Fewer Canadians support government's handling of affordability issues: poll

For Canadians struggling to afford the basics, Ottawa's new federal budget is coming up short as the number of visits to food banks hit another record high. It's hard out there, and I think a lot of Canadian families are feeling it. Masters of our destiny. The budget earmarked some $22 billion to address those affordability concerns. Among the programs, another one-time top-up to the Groceries and Essentials benefit, now worth more than $2,500 for an eligible family of four. Still, this single mother of four says it's not enough. I mean, it leaves a lot to be desired. The best way I can describe it is like trying to put a Band-Aid on a bullet wound. The war in Iran and the Russia-Ukraine conflict have caused food and fuel prices to surge. But Conservative leader Pierre Palliev says Ottawa is also to blame. The results are in. After 11 years of Liberal government, people can't afford to eat, heat and house themselves. Palliev's solution? Cut deeply and lower taxes, especially on gas and diesel. Government debt does not bring investment. It brings inflation. It brings... Thanks Stagnation and it brings failures. They get increasingly sort of poor marks on affordability. New Abacus polling data suggests fewer Canadians support for the government's handling of affordability issues. Just 29% approve, down nine points from September. having This pollster says it's a weak spot for the Prime Minister and his party. It's maybe a little bit of a soft underbelly point of vulnerability for them. me. Frustration with the cost of living. That's one reason why the Republicans fared so poorly in last week's U.S. midterm elections. In Mississippi, one candidate suggested people cut beef because of the cost. The result, a viral ad by their opponent. Pick another protein? Shit, I'd rather pick another senator instead. The finance minister in this country says the government is on it. Grocery is every day, every week. Rent is every month. And that's why I wanted to send the signal to Canadians that we're there with you. Beyond the larger groceries benefit, the government is touting other investments like cheaper child care and the National School Food Program, plus the temporary gas tax cut as ways they're helping people get by. Champagne says if they need to do more, they will. And JP, there are several by-elections coming up. Yeah, the Prime Minister has called six of them for early December. Voters in those ridings will weigh in on the government's handling of these and other issues. Ian? CBC's JP Tasker in Ottawa.