Mark Carney is approaching six months in office as Canada’s 24th prime minister, and Canadians are divided on his performance so far.
In a poll of nearly 5,000 readers, 56% said Carney is doing a good job, while 44% questioned what he has actually accomplished. The 12-point margin suggests cautious support, but also a significant bloc of skepticism. Carney officially reaches the six-month mark on September 14, 2025.
Carney’s first six months: key milestones
- March 14, 2025: Sworn in as prime minister.
- April 28, 2025: Wins a snap election, returning the Liberals to government.
- Spring–Summer 2025: Launches a sweeping housing plan, introduces the One Canadian Economy Act to reduce interprovincial trade barriers, and faces escalating U.S. tariffs.
Supporters point to:
- Housing ambition — Carney has pledged to double Canada’s homebuilding to nearly 500,000 units a year, one of the boldest housing targets ever set.
- Economic resilience — Despite trade turmoil, domestic spending and government investment showed strength in the second quarter.
- Legislative action — The One Canadian Economy Act passed quickly, aimed at breaking down provincial barriers and boosting productivity.
Critics emphasize:
- Recession — The economy shrank in both the first and second quarters of 2025, meeting the definition of a technical recession. U.S. tariffs on autos, steel, and aluminum hit exports hard.
- Trade concessions — Carney rolled back some Canadian retaliatory tariffs and paused a digital services tax to ease tensions with Washington. Critics say these gestures yielded little in return.
- Housing skepticism — Experts doubt Canada can meet 500,000 homes a year given labour shortages, material costs, and permitting delays.
The 56–44 split highlights both opportunity and risk. Canadians appear willing to give Carney credit for a strong start, but their patience may not last if results fail to materialize.
His leadership will be tested by three key factors:
- Whether housing affordability shows real progress.
- If the economy rebounds from recession in the coming months.
- How negotiations with the U.S. over tariffs and trade unfold.
Carney’s first half-year has been defined by big promises and tough realities. A slim majority currently back him, but the months ahead will determine whether his ambitious agenda translates into measurable results — or erodes public confidence.