Trend Line

With the federal election around the corner, pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle give you everything you need to know before you speak with your friends, relatives and neighbours this weekend. Nik and Michael talk about the important difference between the popular vote and seat distribution, key battlegrounds to watch and the vulnerabilities faced by frontrunners Mark Carney and Pierre Poilievre over the course of the campaign. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Mike Campoli

With just under four weeks left in the federal election campaign, Nanos Research ballot numbers have the Liberals leading in every region except the Prairies, where the Conservatives continue to dominate. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle get into what regions are driving the Liberal surge -- at the expense of not just the Conservatives, but the NDP and the Greens.They also discuss what Canadians feel about Poilievre's refusal to get security clearance -- an issue that has continued to dog him during the campaign. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Mike Campoli

The campaign hasn't even started but the gloves are off with Pierre Poilievre and Mark Carney hurling attack ads at each other, with the ballot question being who can best protect Canada against Donald Trump. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle look at the ballot numbers which have become so close it's a "toss up"; and they take a deeper look into the regions which show Liberals making some significant gains in seat projections, at the expense of the Conservatives. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Mike Campoli

New Nanos numbers show the federal Liberals enjoying a rebound in popular support at the expense of the Conservatives and NDP, amid simmering tensions with the U.S. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle also discuss how concern over Trump has jumped to the top issue of national concern, and what this reversal of fortunes between the Liberals and Conservatives says about the leadership of Pierre Poilievre. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Dell Rasmussen

The federal Conservatives have enjoyed a double-digit lead for around a year, but the latest ballot tracking from Nanos Research shows people have been shifting their support to the Liberals after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced he's stepping down. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle look at how Trudeau's resignation, the Liberal leadership race and U.S. President Donald Trump pushing tariffs and threatening the annexation of Canada has forced Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre to find a new strategy as an inevitable election nears. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Dell Rasmussen

A majority of Canadians think their country's reputation on the international stage has tanked, and in fact the numbers are the worst they've ever been in Nanos Research tracking.  Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle also discuss the latest ballot numbers, and why the Liberals might have seen a slight bump in the past four weeks. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCER: Phil Hahn EDITOR: Dell Rasmussen

Pierre Poilievre has been heavily criticizing the Liberals on cost-of-living issues, and the latest Nanos numbers show his Conservatives are still in strong majority territory. Host Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos discuss how Conservatives are making significant gains across the country, including in traditional Liberal strongholds in the Greater Toronto Area and British Columbia, according to Nanos seat projections. Meanwhile, the Liberal government's recent economic measures, such as the GST/HST holiday and $250 payments to low-income Canadians, have been poorly received by the public. And while economic uncertainty increases in Canada amid concerns about a potential recession, the timing of the next federal election is also up in the air. HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST:  Nik Nanos PRODUCERS: Phil Hahn, Jesse Tahirali EDITORS:  Jesse Tahirali, Dell Rasmussen

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s Liberal government rolls out a plan for tax relief and rebate cheques, but Nik Nanos calls it a ‘well-intentioned, epic failure.’ The exclusion of non-working seniors has prompted a swift backlash. The NDP tries to gain from the Liberals’ messy roll-out, as ballot tracking shows them close behind. Michael and Nik also discuss the latest provincial election result as premiers rush to get ahead of a possible federal election, and the impact of Donald Trump’s tariff threat. CREDITS Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn, Jesse Tahirali and Dell Rasmussen Editor: Jesse Tahirali

What did Trump's win say about what voters were looking for, and what can Canadian politicians learn from the U.S. election? Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle talk about the issues we have in common with our American neighbours, and who's better positioned between Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre as we head closer to our own election in 2025? HOST:  Michael Stittle GUEST:  Nik Nanos, Nanos Research PRODUCERS:  Phil Hahn, Jesse Tahirali and Dell Rasmussen EDITOR:  Jesse Tahirali

Welcome back to our first episode since we broke for the summer. We open the show with the latest Nanos ballot tracking in which the Conservatives have not only widened their lead, but something significant has happened between the Liberals and NDP. CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos discuss what this could mean for the governing minority Liberals and the timing for the next election. Nik also goes region by region to share his latest seat projections -- how popular support for each party would translate into seats if an election were to be held today. There are some significant changes worth paying attention to in places like the national capital region and B.C.'s Lower Mainland. CREDITS Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn, Jesse Tahirali and Dell Rasmussen Editor:  Jesse Tahirali

