Nik Nanos

While National Newswatch does not keep an archive of external articles for longer than 6 months, we do keep all articles written by contributors who post directly to our site. Here you will find all of the contributed and linked external articles from Nik Nanos.

Liberals 45, Conservatives 32 – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 24 points on preferred PM tracking

Liberals 45, Conservatives 32 – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 24 points on preferred PM tracking

Canada’s political landscape remains tilted towards the incumbents, though with signs of restlessness beneath the surface. Economic pressures continue to dominate public concern, with jobs, inflation and the broader cost of living crowding out other issues. Support for the governing Liberals remains well ahead of their rivals, while the Conservatives struggle to convert dissatisfaction into momentum. Smaller parties hold their...

Consumer confidence wobbling near neutral

Consumer confidence wobbling near neutral

Canadian consumer confidence is stuck in a holding pattern. The Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index has edged up from recent lows but remains below the threshold that would signal broad optimism. Household sentiment is being pulled in opposite directions: job security remains relatively firm, cushioning anxiety, while pessimism about the wider economy and real estate prices continues to drag expectations...

F-35 vs Gripen-E: Mission more important than jobs or defence cooperation when choosing the best jet fighter solution for the Royal Canadian Air Force.
From Trump Fear to Job Jitters – Canada’s top concern moves home, and the Liberals benefit

From Trump Fear to Job Jitters – Canada’s top concern moves home, and the Liberals benefit

The Canadian electorate is settling into a reality shaped by pocketbook anxiety. Jobs and the economy now dominate the national conversation at 23 per cent—up sharply from four weeks ago, while concern over Trump and American relations has cooled markedly, slipping to single digits. Mark Carney’s Liberals enjoy a comfortable 14-point ballot lead, a decisive edge on preferred prime minister...

Canada’s Confidence Index Steadies After Weeks of Decline

Canada’s Confidence Index Steadies After Weeks of Decline

After weeks of sliding sentiment, Canada’s economic mood may be finding a floor. The Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index edged up to 47.23 from 46.31 last week, a modest break in the downward trajectory from its 2026 high of 54.19 in late February. The Expectations Index remains subdued at 42.60, while the Pocketbook Index holds above neutral at 51.86, suggesting...

Liberals Lead by 13 Points as Economic Anxiety Rises

Liberals Lead by 13 Points as Economic Anxiety Rises

The Liberals hold a 13-point lead, and Mr Carney is the preferred prime minister. The economic picture is darkening fast: concern over jobs and the economy has risen nearly five points in a month, inflation worry is up and anxieties about Trump and America has dropped to the third most important national issue.

Canadian Consumer Confidence Turning Decisively Dark

Canadian Consumer Confidence Turning Decisively Dark

Canada’s economic mood has darkened decisively. Confidence has slipped below neutral territory with weak expectations about the economy and housing. The signal maybe that Canadians are bracing for leaner months ahead.

Canadians strongly support Canada strengthening economic and trade ties with the European Union – Close to three in five support Canada joining the EU
Most Canadians believe oil price increases will have a negative impact on the Canadian economy

Most Canadians believe oil price increases will have a negative impact on the Canadian economy

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1099 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between March 31 to April 4, 2026 as part of an omnibus survey. The sample included both land- and cell-lines across Canada. The results were statistically checked and weighted by age and gender using the latest...

Reducing fuel-related taxes top recommendation to federal government in response to higher gas prices. More than one in three report driving less because of gas hike.

Reducing fuel-related taxes top recommendation to federal government in response to higher gas prices. More than one in three report driving less because of gas hike.

This research gauged the opinions of Canadians on rising gas prices and the actions they are taking to in response and how the federal government should be responding.

Liberals ahead of Conservatives by 15 points as Canadians increasingly focus on jobs/the economy.

Liberals ahead of Conservatives by 15 points as Canadians increasingly focus on jobs/the economy.

The Weekly Nanos Tracking is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of...

An increasing percentage of Canadians report that they would be willing to serve in the Armed Forces if Canada were involved in a major conflict.

An increasing percentage of Canadians report that they would be willing to serve in the Armed Forces if Canada were involved in a major conflict.

The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on their general impression of the Canadian Armed Forces, their views on whether a career in the CAF is a good option for young people today, whether the CAF makes them feel proud to be Canadian, whether they would be willing to serve in the CAF in either a full time or part...

