Conservatives gain on Liberals as domestic issues take forefront: poll

Support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals has slipped as Canadians refocus on pocketbook issues such as jobs and housing, a new Research Co. poll suggests.

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Support for Prime Minister Mark Carney’s Liberals has slipped as Canadians refocus on pocketbook issues such as jobs and housing, a new Research Co. poll suggests.

The online survey by Research Co., released Monday, shows 43 per cent of voters back the Liberals, down four points from a similar poll in July.

The Conservatives have gained support, reaching 38 per cent and narrowing the gap to five points.

The Liberals maintain a lead in British Columbia (49 to 36 per cent) and Ontario (48 to 39 per cent).

The Conservatives dominate in Alberta (56 to 32 per cent) and in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (55 to 34 per cent).

In Quebec, the Liberals lead with 43 per cent, followed by the Bloc at 28 per cent and the Conservatives at 23 per cent.

Mark Carney’s personal approval rating has dropped five points since July to 56 per cent. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre’s approval has risen to 47 per cent.

Carney leads Poilievre 44 per cent to 31 per cent as preferred prime minister; other party leaders are in single digits.

Canadians’ top concerns have shifted to the economy and jobs.

Housing follows at 22 per cent, up four points. Canada-U.S. relations, previously a top issue for older voters, has fallen to 17 per cent, down five points. Health care is at 11 per cent and immigration at 10 per cent.

Carney’s highest issue lead over Poilievre is on foreign affairs (49 per cent to 30 per cent) and Canada-U.S. relations (47 per cent to 31 per cent).

Poilievre leads on crime and public safety (39 per cent to Carney’s 35 per cent).

The poll was conducted online among a representative national sample.