OTTAWA – In the midst of a diplomatic standoff with India, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has emerged as the favored choice for the Canadian Prime Minister, according to an Ipsos poll reported by Canadian media. Poilievre’s popularity has surged to 40 percent among Canadians, while Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s approval ratings have remained stagnant at 31 percent, signaling a potential shift in the political landscape.
Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker suggested that the widening gap between Poilievre and Trudeau could pave the way for the Conservatives to secure a majority government if an election were held today. The poll results reflect a growing dissatisfaction among Canadians with the country’s direction, driven by concerns about the cost of living, access to housing, and inflation, all of which are pressing economic issues.
Diplomatic Tensions with India:
The timing of these poll results coincides with an unprecedented low in diplomatic relations between Canada and India. The rift began when Prime Minister Trudeau accused India of involvement in the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, citing “credible allegations of a potential link” in the Canadian parliament. In response, Canada expelled a high-ranking Indian diplomat on September 19, prompting India to reciprocate by expelling a senior Canadian diplomat in a tit-for-tat move. Travel advisories were subsequently issued for citizens of both nations residing in each other’s countries, and the escalating tensions threaten to disrupt trade between the two nations.
Domestic Issues Impacting Trudeau’s Popularity:
The decline in Prime Minister Trudeau’s popularity on the domestic front can be attributed to core issues plaguing Canada, which revolve around the economy, healthcare, and housing. Poll participants believe that Poilievre offers the most promising plans to address these concerns. Poilievre’s popularity is consistently strong across all Canadian provinces and regions, with the exception of Quebec, which was not included in this particular poll.
Other Poll Findings:
- Jagmeet Singh of the NDP party, known for his support of the Khalistan movement, secured third place in the poll with 22 percent support.
- Yves-François Blanchet of the Bloc Québécois garnered the support of 6 percent of respondents.
As tensions with India persist, Canadians are closely watching the political landscape, and Pierre Poilievre’s rising popularity could potentially reshape the country’s leadership.
News Summary:
- A recent Ipsos poll has revealed that Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre is now the preferred choice for Canadian Prime Minister, surpassing incumbent Justin Trudeau in popularity.
- Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker suggests that this gap could position the Conservatives for a majority government if an election were held today.
- The diplomatic standoff with India, triggered by accusations from Trudeau regarding India’s role in a Khalistani terrorist’s murder, has added to the political turmoil.
- Canadians’ dissatisfaction with economic issues, including the cost of living, housing, and inflation, has contributed to Trudeau’s waning popularity.
- Pierre Poilievre’s appeal extends across most Canadian provinces and regions, except Quebec, according to the poll results.
- Other party leaders, including Jagmeet Singh and Yves-François Blanchet, also garnered varying levels of support in the poll.
