Canadians Trust Carney More on Economy Than Poilievre

A recent Research Co. poll has found that Canadians have increased their trust in Prime Minister Mark Carney's economic management, giving him a six-point lead over his counterpart Pierre Poilievre. The survey, conducted from August 31 to September 2, 2026, among 1,002 adults in Canada, revealed that 59% of respondents trust Carney to do the right thing for the economy, up from 53% since February.

Majorities of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (53%), aged 35-to-54 (57%), and aged 55 and over (66%) express confidence in Carney's economic management. In contrast, Poilievre does best with Canadians aged 18-to-34 (46%), but drops markedly among Canadians aged 35-to-54 (38%) and aged 55 and over (29%).

The survey also found that about three-in-five Canadians (59%) rate the economic conditions in Canada today as 'poor' or 'very poor', while 36% deem them 'very good' or 'good'. When asked about their expectations for the economy, 31% of Canadians think it will decline over the next six months.