As 2024 concludes, Pierre Poilievre’s Conservative Party has reached a new high in public support, holding a commanding 26-point lead over Justin Trudeau’s Liberals. This comes as calls for Trudeau’s resignation grow louder, fueled by political instability and rising economic worries.
Recent Nanos Research polling shows the Conservatives with 47% support, compared to the Liberals’ 21%, and the NDP at 17%. Nik Nanos, chief data scientist at Nanos Research, remarked that both Trudeau and NDP leader Jagmeet Singh are closing the year on a weak note, with declining support for their parties. “Going into 2025, the biggest winner is Pierre Poilievre and the Conservatives, while Trudeau and Singh are the biggest losers,” Nanos said.
Pressure on Trudeau has intensified following Chrystia Freeland’s unexpected resignation and growing unrest within the Liberal Party. Calls for his departure have come from Liberal caucuses in Ontario, Atlantic Canada, and Quebec. Jagmeet Singh’s NDP has signaled it may withdraw support for the Liberal minority government, while Poilievre is urging a swift non-confidence vote when Parliament resumes.
The leadership crisis is reflected in Nanos Research’s findings, where 40% of Canadians prefer Poilievre as prime minister, compared to 17.4% for Trudeau and 13.9% for Singh. However, nearly 18% remain undecided. Nanos emphasized that while the Liberals could improve their standing, defeating the Conservatives would require a significant misstep by Poilievre and his party.
Adding to the political turbulence, economic concerns have surged among Canadians, reaching a four-year high. The public is increasingly focused on jobs and economic growth, especially with the impending inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump and potential tariff threats. “Canadians want answers on how we’ll manage Donald Trump’s policies and strengthen our economy,” Nanos explained.
As 2025 approaches, the Liberals face not only internal discord but also a “time-for-change” sentiment sweeping across the electorate, leaving Poilievre and the Conservatives in a strong position heading into the new year.