“Energy and jobs have long been Conservative territory. But a new Ipsos poll suggests the Liberals may have quietly redrawn the map.”
Liberals Gain Ground on Energy Leadership—Nationwide
In a surprising twist ahead of the April 28 federal election, Canadians across most regions now believe Liberal Leader Mark Carney is better equipped than Pierre Poilievre to manage Canada’s energy and resource sectors—long viewed as cornerstones of Conservative economic messaging.
According to an exclusive Ipsos poll conducted for Global News, 38% of respondents favour the Liberals on the energy file, while just 25% back the Conservatives.
Even more striking? The Liberals lead in every region—except Alberta.
Opportunity or Obstacle? Voters Want Faster Action—But with Caution
With Canada’s energy exports under scrutiny amid rising U.S. trade tensions, Canadians appear to be rethinking their approach to energy development. A majority—69% of those surveyed—agree that Canada must act faster on energy and natural resource projects.
However, the call for speed is tempered:
- 26% support “pushing obstacles out of the way”
- 43% say speed is needed “but with some caution”
It’s a signal that voters may be seeking balance over boldness—and that’s where the Liberals appear to have struck a chord.
Why the Shift? Analysts Point to ‘Balanced Messaging’
Kyle Braid, senior vice-president at Ipsos, says the numbers mark a surprising departure from past elections.
“This is a bread-and-butter issue for the Conservatives,” Braid noted.
“Yet Canadians seem more confident in the Liberals’ balanced approach than the all-in, aggressive tone of the Conservatives.”
Even in Alberta, where the Conservatives still lead on this issue, the margin is shrinking: 41% support for Poilievre compared to 37% for Carney—a far cry from the wide 20- to 40-point leads the Conservatives once enjoyed in the province.
But Here’s the Catch—Energy Isn’t a Ballot Driver Yet
Despite the attention, only 4% of Canadians ranked energy and resources among their top election issues. Braid says that means this topic, while important, isn’t likely to sway voters alone—at least not yet.
“It’s not a vote-decider right now. But that could change,” Braid suggested.
“Especially once the federal debates kick in.”
What’s Next for the Conservatives?
The poll’s findings hint at a challenge for Poilievre’s campaign: reconnecting with Canadians on energy without appearing tone-deaf to environmental concerns or overly aggressive.
While the Conservatives have emphasized streamlined approvals for resource projects, the Liberals have packaged climate and economic growth into one narrative—something that seems to be resonating beyond their traditional base.
With federal leader debates on the horizon, the energy file may emerge as a key battleground—and a potential opening for the Conservatives to reclaim lost ground.
Final Takeaway: A Changing Conversation on Canada’s Resources
The Ipsos poll suggests Canadian voters are no longer seeing energy and climate as competing interests—but as two sides of the same coin.
And in that delicate balancing act, Mark Carney’s Liberals have managed to win over a quiet majority.
Stay with Maple News Wire for data-driven election insights, campaign trail updates, and deep dives into what’s really moving Canadian voters.
