Calgary Watches as Federal Political Tides Turn: Poilievre Dips, Carney Rises
Recent federal polling data from the Angus Reid Institute reveals significant shifts in Canada's political landscape, with direct implications for Calgary. Mark Carney enjoys a 52 per cent approval rating, resulting in a net approval of plus 13. Meanwhile, Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre faces his lowest favourability since taking leadership, at just 34 per cent, with a net negative 26. These numbers emerge as the Liberals hold a narrow 40 per cent to 38 per cent vote intention advantage over the CPC.
Economic Ripple Effects in Calgary
This national political flux introduces a layer of economic uncertainty keenly watched by Calgary's business leaders. The Calgary Economic Development's 2025 Outlook and ATB Financial forecasts highlight how federal stability directly influences investor confidence in the city's crucial energy and diversifying sectors, potentially impacting job creation and the housing market. Policy environment uncertainty, as noted by the City of Calgary's own outlook, could slow economic growth.
Alberta-Ottawa Tensions and Policy
Federal shifts directly influence Alberta’s ongoing policy and legislative interactions with Ottawa. Premier Danielle Smith’s September 2025 modification of the industrial carbon tax program, and Alberta's November 2024 legal challenge against the federal Impact Assessment Act, underscore the province's proactive stance. A tightening federal race could either escalate or temper these crucial provincial-federal disputes, directly affecting Calgary's industries and regulatory environment.
Poilievre's Upcoming Leadership Review
Despite his national dip in favourability, Poilievre maintains strong support among his own party base at 78 per cent, ahead of his January leadership review. His recent Calgary press conference on November 12, 2025, criticizing the Liberal government's budget and focusing on affordability, demonstrates how national leaders engage with local concerns. Calgary remains a Conservative federal stronghold, with its MPs closely analyzing these numbers to adapt their advocacy for local interests within the evolving federal dynamic.
Canadians Prefer Patience
While the political jockeying intensifies, the vast majority of Canadians (69 per cent) believe it’s too early for an election. This sentiment is echoed by a significant minority of CPC voters (37 per cent) who would prefer to give the government more time before heading to the polls again.