After a stunning Toronto byelection victory by the Conservatives, pollster Nik Nanos looks at what other ridings across the country -- currently in Liberal hands -- might be taken away by Pierre Poiliever's party if an election were held today. Nik and host Michael Stittle also discuss how Canadians are feeling right now about their economic future, and should things turn brighter before the next election, what that could mean politically for Justin Trudeau's leadership. This is our last episode before we break for the summer. Thank you for watching, and we'll be back in the fall. HOST:  Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCERS:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail EDITOR: Jesse Tahirali Note:   In the discussion on Liberal support in Alberta, Michael Stittle mentioned Anne McGrath. He meant Anne McLelland, the former Liberal cabinet minister. Anne McGrath was the NDP national director.

With a big test for the Liberals coming up later this month in a federal byelection, host Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos talk about what the results need to be to ramp up -- or tamp down -- the conservation over Justin Trudeau's leadership. Nik and Michael also discuss a recent survey about how Canadians feel about who should lead the Liberals in the next election.  And finally, will the Liberals be successful in making the capital gains tax into a wedge issue against the Conservatives? CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos break down the latest tracking data from Nanos Research that shows Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives continue to hold a double-digit lead over Justin Trudeau's Liberals. But a different Nanos survey that looks into the leaders' credibility in Canadians' eyes is hardly flattering for either. In fact, Nik says the results are quite 'brutal' for both Trudeau and Poilievre.   Michael and Nik also react to the increasing combativeness and lack of decorum during question period in the House of Commons. Are the blows landing with Canadians or is the communications approach misguided? Finally, a dim view of the economy continues to impact the popularities of leaders in both Canada and the United States. Nik says that negative consumer confidence and 'joyless prosperity' is a big problem for incumbent governments -– and it could become a big problem for U.S. President Joe Biden. CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

When it comes to Canadians' pocketbooks, pollster Nik Nanos says he hasn't seen this much pessimism in a very long time. Nik and Trend Line host Michael Stittle also discuss how Canadians are divided over the capital gains tax and its effect on investments, as well as how delaying the tax until end of June could result in a short-term windfall for the federal Liberals. Also, what do the Liberals have to do to reverse their negative trend line when it comes to popular support, and what do the Conservatives have to do to keep theirs positive? CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

Pessimism and anger towards the federal government is at an all-time high, according to Nanos tracking. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss the challenge this poses for the Liberals in the lead-up to an election.  Also, what are the major issues Canadians are worried about, and did the federal budget address them? CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn, Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

After months of the Conservatives enjoying a clear advantage in popular support over the Liberals, the latest Nanos ballot tracking shows Pierre Poilievre's party went from a 20-point lead to a 12-point lead.   Pollster Nik Nanos and Trend Line host Michael Stittle discuss possible reasons behind the Conservative drop, and what might Quebec have to do with it?   Nik and Michael also discuss Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's war of words with the premiers over the carbon tax.  CREDITS: HOST: Michael Stittle GUEST: Nik Nanos PRODUCERS: Phil Hahn, Patrick Rail EDITOR:  Jesse Tahirali

Will a soft NDP vote benefit the Liberals in the next federal election?  Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss what the NDP is doing to differentiate itself from the Liberals, after two years of propping them up in Parliament. Also, why Liberal support might actually be higher than the national numbers indicate, and what the 'true' Conservative advantage is over the Liberals.   And as Canadians pay their respects to late prime minister Brian Mulroney, Nik and Michael rewind to 1988 when the Progressive Conservative leader was seeking reelection. His party was trailing the Liberals in the polls but managed to turn it around.  CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor:  Jesse Tahirali

CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos look at new numbers showing the federal Conservatives have opened up a 20-point lead over the Liberals – will it hold up? Then, there was a federal byelection in Durham, Ont. Nik says the CPC victory was never in doubt, but we did learn something else that should be interesting to the Liberals.  Also, there’s a federal budget on the horizon – Nik says it’s another chance for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to change the channel and stem the LPC polling slump.  Finally, we have new data on how Canadians feel about the standard of living for the next generation – and the numbers are dismal.   CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss Pierre Poilievre’s Conservatives increasing their support as the party Canadians would vote for, while the Liberals are in a statistical tie with the New Democrats. Poilievre's personal numbers continue to trend sharply upwards while his party saw a 17-point advantage over the federal Liberals in the new Nanos tracking. CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn, Patrick Rail Editor:  Jesse Tahirali

