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Articles by Darrell Bricker
The end of the beginning: Alberta’s real referendum message for Carney Original
On Monday, Albertans voted in a provincewide referendum that could have important consequences for Canada’s future. But the question attracting the most attention may not be the one that matters most. The tenth question asked Albertans whether they want to remain in Canada or take the next step toward separation. As of the time of writing, only a quarter of Alberta voters opted for another referendum. Three-quarters opted against another referendum and said they wanted to remain in Canada.
“Stay” Referendum Vote (70%) Firmly Entrenched Among Albertans
Most Albertans remain unconvinced it’s time to rethink ties to Canada 10.17.26 If this referendum were held tomorrow, how would you vote or lean on the following question? Should Alberta remain a province of Canada, or should the Government of Alberta commence the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a binding provincial referendum on whether or not Alberta should separate from Canada?
Canadians Outside of Alberta Overwhelmingly Want Alberta to Stay in Canada
National support for Alberta remaining is strong, while Albertans increasingly share the broader Canadian outlook on unity. 09.26.26 A strong majority of Canadians outside of Alberta want to see Alberta remain in Canada, Only Quebeckers (69%) were less likely to say they wanted Alberta to remain, and this may be due to solidarity sentiment among separatists. Canadians across Canada were also overwhelmingly against their own province separating from Canada.
Albertans View Mark Carney Most Favourably Among Political Voices in Alberta
Familiarity with political voices varies widely, with several figures still unknown to much of the Alberta public 09.25.26 When asked about the favourability of several political voices in Alberta, Prime Minister Mark Carney emerges with the highest favourability ratings among Albertans, followed by Conservative Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre. Carney was seen most favourably by Boomers (59%) and women (54%). Poilievre enjoyed higher favourability ratings among Gen Z (54%) and men (49%).
Why don’t the federal Liberals have a bigger lead?
With all the Sturm and Drang roiling Canadian public life, one would expect it to be having a big effect on voter support for the Carney Liberals. Not so far—even as the Liberals swept three federal by-elections this week. Our most recent polling at Ipsos has the Liberals at 44 percent, exactly where they were on election day, April 28, 2025. What’s going on? It certainly isn’t because nothing has happened since the election. And much of what has happened should be benefiting the Liberals.
Liberal Lead Holds Through Rupture With U.S. On Trade
A Majority Support Canada’s Government Walking Away 08.29.26 Download the full release below. Related news Canadians Support COVID-Style Program To Protect Workers 08.29.26 Take a look at our latest Canadian Consumer Confidence data. 08.26.26 92% Feel Responsible for Keeping Track of Most Family-Related Tasks 08.24.26
Alberta may reject separation—and still change Canada
Commentary 26 June 2026 A Stampede rodeo princess flies the Canadian flag at the Calgary Stampede in Calgary, July 8, 2012. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press. The latest Ipsos polling suggests Alberta is unlikely to leave Canada. Only 18 percent of Albertans currently say they would vote to separate if a referendum were held today. Support for separation has fallen 10 points since January.
Majority of Albertans Disapprove of Danielle Smith’s Performance
56% disapprove of Smith’s performance as Premier and 58% disapprove of her handling of the separation issue; but UCP (48%) still has a narrow lead over NDP (45%) among voters. 06.05.26 Calgary, AB June 7, 2026 – A new Ipsos poll on behalf of Global News shows Albertans disapprove of the job Danielle Smith is doing overall and with respect to the issue of Alberta separation.
Limited and Declining Support for Separation in Alberta
Calgary, AB June 5, 2026 – A new Ipsos poll on behalf of Global News shows there is a low and declining appetite for separation in Alberta. The poll also shows that Albertans who want to stay in Canada are more certain of their choice than those who are considering a vote for separation. Alberta separatists have a huge hill to climb if they want to get majority support in the October Alberta referendum.
Canada’s in a time of national reckoning
Books, Big Ideas, Q&As Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson, authors of Breaking Point: The New Shifts Putting Canada at Risk, write 'Everyone who cares about our country should read Breaking Point. And those who have the power to implement its recommendations should not only read, but act.'Photographs and book cover courtesy of Signal The following is an excerpt from Breaking Point: The Big New Shifts Putting Canada at Risk, by Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson, published by Signal.
