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Canadians React Strongly to Trump’s Tariff Threats

The recent remarks by U.S. President Donald Trump regarding tariffs and a flippant suggestion of making Canada the 51st state have ignited significant anger among Canadians.

According to a new Ipsos poll conducted for Global News, a substantial 68 percent of Canadians now hold a less favorable view of the United States, fueled by Trump’s threats of implementing a 25 percent tariff on Canadian goods. Although these tariffs were temporarily delayed, the impact on Canadian sentiment is evident.

Of those surveyed, 46 percent expressed strong negative feelings toward the U.S., indicating that these sentiments are far from casual opinions. “What surprised me is the intensity of the responses,” noted Sean Simpson, the senior vice president of Ipsos Public Affairs. He emphasized that the strong emotions suggest a genuine intention to act on these feelings, rather than merely expressing dissatisfaction.

In light of the tariff threats, a significant number of Canadians—about two-thirds—indicated that they would consciously avoid purchasing American products. This shift is part of a rising “Buy Canadian” movement aimed at supporting local businesses in response to perceived economic attacks from the U.S. Additionally, many Canadians are reconsidering travel plans to the United States, with 45 percent feeling strongly about avoiding trips south of the border.

Simpson pointed out that older Canadians, particularly those aged 55 and over, demonstrate the strongest feelings of anger. This demographic, which has witnessed the evolution of Canada-U.S. relations, feels a deep sense of betrayal as they recall historical cooperation between past U.S. administrations and Canada. For these Canadians, many of whom are seasonal residents in the U.S., the decision to abstain from travel is particularly noteworthy.

The Impact of Economic Insecurity

The poll also highlights the economic concerns stemming from Trump’s tariff threats, with nearly 60 percent of respondents believing that their personal financial circumstances could deteriorate due to potential trade restrictions. This anxiety has led to a desire for the Canadian government to establish a substantial subsidy program, reminiscent of those created during the COVID-19 pandemic, to support workers impacted by U.S. tariffs and Canada’s potential retaliatory measures.

In response to the escalating tensions, federal officials previously initiated a framework for affected businesses to seek “exceptional relief.” However, the announcement of a temporary pause in the tariffs by Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau might have provided a brief respite, putting the relief measures on hold.

Public opinion appears divided when it comes to confidence in Canadian political leaders managing the relationship with the U.S. Just under half of those surveyed expressed optimism, while 38 percent disagreed, reflecting uncertainty about the ability of both current and potential future leaders to navigate these complex dynamics.

Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, observed that the issue of managing ties with the U.S. has become a critical question in Canadian politics as it may influence voters’ decisions come election time. In Ontario, political support remains relatively robust for those leaders who are perceived as capable of addressing Canadian concerns regarding U.S. policies, such as Doug Ford, the Progressive Conservative Party Leader who is seeking re-election. Conversely, support in western provinces like Alberta is dwindling, showcasing lingering discontent towards the federal Liberal government.

“This is going to be a critical question for all of our leaders to establish themselves as the person who’s best able to deal with Donald Trump,” Simpson remarked, emphasizing the political ramifications of U.S.-Canada relations.

The findings discussed stem from an Ipsos poll conducted between January 30 and February 3, 2025, involving a sample of 1,000 Canadians aged 18 and older. Statistical adjustments ensured the demographic representation reflected Canada’s census figures. The precision of Ipsos online polls is typically within ± 3.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20, among all Canadians aged 18 and older.

Source
globalnews.ca