Poilievre LEADS in latest poll as Carney’s popularity falters

New polling shows Conservatives narrowly ahead of Carney’s Liberals. Plus, Canada records a historic population decline and Alberta clashes with Skate Canada.

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Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre is leading in the latest federal poll, cutting against weeks of media speculation that his leadership was in jeopardy after two Conservative MPs crossed the floor to join the Liberals.

A new Mainstreet Research poll shows the Conservatives at 42% support, narrowly ahead of the Liberals at 41%, with the NDP and all other parties in the single digits — setting up what would be a two-horse race if an election were held today.

Poilievre has accused the Liberals under Mark Carney of trying to secure power through backroom deals rather than earning a mandate from voters, arguing Canadians rejected a Liberal majority in the last election.

Also, Canada has recorded the largest population decline in its history. New Statistics Canada data shows the country lost roughly 76,000 people over the third quarter. Ottawa also reports 73,000 fewer study-permit holders, with the largest drops in British Columbia and Ontario.

Meanwhile, Alberta Premier Danielle Smith is blasting Skate Canada after the organization announced it will no longer host national or international figure-skating events in the province. The decision follows Alberta’s new law prohibiting biological males aged 12 and over from competing in female amateur sports.

Smith called the move “disgraceful,” accusing Skate Canada of punishing Alberta for choosing to protect women and girls in sport.

Justice Centre for Constitutional Freedoms president John Carpay joins the program to discuss the Skate Canada boycott, Alberta’s legislation, and mounting concerns over federal bills critics warn could restrict free speech in Canada.