Carney's approval rating hits 70 per cent, highest recorded in Canadian history
A new poll by Spark Insights shows Prime Minister Mark Carney's support surpasses Jean Chrétien's previous record of 66 per cent from September 1994.
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Prime Minister Mark Carney has reached a 70 per cent approval rating — the highest recorded approval rating in Canadian history, according to a study completed earlier this month by Spark Insights.
The figure surpasses former Prime Minister Jean Chrétien's previous high of 66 per cent in September 1994 and Justin Trudeau's 65 per cent in September 2016.
Spark Insights attributed the surge to recent tensions in Canada-U.S. relations, saying "Recent tensions in the Canada-U.S. relationship have firmed support for Prime Minister Carney's leadership. Canadians are not looking for a change in direction. Approval of the way in which the federal government led by Mark Carney is handling its responsibilities has hit a new high water mark at 70%."
Carney announced $10 billion in funding for Quebec transit and infrastructure in June 2026. His approval has climbed steadily; a Liaison Strategies tracker showed it at 66 per cent on September 7.
Spark Insights' polling methodology and sample size for the 70 per cent figure have not been disclosed. The specific date within the month when the 70 per cent rating was achieved was not stated.
What is Spark Insights' polling methodology and sample size for this study?
What was Carney's approval rating trend in the months before this study?
Has Chrétien's 66 per cent rating been sustained since September 1994, or did it represent a temporary peak?
We'll update this story as answers emerge.
By the numbers
What is Mark Carney's current approval rating?
Prime Minister Mark Carney's approval rating is 70 per cent, the highest recorded in Canadian history according to a Spark Insights poll completed earlier in September 2026.
How does Carney's rating compare to previous prime ministers?
Carney's 70 per cent surpasses Jean Chrétien's previous record of 66 per cent from September 1994 and Justin Trudeau's 65 per cent from September 2016.
What was Carney's approval rating on September 7, 2026?
A Liaison Strategies tracker showed Carney's approval at 66 per cent on Monday, September 7, 2026.