Opinion: It’s easier to support a trade war if you can afford one

A recent Ipsos survey reveals that public support for Canada's stance on trade is more conditional than the government's defiant position might imply. While 63% of Canadians believe Canada was correct in standing firm, 18% argue that additional compromises would have been warranted. This support is consistent across regions, but a generational divide emerges when examining age and income.

Baby boomers are the most supportive, with 80% backing the government's decision, while Generation Z shows the least support, with only 48% agreeing. Similarly, university-educated Canadians and those earning over $100K are more likely to back the government's stance. However, younger Canadians and those with lower incomes are more concerned about the potential economic impact and are less willing to bear the costs.

The survey suggests that younger, more vulnerable Canadians are more likely to view the trade war as a personal risk. While a slight majority of Canadians are confident in their political leaders' ability to manage the U.S. trade dispute, this support may wane as the conflict prolongs. Canadians seem willing to share the burden, but many prefer that the costs be shouldered by the government, wealthy individuals, or large corporations rather than themselves.

As the trade war drags on, public support will increasingly hinge on perceptions of equitable cost-sharing and individuals' ability to withstand economic uncertainty.