Majority of Canadians Want Trudeau to Step Down, Poll

As the House of Commons gears up for its summer recess, a new Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News indicates that a significant majority of Canadians believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should resign before MPs return in the fall. The poll reveals that 68 per cent of Canadians want Trudeau to step down, with the sentiment strongest in Alberta (79 per cent) and Atlantic Canada (76 per cent).

“This is as bad as we’ve seen it for Trudeau. It’s close to rock bottom,” said Ipsos CEO Darrell Bricker. The Ipsos survey, conducted between June 12 and 14, included 1,001 Canadians. The results show that if an election were held tomorrow, the Conservatives would secure a “comfortable victory” with 42 per cent of the decided vote, while the Liberals would receive only 24 per cent, and the NDP 18 per cent.

After eight years in power, Trudeau’s declining popularity appears to be affecting the overall success of the Liberal Party. Conversely, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has increased his lead, with 44 per cent of Canadians stating he would make the best prime minister. Additionally, 75 per cent of Canadians want another party to take over, while just 25 per cent believe the Liberals “deserve reelection.”

Despite the grim polling numbers, members of Trudeau’s cabinet have dismissed the findings, emphasizing their policy achievements.

Treasury Board President Anita Anand stated, “We’re not focused on the polls. We’re focused on the fact that we need to continue to put forward dental care, pharmacare, housing supports, supports for families and students.” Government House Leader Steve MacKinnon added, “Canadians will come to realize we have made significant progress on a lot of fronts … $10 a day childcare is a reality across the country.”

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland acknowledged the challenging global economic conditions but maintained the government’s commitment to guiding Canada through these times. However, some Liberal backbenchers expressed concerns about the party’s ability to reverse its fortunes. “We’re doing good things. It seems as though the electorate has tuned out. I don’t know what we can do except to continue to do good things,” said Sean Casey, Liberal MP for Charlottetown.

The Liberals are facing a critical test in the upcoming federal byelection on June 24 in Toronto’s St. Paul’s riding. The seat, held by the Liberals for nearly three decades, is now highly competitive. Leslie Church, a Liberal staffer, is running to replace former MP Carolyn Bennett, while the Conservatives have nominated financial professional Don Stewart. “St Paul’s will show how polling translates into votes. If the Liberals lose what should be an easy win, it shows how far they have fallen in voter esteem,” Bricker commented.

The Ipsos poll highlights significant challenges for Justin Trudeau and the Liberal Party as they face growing discontent among Canadian voters. The upcoming byelection in St. Paul’s will serve as a critical indicator of the party’s current standing and potential future.