New poll shows Conservatives tied with Liberals, crime a top voter issue
The Conservatives are now neck and neck with the Liberals according to a new Abacus Data survey.
The Conservatives are now neck and neck with the Liberals according to a new Abacus Data survey. More Canadian voters now rank crime and public safety as a top issue as support for the Liberals dwindles.
Notably, the Liberals large lead with those aged 60 and over - crucial for the Liberals’ victory in the spring election - has diminished to a near tie.
The poll shows support for the Conservatives and Liberals tied at 40 per cent. Regionally, the Conservatives lead in the Prairies, BC, and are statistically tied in Ontario. The Liberals maintain their firm lead in Atlantic Canada and lead in Quebec.
Abacus reports that concern over crime and public safety is rising fastest among older Canadians, Ontarians and Prairie residents. The poll, conducted September 12–17 among 2,230 adults, finds that 20 per cent of Canadians now rank crime and public safety among their top three issues up from 16 per cent just two weeks earlier.
Thirty-two per cent of Conservative voters list crime as a top issue, compared with 13 per cent of Liberal voters.
Affordability continues to dominate with 57 per cent naming it a top concern.
On the country’s direction, 35 per cent of respondents say Canada is headed the right way, while 49 per cent believe it is on the wrong track, virtually unchanged from earlier in the summer.
Carney’s own numbers have plateaued after slipping earlier this year.
Government approval sits at 50 per cent, with disapproval at 30 per cent, reflecting a plateau after months of volatility.
Abacus says the stability suggests Canadians remain uneasy about affordability and economic conditions.