A wave of discontent is sweeping across Canada, as new data reveals a significant drop in public satisfaction with government performance. Overall satisfaction has plummeted by nearly 25% since the beginning of 2025, fueled by mounting concerns over the cost of living and the state of healthcare.
The Angus Reid Institute’s Government Performance Index, which averages satisfaction across sixteen key issues, now stands at 26 nationally – a stark contrast to the 34 recorded in March. What began as frustration over tariffs has now been eclipsed by more fundamental anxieties about everyday expenses and access to quality medical care.
Provincial disparities are particularly pronounced. Saskatchewan currently boasts the highest satisfaction levels at 35, suggesting residents feel their government is effectively addressing their priorities. However, Ontario lags far behind, registering a score of just 20.
In Ontario, Premier Doug Ford’s Progressive Conservative government faces a barrage of criticism as it concludes its first year of a third mandate. The most pressing issues – the soaring cost of living, healthcare access, housing affordability, the economy, and public safety – are all areas where the government is perceived to be underperforming.
The numbers are sobering. Over three-quarters of Ontarians believe the government is failing to adequately address the cost of living (79%), healthcare (77%), and housing affordability (83%). Even on issues like the economy and public safety, where perceptions are slightly more favorable, less than one-quarter of the province’s residents express confidence in the government’s handling of the situation.
Perhaps most concerning is the internal dissent. A significant portion of those who voted for Ford’s party earlier this year now express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. Nearly 70% of PC voters believe the government is mishandling inflation and housing affordability, while over 60% are critical of its approach to healthcare.
The economic impact of tariffs imposed by the United States is also taking a toll. Half of Ontario PC voters believe the government is failing to effectively manage the economy in the face of these challenges. This sentiment extends beyond Ontario, with similar concerns emerging in other provinces.
Even in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where residents generally view their governments more favorably than those in other provinces, significant concerns remain. A substantial majority – 68% in Alberta and 72% in Saskatchewan – believe their provincial governments are doing a “poor job” on healthcare. Similar levels of criticism are directed towards the handling of the rising cost of living.
These findings, based on a comprehensive online survey of 4,025 Canadian adults conducted between November 26th and December 1st, 2025, paint a clear picture: a growing sense of unease and dissatisfaction with government performance across the country. The data suggests a critical need for governments to address the concerns of their constituents, particularly regarding affordability and healthcare.
