Top election issues shifting from U.S. threats to affordability, health care, Vote Compass data suggests [Video]

When the election campaign started late last month, the ballot-box question on most voters’ minds appeared to be which leader and political party is best suited to face American threats to Canada’s economy and sovereignty. 

But recent Vote Compass data suggests that could be changing. 

Ahead of the party leaders’ debates last week, 25.2 per cent of the 319,210 responses to this specific question said Canada-U.S. relations was the most important election issue to them.

Now, with an additional 101,295 responses logged after the debates, only 19.6 per cent of respondents said this was the most important issue — and other issues have risen in importance.

The economy and finances is now the top issue, at 24.7 per cent — however that percentage itself hasn’t changed much over time. Instead, other issues are gaining prominence. 

For example, before the debates, affordability and the cost of living hovered at about 10 …