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.

Falling consumer confidence numbers show we're growing more anxious about where economy's headed. It's a theme that's taken centre stage at the Conservative Party's leadership race. And as the Russia-Ukraine war drags on and global anxiety increases, who do Canadians see as friendly faces in the world to do business with in these tense times? Nik's got some exclusive findings to share.

With his attack on the Bank of Canada, Pierre Poilievre further positioned himself as the 'anti-establishment' Conservative leadership candidate. CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss Poilievre's strategy, and how it's working for him as we're in an environment where 8 out of 10 Canadians are worried about a potential recession. We've also got the latest analysis from the Ontario election campaign, and how the Liberal brand may be gaining traction, but their ballot numbers remain flat. Finally, what to make of Vladimir Putin's 80%+ approval rate?  Nik breaks that down. 

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss yet another convoy heading to downtown Ottawa this weekend, this time on motorcycles. How do Canadians feel about the seemingly growing trend of convoy protests? Also, Nik breaks down how the Conservatives have opened up a lead over the governing Liberals, despite being technically leaderless. We've also got some exclusive numbers from New Brunswick, after the People's Alliance party closed up shop. Finally, what does Elon Musks's takeover of Twitter mean for political speech in Canada?

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss why the federal Liberals aren't seeing any bump in support following the release of the 2022 federal budget.  Also, Nik breaks down why the heated battle brewing between Pierre Poilievre and Jean Charest is turning into a fight for the "heart and soul" of the Conservative party.  Finally, is populism dead?  Far from, according to Nik's issue tracking and poll results so far in the French election. 

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss whether the NDP made a catastrophic mistake by making a deal with the Liberals. Also, Nik breaks down Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's musings about the private sector.  Finally, do Canadians want our government to boost defence spending to help NATO? Nik explains.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss why 'free speech' and 'freedom' have risen to the top of unprompted issues of concern in Canada. Also, Nik breaks down whether the surging price of oil and the political windfall accompanying it are enough to boost Alberta Premier Jason Kenney's popularity. Finally, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky addressed Canada’s Parliament this week and was very direct in what he wants: He wants Canada to back a no-fly zone over Ukraine. How's the Trudeau government handling it? Nik explains.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss how Canadians generally feel about responding to crises like what's happening in Ukraine, and how our leaders are responding. Nik also breaks down how the provinces seem to be racing to relax COVID-19 restrictions. Finally, U.S. President Joe Biden gave his State of the Union speech.  Will it help boost the president's bleak approval numbers? Nik explains.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss a 'course correction' for the Conservatives over their messaging around the convoy protests, and how the People's Party of Canada has seen an increase in potential support. Also, Nik breaks down how Ontario Premier Doug Ford seems to have struck a balance in his approach to the protests.  Finally, if it's revealed a big chunk of money funding the protests comes from abroad, how will that influence the Liberals' message moving forward?  Nik explains.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss why the problem for the Conservative Party of Canada runs deeper than Erin O'Toole. Also, Nik breaks down how Alberta Premier Jason Kenney is handling the protests in his province. Finally, what does this all have to do with Donald Trump? Nik explains.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss federal ballot support, provincial elections and U.S. politics. See more stats from Nanos Research at www.nanos.co.    

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss a survey that shows two out of every three Canadians are worried about meeting their financial obligations as the cost of living creeps upward. It's also our year-in-review episode! Nik weighs in on some of the predictions he made this year and goes party by party to see what the federal political landscape will look like in 2022. Thanks for watching! The show is on hiatus until January 2022.

CTV News' Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss Canadians' feelings on the standard of living for future generations. Also, Nik discusses why the Ontario NDP may be disappointed by some recent survey numbers ahead of the coming provincial election. Finally, Nik discusses Canadians' perceptions on the health threat posed by Americans amid global concern around the Omicron coronavirus variant.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the status of the opposition parties ahead of Parliament's return next week, including how Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole is faring amid challenges from within his own party. And as representatives from the U.S. and Canada are set to meet, what do the two countries have in common? Nik breaks it down for us with ten years of accumulated data.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss some surprises in the latest federal tracking numbers and whether Alta. Premier Jason Kenney is in political trouble. Also, with the COP26 summit ongoing, how do Canadians feel about taking drastic action on climate change? Nik explains some of his recent polling. This episode used a survey from Innovative Research Group, you can find more details here: https://innovativeresearch.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/CTM2109-AB-Report-Release-1-1.pdf

