From August 1 to August 4, 2025, we surveyed Canadians on politics, government performance, and key national issues.
Highlights include…
Federal Politics
- The Liberal Party, led by Mark Carney, holds a lead in federal voting intentions with 46% support among decided voters, compared to 36% for the Conservatives. Support for the Liberals is especially strong in Atlantic Canada (68%), among women (50%) and Canadians aged 55+ (50%). The NDP are polling at 6% nationally.
- Satisfaction with the federal government led by Mark Carney stands at 54%. Approval of Mark Carney’s performance is similarly strong, with 56% expressing support. Liberal voters (90%) and NDP voters (70%) show strong approval.
Canada–U.S. Trade
- On the approach the government should take in our trade relations with the U.S., Canadians are divided: 45% favor an assertive “Elbows Up” approach with counter-tariffs, while 41% prefer a more measured strategy focused on stability. The assertive stance is more popular among NDP (69%) and Liberal (52%) voters, while Conservatives lean toward negotiation (54%).
- In terms of specific trade concessions, half of Canadians (50%) are open to allowing U.S. airlines to operate domestic routes in Canada, and 49% would permit American telecom companies to enter the market. However, only a third (33%) support relaxing dairy supply management. Conservative voters are more receptive to these trade concessions. Quebec residents are least likely to support making concessions related to loosening the dairy supply management program.
Electric Vehicle Mandate
- A strong majority of Canadians (68%) believe that the federal target to prohibit the sale of new gas-powered vehicles by 2035 is unrealistic, while only one in four Canadian (26%) find it realistic. Skepticism is highest among Conservative voters (85%) and those aged 55+ (80%). Conversely, optimism is somewhat stronger among Liberal (38%) and NDP (42%) voters, although still only a minority supporting the current government policy.
- When asked whether the EV target should be maintained or rolled back, 71% say it should be rolled back due to high costs and implementation concerns. Less than a third (29%) support keeping the mandate in place despite its challenges. Even among Liberal voters, a majority (59%) oppose the current policy.
Recognition of Palestine
- Canadians are divided on the federal government’s initiative to recognize the State of Palestine: 41% see it as a good idea, while 28% consider it a bad idea, and 31% remain unsure. Views split sharply along political line. Liberal (60%) and NDP (62%) voters are more likely to support the initiative, whereas a majority of Conservative voters see it negatively (57%).
Methodology
The results for this wave of research are based on online research conducted from August 1 to August 4, 2025 with a representative sample of 1,617 Canadian adults 18 years of age and older from Leger’s LEO panel.
Results were weighted according to age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and presence of children in the household in order to ensure a representative sample of the Canadian population.
A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey, but for comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size yields a margin of error no greater than ±2.44%, (19 times out of 20) for the sample.
