-wide proportion is lower (43%), but while almost half of men are ready to see Poilievre heading the federal government (49%), only 39% of women concur.

In a troubling finding for Conservative supporters, just 36% of Ontario’s oldest adults—traditionally the most reliable voters—would like to see Poilievre supplant Justin Trudeau. This is a far cry from the state of affairs at the start of the year, when 51% of decided voters in Ontario were with the Conservatives before Trudeau announced his intention to step down. Poilievre remains popular in the 905 (47%) and the 416 (45%) regions, but his numbers are not as good as what Ford commands as a “future” federal Conservative leader.

All polls are snapshots, and this one is unique for several reasons. Poilievre is not being compared to any Liberal rival. The survey focuses only on Ontarians who cast a ballot in the latest provincial election, and we can expect turnout to be higher federally than what has been observed in the two previous Ontario provincial ballots. Still, it is clear that Ford’s decision to call an election because of what transpired in the United States has paid off. His popularity has grown, and some Ontarians are starting to wonder if he is ready for a larger job than the one he has just been re-elected to.

Find our data tables here. 

Methodology: Results are based on an online study conducted from February 27 to March 1, 2025, among 501 Ontario adults who voted in the 2025 provincial election. The margin of error — which measures sample variability — is +/- 4.4 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Progressive Conservatives Headed for Fresh Term in Ontario

Vancouver, BC [February 26, 2025] – Public support for the governing Progressive Conservatives has not dwindled in the final stages of Ontario’s provincial election campaign, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative sample of Ontarians, 46% of decided voters (+1 since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in mid-February) say they will support the Ontario Progressive Conservative Party tomorrow or have already done so.

The Ontario Liberal Party is in second place with 30% (-1), followed by the Ontario New Democratic Party (NDP) with 17% (+2) and the Ontario Green Party with 5% (+1). An additional 2% of decided voters (-2) would support other parties or independent candidates.

“More than half of decided voters aged 55 and over in Ontario (55%) are backing the Progressive Conservatives,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Support for the governing party is lower among decided voters aged 35-to-54 (49%) and aged 18-to-34 (37%).”

The approval rating for Premier and Ontario Progressive Conservative Party leader Doug Ford is unchanged at 56%. Just under half of Ontarians (47%, +4) are satisfied with the way Official Opposition and Ontario NDP leader Marit Stiles has managed her duties. The numbers are lower for Ontario Liberal Party leader Bonnie Crombie (43%, -5) and Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner (40%, =).

The four main party leaders reach the final day of campaigning with negative momentum scores: -4 for Crombie, -3 for Ford and -1 for both Stiles and Schreiner.

Ford maintains a large lead on the “Best Premier” question, with 44% (-2). Crombie is second with 26% (+4), followed by Stiles (14%, +3) and Schreiner (5%, =).

Three-in-ten Ontarians (30%, +2) identify the economy and jobs as the most important issue facing the province, followed by housing, poverty and homelessness (28%, =), health care (18%, -1), government accountability (5%, =) and crime and public safety (4%, -1).

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted on February 25 and February 26, 2025, among 701 Ontario adults, including 666 decided voters in the 2025 provincial election. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.7 percentage points for the entire sample and +/- 3.9 percentage points for the sample of decided voters, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca

Some Canadians Take Wait-and-See Approach on Federal Politics

Canadians are divided when asked to compare Pierre Poilievre to three former recent leaders of centre-right parties.

Vancouver, BC [February 19, 2025] – About one-in-four Canadians are no longer entirely convinced about voting for the Conservative Party in the next federal election, a new Research Co. poll has found.

In the online survey of a representative national sample, 23% of Canadians say they were leaning towards voting for the Conservatives, but the resignation of Justin Trudeau changed things and they need to see what the next Liberal Party leader does before deciding who to vote for.

Similar proportions of Canadians are certain that they will support Conservative candidates (30%) or vote against them (32%) in the next federal ballot, while 16% are completely undecided.

“In the last voting survey conducted in early January before Trudeau announced he was stepping down, more than half of decided voters in British Columbia and Ontario were backing the Conservatives,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. “Now, about one-in-four voters in each of these provinces are reassessing their choices.”

Practically half of Canadians (49%) say they would “definitely” or “probably” consider casting a ballot for the Conservatives in the next federal election. The rating is lower for the Liberals (43%), the New Democratic Party (NDP) (also 43%), the Green Party (32%) and the People’s Party (23%).

Canadians who are considering voting for the Conservatives were asked about their primary motivation. More than a third (36%) say the most important factor is the party’s leader, while a slightly smaller proportion (33%) mention the party’s ideas and policies.

Fewer Conservative supporters are mainly moved by a desire for change (11%), the party’s candidate in the riding (10%), a desire for stability (6%) or disgust with other contending candidates (4%).

Canadians are evenly divided when comparing current Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre to three of his predecessors. Similar proportions of Canadians think Poilievre is either better or worse than Stockwell Day (23% and 22% respectively), Andrew Scheer (24% and 23% respectively) and Erin O’Toole (24% and 23% respectively). About a third (32%) believe Poilievre is worse than Stephen Harper, while 20% believe he is better.

Among Canadians who voted for the Conservatives in the 2021 federal election, Poilievre is regarded as superior to O’Toole (50%), Scheer (48%) and Day (45%), but only 31% think he is better than Harper.

More than three-in-ten Canadians believe immigration (34%), the economy and jobs (33%), energy and pipelines (also 33%), crime and public safety (31%) and trade and Canada’s relationship with the United States (also 31%) would be better if Poilievre was serving as Canada’s prime minister.

Poilievre’s rating is lower on five other issues: foreign affairs (30%), accountability and leadership (also 30%), housing, homelessness and poverty (27%), health care (24%) and the environment (23%).

Canadians were also asked to select six words to describe Poilievre. Two-in-five (40%) say the Conservative leader is arrogant, up one point since a similar Research Co. poll conducted in April 2023. At least one-in-four Canadians also used the words intelligent (33%, -1), strong (32%, +6), efficient (26%, +6), dishonest (25%, -3) and uncaring (also 25%, +2).

In the Liberal Party’s leadership race, more than two-in-five Canadians (43%) have a favourable opinion of Mark Carney—a proportion that rises to 53% among those aged 55 and over, 50% in British Columbia and 44% in Quebec.

The favourability rating is lower for four other contenders: Chrystia Freeland (38%), Karina Gould (21%), Ruby Dhalla (17%) and Frank Baylis (16%).

The new leader of the Liberal Party is expected to become Prime Minister in March. When asked which one of the five contenders is better suited to handle 10 specific issues, Carney is ahead of his rivals on all of them, with larger leads on the economy and jobs (31%), accountability and leadership (29%) and trade and Canada’s relationship with the United States (also 29%).

Sizeable proportions of Canadians—ranging from 38% to 47%—cannot select any of the five Liberal leadership candidates for the tasks at hand.

Methodology: Results are based on an online survey conducted from February 3 to February 5, 2025, among 1,001 adults in Canada. The data has been statistically weighted according to census figures for age, gender and region in Canada. The margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty.

Find our data tables here and download the press release here. 

For more information on this poll, please contact:
Mario Canseco, President, Research Co.
778.929.0490
[e] mario.canseco@researchco.ca