Liberals Open Double-Digit National Lead Over the Conservatives in Advance of By-Elections
Liberals extend their polling momentum while Canadians remain divided on a potential majority and Prime Minister Mark Carney’s time abroad. 04.09.26 A new Ipsos poll for Global News finds that, if another federal election were held tomorrow, the Liberal party (45%, +1 pt vs. March 2026) would have a larger lead over the Conservatives than they had a month ago (33%, -3 pts vs. March). Still lagging behind is the NDP (9%, +1 pt).
Ontario Tories Remain Ahead, but Liberals Closing the Gap
Liberals gain momentum as opposition shifts, while Ford’s leadership and re-election prospects remain resilient. 03.17.26 One year after the 2025 Ontario election, Premier Doug Ford and the Ontario PC Party continue to hold the largest share of the decided popular vote at 42% (down 1 point from E-Day), but the Liberals under interim leader John Fraser (35%, +5 pts) are rallying and narrowing the gap. The NDP (18%, -1 pt) and Greens (7%, -1 pt) are struggling to build on their election performance.
Majority of Canadians Disapprove of US Military Strike Against Iran
The public favors diplomatic solutions and humanitarian aid over military involvement in addressing the crisis in Iran. 03.13.26 New Ipsos polling for Global News reveals Canadian disapproval (61%) of the US military action against Iran, with 42% strongly disapproving. Only one in four (23%) approve (8% strongly/15% somewhat), while 16% are unsure either way.
Carney Approval Climbs After One Year, Outpacing Poilievre Support Momentum
Carney holds strongest approval as other federal leaders trail behind 03.04.26 Consistent with Ipsos polling in 2025 for Global News, Mark Carney remains the sole federal party leader with a net positive approval: 58% of Canadians approve (+10 pts vs. just before the 2025 federal election), while 33% disapprove (+3 pts).
Liberal Lead Over Conservatives Grows to 8 Points
A new Ipsos poll for Global News finds that, if another federal election were held tomorrow, the Liberal party (44%, +4 pts vs. December 2025) would have a larger lead over the Conservatives (36%, -1 pt vs. December) than they did on Election Day last year. Still lagging behind is the NDP (8%, -1 pt). The Bloc Québécois would garner 7% (-2 pts) of the national vote, 31% in Quebec, while the Green party would receive 3% (+1 pts) and the PPC 1% (-1 pt).
Fewer Albertans Feel Underserved by Confederation Now Than In 2019
Perceptions of division and unfair treatment have declined since 2019, with fewer Canadians feeling shortchanged or considering separation. 02.20.26 New Ipsos research finds that while half of Canadians overall agree Canada is more divided than ever, this is four points lower than it was just after the 2019 federal election.
Half of Canadians Would Join Preparation Program If Invasion Occurs
Canadians Equally Likely to Think Trump Administration is Bluffing And To Be Fearful 01.26.26 Four in 10 (37%) Canadians think Canada’s military could defend Canada against the U.S., despite the fact that a strong majority (77%) trust NATO allies in Europe. This suggests Canadians would rely on NATO in the event of U.S. aggression. While 56% dismiss the possibility of such an invasion as bluffing, a similar portion remains concerned about the potential for military action.
Support for Independence in Alberta Reaches Levels Similar to Quebec
When asked if they would vote for their province to begin the process of separating from Canada and seeking a new agreement to define its future relationship with the country, approximately three in 10 residents of both Alberta (29%) and Quebec (31%) say yes. This includes those who say they would definitely or probably vote yes, and those who say they would lean toward voting yes.
Slim Majority of Canadians (54%) Support Stronger Trade Ties with China
Economic priorities shape Canadians’ view on China trade 01.09.26 When it comes to where to pursue more international trade deals, support for pursuing trade deals with China is soft, with just over half of Canadians (54%) expressing support for closer trade ties and economic agreements with this country. However, these most recent results are a departure from data collected in 2020, during the “two Michaels” incident, which showed that eight in 10 wanted to rely less on trade with China.
