A new survey from the Angus Reid Institute suggests Canadians want Prime Minister Mark Carney to shift focus toward affordability and housing after giving his government stronger marks on foreign affairs during its first year in office.
The poll of 2,013 Canadians found that while the government is receiving positive reviews for managing international relationships and trade diversification, many believe it has fallen short on the economic issues affecting households the most.
The top concern for respondents heading into the next year was reducing the cost of living, chosen by 52 per cent of those surveyed. By comparison, 31 per cent said managing Canada’s relationship with the United States should be the government’s main priority.
Affordability remains the weakest area in the government’s report card. Seventy per cent of respondents said the Liberals have not met expectations when it comes to tackling rising living costs, while 67 per cent said they are dissatisfied with progress on housing affordability.
Housing was a major campaign promise during the 2025 election, when the Liberals pledged the most ambitious building strategy since the Second World War. However, recent housing start figures have raised fresh concerns about whether supply can grow fast enough to meet demand.
The government scored more positively on defence and global standing. Fifty-nine per cent said the Liberals met or exceeded expectations on defence spending and NATO commitments, while 64 per cent said Canada’s international reputation has improved under Carney’s leadership.
Respondents also gave solid marks for trade diversification, with 57 per cent saying expectations had been met or surpassed. The government has promoted new trade and defence partnerships and a plan to double non-U.S. exports over the next decade.
Carney’s personal approval rating remains relatively strong, with 58 per cent saying they approve of his performance as prime minister. According to the poll, that places him ahead of some past leaders at the one-year mark, though below others.
Despite that, the public mood appears mixed. Forty-two per cent of respondents said Canada is on the wrong track, compared with 34 per cent who believe the country is headed in the right direction.
The results suggest Canadians continue to support Carney’s leadership style internationally, but now want clearer action on everyday economic pressures such as groceries, housing, and household bills.