Â鶹´«Ã½

Skip to main content

Polling shows Russia-Ukraine war a 'reset' for Liberals: Nanos

Share

Nanos Research findings show the war in Ukraine has changed the channel for the Liberals, acting as a "reset" in the minds of Canadians following the COVID-19 pandemic and the so-called Freedom Convoy.

On the latest episode of Trend Line, Nanos Research's Nik Nanos said the federal Liberals' response to the war in Ukraine, including having Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky directly address Parliament, has boosted the party in the latest ballot numbers.

"When we were talking about the Freedom Convoy and during that period, there was a time when, although Canadians supported the actions of Justin Trudeau, his brand took a bit of a hit," Nanos said. "This has been a bit of a reset. The war in Ukraine has changed the channel."

While it used to be a numerical tie, the latest numbers from Nanos show the Liberals polling at 32 per cent, the Conservatives at 29 per cent, the New Democrats with 22 per cent, Bloc Quebecois at 6.4 per cent, People's Party at five, and the Green Party coming in just under that at 4.9 per cent.

The rise remains within the margin of error of 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, according to Nanos.

"The Liberals are starting to show some positive movement," Nanos said.

The bump is worth taking notice of, Nanos says, and may prove favourable for the party looking ahead.

"It speaks to Justin Trudeau having a platform looking very prime ministerial, putting… the Freedom Convoy behind him and controversies related to the pandemic and all that other stuff, and him looking like a world leader alongside Canada's allies in trying to support Ukraine," Nanos said.

Generally speaking, Nanos said, the government in power usually experiences a bump in polling when the public sees the party taking initiative on major issues.

"Whenever Canadians see the government or a government or prime minister being proactive… usually there's a little bit of a tip of the hat politically on that front. And Ukraine has been an issue where the prime minister has been very active," he said.

When looking at the latest ballot numbers, Nanos said it is also important to note that the NDP have seen a bump in polling.

Nanos said it is likely these votes are coming from those who are unhappy with the Liberals or Conservatives. He added that they also may be from those who politically align with the trailing parties, but recognize their vote may be more impactful if thrown behind the NDP.

"I think that the New Democrats have to be watched as a bit of a parking space for voters that might be disaffected with the with the front-line parties," he said.

Listen to the full episode of Trend Line with CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos wherever you get your podcasts or by clicking on the video at the top of this article.

IN DEPTH

Opinion

opinion

opinion Don Martin: Gusher of Liberal spending won't put out the fire in this dumpster

A Hail Mary rehash of the greatest hits from the Trudeau government’s three-week travelling pony-show, the 2024 federal budget takes aim at reversing the party’s popularity plunge in the under-40 set, writes political columnist Don Martin. But will it work before the next election?

opinion

opinion Don Martin: How a beer break may have doomed the carbon tax hike

When the Liberal government chopped a planned beer excise tax hike to two per cent from 4.5 per cent and froze future increases until after the next election, says political columnist Don Martin, it almost guaranteed a similar carbon tax move in the offing.

CTVNews.ca Top Stories

A team of tornado experts is heading to Fergus, Ont. after a storm ripped through the area Sunday night.

Why brain aging can vary dramatically between people

Researchers are uncovering deeper insights into how the human brain ages and what factors may be tied to healthier cognitive aging, including exercising, avoiding tobacco, speaking a second language or even playing a musical instrument.

Local Spotlight

For the second year in a row, the ‘Gift-a-Family’ campaign is hoping to make the holidays happier for children and families in need throughout Barrie.

Some of the most prolific photographers behind CTV Skywatch Pics of the Day use the medium for fun, therapy, and connection.

A young family from Codroy Valley, N.L., is happy to be on land and resting with their newborn daughter, Miley, after an overwhelming, yet exciting experience at sea.

As Connor Nijsse prepared to remove some old drywall during his garage renovation, he feared the worst.

A group of women in Chester, N.S., has been busy on the weekends making quilts – not for themselves, but for those in need.

A Vancouver artist whose streetside singing led to a chance encounter with one of the world's biggest musicians is encouraging aspiring performers to try their hand at busking.

Ten-thousand hand-knit poppies were taken from the Sanctuary Arts Centre and displayed on the fence surrounding the Dartmouth Cenotaph on Monday.

A Vancouver man is saying goodbye to his nine-to-five and embarking on a road trip from the Canadian Arctic to Antarctica.

Stay Connected