Support for Carney slips in new poll

Liberal Leader Mark Carney's momentum has taken a slight hit, while Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre shows signs of closing the gap, according to a new Angus Reid Institute poll released Tuesday.

The survey, conducted April 17-21 measures leader momentum as the net difference between Canadians whose opinions of the leaders have improved versus worsened in recent weeks.

Carney's net momentum dropped to -2 (33% improved versus 35% worsened), down from a positive +2 before the recent federal election leaders' debates. Despite the slip, Carney retains a 54% favourable rating, with 41% unfavourable, and leads Poilievre on most key issues except cost of living.

Poilievre, meanwhile, improved his net momentum from -20 to -7, with 31% of respondents saying their view of him improved compared to 38% who said it worsened. His favourability rose four points to 38%, though 60% still view him unfavourably.

The poll suggests Poilievre gained ground after the debates, narrowing Carney's lead on issues like health care, cost of living, and federal-provincial relations.

NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh continues to struggle, with a net momentum of -27 and a net favourability of -23. Only about 33% of Canadians view him favourably, while 56% hold an unfavourable opinion. The NDP's support remains stalled at 7%.

The poll shows the Liberals leading with 44% support, followed by the Conservatives at 39%.

Analysts say Poilievre's gains may not be enough to shift the race's overall dynamics with the election approaching.

The Angus Reid Institute surveyed 1,500 Canadian adults, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5% points, 19 times out of 20.