A growing majority of Canadians are willing to suffer economically to stand firm against US President Donald Trump’s escalating trade war, according to a new poll that underscores rising frustration north of the border. In a survey released by the Angus Reid Institute, 69 percent of Canadians say they want their government to take a “hard approach” in trade negotiations with the United States, even if it worsens relations or causes financial strain.
“Canadians aren’t flinching,” Angus Reid said in its analysis. Just weeks ago, only 63 percent supported the hardline stance. That number has since climbed, and support for retaliatory tariffs is even more dramatic, 76 percent say they’d back Canadian tariffs even if it causes household financial hardship.Prime Minister Mark Carney, who took office earlier this year after an unexpected election win, has called for patience and unity, saying Canada won’t be bullied. 95 percent of those polled say they would still support Carney even if Trump retaliates with even higher tariffs
The poll comes just days after Trump slapped 35 percent tariffs on a range of Canadian exports. While the UK, EU, and Japan opted to strike last-minute trade deals with Washington, each making steep economic concessions, Canada is choosing defiance Trump further inflamed tensions after warning it would be harder to negotiate with Canada following Ottawa’s decision, along with the UK and France, to formally recognize a Palestinian state. That move, however, also appears to have wide public backing as 63 percent of Canadians say they support recognition of Palestine, even if it complicates US ties.
The impact on everyday life is already visible. Canadian tourism to the US dropped by 33 percent in June compared to the same month last year, according to Forbes, marking six consecutive months of decline. Businesses are feeling the squeeze. Air Canada’s profits fell sharply, and US retailers in border towns are bracing for deeper losses.