Consumer confidence on a clear negative trajectory.
Carney Liberals ahead by 14 points: Jobs/the economy ramping up as top concern.

Carney Liberals ahead by 14 points: Jobs/the economy ramping up as top concern.

The Weekly Nanos Tracking is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of...

Concern about jobs/the economy pulling ahead of other issues: LPC 45.7, CPC 32.9, NDP 11.5

Concern about jobs/the economy pulling ahead of other issues: LPC 45.7, CPC 32.9, NDP 11.5

Worry about jobs/economy pulling away from the other concerns of Canadians. The Liberals are maintaining a double-digit lead over the Conservatives. Carney has a 32-point advantage on the preferred Prime Minister tracking over Poilievre.

Consumer confidence slides for third week in succession.

Consumer confidence slides for third week in succession.

Canadian consumer confidence continues to slide and is moving from a somewhat positive position towards neutrality. Of note the four-week decline in consumer confidence in the Prairies has been greater than other regions.

Canadians are most likely to say that Canada should accept fewer immigrants and temporary residents in 2027 than it plans on accepting in 2026

Canadians are most likely to say that Canada should accept fewer immigrants and temporary residents in 2027 than it plans on accepting in 2026

The research gauged the opinions among Canada aiming to accept 380,000 new immigrants as permanent residents, and an additional 385,000 workers and students as temporary residents.

Liberals at record high in Nanos Tracking: LPC 47.6, CPC 31.1, NDP 11.2

Liberals at record high in Nanos Tracking: LPC 47.6, CPC 31.1, NDP 11.2

The last party to hit 47 per cent support in the Nanos ballot track was the Poilievre Conservatives for the tracking ending January 10, 2025. The Liberals under Carney are at their all-time high in the Nanos tracking for Liberal support. On the preferred PM tracking Carney is the choice of 56.5 per cent of Canadians while Poilievre trails at 22.0 per cent.

Liberals at record high in Nanos Tracking: LPC 47.6, CPC 31.1, NDP 11.2 (Nanos)

Liberals at record high in Nanos Tracking: LPC 47.6, CPC 31.1, NDP 11.2 (Nanos)

The last party to hit 47 per cent support in the Nanos ballot track was the Poilievre Conservatives for the tracking ending January 10, 2025. The Liberals under Carney are at their all-time high in the Nanos tracking for Liberal support. On the preferred PM tracking Carney is the choice of 56.5 per cent of Canadians while Poilievre trails at 22.0 per cent.

Seven in ten Kingston residents express support to one extent or another for restoring the city’s previously removed statue of Sir John A Macdonald to its original location. (

Seven in ten Kingston residents express support to one extent or another for restoring the city’s previously removed statue of Sir John A Macdonald to its original location. (

Seven in ten Kingstonians support (59%) or somewhat support (12%) restoring Kingston’s previously removed statue of Sir John A Macdonald to its original location in City Park. The research gauged the opinions among residents of Kingston, Ontario regarding their level of support for restoring the City’s statue of Sir John A Macdonald to its original location in City Park, along...

February gains in consumer confidence abate

February gains in consumer confidence abate

After a series of gains in consumer confidence in February, March is seeing a softening of consumer confidence in Canada as the Bloomberg-Nanos Index is returning to a trajectory towards neutral.

Majority of Canadians agree with Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum, which called for mid-sized nations to coordinate in response to aggressive superpowers.

Majority of Canadians agree with Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum, which called for mid-sized nations to coordinate in response to aggressive superpowers.

The research gauged Canadians views towards Prime Minister Mark Carney’s speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, which called for mid-sized nations to coordinate in response to aggressive superpowers.

Trajectory Favours Liberals: LPC 46, CPC 33, NDP 10.

Trajectory Favours Liberals: LPC 46, CPC 33, NDP 10.

Canada’s political landscape is settling into a clearer hierarchy. The latest Nanos tracking shows the Liberals consolidating their advantage, stretching their national ballot lead well into double digits over the Conservatives. What was once competitive has become asymmetrical. The gap is reinforced by leadership preference, where Mark Carney commands a striking margin over Pierre Poilievre, reaching a new high and...

LPC 46, CPC 33, NDP 10. Preferred PM, Carney 57, Poilievre 22.

LPC 46, CPC 33, NDP 10. Preferred PM, Carney 57, Poilievre 22.

