Prime Minister Mark Carney faces a generational divide as young Canadians shift to Conservatives over housing, inflation, and cost-of-living frustrations
As Canada’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister Mark Carney begins his tenure, he faces not only the challenge of dealing with U.S. President Donald Trump but also the growing divide within his own country, particularly between generations. Young voters, increasingly concerned about housing affordability, crime, and the cost of living, have shifted their support toward the Conservative Party, marking a significant change from the 2015 election when Justin Trudeau and the Liberals dominated youth voting.
A Generational Shift in Canadian Politics
Polls leading up to the 2025 election showed a notable trend: young Canadians—especially those between 18-34 years old—have rallied behind Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. A Nanos poll from April 2025 indicated that the Conservatives led the Liberals by 44% to 31.2% among this age group, driven by concerns over rising living costs and unaffordable housing.
For many young Canadians like Connor, a 28-year-old from Toronto, the appeal of the Conservatives lies in their focus on addressing these core issues. “We’re getting stuck in a system that doesn’t seem to be working. It worked for our parents, but not for us,” he told the BBC. He expressed frustration with years of Liberal policies, which he believes have failed to tackle the economic realities facing young Canadians today.
Similarly, AS, a 29-year-old woman from Montreal, said she feels disillusioned by stagnant economic growth. “I make six figures, but my dollar isn’t going as far as it should. That’s concerning,” she added.
The Liberals’ Struggles to Connect with Youth
While Carney’s Liberal Party managed to secure 169 seats and form a minority government, they faced a significant loss of support from younger voters. Polling from Abacus Data suggested that concerns over housing and cost of living outpaced other issues among youth, while Trump remained a primary concern for older voters, with 45% of those over 60 citing the U.S. president as a major issue. The Liberals’ focus on the international stage, particularly their stance against Trump, did not resonate as strongly with the younger demographic.
Political analyst David Coletto of Abacus Data explained that young voters feel “let down and frustrated” by the current system, which may explain their shift away from the Liberals toward the more populist Conservative platform.
Conservative Gains: A Response to Economic Frustration
Carney’s platform, while addressing affordability and housing issues, was seen as less distinct from the Conservatives in terms of policy. However, Laura Stephenson, Chair of the Political Science Department at Western University, noted that the key difference between the two parties is “differences in degree” rather than fundamental policy divides. While Carney promised 500,000 new homes annually and a modest income tax cut, Poilievre’s Conservatives captured the mood of younger voters by framing the current system as broken and unresponsive to their economic needs.
As Canada’s housing market continues to skyrocket, affordability has become one of the most significant issues for young voters. The Conservative focus on reforming housing policy and addressing the cost of living crisis directly aligns with the struggles facing a generation that feels economically marginalized.
What’s Next for Carney and the Liberals?
Despite winning the popular vote and securing a minority government, Carney faces a tough road ahead in mending the generational rift. He will need to engage with the New Democratic Party (NDP), and possibly even Conservative MPs, to secure enough support for key pieces of legislation. In his victory speech, Carney promised to represent all Canadians, regardless of how they voted. But with a fractured political landscape and regional tensions—especially from Western Canada—he has his work cut out for him.
As Alberta Premier Danielle Smith recently pointed out, Poilievre’s conservative vision “inspired millions,” and the Liberals must now face the reality of a Conservative surge strong enough to block them from forming a majority government.
For now, it is clear that Carney and the Liberals will need to find ways to reconnect with younger Canadians who are increasingly attracted to the Conservative message of change.
