Election issue showdown: Cost of living vs Trump’s impact

As the election approaches, a look at what issues matter most to Canadians.

Two major issues are taking centre stage as the federal election ramps up.

Abacus Data has released new polling information that shows Canadians believe the top two issues this election are the cost of living and the impact of U.S. president Donald Trump’s trade policies.

• Forty-three per cent of Canadians polled said cost of living was the big issue.
• Thirty-three per cent said it was dealing with US president Donald Trump’s decisions.

Rounding out the top five issues are health care, affordable housing and growing the economy.

Abacus Data vice president Kelly Bennett says, depending on your age bracket, the top two issues flip flop.

“On Trump in particular, baby boomers, so folks like my parents are the most angry about Donald Trump and his threats to our economy and our sovereignty,” said Bennett. “On affordability, younger people are deeply concerned about that issue and tend to rank it and name it as their top concern.”

Despite the early election call, it seems people are tuned into this election. Sixty-seven per cent of Nova Scotians polled say they’ll cast a ballot come election day on April 28.

“It’s a very high number,” said Bennett. “And it’s still early days in the election campaign, but all signs point out to there being high turnout here in Nova Scotia.”