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss how the environment has moved ahead of the coronavirus as the top unprompted issue of concern for Canadians. What does that mean for the Canadian political landscape? Nik weighs in. Also, how long will Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stay on as leader of the Liberal Party? For Nik, there could be some signals sprinkled throughout the upcoming speech from the throne. Trend Line is back on our regular publishing schedule. You can find us wherever you get your podcasts every two weeks.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos do a recap of the polling from the 2021 federal election and dive into where each party now stands. Nik weighs in on whether Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should have delivered a different speech on election night, where the Conservatives go from here and what the Green Party should do after the resignation of Annamie Paul. Trend Line will return on Tuesday, Oct. 5.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos break down the final poll numbers of the campaign and discuss what to look for tonight, when you're watching the results come in on the live special CTV NEWS: ELECTION 2021. 

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the daily tracking numbers and the possible outcome of the Sept. 20 election. Will it be a majority for the Liberals? That's "not out of the realm of possibility," according to Nik. Also, what do the party leaders need to do going into the final weekend? Nik weighs in with what we should watch out for.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the daily numbers and take a closer look at a regional breakdown of party support. As Nik explains, the numbers show the race tightening between the Liberals and Conservatives across the country, with the exception of the Greater Toronto Area and Montreal, where the Liberals hold a lead. CTVNews.ca election night sneak peek: For those looking for the map mentioned on the show, here's the link: https://www.ctvnews.ca/politics/federal-election-2019/results-map Please note that this version of the map currently shows the results from the 2019 election. You'll be able to see the map with updated numbers as they roll in on Sept. 20.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the daily tracking numbers and if a decline in support for NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh as the preferred prime minister indicates a drop in overall support may be coming. Also, Nik takes us through what he expects from each party as we enter the final week of the campaign.

Sept. 10: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the English-language leaders' debate and how each candidate performed. Also, should the Conservatives and Liberals be concerned about vote splits? Nik looks at how support for the NDP and PPC could determine which party forms the next government.

Sept. 8: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the nightly tracking numbers and if the protests at some Liberal campaign events have had an impact. Also, Nik looks ahead to the two official debates and what each candidate needs to do to shift momentum in their favour.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the nightly tracking numbers and how they now show a definite advantage for Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole. Is it too late for the Liberals to turn things around? Also, Nik discusses a new survey that asked Canadians whether they felt this election was necessary.

Sept. 1: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss how the recent economic numbers could affect the campaign. Also, Nik shares his most surprising takeaway from a survey of residents in the Greater Toronto Area.

Aug. 30: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the daily numbers and dive into the current seat count projection ("It's basically a rocket for the Conservatives"). Also, will the NDP have a breakout moment during the debates? Nik discusses in his breakdown of the NDP trend line so far.

Aug. 27: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the latest poll numbers ("an absolute dead heat") and whether there has been a change in the preferred prime minister numbers. Then, Nik breaks down party ballot support along gender lines. What he sees from the numbers is a "striking" difference between female and male support for the progressive parties and the Conservatives.

Aug. 25: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the latest tracking numbers: are the results from today a one-off or is there a trend emerging? Also, with the NDP numbers dipping slightly, is there something the party can do to stop its support from shifting to the Liberals? Finally, Nik looks ahead to the coming school year and whether that will have an impact on the campaign.

Aug. 23: CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the Nanos Daily Tracking Numbers that show the federal election race is in a dead heat between the Liberals and Conservatives. Nik also dives into a big takeaway from the preferred PM numbers: Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole has had a big jump from just a couple of weeks ago.  

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos dive into why housing is here to stay as a key issue on the campaign trail. Also, what's in an image? In politics, a lot. See Nik break down each party leader and the image they're trying to portray in the early days of the election.

On this episode of Trend Line… CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the implications of the Nova Scotia election results on the federal campaign before diving into some of the issues (vaccines, the economy, Afghanistan) that could define the national political race.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos kick off another campaign with an election edition of Trend Line. The show will publish every Monday, Wednesday and Friday to keep you up to date on all the latest news and polling. Make sure to tune in.

