Canadians back Carney’s tougher trade stance as U.S. tensions deepen

A Nanos Research poll for The Globe and Mail reveals that 85% of Canadians support or somewhat support Prime Minister Mark Carney's tough stance against the United States in the deteriorating trade dispute. Despite concerns that prolonged trade conflicts could increase costs for households and businesses, 80% of the respondents backed Ottawa's plan to impose dollar-for-dollar countertariffs on various U.S. products starting from the following Tuesday.

The poll suggests Canadians are prepared to bear some economic hardship to support Carney's negotiating position as relations with Washington worsen. Around seven in 10 respondents indicated they were willing or somewhat willing to face higher prices for everyday goods as part of Canada's response to U.S. tariffs.

However, the trade dispute is already impacting public confidence. About two-thirds of Canadians expressed worry or some worry about the effect of tariffs on themselves and their families. Six in 10 respondents were confident or somewhat confident in Canada's ability to safeguard its economic interests under a new agreement with the United States.

The trade negotiations came to a halt last month after Carney ordered Canadian officials to withdraw, arguing that U.S. demands had become unreasonable. The dispute encompassed matters such as French-language protections and tariffs on trucks. Canadians' opinions of the United States have also taken a significant downturn, with 75% disagreeing to some extent that the U.S. is a trustworthy ally.

Despite this, more than three in five respondents expect bilateral relations to improve or somewhat improve over the next five years.