Canadians Overwhelmingly Back Tougher Trade Stance on U.S., Poll Finds

A significant majority of Canadians support Prime Minister Mark Carney’s firm negotiating stance in a deepening trade dispute with the United States, even as they worry about the potential economic fallout. The findings suggest strong public backing for the government's decision to reject a proposed deal and implement counter-tariffs.

Broad Support for Retaliatory Measures

A new poll conducted by Nanos Research for The Globe and Mail reveals deep-seated support for the government's recent trade actions. According to the survey of 1,037 respondents:

• 85% supported or somewhat supported the decision to reject a proposed trade agreement with the U.S.
• 80% backed Ottawa's plan to impose dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on a range of American products, which are set to take effect Tuesday.

This broad consensus provides Ottawa with a strong public mandate as it navigates the breakdown in trade negotiations with its largest trading partner.

Economic Anxiety vs. National Resolve

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The support for a tougher stance exists alongside significant public anxiety about the economic consequences. The poll found that about two-thirds of Canadians are worried or somewhat worried about the impact of tariffs on themselves and their families. At the same time, seven in 10 respondents said they were willing or somewhat willing to pay higher prices for everyday goods to support Canada's position.

This indicates a willingness among the public to absorb some economic pain in the short term. However, the survey also noted that only six in 10 feel confident or somewhat confident that Canada can ultimately protect its economic interests in a new agreement with Washington.

Context and Shifting Perceptions

The poll follows the collapse of trade talks last month, when Prime Minister Carney directed Canadian officials to withdraw, citing what he called unreasonable U.S. demands on issues ranging from truck tariffs to French-language protections. The dispute has soured public opinion, with three-quarters of respondents disagreeing to some degree that the U.S. is a trustworthy ally.

Despite the current friction, there is some optimism for the future. More than three in five Canadians expect bilateral relations to improve or somewhat improve over the next five years, according to the Nanos poll.