Liberal Party Support Climbs to 47% Following Prime Minister's International Engagements
A recent Postmedia-Leger poll conducted from January 23 to 26, 2026, indicates a significant surge in support for Canada's Liberal Party, with nearly half of Canadians now expressing a preference for the Liberals in a hypothetical federal election. The poll reveals that 47 percent of respondents would vote Liberal, marking a substantial four-point increase compared to an early December survey.
Carney's International Diplomacy Drives Political Momentum
The timing of this poll is particularly noteworthy, as it was conducted immediately following Prime Minister Mark Carney's high-profile international engagements. Carney's trip included trade negotiations with Beijing and a widely covered speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he cautioned against acquiescing to "hegemons." This diplomatic activity appears to have resonated strongly with the Canadian public.
Beyond the overall party numbers, the poll shows remarkable gains in satisfaction with the Carney government, which jumped nine points to 58 percent. Furthermore, Carney's personal popularity increased by eight points, reaching 59 percent during the same period. These figures suggest a direct correlation between the Prime Minister's international visibility and domestic political fortunes.
Conservative Support Holds Steady as Liberal Lead Expands
While Liberal support has surged, the Conservative Party under Pierre Poilievre has seen a modest two-point increase to 38 percent. This development has widened the Liberal lead over the Conservatives to nine points, creating a significant gap as the opposition party prepares for its convention in Calgary this weekend, where Poilievre will face a leadership review.
The online poll surveyed 1,611 Canadians and captured public sentiment in the immediate aftermath of Carney's Davos speech, which emphasized the role of middle powers standing up to larger nations. The speech garnered international attention, including a pointed response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who suggested Canada was not "grateful" for American assistance.
International Reactions Amplify Domestic Political Impact
Leger executive vice-president Andrew Enns noted in an interview that Carney's speech had an unusually strong impact, describing it as reigniting "patriotic mojo" among Canadians. Enns further explained that Trump's reaction to the speech, where he claimed Canada only "lives" because of the United States, actually bolstered Liberal support by rallying Canadians to defend their leader and national pride.
"When someone's attacking your leader and suggesting he's not grateful, that he should be careful, I think you're going to see a positive response by a lot of Canadians, and certainly that older population," Enns observed. This dynamic illustrates how international diplomacy and foreign reactions can significantly influence domestic political landscapes.
NDP and Bloc Québécois Experience Dramatic Declines
The poll reveals that Carney's gains have come almost entirely at the expense of the NDP and the Bloc Québécois, which Enns says have effectively "disappeared" from public discourse in recent months. The Bloc Québécois faces particular challenges, with support in Quebec plummeting twelve points from 38 percent to 26 percent since December.
Conversely, Liberal support in Quebec has risen to 46 percent, exceeding the party's 2025 election result by over three points. Enns attributes the Bloc's struggles to difficulties in gaining media attention amid the Quebec Liberal party's "meltdown" over corruption allegations and Premier François Legault's sudden resignation announcement earlier this month.
This comprehensive poll data suggests a significant political realignment in Canada, with the Liberal Party consolidating support through effective international diplomacy and strategic positioning, while traditional opposition parties face challenges in maintaining their electoral relevance.