On this episode of Trend Line… CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss where Canada stands on vaccine passports as travel options start to open up around the world. Also, with the prospect of an increased number of mail-in ballots being cast in a potential federal election, is there a party that stands to benefit? Nik weighs in. Plus, the latest on the Green Party and where the Conservatives stand in the West.

CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos take a look at where each federal opposition leader stands going into a potential election later in the year. It's the challengers episode! (Complete with summer homework assignments.) Conservative Leader Erin O'Toole will need to perform a balancing act between keeping his party united in the West and gaining some additional seats in Ontario. While NDP Leader Jagmeet Singh will need to take advantage of some of the goodwill he's earned from Canadians. Listen to the show for all the rest. Finally, in our 'Upshot' segment, Nanos explains why the Liberal numbers might be 'overpriced' and why a win in a snap election might not be a sure thing for the party.

On this week's episode of Trend Line: Nik shares his insights into how large sporting events can be associated with a positive surge in the polls for incumbent governments. Will he or won't he? We're talking about Mark Carney, of course! Nik breaks down the potential political ambitions of the former banker. Catherine McKenna has announced she is stepping back from politics. Michael and Nik discuss the legacy she'll leave in the Five Minutes of Politics segment. And there's a couple of changes when it comes to national issues of concern for Canadians: the deficit is down and environment and jobs are back up. All that and more on this week's episode of Trend Line with CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos.

On this week's episode… Green Party Leader Annamie Paul faces political infighting – how can she move forward on the national stage? Nik's recommendation: focus on what the party is known for. And prime ministers often go on international tours, but is there something to read into Justin Trudeau's recent trip to the G7 and NATO summits? Finally, a recent Nanos survey shows how Canadians feel about sending vaccinated children back to school with unvaccinated children. Is this conversation going to prompt a larger discussion about vaccine passports in the country? That's all on this episode of Trend Line with CTVNews.ca's Michael Stittle and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos.

CTVNews.ca Rachel Aiello and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos are back with another episode of Trend Line. On today's episode Rachel and Nik discuss how military misconduct and Canada’s vaccine rollout have intersected, and how it ranks as an issue of concern for Canadians. And, as economies around the world start to reopen, how do Canadians feel about the strength of Canada's economy? After the break Elizabeth Dubois, a digital media and political communications professor from the University of Ottawa, joins the chat to discuss the Liberal government's Bill C-10 and other online regulation aims. How will these policies affect our lives online and will they achieve what the government intends? It's an enlightening conversation on a topic that we're sure to hear about more in the future. A note for our listeners: Nik Nanos is an honourary captain in the Royal Canadian Navy. During the discussion, the video streaming service Crave is mentioned. Crave is owned by Bell Media, which also owns CTV News. For more from Elizabeth Dubois and her students you can go to www.polcommtech.ca.

CTVNews.ca's Rachel Aiello and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the latest report cards on how the provinces are faring when it comes to handling COVID-19 spread and getting shots in arms, and how Canadians' mental health is holding up more than a year into the pandemic. Also, Nik weighs in on the potential impact of NACI's confusing vaccine messaging and Prime Minister Trudeau's comments towards anti-lockdown protesters.   ------ Following is a list of links to suicide and crisis hotlines, and resources dedicated to the prevention of suicide as well as how to find counselling. National Crisis Hotlines Kids Help Phone 1-800-668-6868 Crisis Services Canada 1-833-456-4566 or text 45645 First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness Help Line 1‑855‑242-3310 Canada Drug Rehab Addiction Services Directory 1-888-245-6887 National Eating Disorder Information Centre 1-866-633-4220

CTVNews.ca's Rachel Aiello and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss how flip-flopping pandemic rules from Ont. Premier Doug Ford undermines confidence in more than just the government of the day. Also, with news that the federal government will help with the pandemic in Ontario, Nik explains why it might be a move that the Liberals won't let residents of the province forget. Also this week: Canada's first federal female finance minister tabled the 2021 budget. Nik weighs in on how some of the policies in the document could potentially affect federal politics for decades to come.

CTVNews.ca's Rachel Aiello and Nanos Research's Nik Nanos discuss the need for new messaging from politicians and health officials as virus variants continue to spread across Canada. Also, the first federal budget in two years is set to be unveiled on April 19. What do Canadians want to see in terms of spending? Finally, with an on-the-spot naming decision, this week's Trend Line "Bright Spot" focuses on a scene that resembles normalcy south of the border.