Happiness, Financial Health and Romantic Life Deteriorated Last 3 Years
Closing out 2025, Canadians are more positive about their health (75%) and happiness (72%) than they are about their social life (68%), their financial situation (59%) and their sex/romantic life (56%). While ratings of one’s social life has improved in 2025 compared to 2022 when these questions were last asked, one’s own happiness (-5 pts), financial situation (-5 pts) and sex/romantic life (-3) have all deteriorated over the last 3 years.
2025's Top News Stories: A Year Defined by Trump
When it comes to the news stories that defined 2025 in Canada, Canadians believe the top two were the decline of the Canada-U.S. relationship (42%) and cost of living increases (41%). Mark Carney elected as Prime Minister (33%) follows close behind. Globally, Canadians believe the top news stories of 2025 were Donald Trump’s tariffs (56%) followed by Donald Trump taking office as president for a second term (33%), and the continued wars in Ukraine (26%) and Gaza (20%).
Two in Three Support New Pipeline to Northern BC Coast
Development of Existing Infrastructure, Exports to other Countries Top Pipeline Priorities 12.18.25 A majority of Canadians support expanding oil and gas exports to non-United States countries given the ongoing trade war. Around seven in ten support increasing existing pipeline infrastructure before building new projects (72%) and building a new northern BC pipeline (68%).
Liberals Hold Narrow Lead Over Conservatives as 2025 Closes
A new Ipsos poll for Global News finds that, if another federal election were held tomorrow, the Liberal party (40%, -3 pts vs. September 2025) would hold a three-point lead over the Conservatives (37%, -2 pts vs. September), the same-sized lead as the Liberals held on election night in April. Still lagging behind is the NDP (9%, +2 pts).
Disinformation, hacking seen as top threats; Reputation of America drops
The 2025 World Affairs report from Ipsos and the Halifax International Security Forum. 24.11.25 In the latest edition of our annual Ipsos World Affairs polling for the Halifax International Security Forum, we explore global attitudes towards conflicts and threats to the world. Key findings include: Disinformation, hacking worry remains high. Just over 3 in 4 (77% on average across 30 countries*) say the spread of disinformation to influence public opinion is a real threat in the world today.
Maintaining a strong national defense force is seen as key by 83%
Having a strong national defense force is seen as vital by most, but who should do the defending proves a more divisive issue. Ipsos’ annual polling conducted on behalf of the Halifax Security Forum from Sept. 19 and Oct. 3, 2025, finds the vast majority (83% on average across 30 countries, new) agree it’s important for their country to maintain a strong national defense force, even in times of peace.
America’s Global Reputation Takes a Tumble Amid Trump 2.0 Era
Is U.S. President Donald Trump making America great again? Not in the opinion of some around the globe these days. New polling of more than 23,000 people across 30 countries by Ipsos for the Halifax Security Forum finds just under half, 48% on average across 30 countries, believe the U.S. will have an overall positive influence on world affairs over the next decade. The polling via Ipsos’ Global Advisor online platform between Sept. 19 – Oct.
Disinformation and hacking remain tied as the top perceived threats for the second year in a row. A new Ipsos poll of more than 23,000 people across 30 countries – the HFX-Ipsos Threat Index – conducted by Ipsos for the Halifax International Security Forum finds just over two in three think some person, organization, or country deliberately spreading disinformation to influence public opinion (stable year-over-year at 77%) in the next twelve months is a real threat.
Canada Viewed as Most Positive Leader on World Stage
Canada remains the top country expected to have a positive influence on world affairs over the next decade. New polling of more than 23,000 people across 30 countries by Ipsos for the Halifax International Security Forum finds an average of 80% say that Canada will have an overall positive influence on world affairs, staying stable year-over-year (79%). And the survey, conducted on Ipsos’ Global Advisor online platform between Sept. 19 and Oct.