The ballot trend continues to favour the Liberals as they open up a 13 point advantage over the Conservatives. On the preferred Prime Minister tracking Carney now holds a commanding 35 point advantage. Carney preferred PM advantage hits new high.

Consumer confidence holding in marginally positive territory.

Consumer confidence holding in marginally positive territory.

Although consumer confidence is holding in marginally positive territory there are some interesting dynamics unfolding over the past four weeks. Forward looking expectations are up but Canadians are feeling the squeeze on job security.

Liberals open up lead: LPC 44, CPC 33, NDP 11. Preferred PM: Carney 56, Poilievre 22.

Liberals open up lead: LPC 44, CPC 33, NDP 11. Preferred PM: Carney 56, Poilievre 22.

Canada’s political weather has shifted, and the barometer is moving decisively in one direction. The Liberals have opened a clear lead, sitting in the mid40s nationally, while the Conservatives trail by roughly ten points. This is in the wake of a few weeks in favour of the Carney Liberals. The gap is even starker on leadership: Mark Carney dominates the...

Liberals open up lead: LPC 44, CPC 33, NDP 11. Preferred PM: Carney 56, Poilievre 22.

Liberals open up lead: LPC 44, CPC 33, NDP 11. Preferred PM: Carney 56, Poilievre 22.

Canada’s political weather has shifted, and the barometer is moving decisively in one direction. The Liberals have opened a clear lead, sitting in the mid40s nationally, while the Conservatives trail by roughly ten points. This is in the wake of a few weeks in favour of the Carney Liberals. The gap is even starker on leadership: Mark Carney dominates the...

Canadian consumer confidence continues to improve. Hits highest level since November 2024.

Canadian consumer confidence continues to improve. Hits highest level since November 2024.

The positive movement in consumer confidence has been primarily driven by perceptions that the Canadian economy will get stronger in the next six months. The proportion of Canadians who believe things will get better has increased from 17 to 26 percent in the past four weeks. This has coincided with a series of trade meetings initiated by Prime Minister Carney.

What Canadians expect from the Government of Canada on public transit

What Canadians expect from the Government of Canada on public transit

What this research shows is that public transit isn’t a niche issue – it’s foundational to how Canadians think about quality of life. Nearly nine in ten Canadians say transit matters to their communities, and four in five expect the federal government to be an active partner in funding it. What’s striking is the awareness gap: most Canadians didn’t know...

Carney and Liberals open widest lead over Poilievre Conservatives in wake of tariff threats and Conservative defection

Carney and Liberals open widest lead over Poilievre Conservatives in wake of tariff threats and Conservative defection

In a week that featured a focus on US tariffs and an MP defection, last week was not a great week for Pierre Poilievre. He now trails Mark Carney in the preferred PM tracking by 31 points. The Liberals have opened a lead in the Nanos tracking outside of the margin of error for the research: LPC 41, CPC 34, NDP 11.

Carney and Liberals open widest lead over Poilievre Conservatives in wake of tariff threats and Conservative defection

Carney and Liberals open widest lead over Poilievre Conservatives in wake of tariff threats and Conservative defection

In a week that featured a focus on US tariffs and an MP defection, last week was not a great week for Pierre Poilievre. He now trails Mark Carney in the preferred PM tracking by 31 points. The Liberals have opened a lead in the Nanos tracking outside of the margin of error for the research: LPC 41, CPC 34, NDP 11.

Trust withers while Canadians push back on the U.S.

Trust withers while Canadians push back on the U.S.

This survey gauged the views of Canadians on Canada’s future trade relationship with China. Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,009 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between January 31st and February 4th, 2026, as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1percentage...

A strong majority of Canadians believe preserving the country’s trade deal with the US and Mexico is important to one extent or another for the economy and personal finances.

A strong majority of Canadians believe preserving the country’s trade deal with the US and Mexico is important to one extent or another for the economy and personal finances.

Nanos Research was retained by the Business Council of Canada to gauge the impressions Canadians on Canada potentially negotiating a renewed trade deal with Mexico and the United States. Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,007 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between February 8th and 16th, 2026 as...

Consumer confidence remains in marginally positive territory

Consumer confidence remains in marginally positive territory

After a positive lift in consumer confidence last week, perceptions remain stable. The proportion of Canadians who believe the economy will get stronger in the next six months is up seven points in four weeks from 18 to 25 per cent to but still remains net negative. Although 25 per cent is an improvement, 39 per cent of Canadians still...

