76% of Canadians think country did ‘right thing’ by ending U.S. trade talks: poll

A new Angus Reid Institute poll reveals that 76% of Canadians think Canada made the "right choice" in ending trade negotiations with the U.S. after talks between the two nations broke down. The poll also found that 59% of Canadians believe the government has "not much" or "no control" over the possibility of reaching an acceptable agreement, and this sentiment is equally prevalent across all political parties.

Notably, 53% of Conservatives who voted in the 2025 federal election support Canada's decision to walk away from the talks, while 69% of Liberals and 76% of NDP voters view Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's stance as "strong" for standing up against a deal he believed did not serve Canada's interests. Canada is set to impose dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on the U.S. on September 8, targeting sectors such as dairy, steel, pulp, appliances, paper, and electronics.

American President Donald Trump threatened additional tariffs on Canadian goods, including automobiles, car parts, and steel, set to take effect on January 1, 2027. He also declared that Canada will be treated as a state no longer. Despite the looming tariffs, 62% of surveyed Canadians support the counter-tariff response, with 64% believing the country will emerge stronger from this challenging situation by reducing its dependence on the United States.

The U.S. tariffs impact approximately $28 billion worth of Canadian goods, including items like sports equipment, plant seeds, and essential oils. Nine in ten Canadians (89%) express concern that this development may lead to inflation, while 38% are "very concerned" about the potential impact on the Canadian economy.