Many Canadians are rethinking their relationship with US goods and services—where are you at, Victoria?
In response to US President Donald Trump’s recent decision to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada, a recent survey has revealed that a significant number of Canadians are prepared to modify their shopping habits.
According to the online Research Co. survey of 1,002 Canadians, 63% say they would avoid buying US products if a Canadian or non-American alternative is available.
41% plan to steer clear of American restaurant chains in Canada, while 31% intend to avoid US based entertainment options, and 26% are reconsidering planned trips to the United States.
It’s clear that Canadians are closely following the news surrounding the tariffs, with 87% indicating they’ve been tracking the situation “very closely” or “moderately closely.”
On the political front, the survey also asked Canadians for their thoughts on how political leaders are handling the tariff dispute.
54% approve of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s efforts to manage the situation, while 47% express similar approval for Official Opposition Leader Pierre Poilievre.
Satisfaction levels vary at the provincial level as well, with BC having the highest percentage of satisfaction with the premier’s handling of the tariffs at 67%. This is followed by Ontario at 64%, Quebec at 58%, and Alberta at 54%.
Additionally, the survey also explored Canadians’ preferences for leadership in the context of the trade dispute.
Half of Canadians (49%) believe a Conservative federal government would be better equipped to handle the situation, with that number rising to 61% among those aged 18-34.
Albertans (59%) and residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba (55%) are particularly inclined to favor a Conservative approach, while Ontarians (50%) and British Columbians (42%) are less certain.
Looking ahead, Canadians remain divided on the future of the tariffs. While 41% anticipate that the US will reverse the tariffs in the next six months, 34% fear they may expand further.
However, Canadians appear united when it comes to finding new trade partners. Over three-quarters are in favor of strengthening trade ties with Australia and New Zealand (78%), the European Union (77%), Japan (75%), and Mexico (75%).
Building off of this, the survey asked if Canadians would support an independent dispute settlement panel under Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA), and this option had a lot of support across parties.
This included 74% of Liberal voters, 67% of New Democratic Party (NDP) supporters, and 62% of Conservative voters.
The survey also gauged Canadians’ openness to the idea of becoming part of the United States, with only 22% in favor of exploring such a move.
“More than a third of Canadians aged 18-to-34 (35%) are open to discussing the eventual addition of Canada into the United States,” says Mario Canseco, President of Research Co.
“The proportions are lower among those aged 35-to-54 (25%) and those aged 55 and over (8%).”
The results are based on an online survey that was conducted on February 2nd among 1,002 adults in Canada.
As described, the margin of error—which measures sample variability—is +/- 3.1 percentage points, nineteen times out of twenty, in each country.
