Poilievre takes lead in federal voting intention

The federal Conservatives under Pierre Poilievre have taken the lead in voter intention days after winning a by-election in Alberta, according to an Abacus Data poll.

If a federal election were held, 41% of Canadians would vote for the Conservatives, now up by a single point. The Liberals under Mark Carney are at 39%, down several points since early August. The NDP sits at 7%, while the Bloc is at 7%, Greens at 2%, and PPC at 2%.

According to pundits, Prime Minister Mark Carney faces growing criticism over his handling of U.S. trade tensions, with President Donald Trump imposing 35% tariffs on Canadian goods after failed trade talks. Economic concerns, including cost-of-living issues cited by 62% of Canadians, dominate voter priorities.

Carney’s decision to eliminate the federal carbon tax, while popular with some, has drawn ire from progressive voters expecting stronger climate action. His lack of prior elected experience and centralized leadership style, echoing Trudeau’s, have sparked murmurs of discontent among Liberal MPs.

With inflation and housing affordability pressures mounting, Carney’s early goodwill is waning as Canadians demand tangible results.