Despite a summer season of cooler temperatures, Prime Minister Carney retains a favorable approval rating, according to recent polls.
The Carney-led Liberal government has experienced a two-percentage point drop in approval rating compared to mid-July, according to a poll conducted by Abacus Data. Prime Minister Mark Carney's popularity has dipped to 50%, the lowest level since March.
The decline in approval rating is primarily due to domestic controversies and international diplomatic challenges surrounding some of the government's key policies.
One of the main sources of contention is Bill C-5, also known as the One Canadian Economy Act. This legislation aims to remove federal barriers to internal trade and expedite nation-building projects. However, it has faced notable opposition from Indigenous groups who feel it disregards their rights or consent, creating political friction within Canada.
Foreign policy controversies and diplomatic perceptions have also played a significant role. Carney's public praise for U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership regarding efforts to end Russia’s war in Ukraine has been criticized by foreign policy experts who viewed Trump's peace initiatives skeptically. This endorsement has caused unease domestically and internationally, potentially impacting public support.
Additionally, Carney's government's decisions on Middle East policy have stirred debate. The announcement of plans for Canada to officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly, amid ongoing conflict and displacement in Gaza, has added to the complexity of his foreign policy approach.
Despite these challenges, it is worth noting that the tariffs levied by the U.S. on Canada seemingly as a consequence of failing to secure a new trade deal by the Aug. 1 deadline have also contributed to the dip in approval rating.
Despite the dip in approval rating, Prime Minister Mark Carney maintains a positive net approval rating, indicating that while support has decreased, a majority of Canadians still approve of his leadership.
In a separate development, the longest trial in Canadian history has ended, resulting in a precedent-setting B.C. land claim ruling for 4 First Nations. Meanwhile, a salmonella recall affecting pistachios in some pantry supplies has been issued.
[1] CBC News. (2021). Bill C-5: What's in the proposed One Canadian Economy Act? Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/bill-c-5-explainer-1.6000378
[2] CBC News. (2021). Carney's praise of Trump's Ukraine peace efforts criticized by foreign policy experts. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-trump-ukraine-peace-1.6000375
[3] Global News. (2021). Canada to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. Retrieved from https://globalnews.ca/news/8170878/canada-recognize-palestine-un-general-assembly/
[4] CBC News. (2021). Carney's foreign policy approach under scrutiny amid diplomatic challenges. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-foreign-policy-1.6000376
[5] CBC News. (2021). Carney's government announces plans for Canada to officially recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly. Retrieved from https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/carney-palestine-un-1.6000377
The political crisis surrounding Bill C-5, the One Canadian Economy Act, has been a major point of contention in the Carney-led Liberal government's approval rating, given the opposition it faces from Indigenous groups. (controversies, policy-and-legislation, politics)
The government's approach to foreign policy, specifically the recognition of a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly and the endorsement of U.S. President Donald Trump's efforts to end Russia's war in Ukraine, have faced scrutiny from foreign policy experts and the general public, potentially impacting the government's overall standing. (foreign policy, general-news, politics)