Whether it's the ballot number or seat projections, latest Nanos Research data shows the Conservatives would easily win a "clear majority" if an election were held today. Pollster Nik Nanos and Michael Stittle take a look at the growing gap between the federal Conservatives and Liberals, and the narrowing one between the Liberals and NDP.  In a 'what's that about?' segment, Nik analyzes the Liberal attacks on a senior Conservative adviser and her links to the grocery sector. And Nanos Research has done a few surveys for CTV News that look into potential strains on U.S.-Canada relations. CREDITS Host:  Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos break down new data on how Canadians feel about the country's housing crisis – the Bank of Canada indicated on Wednesday that interest rate cuts are coming, but what else do Canadians want decision-makers to do? Then, Michael and Nik take a look at the latest ballot tracking and new numbers for preferred prime minister. What to know? Nik says you should keep a close eye on the Liberal-NDP vote split. Also, Justin Trudeau is being criticized by some for his holiday vacation, Nik says that the optics are not good for a prime minister dealing with multiple affordability crises at home.  Finally, Donald Trump has won another GOP presidential primary and Canada seems to be preparing for the possibility of a second Trump presidency. Nik thinks that the Liberals may try to link the U.S. Republican Party to Pierre Poilievre – but there may be risks to the strategy. HOST:  Michael Stittle GUEST:  Nik Nanos PRODUCERS:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail EDITOR:  Jesse Tahirali https://www.ctvnews.ca/nanos

Trend Line is back after a holiday break, and in this week's episode, CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos break down the latest the ballot numbers for the main federal parties – where do we stand at the start of the new year? Then, Nanos Research has been tracking the ‘Mood of Canada’ for nearly two decades. Nik shares the latest data on how Canadians feel about their government and country. Finally, Michael and Nik look ahead to some of the issues concerning Canadians that will be top of mind for political leaders as they return to Parliament Hill. CREDITS Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers:  Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Editor: Jesse Tahirali

It's time to look at Nanos Research's monthly seat projections. Once again, it's bad news for the federal Liberals if an election were held today, with Conservatives either projected to win or to put up a fight in key ridings that were Liberal wins in the 2021 election. Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle do a region-by-region breakdown of these projections in our end-of-year episode. Then, they track how the parties have been trending on the ballot question, as well as the personal brands of their leaders, over the past year. Finally, how much are Canadians willing to spend this holiday, and how are they feeling about the economy as we head into 2024? The next episode of Trend Line will be available Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024. CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Edited by Jesse Tahirali

Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss ballot numbers we haven't seen for a long time -- we're talking since Michael Ignatieff was Liberal leader. What does this mean moving forward for the federal parties? For the Conservatives, is there a price to be paid for doing this well in public opinion, with an election still more than a year (maybe) down the line? And as the fortunes of the NDP begin to rise, what do you do if you're Jagmeet Singh? CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Edited by Patrick Rail

It's been months of headlines touting tanking polling numbers for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, and climbing support for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. But what does a long-term look at party standings show? And, is it too late for the trend lines to turn around?  In the latest episode of CTV's Trend Line, Nanos Research founder Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle dig in to the "Nanos Party Power Index Tracking for Canada." It offers a composite picture of various public opinion metrics, from the national ballot, to which party Canadians would consider voting for, as well as the top choices for prime minister and each party's leadership qualities.  Michael and Nik also discuss Canadian's growing concerns over their personal finances, and a troubling rise in hate crimes in Canada. CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Producers: Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail Edited by Patrick Rail

CTV News' Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos break down how Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s reversal on a carbon tax for home heating oil in Atlantic Canada is already causing political blowback in the rest of the country – where does the federal government go from here? Then, we've got the latest ballot tracking data showing the Conservative Party continues to enjoy a significant advantage over the Liberal Party. Nik explains how that translates into seat projections and which areas pose the greatest challenge for the Trudeau government. Finally, there's fresh data showing that Canada has likely entered a technical recession after months of high inflation putting price pressures on consumers. Nik and Michael look at polling on the issues Canadians care most about, and unsurprisingly economic concerns are at the top of the chart.  Our next episodes will be available Wednesday, Nov. 15 CREDITS: Michael Stittle Nik Nanos  Jesse Tahirali, Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail

