Canadians urge Carney government to prioritize cost of living reduction

As Canadians navigate the complexities of their economic landscape, the recent polling data sheds light on a critical issue: the struggle with the rising cost of living. The insights gathered reveal not only public sentiment regarding the government's performance but also the pressing concerns of the electorate as they look ahead.

Public Perception of Carney's Government

A recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute indicates that Prime Minister Mark Carney's government has received a mixed review during its initial year in office. While Canadians acknowledge some successes in international relations, they express disappointment regarding the government's ability to tackle affordability issues.

The poll surveyed 2,013 Canadians and explored various aspects of the government's performance since the election victory on April 28, 2025. Notably, during the election campaign, discussions were dominated by the trade relationship with the United States, particularly in the context of the tensions surrounding President Donald Trump's tariffs.

Priorities Shift: Cost of Living Takes Center Stage

One year after the election, the priorities of Canadians have shifted significantly. Only 31 percent of respondents identified the Canada-U.S. relationship as the government's top concern in the coming year. In stark contrast, a substantial 52 percent expressed that reducing the cost of living should be the government's primary focus.

• 52% of Canadians want cost of living addressed.
• 31% prioritize Canada-U.S. relations.
• 70% feel government has fallen short on affordability.

Housing Affordability: A Key Concern

Housing affordability remains a prominent issue, with 67 percent of those surveyed believing that the Liberal government has not adequately addressed this challenge. During the last election, the Liberals promised to implement the "most ambitious housing plan since the Second World War," aiming to double the rate of residential construction over the next decade.

Despite these promises, recent data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation revealed a six percent decrease in the annual rate of housing starts. This decline raises questions about the feasibility and effectiveness of the government's housing strategy.

Defence Spending and NATO Commitments

In contrast to the mixed reviews regarding affordability, Canadians expressed a more positive sentiment concerning the government's defence spending and commitments to NATO. A majority, 59 percent, felt that the government had either met or exceeded expectations in these areas. Notably, Canada has fulfilled its NATO obligation to allocate two percent of its GDP to defence this year, a significant milestone for the government.

International Relations: Successes and Challenges

On the international stage, the survey highlighted a more favorable perception of Carney's efforts. A notable 56 percent of respondents believed he was either meeting or exceeding expectations in managing relations with President Trump. Furthermore, 64 percent expressed satisfaction with the government's efforts to enhance Canada's international reputation, while 57 percent felt that expectations were met regarding trade diversification.

Under Carney's leadership, the government has set ambitious goals to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade, highlighting the signing of 20 strategic trade and defence agreements globally within a year.

The Prime Minister's Global Engagement

Carney's commitment to international relations is evident through his extensive travels, having visited 25 countries on 17 trips since March 2025. These high-profile visits included engagements in China and India, nations with which Canada has experienced strained relations in recent years.

However, his international focus has not come without criticism. Detractors argue that while Carney's travels may bolster Canada's global presence, they detract from addressing domestic issues like the cost of living.

Mixed Reviews on Election Promises

When it comes to fulfilling election promises, public opinion is divided. The survey revealed that 41 percent of respondents felt the government was meeting its commitments, while another 41 percent disagreed. Among Liberal voters, only 12 percent indicated that Carney had surpassed their expectations in his first year.

Additionally, a concerning 42 percent of Canadians believe the country is heading in the wrong direction, with Conservative voters expressing the most significant dissatisfaction—75 percent feeling the government is not adequately addressing cost-of-living issues.

Public Approval Ratings

Despite the challenges facing his administration, Carney maintains relatively high approval ratings, with 58 percent of respondents expressing support for his performance as Prime Minister. Comparatively, this figure exceeds those of previous leaders such as Stephen Harper, Paul Martin, and Brian Mulroney at the one-year mark, while trailing behind Jean Chrétien and Justin Trudeau.

These nuanced insights from the Angus Reid poll, conducted between April 15 and 20, reflect a complex landscape where international relations achievements are overshadowed by pressing domestic concerns, particularly affordability and housing challenges.