Federal Liberals Recover Slightly After Budget, but Stalemate Continues
Recent polling suggests a slight recovery for the Federal Liberals following Canada’s budget announcement, although significant challenges lie ahead. Between November 20 and 27, 2025, Abacus Data surveyed 2,421 Canadian adults to gauge how the budget affected public sentiment. Prime Minister Mark Carney’s approval ratings experienced a modest boost post-budget, yet political divides remain a notable aspect of the current landscape.
Survey Highlights: Optimism and Concerns
Following the budget, 37% of Canadians now feel the country is heading in the right direction, up from 31% in early November. While this represents the highest optimism in recent months, nearly half (48%) still express concerns about the country’s trajectory. These findings reflect ongoing public anxiety regarding economic conditions.
- Optimism highest in Ontario and Atlantic Canada (41%)
- Lowest in Alberta (26%) and Saskatchewan/Manitoba (30%)
- 34% of Quebec residents believe the country is on the right path
Affordability as a Central Issue
The rising cost of living remains the most pressing concern for Canadians. Sixty-four percent identify it as a top issue, down slightly from earlier this month. Other significant concerns include the economy (40%) and healthcare (35%). Notably, housing affordability has also become a critical topic, with 34% expressing worries.
Government Approval: A Modest Uplift
The government’s approval rating has improved slightly, with 48% of Canadians approving of Carney’s administration, a four-point increase since the budget announcement. This marks the best approval rating for Carney’s government in several months.
Leadership Impressions: Carney vs. Poilievre
Mark Carney’s personal approval rating stands at 45%, up from previous months, while Pierre Poilievre’s net favourability remains negative at -3. Among Conservative supporters, 64% would choose to keep Poilievre as leader, reflecting strong internal backing despite mixed feelings from other parties.
- Carney: +14 net favourability
- Poilievre: -3 net favourability
Vote Intention: A Tight Race
Neither party has established a clear lead, with the Liberals at 41% and Conservatives at 40% if an election were held today. The political atmosphere has remained stable, with no significant shifts among their respective bases.
Regional Insights
| Region | Liberal Support | Conservative Support |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | 46% | 43% |
| Quebec | 41% | 22% |
| Alberta | 28% | 61% |
| Atlantic Canada | 48% | 42% |
Conclusion: A Competitive Landscape
Despite a slight uptick in approval for the Liberals following the budget, the political landscape remains complex. Each party holds firm support bases, while a lack of decisive movement suggests an electorate that is cautious and polarized. As economic issues continue to dominate public discourse, the upcoming months will be critical for both parties to address voter concerns effectively.
