In a recent opinion poll, Justin Trudeau, Canada’s current Prime Minister, has been rated the least effective leader in the last half-century, according to a significant portion of Canadian citizens. Meanwhile, his father, Pierre Trudeau, is remembered as the most revered Prime Minister since 1968. The research, led by Research Co., shows that 30% of the respondents regard Justin Trudeau as the least successful, with Stephen Harper, the preceding Prime Minister, securing the second position at 18%.
Analysts suggest that a key factor in Trudeau’s decline in popularity could be attributed to his perceived support of extremist factions such as the Khalistanis. His administration has been accused of turning a blind eye to their disruptive activities on Canadian soil. Critics argue that such decisions, often seen as short-term vote bank politics, can have a profoundly negative impact on societal harmony. These actions have drawn significant criticism from Canadians who believe that the leadership should prioritize national security and social cohesion over immediate political gains.
Interestingly, Pierre Trudeau has a favorability score of 20%, showing a slight increase from a similar study conducted in June 2022. Justin Trudeau, on the contrary, is seen as the most effective by only 11% of the participants.
Stephen Harper, despite having been considered the least successful by 18% of the respondents, enjoys the support of 17% who view him as the most effective. He is particularly popular in Alberta, where 36% of respondents consider him the most successful leader in recent Canadian history, according to Mario Canseco, President of Research Co. Pierre Trudeau garners the most support in British Columbia (27%), Ontario (23%), and Atlantic Canada (22%).
Interestingly, 32% of Atlantic Canadians viewed Harper as the least effective recent Prime Minister. Justin Trudeau’s disapproval ratings are remarkably high in Alberta (45%), British Columbia (36%), and Saskatchewan and Manitoba (36%).
In addition, the survey explored public perceptions of ten political figures who have held the position of Official Opposition leader in Ottawa over the past 50 years. According to the results, 48% of Canadians believed Jack Layton, the former NDP leader, would have been a competent Prime Minister. This belief was shared by 61% of the respondents aged 55 and above.
Five other past Opposition leaders were well-regarded by over 20% of Canadians: Preston Manning, former Reform Party leader (28%), Robert Stanfield, former Progressive Conservative leader (27%), Tom Mulcair, former NDP leader (27%), and former Conservative leaders Andrew Scheer (22%) and Erin O’Toole (22%).
Former Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff scored slightly lower (19%), as did Stockwell Day (19%), Rona Ambrose, former interim Conservative leader (18%), and Stéphane Dion, former Liberal leader (18%).
