It’s no surprise that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party are on a continuous downtrend. A collection of recent federal polling data shows the LPC almost 18 percentage points behind the Conservative Party, and the growing gap doesn’t look too promising for the current ruling party.
But today’s conditions — with politics highly divisive, the cost of living increasingly unaffordable, and the outlook mostly bleak — may be making people feel tired of not just Trudeau but all leaders in general.
“A falling tide lowers all boats,” the Angus Reid Institute writes in their comprehensive data analysis covering 50 years of political polls. In the study, they found that the popularity of federal party leaders has reached an unprecedented low in 2024.
Pierre Poilievre, leader of the opposition Conservatives, currently holds the highest net approval rating at -12 points. Jagmeet Singh, leader of the New Democratic Party (NDP), follows closely behind with a net rating of -14, marking his worst performance in his seven-year tenure. Trudeau of the governing Liberals fares the worst, with a chilling net approval rating of -38.
The downward trend in Trudeau’s popularity is particularly striking when compared to historical data. In 2020, Liberal and NDP leaders enjoyed positive net ratings of around 10, while the Conservative leader at the time, Erin O’Toole, had a rating of -43. However, by 2021, Trudeau’s rating had plummeted to -9 and has continued to decline in the years since.
Historically, the NDP has rarely found itself in negative territory, often remaining relatively popular even without winning elections. However, Singh’s ratings have been steadily declining since 2021, reaching an all-time low of -14 in the latest poll. The Angus Reid Institute suggests that the NDP’s supply and confidence agreement with the unpopular Liberal government may have contributed to Singh’s increased profile and subsequent criticism.
In contrast, former Liberal Prime Minister Jean Chretien holds the record for the highest approval rating, scoring an impressive 42 points in 1994. Throughout his 10-year tenure, Chretien consistently maintained positive numbers, with ratings ranging from 14 to 34.
The analysis also highlights the difference between the popularity of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his father, former Prime Minister Pierre Trudeau. While Pierre Trudeau’s ratings fluctuated throughout his time in office, Justin Trudeau’s popularity has been steadily declining since 2021, reaching a historic low for the party at -38.
The Angus Reid Institute notes that the current political climate appears to have created an era where all leaders remain unpopular simultaneously, a departure from the historical trend of one leader’s decline coinciding with another’s rise in favorability.
Information for this story was found via Polling Canada, the Angus Reid Institute, and 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.
