Canada PM Trudeau's Popularity Takes A Hit Amid India Row: NDTV Poll

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is facing a significant decline in his approval ratings, according to an extensive survey conducted by NDTV in collaboration with Claster Consulting. This sharp drop in popularity comes in the wake of allegations made by Prime Minister Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the death of a Khalistani terrorist.

The survey involved 800 Canadian citizens over the age of 18, encompassing diverse demographics, including genders, age groups, regions, religions, and ethnicities. It was carried out from October 1 to October 5, with a margin of error of +/- 3.5 percentage points.

The survey results indicate that the foremost concerns among Canadians revolve around pocketbook issues. Specifically, the cost of living and housing have emerged as the most pressing matters. Around 46 percent of respondents emphasized the paramount importance of these issues. Additionally, healthcare and environmental concerns featured prominently, with 11 percent expressing worries about housing.

In terms of their opinion on Prime Minister Trudeau's performance, 54 per cent of the surveyed Canadians expressed disapproval. Of concern for the Prime Minister, who aims to secure his fourth term in 2025, is the fact that 38 per cent of respondents "strongly disapprove" of his performance, suggesting a sense of voter fatigue.

Despite the recent strained relations between India and Canada, the survey reveals that most Canadians still value the country's relationship with India. Around 62 per cent of respondents considered the relationship to be either very or somewhat important, with only 20 per cent believing it to be insignificant.

The survey addressed whether the accusations made by Prime Minister Trudeau had adversely affected the India-Canada relationship. An overwhelming 65 per cent of respondents felt that relations have deteriorated somewhat or significantly since Trudeau's allegations. Of those surveyed, 15 per cent perceived no change, while 12 per cent were uncertain about the situation.

When asked whether they were aware of Prime Minister Trudeau's statements regarding Hardeep Singh Nijjar, 57 per cent of respondents indicated they had heard or read about them, while 31 per cent had not. The remaining 12 per cent were unsure.

Among those who had heard about the accusations, 37 per cent stated that it made them view Prime Minister Trudeau somewhat or much less favorably, whereas 25 per cent reported a more favorable view.

Regarding Prime Minister Trudeau's management of the situation and its potential impact on Canada's relationship with India, 41 per cent of Canadians believed he had mishandled it, while 27 per cent thought he handled it well.

With Trudeau's approval ratings at an all-time low, the survey asked whether the Prime Minister had raised the issue and risked his relationship with India to divert attention from his own failures. An alarming 39 per cent of respondents agreed that it was a distraction tactic, while 35 per cent disagreed.