Canada is at a breaking point-the growing generational gap is a big reason why
Commentary 15 November 2025 A Canadian shows her patriotism during a Canada Day parade in Cremona, Alta., July 1, 2025. Jeff McIntosh/The Canadian Press. The following is an excerpt from Breaking Point: The new big shifts putting Canada at risk (Signal, 2025). It has been edited and condensed for clarity. Be sure to watch your podcast platforms for our in-depth interview with Bricker and Ibbitson this coming Monday. Many young Canadians are giving up on their future.
Canadians Prioritize Cost of Living for Federal Budget
Everyday Expenses, Tax Relief, and Government Spending Top Concerns Ahead of Federal Budget 31.10.25 Ahead of the delivery of the federal budget by Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne, Canadians have outlined their priorities for the budget in a new Ipsos poll conducted exclusively for Global News. Respondents were allowed to choose up to three priorities from a list of 15 possibilities.
64% of Canadians Want Foreign Sales of Resources Blocked
Majority of Canadians Say Government Should Block Sale of Natural Resource Companies to Foreign Buyers 31.10.25 When it comes to the sale of Canadian companies that develop key natural resources in Canada such as oil and gas, forestry and mining, a new Ipsos poll conducted on behalf of Global News finds that most Canadians (64%) believe the federal government should ensure foreign buyers are not able to purchase these types of companies.
83% of Canadians Support a “Buy Canadian” Mandate for Government Advertising Spending
Most (85%) Agree It’s More Important than Ever for Canada to Have a Strong and Independent News Media that Tells Canada’s Story to Canadians. 17.10.25 More than eight in 10 (83%) Canadians support (42% strongly /41% somewhat) the federal government bringing in a “Buy Canadian” rule that requires most of its advertising spending to go to Canadian-owned media companies and platforms, according to a new Ipsos study conducted for the Toronto Star.
Desinformation und Hackerangriffe gelten als größte Bedrohung; Angst vor dem Dritten Weltkrieg nimmt ab
In der neuesten Ausgabe unserer jährlichen Ipsos World Affairs-Umfrage für das Halifax Security Forum untersuchen wir die globale Einstellung gegenüber Konflikten und Bedrohungen für die Welt. Zu den wichtigsten Erkenntnissen gehören Große Sorge wegen Desinformation. Knapp mehr als drei Viertel (durchschnittlich 76 % in 30 Ländern*) sagen, dass die Verbreitung von Desinformation zur Beeinflussung der öffentlichen Meinung – eine neue Umfrage – heute weltweit eine echte Bedrohung darstellt.
Canadians Dismiss U.S. Annexation as Unlikely to Happen
Canadians increasingly see ‘51st state’ talk as political rhetoric, with support and perceived threats falling sharply across generations. 02.10.25 A new Ipsos poll finds that Canadian attitudes toward U.S. annexation have solidified against the idea of becoming the 51st state, with support dropping sharply as Canadians increasingly view the proposal as rhetoric.
Toronto City Poll: What Residents Think About
These are the results of poll commissioned by the Toronto Star about the City of Toronto. 20.09.25 For this survey, a sample of 1,001 residents of Toronto aged 18+ was interviewed online. Quotas and weighting were employed to ensure that the sample’s composition reflects that of the Toronto population according to census parameters. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval.
Nearly Four in Ten (36%) Give the Liberal Government a Failing Grade on Dealing with Cost of Living
September 25th, 2025, marks Prime Minister Mark Carney’s 150th day in office, and a new Ipsos poll finds that although Canadians give the Liberal government a passing grade on its progress in building trading relationships with countries other than the US and removing inter-provincial trade barriers, the government is seen to perform poorly on dealing with Canada’s housing affordability crisis and lowering the cost of living, with three in ten to nearly four in ten giving the government an F...
“Buy Canadian” Movement May Be Here to Stay Among Those Making the Change: 82% Will Continue after Canada-U.S. Crisis is Over
Boomers driving stronger preference for Canadian products and investments. 24.09.25 A new Ipsos poll finds that the Buy Canadian movement may be here to stay, for the time being, with most Canadians making some effort to change their purchasing. Around six in ten Canadians report having bought more Canadian products or investments (56%), or avoided American products, services, investments, or travel (58%) in the last two weeks as a result of the current state of U.S.-Canada relations.
