The Liberal government’s recent budget has met with mixed reactions from the public, with a new poll indicating that the overall plan has not garnered widespread support. While the initiative to invest $8.5 billion in housing and build 3.9 million homes by 2031 has found favor with 65% of respondents, only 21% expressed a positive opinion of the budget as a whole. The survey, conducted by Leger, polled 1,522 Canadians last weekend and does not have a margin of error as online surveys are not considered truly random samples. The poll revealed a partisan divide, with Albertans being more likely than other Canadians to hold a negative view of the budget. Notably, the plan to increase defense spending in the next two decades garnered significant support from older respondents, with 70% of those over the age of 55 approving, compared to just 45% of those between 18 and 35. The poll also highlighted differing opinions on how to address the nation’s fiscal situation. While 47% of respondents favored cutting back on spending and programs to balance the budget, only 16% believed that increased spending and deficits were the best approach. Additionally, the government’s proposed changes to the capital gains tax, which aim to enhance generational fairness, received mixed reactions. The plan, which would make two-thirds of capital gains taxable instead of half, has garnered support from 60% of respondents over the age of 55, the highest among any age group. However, the Canadian Medical Association has expressed concerns that the changes could hinder the country’s ability to recruit and retain physicians, as many doctors incorporate their practices and use those companies for retirement savings. The poll’s findings suggest that the Liberal government faces challenges in garnering widespread support for its budget and may need to address the concerns raised by various groups, including the Canadian Medical Association, to ensure its policies align with public sentiment.
Liberals’ Budget Falls Flat, Support for Housing Plan
