Ipsos poll: the news Canadians watched and worried about in 2025

Ipsos poll: Affordability and health care were Canadians' top concerns in 2025, while worsening Canada–U.S. relations and Trump-related stories dominated the year's news.

A new Ipsos poll commissioned by Global News finds affordability and health care topped Canadians' list of concerns in 2025, while the deterioration of Canada–U.S. relations and several Trump-related international stories dominated what people said they watched most closely. Ipsos Public Affairs CEO Darrell Bricker told Global News affordability “ranked number one” and noted Canadians are not happy about it, while the Liberals held a large lead on who is best able to manage relations with the United States. Top domestic issues Affordability and the cost of living were cited by 41 per cent of respondents as the most important issue, followed by health care at 38 per cent. The economy (28 per cent) and housing (27 per cent) were next. Other issues in the top 10 included immigration, Canada–U.S. relations, interest rates and inflation, taxes, unemployment/jobs, and crime and violence. Political perceptions The poll suggests a closely divided landscape: the Liberals and Conservatives were each seen as strongest on five of the top 10 issues. Conservatives held a slight advantage on affordability-related concerns, while Liberals were viewed more favourably on health care and the economy. Bricker said the Liberals remained “39 points ahead” on who is best able to handle Canada–U.S. relations. International and news narratives Canadians ranked U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs as the top international story (56 per cent), followed by his return to the White House (about one third). The conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza ranked third and fourth. Ipsos reported Canadians see many top stories as interconnected and tied to actions by Trump and his administration. Other international topics named in the poll included the Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration, developments on the Epstein files, the rise of artificial intelligence technologies, the reported assassination of right‑wing activist Charlie Kirk, global migration pressures, and Elon Musk’s activities within the Trump Administration’s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Domestic news of the year When asked what defined 2025 domestically, 42 per cent said the deterioration of Canada–U.S. relations, narrowly ahead of coverage of the rising cost of living (41 per cent). The election of Prime Minister Mark Carney was cited by 33 per cent. Other notable domestic stories listed by respondents were the Canada Post strike, Justin Trudeau’s resignation as Prime Minister, the Toronto Blue Jays reaching the World Series, the homelessness crisis, immigration policy changes, the Air Canada strike, and the bankruptcy and permanent closure of Hudson’s Bay. Methodology Both surveys were conducted online between Dec. 8 and 15 among 1,502 Canadians aged 18 and over. Results were weighted to reflect the national population and are accurate within a margin of error of plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. Suggestions Policymakers and news organisations may wish to note the prominence of affordability and health care in public concern and the strong salience of Canada–U.S. relations when communicating priorities. Researchers and journalists could continue tracking how international developments shape domestic perceptions, and consider targeted outreach to younger Canadians who reported feeling the pressures of affordability and housing most acutely.