US is three and one half times more likely to be seen as a threat to Canadian security compared to China

US is three and one half times more likely to be seen as a threat to Canadian security compared to China

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,009 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between January 31st and February 4th, 2026 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

LPC 38.1, CPC 36.5, NDP 11.1. Carney ahead of Poilievre by 29 points.

LPC 38.1, CPC 36.5, NDP 11.1. Carney ahead of Poilievre by 29 points.

Support for the two frontrunning parties is within the margin of error for the Nanos tracking. Poilievre trails Carney by 29 points on the preferred PM preferences as jobs/the economy and Trump/US relations statistically tied as the top national issues of concern.

Consumer confidence trending up.

Consumer confidence trending up.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,018 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending February 13th, 2026. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,018 Canadians is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Majority concerned the US is a threat to Canadian sovereignty.

Majority concerned the US is a threat to Canadian sovereignty.

This survey gauged the views of Canadians on US as a threat to Canadian sovereignty and the US puling out of NATO.

Resistance to Chinese Electric Vehicles Down

Resistance to Chinese Electric Vehicles Down

The research gauged the opinions among Canadians on likelihood of purchasing a Chinese manufactured electric car and threats to the security of Canada.

Majority believe US would support Alberta separation.

Majority believe US would support Alberta separation.

This survey gauged the views of Canadians on US support for Alberta separation.

No lift for Poilievre Conservatives coming out of Calgary gathering – LPC 39, CPC 35, NDP 13

No lift for Poilievre Conservatives coming out of Calgary gathering – LPC 39, CPC 35, NDP 13

Although only a week out of the tracking there is no current lift for the Conservatives or Poilievre coming out of their convention. They continue to trail the Liberals by four points. Poilievre remains 29 points behind Carney on the preferred PM tracking.

Confidence up, hits level not seen since August 2025

Confidence up, hits level not seen since August 2025

After a prolonged flatline trend, consumer confidence is up for the first time in almost six months. The Bloomberg Nanos Index is largely up on more positive sentiment related to personal finances and job security compared to four weeks ago.

Canadians are split on what should happen if an MP decides to change political parties.

Canadians are split on what should happen if an MP decides to change political parties.

This research gauged the opinion of Canadians on what should happen if a member of parliament (MP) decides to change political parties.

Importance of the rising cost of living as the top priority for 2026 Parliamentary Agenda up since the Fall. Other top priorities for Canadians include jobs/the economy and trade negotiations with the US.

Importance of the rising cost of living as the top priority for 2026 Parliamentary Agenda up since the Fall. Other top priorities for Canadians include jobs/the economy and trade negotiations with the US.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,077 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between between December 27th and December 29th, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey.

Liberals lead by four points – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 29 points - Canadian concern about Trump surges.

Liberals lead by four points – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 29 points - Canadian concern about Trump surges.

Concern about Trump/US relations has surged in the wake of the WEF Davos meeting which featured speeches by Carney and Trump. Liberals hold a tenuous four point lead over the Conservatives while Carney has opened up a substantial 29 point advantage on the preferred PM tracking.

Consumer confidence flatlines in neutral – Positive perceptions on future strength of economy hits 10 week low.

Consumer confidence flatlines in neutral – Positive perceptions on future strength of economy hits 10 week low.

Consumer confidence in Canada continues to flatline in neutral. Of note, the percentage of Canadians who believe the economy will get stronger in the next six months has hit a 10 week low.

Since Poilievre’s Leadership Win: What’s Happened to Conservative Support?

Since Poilievre’s Leadership Win: What’s Happened to Conservative Support?

This report includes the Nanos weekly tracking on accessible voters and qualities of a good political leader for the Conservatives and Pierre Poilievre respectively and compares data since Poilievre was selected leader of the CPC. Overall, the Conservatives trail the Liberals by a handful of percentage points. However, the proportion of Canadians who believe Poilievre has the qualities of a...

Importance of reducing grocery costs twice as high as reducing housing costs.

Importance of reducing grocery costs twice as high as reducing housing costs.

This research gauged the opinion of Canadians on areas of spending where they would like to see more reduced costs in 2026.

