Canadians trust Carney more than Poilievre even on shared policies, poll shows

Leger’s latest online poll of 1,514 Canadians examined trust levels for Prime Minister Mark Carney and Conservative leader Pierre Poilievro​e when each championed identical policy positions. Respondents were divided equally, with one half evaluating Carney’s statements and the other assessing Poilievre’s. On every issue—from accelerating infrastructure projects to increasing military spending—Carney received a higher trust rating, with gaps between nine and 14 points.

The overall party standings reflected this, showing Liberals at 46 % and Conservatives at 34 %. Executives from the poll suggest Carney’s recent entry into politics and his professional background give him a résumé and style advantage, whereas Poilievre’s long-standing political baggage hampers his appeal. The findings imply that the Conservatives may need to focus on leader image rather than policy overhaul to close the gap.