‘Weak evidence’ polls affect how Canadians vote, say politicos, but close races can push people to the ballot box
There is scant evidence that political polls influence how Canadians vote, but with the 2021 election shaping up to be a tight two-way race between the Liberals and Conservatives, pollsters say that could lead to a larger voter turnout. “The polls are a mirror, in that they reflect what’s going on, but they don’t influence […]
Léger poll on eve of first French debate shows O’Toole gaining momentum in Quebec
As party leaders prepare for the Sept. 2 TVA debate—a crucial event for reaching many Quebec voters—a new poll from Léger Marketing suggests the Conservatives are on the rise in the province. “The reason why this poll is this really important is over the past two years, ever since the 2019 election, we’ve never had […]
Reception ‘a lot worse’ at the doorstep than in 2019, say some Liberal MPs, candidates, and campaign workers
The response some Liberal candidates and campaign workers are getting from Canadians at doorsteps across the country is surprisingly negative, according to Liberal sources who say it’s worse than the backlash from the blackface scandal mid-campaign in 2019. “It’s a lot worse than it was in 2019,” said a Liberal MP, who spoke with The Hill Times on […]
It’s a guy thing: will male voters’ hostility sink Trudeau?
OTTAWA—Canadians liked what they saw of Justin Trudeau in 2015, particularly in contrast to Stephen Harper. Nearly six years later, women voters still approve of Trudeau and the programs he has prioritized during his time as prime minister. But it’s different with men: it’s safe to say at this point that if the Liberals lose […]
As election momentum shifts to the Tories, some Liberal MPs, candidates getting ‘nervous,’ say Liberal sources
With the momentum shifting from the Justin Trudeau Liberals to the Erin O’Toole Conservatives, some Liberal MPs and candidates running in close swing ridings are getting ‘nervous’ about the prospect that their party might end up with another minority, or lose the election altogether, say Liberal sources. “If you’re not nervous, I think you’re not […]
Liberals start with a fairly strong lead, but achieving a majority looking like an uphill climb
OTTAWA—Six weeks ago, an election at summer’s end looked like a pretty good bet to produce a majority victory for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberals. Canadians were buoyant about the apparent fading out of the pandemic, vaccination targets were being achieved, virus cases were way down, and the Liberals, enjoying public appreciation for […]
Closing gap between Liberals and Conservatives should force Trudeau to reconsider calling an election in coming weeks, say some pollsters
Calling an election when some public opinion polls suggest a closing gap between the Liberals and Conservatives should make Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reconsider right now because he could end up with a weaker minority or even losing the government altogether, say some pollsters. “There’s no need to have an election right now,” said Darrell […]
‘This time may be different’: pollsters track ‘record’ shift in core public attitudes and find a moral imperative to do something, after Indigenous children’s remains found
Pollsters say the discovery of the remains of 215 Indigenous children found in May at the site of the former Kamloops Indian Residential School in British Columbia has significantly shifted core public attitudes and Canadians are engaged, angry, and want governments to act. And on June 24, the Cowesses First Nation said it found another […]
Politicos predict a September federal election, but if not, expect October 2023
Barring a fourth wave of COVID-19 hitting Canada in the coming weeks, the August-October window is the optimal time for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to pull the plug and try to win a majority government, say political insiders, pollsters, and Liberal MPs. If the Liberals can’t capitalize on this opportunity, then the next election may […]
‘Breathtaking’ childcare pledge to pay dividends beyond recouping pandemic losses: labour experts
The Liberal government deserves some praise for centring in its budget a billion-dollar plan to address the pandemic-propelled she-cession that has seen women exit the labour force in record numbers, say labour experts, who note a more even economic recovery is likely to hinge on smaller-ticket items, at least in the short term. Childcare as […]