LPC 39, CPC 35, NDP 12. - Concern about Trump/US relations on the rise, closing gap with jobs/the economy

LPC 39, CPC 35, NDP 12. - Concern about Trump/US relations on the rise, closing gap with jobs/the economy

Concern about Trump/US relations is on the rise, up six points in four weeks. Jobs/the economy remains the top national issue of concern. There is a four-point gap between the Liberals and the Conservatives in ballot support. While Carney is ahead of Poilievre in the preferred PM by 28 percentage points.

Ontarians show strong support for increasing funding and staff in hospitals – Most believe there isn’t currently enough staff in Ontario hospitals

Ontarians show strong support for increasing funding and staff in hospitals – Most believe there isn’t currently enough staff in Ontario hospitals

Over nine in ten Ontarians support (79%) or somewhat support (15%) the provincial government increasing funding to hospitals, so they do not have to cut staff or reduce surgeries. A similar proportion support (79%) or somewhat support (18%) increasing the number of hospital staff to treat more patients in a timely way. Support is also strong for the government releasing...

Canadian consumer remains tentative.

Canadian consumer remains tentative.

Canadian consumer confidence remains gripped in neutrality with a score at 50.36 points on the 100 point diffusion index. People are two and one half times more likely to believe that the Canadian economy will get weaker rather than stronger in the next six months.

Waiting to exhale: Canadian consumer confidence trapped in neutral

Waiting to exhale: Canadian consumer confidence trapped in neutral

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) telephone random survey of 1,084 respondents in Canada. This report is based on the four waves of tracking ending January 16th, 2026. The margin of error for a random survey of 1,084 Canadians is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The research was commissioned by the Bloomberg and was conducted by Nanos Research.

Overall positivity continues under Carney – Residents of the Prairies are twice as likely to describe themselves as feeling anger towards the federal government compared to residents of Quebec.

Overall positivity continues under Carney – Residents of the Prairies are twice as likely to describe themselves as feeling anger towards the federal government compared to residents of Quebec.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,077 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between December 27th and 29th, 2025, as part of an omnibus survey. Participants were randomly recruited by telephone using live agents and administered a survey online. The sample included both land- and cell-lines across Canada. The...

Liberals 39, Conservatives 36, NDP 11 – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 22 points on preferred PM tracking.

Liberals 39, Conservatives 36, NDP 11 – Carney ahead of Poilievre by 22 points on preferred PM tracking.

The Weekly Nanos Tracking is produced by the Nanos Research Corporation, headquartered in Canada, which operates in Canada and the United States. The data is based on random interviews with 1,000 Canadian consumers (recruited by RDD land- and cell-line sample), using a four-week rolling average of 250 respondents each week, 18 years of age and over. The random sample of...

Canadians more likely to give positive rather than negative ratings of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s performance in dealing with the US trade dispute

Canadians more likely to give positive rather than negative ratings of Ontario Premier Doug Ford’s performance in dealing with the US trade dispute

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,077 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between December 27th and December 29th, 2025, as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Rejection of US-made good on the rise.

Rejection of US-made good on the rise.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,009 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between November 29th and December 2nd, 2025 as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Majority of Canadians believe that keeping U.S. liquor out of government owned liquor stores is the best path forward for provincial governments.

Majority of Canadians believe that keeping U.S. liquor out of government owned liquor stores is the best path forward for provincial governments.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,077 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between December 27th and December 29th, 2025, as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.0 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Consumer confidence stranded in neutral

Consumer confidence stranded in neutral

https://nanos.co/consumer-confidence-stranded-in-neutral-bloomberg-nanos/#:~:text=Canadian%20consumer%20confidence%20remains%20almost%20perfectly%20neutral%20as%20we%20open%20up%202026%20with%20the%20environment%20neither%20encouraging%20positivity%20nor%20advancing%20negativity.

Young embrace Artificial Intelligence – More than eight in ten under 35 years of age report AI use.

Young embrace Artificial Intelligence – More than eight in ten under 35 years of age report AI use.

Nanos conducted an RDD dual frame (land- and cell-lines) hybrid telephone and online random survey of 1,009 Canadians, 18 years of age or older, between November 29th and December 2nd, 2025, as part of an omnibus survey. The margin of error for this survey is ±3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

Liberals 38, Conservatives 36, NDP 12 – Jobs/the economy tops concerns of Canadians

Liberals 38, Conservatives 36, NDP 12 – Jobs/the economy tops concerns of Canadians

Support for the Liberals and Conservatives remains gripped within the margin of error of the Nanos tracking. Jobs/the economy clearly tops list of national issues of concern.