Canadians believe Pierre Poilievre more honest about political views with public than Justin Trudeau by 16%

According to a new Abacus Data poll released Monday, more Canadians judge Conservative Party of Canada leader Pierre Poilievre to be more “competent” than Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

The poll, based on interviews with 2,500 respondents between May 9-12, focused on which of the two major party leaders is seen as more competent, more reflective of Canadian values, most in tune with the national interest, and more honest about the political views he actually holds.

Participants were asked whether they thought a series of descriptions could accurately be applied to Poilievre or Trudeau, “definitely yes” or “definitely no.” “Don’t know” was also a choice.

Poilievre came out on top on all of the criteria, with the exception of whom Canadians view as “kind” and which leader is viewed as “extreme.”

48 percent of voters called Poilievre a competent leader, while 42 percent said the same about Trudeau. As far as good judgment is concerned, only 27 percent of respondents said they could apply that description to Trudeau, while 45 percent said Poilievre possesses that quality.

Voters did think that Trudeau is a kinder leader than Poilievre. The prime minister outpolled Poilievre 58 percent to 42 percent in this category when asked if they consider either leader “kind.” Trudeau is also seen as less “extreme” than Poilievre, receiving 39 percent to the Opposition leader’s 53 percent.

In terms of representing Canadian values, respondents gave the edge to Poilievre, 44 percent to 43 percent. The same was the case with which leader really wants to improve Canada’s quality of life: 50 percent said Poilievre does, while 48 percent gave the nod to Trudeau.

Perhaps the starkest difference between the two candidates came when voters were asked who is hiding their real political views from the public: 56 percent said Trudeau is while 40 percent said that could be said of Poilievre.

The poll also found that only 30 percent of respondents believe that Trudeau comprehends what “life is like for people like you.” That was lower than the 40 percent who think Poilievre can relate to average Canadians.

The poll comes on the heels of another recent survey that found Conservatives are maintaining their lead as the preferred party in the next federal election. The Conservatives came first with 35.2 percent; the Liberals were almost eight points behind at 27.7 percent, and the New Democratic Party was third with 21.7 percent. 

The Liberals and Conservatives were neck and neck only months ago, but Poilievre appears to be building a healthy lead while the NDP is also gaining votes at the Liberal's expense. 

CTV pollster Nick Nanos told the media outlet that while Conservative support appears to be holding strong, “where the change is, is in the Liberal numbers. They're down. Whenever the Liberal numbers have anything with a two in front of it, it's not good for (them)."

Nanos noted that whenever the Liberals hemorrhage votes to the NDP, it is good news for the Tories because that means vote splitting and Conservative victory in three-party races. 

Nanos also said that Liberal support is soft and dropping in key ridings in the Greater Toronto Area, which they have to continue to dominate if they have any hope of victory in the next federal election.