Léger: Plurality of Canadians Support Recognition of Palestine
Young voters most on board with the government's intentions; strongest opposition comes from Conservatives.
A new Léger poll has taken the pulse of Canadians on the question of whether Canada should recognize the State of Palestine — a subject both diplomatically significant and politically sensitive.
In late July, Prime Minister Mark Carney issued a statement confirming his government’s intentions:
“Canada has long been committed to a two-state solution – an independent, viable, and sovereign Palestinian state living side by side with the State of Israel in peace and security,” the statement read.
It added: “For these reasons, Canada intends to recognize the State of Palestine at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025.”
While not all Canadians will have a strong opinion on the matter, many do. Several voices have expressed their approval on the government’s intentions, while others expressed disappointment and anger. The latest Léger federal poll sheds light and brings hard data on those impressions.
To the question: “The Canadian government is currently initiating a process to recognize the State of Palestine. Do you think this is a good or bad idea?”, 41% of respondents from coast to coast believe the recognition is a good idea — a plurality of respondents.
Almost a third of Canadians (31%) didn’t know, and 28% believed the move recognition is a bad idea.
Support levels were similar in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, ranging from 41% to 44%, with opposition between 25% and 30%. In the Prairie provinces (Manitoba and Saskatchewan), opinion was evenly split — 33% in favour and 34% opposed. Opposition was highest in Alberta, where 40% called recognition a bad idea and 33% a good one.
By age group, younger Canadians were most supportive: nearly half (47%) of those aged 18–34 approved of recognition, compared to 36% among those 35–54 and 40% among those 55 and older.
The sharpest differences emerged along party lines. Clear majorities of NDP (62%) and Liberal (60%) supporters backed Canada’s recognition, as did just over half of Bloc Québécois voters (51%).
Among Conservative voters, however, 56% opposed the plan, with only 21% in favour.
The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly opens Tuesday, September 9, 2025. The Canadian government is expected to formalize its position in the weeks that follow.
Source: Léger federal poll, August 1–4, 2025, n=1,617 Canadian respondents. Find the full report from Léger here.