OTTAWA A new poll conducted by Leger indicates that 70 per cent of Canadians support imposing dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs on the United States. Among those surveyed, 45 per cent expressed strong support for such measures, while 25 per cent were somewhat in favor. This response comes in light of U.S. President Donald Trump's pledges to impose significant tariffs on imports from Canada and other nations, which has exacerbated tensions between the two countries.
Trump announced plans for various tariff measures, including a 25 per cent tariff on steel and aluminum imports, set to take effect on March 12. Recently, he had also paused his broader plan for across-the-board tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods, opting instead for a 10 per cent tariff on Canadian energy. Furthermore, Trump has publicly suggested that Canada should become a U.S. state and has made threatening remarks regarding the use of "economic force" to potentially annex Canada.
The Leger poll also highlighted that 81 per cent of Canadians are concerned about Trump's potential use of economic means, such as tariffs and trade sanctions, to push Canada towards a more formal union with the United States. Conducted between February 14 and February 17 with 1,500 Canadians participating, the online survey does not have a margin of error due to the lack of a random sampling method.
Sébastien Dallaire, the executive vice-president for Eastern Canada at Leger, noted that the overwhelming support for retaliatory tariffs underscores the level of anger among Canadians. He remarked that this willingness for the government to take actions that might ultimately harm their finances illustrates a strong sentiment against the Trump administration's policies. Dallaire pointed out that retaliatory tariffs could lead to increased prices and decreased availability of certain products for consumers.
The poll further indicated a shift in consumer behavior among Canadians in response to these tensions. A significant 63 per cent reported reducing their purchases of American products in stores, while 62 per cent indicated they were buying less online. More specifically, 52 per cent noted they were purchasing less from Amazon, and half of the respondents reported a decrease in fast-food purchases from American chains. Additionally, 43 per cent stated they were buying less from U.S.-based retail chains.
A notable 30 per cent of Canadians who had planned trips to the United States said they had canceled those plans, reflecting widespread discontent. However, only 19 per cent of those using U.S. streaming services reported canceling their subscriptions. In contrast, over two-thirds, or 68 per cent, stated they had increased their purchases of Canadian products, showcasing a tangible shift in consumer preferences towards local alternatives.
Dallaire emphasized the significant number of Canadians translating their discontent into action by supporting local businesses and products. He observed that this movement represents a conscientious effort to prioritize Canadian offerings over American brands. The Canadian Research Insights Council, the professional body for polling, clarifies that online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error due to their non-random sampling methods.
This report was first published on February 21, 2024, detailing the complex economic relationship between Canada and the United States amid rising tensions over trade policies.
