Trust in political leadership, especially in figures like Prime Minister Trudeau, has dropped significantly. The 2024 CanTrust Index shows that only 25% of Canadians express trust in Trudeau, down from 46% in 2018. Furthermore, only 17% trust politicians in general, a sentiment that resonates deeply with growing disillusionment

According to the 2024 CanTrust Index, 67% of Canadians report increased stress and anxiety about the economy, surpassing even the concerns caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. This deep-seated apprehension is significantly contributing to the erosion of trust in public institutions

The 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer highlights that only 48% of Canadians trust the government, marking a clear decline from previous years. A common sentiment is that governmental leaders and institutions are either lying or misleading the public, exacerbating feelings of betrayal​ Edelman Edelman.

My thoughts? No one cares, me least of all. So lets see what the data has to say?

Canada's trust ranking has seen a decline in recent years, especially in the context of its political and institutional systems. According to the 2024 Edelman Trust Barometer and the CanTrust Index, trust in Canadian institutions such as the government, businesses, and even the electoral system has weakened. For example, only 46% of Canadians trust their electoral system, and trust in AI and large corporations remains low【38†source】【42†source】.

A significant issue driving this distrust is the economic anxiety many Canadians are experiencing, exacerbated by the rising cost of living, housing, and uncertain financial futures. With 67% of Canadians feeling economic stress, there's growing skepticism about whether their government can effectively manage these challenges【40†source】. Canadians also seem to be increasingly turning away from institutional leaders, preferring to place trust in their inner circles—friends and family【42†source】.

Despite these issues, trust in professionals such as doctors and scientists remains high, which contrasts with the lower levels of trust in political and corporate leadership【42†source】. This suggests that Canadians still value expertise, but are more selective in where they place their trust.

Canadians trust each other more than they do their leaders.

However, there's a deep-seated belief that a small percentage of leaders or systems may be failing the majority, reflecting public concerns, that about "10% of the population just be demons hiding in human skin."

This erosion of trust is a challenge for leadership across the board, and as the data shows, institutions need to be more transparent and responsive if they hope to regain public confidence.