Prime Minister Mark Carney and the federal Liberals continue to enjoy strong public support, even as concerns mount over the economy and government spending.

A new poll by the Angus Reid Institute found the Liberals maintaining a comfortable lead over the Conservatives.

Many Canadians said they approve of Carney's leadership, particularly his handling of foreign affairs and relations with the United States.

The findings come at a time when affordability, housing and jobs remain top concerns for voters. Younger Canadians, in particular, expressed growing anxiety about their financial future.

Yet Carney's popularity has raised questions among critics, especially given warnings that his fiscal approach may not differ much from that of former prime minister Justin Trudeau.

A recent Fraser Institute analysis argued Carney's government is continuing the Liberal pattern of high spending and large deficits. While Ottawa is projecting stronger revenues and a smaller deficit for the last fiscal year, much of that extra money is being committed to new programs and spending initiatives. Economists have warned this leaves little improvement in Canada's long-term fiscal position.

That has led some opponents to question why voters remain comfortable with the Liberals. Critics argue Carney has largely preserved Trudeau-era spending habits while adding billions in new commitments.

Supporters, however, appear willing to give Carney the benefit of the doubt. His economic background and international experience have helped him maintain confidence among many Canadians, even as household budgets remain under pressure.

The Angus Reid poll suggests voters may be separating their concerns about government finances from their views on Carney personally. For now, that distinction is working in the Liberals' favour.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey among a representative sample of Canadian adults. Online polls do not carry a traditional margin of error because participants are not selected randomly.