After months of foreign relations turbulence, CTV News' Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos discuss Canada's international reputation and look at recent surveys from Nanos Research –- which has good and bad news for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and the Liberal government. In 2015, Trudeau declared to the world that Canada was 'back,' but it's been a bumpy road for his government lately. Nik gives his take on how the prime minister has handled challenges with India, the Nazi scandal in Parliament, as well as what role Canada could play when it comes to major events like the Israel-Hamas war. Ahead of the Bank of Canada's next planned rate decision, Nik's data shows that housing and inflation remain the top issues of concern for Canadians. Amid a raging house crisis, is the federal NDP missing an  opportunity to connect with a broader swath of the voting public? Our next episodes will be available Wednesday, Nov. 1 CREDITS: Michael Stittle (host) Nik Nanos (guest) Jesse Tahirali (editor); Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail (producers) 

Nik Nanos has his latest ballot numbers as the Liberals see an erosion in federal support, both for the party and for Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s personal brand. Nik and host Michael Stittle then get into Nanos Research’s latest seat projections – how do the ballot numbers translate into actual seats in the House of Commons if an election were to be held today? And some history in the making in Canada – the election of the first ever Black speaker of the House of Commons, and the election of the first ever First Nations premier of a province. Hear Nik’s take on these events, and thanks for tuning in. Our next episodes will be available Wednesday, Oct. 18 CREDITS: Michael Stittle (host) Nik Nanos (guest) Jesse Tahirali (editor); Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail (producers) 

We're back from our summer break and pollster Nik Nanos has the latest on where the federal parties – and their leaders -- stand after a 'roller coaster' of a summer.  Nik and host Michael Stittle also talk about how Canadians are feeling about the plans to bring in more immigrants to Canada, especially in light of the current housing crunch. And make sure to tune in to our next episode when Nik will talk about his latest seat projections. That will be available on Oct. 4  CREDITS: Michael Stittle (host) Nik Nanos (guest) Jesse Tahirali (editor); Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail (producers) 

Pollster Nik Nanos has his latest House seat projections and he takes us region by region to give us a national picture of how the federal parties are doing. Nik and host Michael Stittle then discuss a new Nanos survey for CTV News and the Globe and Mail, about how Canadians feel about special rapporteur David Johnston and whether they're happy with a formal inquiry into foreign interference. The findings might surprise you. And with swaths of the country engulfed in wildfires and smoke, Michael and Nik put a spotlight on the environment -- which took a back seat to COVID-19 and the economy the past few years, but is starting to climb again as an issue of concern for Canadians. This is our final episode before we break for the summer. Thank you for listening, we'll be back in the fall.  CREDITS: Host: Michael Stittle Guest: Nik Nanos Credits:  Jesse Tahirali (editor); Phil Hahn and Patrick Rail (producers) 

Host Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos break down Special Rapporteur David Johnston's decision not to recommend a public inquiry into foreign election interference. Nik and Michael also look at the latest polling in the upcoming Alberta provincial election, where several key ridings in Calgary could decide whether NDP Leader Rachel Notley or UCP Leader Danielle Smith emerge victorious. Then, moving on to Toronto's upcoming mayoral election, Nik explains the challenges for pollsters to quantify candidate support in municipal elections -- and why polling numbers for candidates with greater name recognition might be inflated.

We're in a tense diplomatic showdown with China. Again. And new Nanos numbers show just how tense things are when it comes to how Canadians feel about our relationship with China. Host Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos also discuss Nanos Research's latest federal ballot numbers, as well as new seat projections that show one of the major parties down everywhere in the country, except Quebec.

The PSAC strike is 'Christmas' politically for Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives, says pollster Nik Nanos. But what of the New Democrats?  Nik and host Michael Stittle discuss that and the latest on the House committee inquiry on foreign interference in our elections, as well as debate over the Liberal government's gun control bill. Nik also discusses a top issue on Canadians' minds -- clean energy, and how a certain European country wants to work closely with us and become a strong energy partner. But is Canada ready to take advantage of this opportunity?  

It’s been two weeks since the federal budget and a visit from U.S. President Joe Biden -- enough time to track any movement in Liberal support. Did Trudeau's Liberals get a boost in public opinion?   Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle also give a primer on Katie Telford, the chief of staff to the prime minister, as she prepares to appear before a House committee studying allegations that China meddled in our last two federal elections. And what will the Conservatives and NDP be looking for in her testimony? Nik also gives us the latest update on the big issues facing Canadians, like health care, the environment and our economic future, a what trends are emerging in his weekly issues tracking. 

