More Canadians say they disapprove of Justin Trudeau’s Liberals now than at any other time since they came into office, according to a new poll.
These numbers come after Trudeau conducted a major cabinet shuffle and announced that he and his wife Sophie Gregoire Trudeau would be separating.
An Abacus Data survey provided to the Toronto Star saw 54% of Canadians say they disapprove of the Trudeau government, up 2% since the firm’s last survey released in late July.
Abacus Data CEO David Coletto told the Star that it’s the lowest approval rating for Trudeau since he was first elected in 2015.
The survey also gave the Conservatives led by Pierre Poilievre a nine point lead over the Liberals, with the CPC polling at 37% and the Liberals polling at 28%.
A previous Abacus Data survey has found that just 19% of Canadians believe the Liberals deserve to be re-elected, while 81% want to see a change in government.
The poll also found that only 26% of Canadians believe Canada is on the right track.
The pessimistic outlook comes as Canadians face expensive cost of living, with high housing and rental costs and rising interest rates, rising violent crime and a raging opioid crisis, among other things.
According to Coletto, Trudeau’s cabinet shuffle “has had no immediate impact on Liberal support.” He added that if it does, “it will take more time and a more direct shift in the government’s approach, given that 80% want a change in government.”
Abacus Data surveyed 1,650 Canadians between Aug. 3 and 7. The poll has a margin of error of ∓ 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
