Election Watchers Take on Federal Campaign (Wave 2): Update 2
Bruce Anderson
spark*insights
April 7, 2025
Dealing with Trump/Tariffs
Two out of three feel Mark Carney (64%) has the best approach for dealing with Donald Trump, while 19% believe Pierre Poilievre does. Most felt that Pierre Poilievre has done well enough (56%) in his response to the US tariff. Ratings are higher for Carney with 66% saying he has reacted very well to the US measures. A majority say the Liberal leader has the best ideas for building a more resilient economy (56%) compared to 36% who say Poilievre does.
Leaders Debates
83% of the Watchers feel Poilievre will do best in the French language debate and 57% feel he will do better in the English debate.
Leader Personalities
Three quarters or more of our Watchers think Carney is more knowledgeable, reassuring and likeable than Pierre Poilievre. This is also the view of majorities of those Watchers who have been involved in Conservative Party campaigns. Carney also has an advantage on being more genuine and inspiring, albeit a narrower one.
Handling Candidate Issues
A majority (62%) say the Conservative leader has handled candidate problems better, compared to 12% who give Carney the nod on that item.