Six in Ten Canadians (60%) Believe We Can Never Trust the Americans the Same Way Again
A new Ipsos poll finds that six in ten Canadians (60%) say we can never trust the Americans the same way again, a number that has stayed steady since tracking began in February. Meanwhile, half of Canadians (51%) approve of the way Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal government are managing Canada - U.S. relations, while one-third (32%) disapprove and 18% are not sure.
Darrell Bricker: The House returns-and the tests begin
Today marks the true beginning of the Carney era. The campaign glow has faded. Now comes the grind of governing. Canadians are looking to Mark Carney to steady the country after years of drift. He has identified the urgent priorities of growth, productivity, trade, energy, defence, and sovereignty, and pushed aside the boutique progressive causes that consumed the Trudeau years. But the hard days are just starting, and the news is more likely to get worse before it gets better.
Six In Ten Canadians (58%) Approve of the Liberal Government’s Performance Under Pm Carney
As parliament resumes on Sept. 15th – and with Poilievre taking his new seat in the House of Commons – a new Ipsos poll finds that, if another federal election were held tomorrow, the Liberal party would hold a four-point lead in the decided vote (43%, -1 pt) over the Conservatives (39%, -2 pts), a result that remains relatively close to the popular vote of the federal election in April.
Darrell Bricker: Ottawa floods the zone as the economy treads water
The Carney government is flooding the zone. Announcements, press releases, ribbon cuttings, bold promises, and a prime minister racking up air miles on foreign trips. All of it is meant to mask a single uncomfortable reality: The economic news is grim and getting grimmer. Start with trade. Canada has made no progress in stabilizing its relationship with the United States, our most important economic partner.
Six in Ten (62%) Canadians Think Eliminating Inter-provincial Trade Barriers Will Lead to Growth; Canadians Conflicted on Rushing Nation-Building Projects
In light of ongoing trade war with the United States, 44% of Canadians say they are paying close attention to the issue of eliminating inter-provincial trade barriers and just under half (47%) say they are paying close attention to how governments plan to move forward with nation-building projects. Men and Canadians over 55 are most likely to say they are paying close attention to both aspects.
The Transformation of Atlantic Canada's Economy
By Don Mills and David Campbell discuss their book Toward Prosperity: The Transformation of Atlantic Canada's Economy. Book recommendations: Mellon vs. Churchill: The untold story of treasury titans at war. By Jill Eicher Empty Planet: The shock of global population decline. By Darrell Bricker and John Ibbitson
Amid Tepid Satisfaction with Election Outcome, Canadians Outline Their Priorities for New Liberal Government Ahead of Throne Speech
According to Ipsos' Election Day poll of over 10,000 voters conducted for Global News, 54% of voters expressed satisfaction with the prospect of a Liberal minority government, reflecting a divided opinion across the country about the outcome of the election. However, results vary by region, with Albertans (41%) the least likely to express satisfaction with this election outcome.
Darrell Bricker: Victory without unity
Canada woke up Tuesday morning with a political hangover and more questions than answers. Yes, Mark Carney and the Liberal Party won this week’s election. But to call it a victory is to miss the deeper story. This was not a triumph. It was a reordering. And if a realignment is underway, it is driven not by unity, but by fracture. Start with the surface narrative. Carney succeeded in making the election a referendum on Donald Trump.
Liberals Poised to Win Fourth Term
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Carney Ahead on Most Key Leadership Metrics as Election Day Nears, but Poilievre Gaining Steam on Affordability
Ipsos values your privacy. In order to understand how you use our site generally, and to create more valuable experiences for you, with your consent, we may collect data about your use of this website through cookies (both directly and through our partners). This tool will help you to understand what information is being collected, and give you control over whether it is being collected and used. For more information, please read our cookies policy. Set your cookies
Canadians Say No Clear Winner Emerged from Leaders’ Debates
Ipsos values your privacy. In order to understand how you use our site generally, and to create more valuable experiences for you, with your consent, we may collect data about your use of this website through cookies (both directly and through our partners). This tool will help you to understand what information is being collected, and give you control over whether it is being collected and used. For more information, please read our cookies policy. Set your cookies
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