As Canadians reflect on 2024, new data reveals none of the country’s three major federal leaders have successfully connected with the public, with all facing negative perceptions from a majority of Canadians.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who must decide whether to lead the Liberals into an expected election next year, ends the year with an approval rating of just 28%, according to the Angus Reid Institute.
This matches his lowest point in public opinion after more than nine years in office. The prime minister’s position, previously firm, was thrown into uncertainty following the recent resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland.
Trudeau’s net approval rating (approval minus disapproval) now stands at -40, the lowest among federal leaders.
"It’s been a challenging year for the prime minister," the report states, highlighting the growing dissatisfaction among Canadians.
While Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre enjoys a lead in voter intention, his personal favorability is also underwater, with a net rating of -18. Though his party remains ahead, Poilievre's negative perception grew by eight points over the year.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh saw the largest slide in net approval. Following his decision to end the Supply and Confidence Agreement with the Liberals, Singh’s net favorability dropped from -4 at the start of 2024 to -16 by year’s end.
All three leaders are viewed unfavorably by more than 50% of Canadians, with fewer than two-in-five holding a positive opinion of any of them.
The data underscores widespread public dissatisfaction with the federal political landscape heading into 2025, as questions about leadership loom large for the nation’s governing parties.