Amid rising tensions between India and Canada, a poll has revealed that Justin Trudeau is not the preferred prime minister in the North American country. Pierre Poilievre, leader of the Conservative Party of Canada, is gaining momentum with 40 percent of Canadians preferring him as prime minister, up five points from the previous year.
Justin Trudeau's support remains at 31 percent, indicating a potential Conservative majority government if an election were held today. Dissatisfaction with the country's direction is a key factor, a Global News report said.
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According to the poll, most Canadians believe Poilievre has the best plans on key issues such as the economy, healthcare and housing.
The poll also indicates a growing sentiment for change within the Liberal Party, with 60 percent of Canadians believing it's time for Trudeau to step aside as leader, up from 54 percent in December 2022.
The Ipsos poll, conducted from September 15 to 18, 2023, with 1,500 respondents, carries a margin of error of +/- 2.9 percent, maintaining statistical reliability.
The poll results come amidst growing tensions due to a diplomatic rift between India and Canada. The problems began when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India was involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, the chief of the Khalistan Tiger Force.
Following the allegations, India retaliated by dubbing them as "absurd." Tensions escalated to such a level that both countries expelled diplomats and issued travel advisories for their citizens.
The Five Eyes alliance, comprising the United States, United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand, have also expressed their thoughts, with a majority of them supporting Canada's investigation into India's involvement.
Meanwhile, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong conveyed concern over the allegations and stressed the importance of respecting the sovereignty of all nations while awaiting the results of ongoing investigations.
India on Thursday, September 21, even suspended its visa services for Canadians, threatening a similar retaliation from Trudeau's administration.
Federal elections in Canada are not due for another two years in 2025 and were previously conducted in 2021 when Trudeau, a Liberal leader, emerged victorious against Conservative Erin O'Toole and Bloc Québécois' Yves-François Blanchet.
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