The Writ Podcast: Carney's bump, Poilievre's challenge and the NDP's choice

The Writ Podcast is back for the 2026 political season, and what better way than to re-convene the Pollster Panel!

Dan, Andrew and James are back to break down the state of public opinion in federal politics. What do they make of Mark Carney’s bump in the polls after his Davos speech? What challenges does Pierre Poilievre face after passing his leadership review? What lanes are open to the New Democrats as they choose a new leader?

And would it be a strategic error or the right time for Carney’s Liberals to call a snap federal election this spring?

Dan Arnold, chief strategy officer at Pollara, was director of research and advertising in Justin Trudeau’s prime minister’s office and was the Liberals’ pollster during the 2015, 2019 and 2021 federal election campaigns.

Andrew Enns is executive vice-president at Léger. He conducted polling for the Conservatives in Stephen Harper’s last three campaigns and has polled for provincial conservative parties across Canada.

James Valcke is director of research and strategy at Viewpoints Research, which has polled for the NDP in elections across the country. He has worked on various central campaigns, including Jack Layton’s breakthrough 2011 election.

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