Tories open up 'largest lead yet' in poll taken after carbon tax increase

The Conservative Party has opened up its “largest lead yet” over the governing Liberals, according to a pollster.

Abacus Data’s new survey suggests the Tories are backed by 44 per cent of all committed voters.

Just 24 per cent support the Liberals, while 17 per cent favour the NDP.

The poll was conducted between April 3 and 9.

“This survey comes at an interesting moment to gauge public opinion,” Abacus Data’s CEO David Coletto said on the pollster’s website.

“All of the interviews were done following the increase in the federal carbon price on April 1 and in the midst of several pre-budget announcements by Prime Minister Trudeau and the Liberal government."

The Tories have increased their support by three percentage points since Abacus Data’s last poll, which was conducted last month.

The Liberals also boosted their support, though by only one point.

Coletto added: “This 20-point lead is the largest we have ever measured for the Conservatives and the first time the Conservative vote share has hit 44 per cent nationally.”

Earlier today, Prime Minister Trudeau admitted he's under "a lot of political pressure" due to the carbon tax and high cost of living.

"I'm certainly feeling it," he said.

He also admitted the carbon tax was not popular, but restated his belief that the levy will help slow down human-caused climate change.