The federal Liberals are trending negatively on three key measures while Pierre Poilievre has surpassed Justin Trudeau when it comes to the question of who Canadians would prefer now as prime minister, according to Nanos Research. Host Michael Stittle and pollster Nik Nanos discuss the troubling polling for the Liberals, and whether the federal budget and recent visit from U.S. President Joe Biden might boost the party's numbers.

Can the Liberals turn things around with a strong budget, and just how 'broken' are we?  Do Canadians feel their country is as "broken" as Pierre Poilievre says it is?  Listen to pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss a new Nanos Research survey on how we're feeling about our country and our major institutions.  While Liberal support shot up with health care in the spotlight last month, there's been an opposite trend happening over the last four weeks. Nik and Michael discuss what might be driving that, as well as how the personal brands of Justin Trudeau and Poilievre are faring.  And we have a date for the federal budget: March 28. The stakes are high for the minority Liberals, who not only have to deal with the economy and a distressed health-care system, but have to worry about appeasing the NDP -- unless they want an election. 

The Liberals and Conservatives have been neck-and-neck and trading leads over the past year when it comes to ballot support. But what does it look like when you project their current ballot support to actual seats in the House of Commons?  More simply, if an election were to be held today, who’d win? Pollster Nik Nanos and Trend Line host Michael Stittle discuss Nanos’ latest seat projections, as well as an election that’s actually around the corner, in Alberta, where Premier Danielle Smith is hoping to get a strong mandate for her United Conservative Party. How does the nature of her relationship with the federal Liberals help, or hurt, her cause? Finally, Nik and Michael take the economic pulse of the nation. When it comes to how worried people are about being able to pay their mortgage or the rent, a recent Nanos survey shows an interesting and troubling trend emerging in not just how many are concerned, but who’s concerned. 

With the federal health-care funding deal prominently in the headlines and concern over the state of health care towering over other issues of national concern for Canadians, Liberals seem to be enjoying a corresponding bounce in ballot support and are in a dead-heat with the Conservatives. Pollster Nik Nanos and Trend Line host Michael Stittle discuss the latest ballot numbers and how the acrimony in Parliament makes it seem like there'll be an election sooner than you might think. Meanwhile, many Canadians continue to feel the pain financially, with a recent Nanos poll showing a troubling upward trend in the number of people worried about being able to afford housing. Finally, the truth is out there. Somewhere. Nik and Michael discuss 3 UFOs and a Chinese balloon, and whether this strange saga in the skies might actually strengthen support for Norad.

Health journalist and CTV News contributor Avis Favaro joins Trend Line for an in-depth episode dedicated to the growing crisis facing the Canadian health-care system. Nanos Research Chair Nik Nanos brings the latest numbers reflecting Canadians' concerns, and Avis shares insight from her award-winning career spanning 30 years to break down the longstanding issues facing our health-care system, the new factors contributing to the mounting crisis and most importantly, where do we go from here?

The New Year has begun with "grim" numbers for the Liberals, according to pollster Nik Nanos on our first show of 2023. Not only is the 7% Conservative lead now outside the margin of error, but with the NDP also up, the Liberals are getting squeezed on both sides.     Meanwhile, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has been attacking the Liberals on health care, saying it’s "worse than ever" after seven years of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. But although Conservative support may be up, Poilievre isn't doing quite as well when it comes to his personal brand.   Finally, Nik and host Michael Stittle discuss Canada's reputation on the world stage (it's "not so great, actually," according to Nik's numbers) and Joe Biden is finally going to visit Canada this March. How can the Liberal government capitalize on the U.S. president's visit?

In our final episode of 2022, pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss the  major federal parties – what moved the needle for them this year, and what do they have to look forward to in the New Year?  Trend Line will return in the New Year on January 18. 

