Prime Minister Mark Carney has earned a 57% approval rating in his first month on the job, according to new polling from the Angus Reid Institute. While the majority of Canadians support his early actions, optimism varies widely depending on the issue.Carney’s approval is comparable to that of previous prime ministers at the beginning of their terms, with 29% disapproving and 15% still undecided. Canadians expressed the most confidence in the federal government’s pledge to reduce interprovincial trade barriers — a key topic in this week’s meetings with provincial premiers in Saskatoon. About 60% believe progress on this file is likely..However, that early optimism was quickly undercut by a fresh trade blow from the United States, as President Donald Trump announced he would double tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum. Carney has stated that Canada must work to “Trump-proof” its economy, but twice as many Canadians say they lack confidence in any improvement to the cross-border relationship as those who feel hopeful.Support for other priorities is mixed. While there is some belief in Carney’s foreign policy direction, Canadians are overwhelmingly doubtful that his government will make progress on two domestic concerns: reducing government operational spending and tackling the cost of housing. Nearly 70% are not confident the Liberals will rein in government spending, and 74% doubt any real strides will be made in lowering housing costs — a view shared almost equally by homeowners and renters.
