Regina 
The federal government’s month-long campaign promoting a series of budget measures intended to enhance affordability has not translated into increased political support, finds a new poll by Angus Reid Institute.
Despite targeting younger voters with $8.5 billion in housing and affordability initiatives, the Liberal party remains significantly behind in polls, trailing the Conservatives and NDP among the crucial Gen Z and Millennial demographics.
The Angus Reid Institute reveals that despite the government’s efforts to appeal to younger Canadians with what it calls a “generational fairness” budget, the Liberal Party has not seen a positive shift in its electoral prospects.
Current polling shows the Conservatives leading with 43% of voter intentions, nearly doubling the Liberals’ 23%, while the NDP holds 19%.
Interestingly, specific components of the budget, such as pharmacare, dental care, and the Canada Disability Benefit, receive substantial approval, with at least 70% of Canadians in favour of these measures. Similarly, initiatives aimed at addressing housing affordability, like utilizing federally owned lands for affordable housing projects and funding infrastructure for new developments, are supported by 65% to 68% of the population.
Angus Reid says there is broad skepticism about the budget’s overall impact on personal financial situations and the national economy, with a majority expressing concerns that the measures could actually worsen their circumstances. In fact, 47% of Canadians feel more pessimistic about their financial futures following the budget, and 56% have a gloomier outlook on Canada’s economic prospects.
The results are based on an online survey from April 19-23, 2024 among a representative randomized sample of 3,015 Canadian adults who are members of Angus Reid Forum.
