More Canadians are pessimistic about the country’s direction, polls show

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Canadians are increasingly unhappy with the way things are going, new polls show.

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An Angus Reid Institute poll released Monday found that 52% of Canadians are pessimistic about the country’s future.

In Ontario, 54% are pessimistic and 46% describe themselves as very or moderately optimistic.

« This is considerably higher than responses noted in recent years, as an inflation crisis and a health care system hampered by delays and staff shortages contribute to Canadians’ low mood, » the pollster said in a statement. communicated.

“To the pessimism towards the country is added an upsurge in criticism of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Three in five (59%) disapprove of his performance, the highest ratings since before the pandemic in 2019, when he and the government were beset with corruption allegations linked to SNC-Lavalin.

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A poll released by Abacus Data on Monday also revealed a soured outlook among Canadians.

“The number of people saying Canada is heading in the right direction is at 35%, down 4 points from mid-April, and one of the weakest results we have seen in the past year. the past year and a half,” Abacus Data said in a statement. statement.

While 49% of Canadians believe the country is on the wrong track, 61% of Americans believe the United States is heading in the wrong direction, according to the poll.

Trudeau has a net negative popularity score of minus 11, with 35% of those polled approving of his performance and 46% disapproving, according to Abacus Data.

Polls have identified possible avenues for the Conservative Party to gain more support due to the level of public dissatisfaction.

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Angus Reid notes that Conservative Party leadership candidate Pierre Poilievre leads the polls with 26% support among Canadians compared to his colleague Jean Charest at 21%, but 38% of those who voted for the Party. Liberals in the last federal election find Charest the most attractive.

« Charest’s challenge is that former Conservative voters say they are less likely to support the party again with him at the helm, » Angus Reid’s statement said.

Abacus Data said the Conservatives are now slightly ahead of the Liberals in support among 18-44 year olds for the first time since the last election.

“Pierre Poilievre enjoys a positive impression at 20% and finds negative impressions at 28% for a net -8,” notes Abacus Data. “Since March, Mr. Poilievre’s negative points have increased by six points, while his positive points have remained stable. Among Tory supporters, Mr Poilievre has a net +31, an improvement since the start of the month.

The Angus Reid Institute poll surveyed 5,032 members of its forum from June 7-13. The Abacus Data poll surveyed 3,026 Canadians from June 17-23.

aartuso@postmedia.com