Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s resignation announcement has failed to lift his Liberal Party’s sagging fortunes, with the Conservative Party holding a 25-point lead, according to an Abacus Data poll released on Wednesday.
Led by Pierre Poilievre, the Conservatives drew 47% support among committed voters compared to the Liberals’ 20%, marking their widest lead in the polling firm’s tracking history. The New Democratic Party stood at 18%.
The Conservatives lead in most regions, including by 25 points in vote-rich Ontario and 21 points in British Columbia. The Bloc Quebecois leads in Quebec with 36% support.
The online survey of 2,500 Canadian adults, conducted January 6-7 immediately following Trudeau’s announcement, showed 95% of Canadians were aware of his planned departure.
While 23% of respondents said Trudeau’s exit made them more likely to vote Liberal, including 29% of those who backed the party in 2021 but have since switched allegiance, the party’s overall support remained at historic lows.
Among potential Liberal leadership candidates, former Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland leads with 17% support, followed by Mark Carney at 13%. Nearly half of respondents were undecided.
“The boost some hoped would materialize after Trudeau quit hasn’t yet materialized,” said David Coletto, CEO of Abacus Data. “The Liberal Party’s standing in public opinion remains at a historic low.”
The survey’s margin of error for a comparable random sample would be plus or minus two percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.
