Canadians Warm To The Federal Government
Polls examine federal approval ratings, sovereignty bonds, and potential healthcare reforms
A new smattering of polls is taking a look at how Canadians feel about the federal government, the idea of sovereignty bonds, and key issues in healthcare.
Nanos’ latest update on public opinion finds a new low in anger and pessimism toward Ottawa.
Today, only 29% of Canadians hold a negative view of the federal government, compared to 62% who have a positive one, saying they are either optimistic or satisfied. Another 5% say they are disinterested in Ottawa, while 4% are unsure how they feel.
This marks a significant improvement compared to a year and a half ago. In January 2025, just 14% were positive toward Ottawa, while 70% held a negative view of some kind. The massive spike in April occurred during the federal election, notably after Mark Carney had been in the job for more than a month.
Given that Carney’s approval ratings remain north of 55%, and in some cases still above 60% more than a year into his tenure, it’s unsurprising that Canadians remain broadly positive toward Ottawa at this time.
Positive sentiment toward Ottawa remains highest in Ontario, British Columbia, and Quebec, while the Prairies remain the most negative toward the federal government. However, negative sentiment in the Prairies now sits at 42%, down from 50% just a few months ago in October.
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Abacus Data also asked a curious question about the idea of a sovereignty bond, which is a bond that individuals and investors could buy into to fund Canadian projects such as infrastructure, economic development, and defence. The idea found support among 55% of Canadians, with only 11% outright opposed and 34% unsure.
That same survey found that most Canadians would prefer funds raised from such a bond to go toward healthcare, affordable housing, and investment in Canada’s energy and resource sectors, at 31%, 29%, and 22% respectively. Another 18% said the money should go toward expanding Canada’s food production capacity, while 18% said it should go to the military (respondents were allowed to select two choices).
Turning to healthcare, new polling from Ipsos and the Montreal Economic Institute sheds light on how Canadians feel about the system today.
Overall, 56% say they are satisfied with the healthcare system in their province, up from 48% in 2024. Meanwhile, 42% say they are dissatisfied, down eight points over the same period.
The survey also examined how Canadians feel about introducing more private-sector involvement in healthcare. One question asked whether respondents would support a French or Swedish-style model, where private operators manage some publicly funded hospitals while care remains covered and reimbursed by the government. That model received support from 72% of Canadians, while 15% disagreed.
More broadly, 56% of Canadians say governments should allow increased access to healthcare services delivered by private providers, while 24% disagree. Opposition has declined from 32% in 2022, while support has risen from 52% over the same period.
Frustration with the healthcare system remains widespread, with funding often failing to keep pace with demand. As a result, 76% of Canadians believe their province’s healthcare system is too bureaucratic to respond quickly or adequately to public needs, while 16% disagree.
The survey also found that 66% believe healthcare systems should be more decentralized, allowing hospitals greater autonomy and funding based on the services they deliver. Another 16% disagreed.
Altogether, the public remains comfortable with Carney’s federal government, while they’re open to new solutions to pressing issues both economically and in the healthcare space.