Young and Restless: How Gen Z’s Cost-of-Living Revolt is Upending Canadian Politics

Canada’s youth are done waiting. And Pierre Poilievre knows it.

If you told a Liberal strategist in 2015 that a decade later, Gen Z would be drifting toward the Conservatives, they’d laugh you out of the room. But in 2025, that punchline is polling at over 40%.

Recent data from Abacus Data shows the Conservatives and Liberals are tied nationally at 39% each, indicating a competitive race as the election approaches. This isn’t just about Pierre Poilievre. It’s about what Gen Z sees when they look around—and what they don’t. Affordable housing? Gone. A clear career path? Good luck. Trust in institutions? Dead on arrival. 

The Flip: From Progressive Faith to Political Fury

Gen Z has been called progressive, idealistic, and perpetually online—but they’re also broke, exhausted, and pissed off. When you’ve been told to get a degree, rack up debt, and still end up renting a shoebox while groceries cost half your paycheck, the political leanings start to shift.

According to the Angus Reid Institute, two-in-five Canadians say they are worse off now than they were 12 months ago, reflecting ongoing economic challenges. Many of them don’t feel any party is offering a solution—but Poilievre has become the loudest voice in the void. 

It’s Not Just What He Says. It’s What He Represents.

Poilievre talks about “gatekeepers,” slashing red tape, killing the carbon tax, fixing housing. Whether his policies hold up under scrutiny is secondary for many Gen Z voters. Because at this point, scrutiny feels like a luxury for people with overdraft fees.

A Global News report notes that the Liberal government’s 2024 federal budget includes efforts to make life more affordable for millennials and Gen Z, addressing their financial anxieties. 

A System That’s No Longer Believable

Ask any Gen Z Canadian what’s broken and the list will roll off fast:

• Housing: The federal government’s Budget 2024 includes initiatives to address Canada’s housing crisis and improve affordability. 

• Groceries: According to CTV News, grocery prices are set to rise as annual price freezes end. 

• Student Debt: Discussions around student debt forgiveness continue, with experts divided on the best approach, as reported by CTV News. 

• Mental Health: The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH)offers services for children and youth experiencing mood and anxiety difficulties. 

And through all this, politicians keep saying: “We’re working on it.” For Gen Z, that’s not enough.

What This Means for the 2025 Election

A high youth turnout favoring Poilievre could flip multiple swing ridings. But it’s not just about him gaining ground—it’s about the collapse of political loyalty among young voters. Many don’t feel pulled toward the right—they feel pushed away from everything else.

Even Trudeau’s own government admits they’re bleeding youth support. In March 2024, the Liberals introduced what was widely dubbed the “Gen Z Budget”, filled with housing and student affordability measures. The question is: is it too little, too late?

The Bottom Line:

Gen Z isn’t conservative. They’re tired. Tired of bad options, rising costs, and political theatre.

The question in 2025 isn’t who will win the youth vote.  It’s whether anyone will earn it.