Prime Minister Justin Trudeau articulates that the forthcoming federal budget will prioritize aiding Gen Z and millennial Canadians. Recent surveys indicate a growing inclination of these cohorts towards opposition parties.
“I contemplate upon those individuals who, for the inaugural instance, cast their ballots in my favour in 2015 and who currently find themselves in their mid-to late-20s grappling with challenges,” Trudeau conveyed to The Current’s Matt Galloway.
The Liberal leader delineated the predicament faced by these age brackets, born post-1980, encompassing adversities spanning from housing affordability to escalating grocery expenses, coupled with apprehensions regarding their prospective trajectories.
“This impels us to channel our efforts towards their betterment… to reinstate equity within a milieu that, indeed, has increasingly tilted against them, not solely within the confines of Canada but on a global scale,” Trudeau expounded.
Trudeau, along with several pivotal ministers, has embarked on a nationwide tour, disseminating pronouncements reminiscent of campaign rhetoric in anticipation of the federal budget unveiling on April 16. Recent proclamations have revolved around bolstering support for tenants and formulating a nationwide educational sustenance initiative.
In the electoral landscape, a surge in millennial participation notably contributed to the ascent of Trudeau’s Liberals to power during the 2015 federal election. However, recent findings from Abacus Data paint a contrasting picture, indicating a discernible shift in favour of Pierre Poilievre and the Conservative Party of Canada within these younger demographics.
The survey reveals that among individuals aged 30-44, a substantial 41 per cent expressed an inclination towards the Conservative camp if elections were imminent, juxtaposed with a mere 20 per cent aligning with the Liberal faction. Similarly, within the 18-29 age bracket, 34 per cent lean towards the Conservatives, while only 21 per cent show allegiance to the Liberals. Notably, the NDP also outpaces the Liberals in both age groups.
Conducted between March 16 and 21, Abacus Data’s survey engaged with 3,550 adults nationwide, with a deliberate overemphasis on sampling in Ontario and Alberta.
Samantha Reusch, serving as the executive director of Apathy is Boring, a non-partisan entity dedicated to fostering youth engagement in Canada’s democratic processes, underscores the yearning among younger voters for tangible action to materialize from political pledges, irrespective of party affiliations.
“The erosion of confidence in the government’s capability and credibility to address these concerns is palpable,” she remarked.
In her interactions with young voters, Reusch often delves into topics such as housing affordability, recognizing a pervasive sentiment among this demographic that milestones once taken for granted by previous generations now seem increasingly elusive.
“The profound impact of these grievances on the outlook of young individuals towards institutional frameworks and society as a whole should not be underestimated,” Reusch emphasized during an interview with The Current.
A report from Statistics Canada released in February unveiled a significant demographic milestone: millennials have surpassed baby boomers to become the largest population cohort in Canada.
Notwithstanding this demographic transition, Reusch underscored that rebuilding trust among young individuals in the capacity of governmental entities to foster a stable and prosperous livelihood will be a gradual process.
Eight Years of Trudeau: Doubling Costs and Tent Encampments
Upon reflection, the premier conceded that a significant cohort of younger Canadians perceive a disconnect with the established framework, expressing a sentiment of disillusionment. He underscored the imperative role of governance in ensuring equitable treatment for this demographic.
“These are dilemmas one can either choose to exacerbate by stoking youthful discontent or address with proactive measures. My commitment lies in the latter,” he affirmed.
In the current week, the Progressive Party has also committed to allocating fresh resources towards bolstering housing availability and the requisite infrastructure to support such endeavours.
Conservative housing critic Scott Aitchison dismissed the recent announcements as nothing more than “a $4 billion photo op fund.”
“After eight years of Trudeau, rents and mortgages have doubled, middle-class Canadians are forced to live in tent encampments in nearly every city across the country, and his inflationary taxes and spending have driven up interest rates, causing more hurt for Canadians,” he said in a statement.
Trudeau, in turn, accused the Conservative Party and its leader, Pierre Poilievre, of merely acknowledging and exacerbating the frustration and anger people are feeling, without providing viable alternatives or solutions on crucial issues such as housing affordability or the price of carbon.
Last September, Poilievre proposed measures that link federal funding to housing starts. Under his proposal, funding would be withheld from cities that fail to increase the number of homes built by 15 per cent, while those exceeding that threshold would receive bonuses.
Poll Results: Negative Impressions and Calls for Change
According to Abacus Data’s March survey, 58 per cent of respondents hold a negative impression of the prime minister, while 24 per cent view him positively. Additionally, 52 per cent of respondents believe it’s time to elect a new prime minister and feel that a suitable alternative is available.
Trudeau acknowledged the widespread frustration with the current state of affairs, stating, “I think ultimately the government is responsible for many, many things, good things and bad, and we wear that.” However, he emphasized his commitment to remain focused on finding solutions.
Regarding his declining popularity, Trudeau attributed it to the increasing polarization and toxicity evident in both social media and real-life interactions. Nonetheless, he highlighted that most Canadians remain thoughtful, open, and decent, albeit frustrated and concerned about their future.
Last Updated on by Nikita Pradhan
