As insults fly around trade, negotiators for Canada and the U.S. avoid getting personal in public

A recent poll reveals strong support among Canadians for ending U.S. trade talks and imposing retaliatory tariffs, indicating continued backing for Prime Minister Mark Carney and the Liberal party. However, the Ipsos poll, conducted exclusively for Global News, found variations in support based on age groups. Darrell Bricker, chairman of Ipsos Canada, noted that younger generations, particularly Generation Z and Millennials, are less likely to support these measures due to their living in what is described as the "endurance economy."

Despite this, 63% of Canadians believe Canada was right to stand firm in trade negotiations even if it means higher costs and job losses, while 73% back Canada's "dollar for dollar" counter-tariffs on $28 billion worth of U.S. goods. The support for these measures is highest among elderly boomers, with 80% backing both positions.

The Liberal party maintains a 44% lead in overall support, but this drops to 30% among Millennials, who prefer the Conservatives instead. The NDP and Bloc Quebecois have seen a one-point increase in support since April. The poll also found strong support for various retaliatory measures Canada could take against U.S. trade actions, including imposing tariffs on critical minerals, energy, and exports, as well as tightening border inspections.

Despite these findings, there is a vulnerability in not recalling Parliament and not holding a debate on Canada's response to the U.S., which Bricker believes could pose a risk to Prime Minister Carney's political standing.