If the polling numbers released on April 11, 2024 by Abacus Data hold until next year’s federal election, Canada is in trouble.
According to Abacus, if an election were held today, 44% of committed voters would vote for Pierre Poilievre and his Conservative party. In a distant second place at only 24% is Justin Trudeau and the Liberal party. Even farther back, in third spot, is Jagmeet Singh and the NDP at 17%. Rounding out the results are the Green Party of Canada at 5% and the Bloc Quebecois at 29% in Quebec.
These results are especially troubling, given the fact that Pierre Poilievre is so far out of sync with a very large majority of Canadians on so many key issues. He would do away with the carbon tax and has not committed to any further action to reduce carbon emissions. He is fuzzy on future dealings with Indigenous peoples and has voted against gay marriage. He also voted against supporting desperately needed free trade with Ukraine using the false pretext that the motion included a requirement that Ukraine impose a carbon tax on its residents.
As I’ve expressed in a number of blogs since Poilievre became Conservative leader, he has a history of supporting very right-wing positions, he tends to ignore facts when they interfere with his politics, and he spouts soundbites rather than explaining policies.
Current polling numbers make it very clear that most Canadians have not looked under the hood – they like Poilievre’s delivery and are not aware of where he stands on their most important issues.
On issue after issue a clear majority of Canadians stand on one side and Pierre Poilievre stands on the other side.
It is still hypothetically possible that as Canadians become more familiar with Poilievre’s positions, voter support for him may weaken, although this seems less and less likely the closer we are to the October 2025 federal election.
Still, signs are appearing that some people are starting to see through Poilievre’s mask. For example, well-known small-c conservative commentator Charles Adler has lamented the changes in the Conservative Party, noting that in the last election he voted Liberal as a way to register opposition to the Conservative campaign. And in contrast to the Abacus poll, an April 3rd Nanos poll indicated some negative pressure on the Conservatives, with the party’s support down to 38% against the Liberals 26% support — a gap of only 12%.
Unfortunately, too many voters — not just in Canada – still appear to be more interested these days in responding to soundbites than in ensuring that politicians care about the issues that will truly matter to them.
If we are to save Canada from the very negative initiatives Pierre Poilievre will implement as Prime Minister, we must begin organizing now – in our workplaces, our associations, our communities, and every other avenue we can think of.
Daily atmospheric CO2 [Courtesy of CO2.Earth]
Latest daily total (April 17, 2024): 427.04ppm
One year ago (April 17, 2023): 424.83ppm
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