As 2025 begins, the federal Liberal Party is grappling with a political storm that’s shaking its very foundations. With plummeting public approval and internal party dissent mounting, many Canadians are questioning whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should step aside before the next federal showdown.
Liberal Party Faces Harsh Reality: Polls Paint a Bleak Picture
It’s a tough New Year for the federal Liberals. According to fresh polling data from the Angus Reid Institute, party support among decided and leaning voters has crashed to just 16%—a historic low not seen in modern federal elections.
Even during their 2011 downfall under Michael Ignatieff, the Liberals managed 18.9%. Now, with approval ratings for Trudeau himself falling to 22%, the party is entering crisis mode. This comes after the recent resignation of Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland, and reports of senior Liberal MPs publicly calling for Trudeau’s exit.
Canadians Speak: Time for Trudeau to Go?
Nearly half of Canadians (46%) believe Trudeau should resign and allow the Liberals to choose a new leader. Even among Liberal supporters, three-in-five agree it’s time for new leadership. Another 38% of Canadians think Trudeau should call a snap election in February.
With mounting internal rebellion and public disapproval, the future of his leadership—and his minority government—is uncertain as Parliament prepares to resume.
Opposition Leaders Hold Steady Amid Liberal Decline
Despite Trudeau’s woes, rival Pierre Poilievre isn’t surging. His approval rating remains static at 38%, according to the same Angus Reid poll. He continues to perform better among men than women—a gap the Conservatives haven’t closed yet.
NDP leader Jagmeet Singh is also seeing record-low favourability, with 58% of Canadians now viewing him unfavourably. His decision to support the Liberal minority government for years—before recently breaking ranks—may be costing him credibility among voters looking for bold alternatives.
Liberal Voter Loyalty Eroding Fast
The data reveals an alarming trend for Liberals: more than half of those who voted Liberal in 2021 say they won’t do so again. Many are now considering the Conservatives or NDP—or are undecided. Meanwhile, 89% of 2021 Conservative voters remain loyal, with strong commitment levels for the next vote.
Poilievre’s base is twice as likely to say they’re “very committed” to voting Conservative again compared to current Liberal supporters.
Looking Ahead: What Are Trudeau’s Options?
Trudeau has three choices:
- Resign and trigger a leadership contest within his party.
- Return and call a federal election himself.
- Stay the course and risk a confidence vote defeat, which could end his tenure regardless.
Public sentiment leans towards resignation and renewal. With polling day potentially just weeks away, the pressure is on for Trudeau to make a defining move.
Bottom Line: Liberal Crossroads in 2025
This isn’t just a political dip—it’s a defining moment in Canadian federal politics. With confidence crumbling, leadership in flux, and opposition parties circling, the Liberals have little room for error. Whether it’s a leadership race or a general election, Canadians are poised for change—and soon.