After weeks of 'Freedom Convoy' organizers airing their views at the Emergencies Act inquiry, how did the headlines impact ballot support for the Liberals and Conservatives, in light of Justin Trudeau's appearance before the inquiry and Pierre Poilievre being an early supporter of the protests? Pollster Nik Nanos and Trend Line host Michael Stittle also discuss the now double leadership team helming the Green Party, and what they have to do to build support  among Canadian voters. We then head West, where Premier Danielle Smith has been busy, launching a new bill in an attempt to shield Alberta from federal laws, and banning any future mask mandates in schools. Finally, in our issues tracking segment, we take the pulse on where the state of health care ranks with Canadians right now.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Chinese President Xi Jinping met briefly on the sidelines of the G20 summit, a meeting which could hardly be described as cordial. Nanos Research Chair Nik Nanos and Trend Line host Michael Stittle discuss the tense exchange and the body language -- which spoke  volumes -- between the two leaders. From chilly relations abroad to frosty relations at home -- the federal government and some of the provinces just can't seem to get along, with the recent failure of Canada's health ministers to reach a deal on health care. In Ontario, Nik discusses how the provincial government took a big hit in public opinion after Premier Doug Ford dropped the "legislative hammer" on education workers, before ultimately lifting it again. And this hit in public opinion, by the way, had federal repercussions as well on Pierre Poilievre's Conservatives. Finally, Nik and Michael discuss what Canada's federal parties can learn from the U.S., where Democrats managed to keep control of the Senate in last week's midterm elections.

Nanos Research asks Canadians a very simple question on the regular: are your personal finances worse, better or the same?  You probably know the answer, but pollster Nik Nanos explains how the most recent response to his survey broke a 14-year record. And not in a good way. Nik and host Michael Stittle also discuss the continuing reverberations from the "Freedom Convoy" protests as the national inquiry into the government's use of the Emergencies Act continues.  And how a seemingly no-win situation for the Liberals in their handling of inflation and cost of living has been like "Christmas" for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre. Finally, it's less than a week before the consequential U.S. midterm elections. Nik breaks down a couple key races, and explains why American polling sometimes gets it wrong in places like Nevada.

Nanos Research asks Canadians every week who they prefer as prime minister of the country. Right now, Pierre Poilievre and Justin Trudeau are neck and neck. Pollster Nik Nanos breaks down why, and dives deeper into what qualities both leaders have that appeal to Canadians.  (The result, as Nik puts it, is 'ugh'.) Nik and CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle also discuss the growing movement against the federation with Danielle Smith's recent victory in Alberta. And we're revealing the results of a new Nanos survey showing a large number of Canadians would still wear masks on planes and trains, even if travel restrictions are now loosened.

With a majority win for Francois Legault's CAQ in Quebec and one for Doug Ford's PCs earlier this year, that's two of Canada's most populous provinces where provincial Liberals have been steamrolled.  Pollster Nik Nanos and CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle discuss what this could mean for the federation.  You don't want to miss Nik's latest seat projections, which show Conservative support is strengthening in key battlegrounds and which ridings that were awash in Liberal red in the last election are now too close to call. And it's been 5 years since Jagmeet Singh became leader of the NDP. Nik looks at where he and the party are now compared to back then when it comes to his party's brand, and what Canadians think of his leadership.  Correction: Seat-count projections show the Green Party winning two ridings, and 57 ridings are too close to call.

We're back from summer break, and pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle discuss Pierre Poilievre's question period debut in the House of Commons and the image he's trying to portray. Nik also breaks down the latest ballot numbers with the leading Conservatives and resurgent NDP putting the squeeze on the Liberals.

Conservatives are ‘in the driver’s seat’ with a five percentage-point lead over the Liberals in the latest ballot tracking from Nanos Research. Pollster Nik Nanos and CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle discuss what’s driving the Liberals’ sinking numbers. Also, in Quebec, Premier Francois Legault has made waves with his controversial Bill 96, with a provincial election on the horizon. Finally, the U.S. midterms are approaching – could the Democrats lose control of one or both houses? We're taking a summer break, but we'll be back in August.

You might have missed it but the prime minister this week gave an emphatic 'no' to the question of whether he'd fulfill a promise to replace our first past the post electoral system with proportional representation. So what does he want instead?  Pollster Nik Nanos and host Michael Stittle get into that. Also, why is Leslyn Lewis one to keep a close eye on in the Conservative leadership race? We also take a close look at Alberta Premier Jason Kenney and Ontario Premier Doug: a study in contrasts that conservatives really should be paying attention to. Speaking of Alberta, tune in to find out how close the numbers are between the NDP and the UCP in the province.  And check out Nik's prediction on what will happen on the day after the Conservative leadership's decided -- no matter who wins.

We have a special episode of Trend Line focusing on the fallout from the Ontario provincial election. Nik Nanos' numbers for CTV News and CP24 leading up to the eleciton were spot on, capturing that Ford's PCs were on their way to a convincing majority. If you're a federal political party, what do you take away from Ford's victory? Nik and host Michael Stittle discuss that and more on this episode.