This Globe and Mail opinion piece analyzes the surprising shift in voter demographics during the 2025 Canadian election. Older voters (Boomers) are largely supporting Liberal leader Mark Carney, while younger voters (Millennials and Gen Z) favor Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. This is a significant departure from typical voting patterns and poses a challenge for Poilievre's campaign.
The article highlights a clear division along generational, geographic, and gender lines:
This generational split is particularly concerning for Poilievre, as although millennials are more numerous than Boomers, their voter turnout is less reliable.
The author suggests that the “labels” associated with each leader contribute significantly to the vote split. Carney, the experienced banker, projects stability and security, appealing to those who benefit from the existing status quo. Poilievre, despite his relative political inexperience, is perceived as representing change and addressing the concerns of those struggling with affordability and homeownership – a segment of the population largely comprised of younger voters.
Polls like Nanos Research and Leger further underscore this division, revealing that Liberal voters are often motivated by fear (of economic disruption), while Conservative voters are driven by hope for change.
The article concludes that this demographic split is a significant setback for Poilievre's campaign. Although he's made attempts to reach older voters, Carney's image as a strong leader seems to have secured the necessary support from a consistently reliable voting demographic.