69% of Canadians want 'Team Canada' approach to trade war, poll finds
A new Angus Reid survey shows widespread support for national unity over provincial interests as the U.S. trade dispute drags on, with frustration and anger topping how people feel.
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A majority of Canadians want their provinces to prioritize national interests over provincial ones as the trade dispute with the United States intensifies, according to a new Angus Reid Institute survey.
Sixty-nine percent of Canadians support a "Team Canada" approach from their province when responding to the ongoing trade dispute. Support is shared by a majority in every province, ranging from 57 percent in Saskatchewan to 75 percent in Manitoba.
Two-thirds of Canadians (66 percent) expect the trade war to affect their province very badly or badly. That concern is particularly acute in Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia — the three provinces expected to bear the brunt of potential job losses from the latest round of tariffs — where 70 percent, 70 percent and 68 percent respectively say they expect serious negative effects.
After 18 months of tariff threats, negotiations and uncertainty, Canadians are reaching their limit. Nineteen percent describe their feelings as frustration or anger. Twelve percent say they feel anxiety, worry or fear. Seven percent say they feel disappointed.
The poll comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney walked away from trade talks with the United States on Monday, putting the two countries on a path toward an extended trade war with no immediate end in sight.
When asked how to fund financial assistance for those affected by tariffs, 51 percent of Canadians say governments should redirect money from existing programs. Only 17 percent support borrowing or raising taxes to fund support. Another 16 percent say governments should not provide major financial assistance.
The federal government has already announced $25 billion to assist those affected by tariffs, though details on eligibility criteria and distribution timelines have not been disclosed. Provinces are considering their own responses as trade tensions continue to escalate.
By the numbers
What percentage of Canadians support a 'Team Canada' approach to the U.S. trade dispute?
69 percent of Canadians support a 'Team Canada' approach from their province when responding to the ongoing trade dispute, with support ranging from 57 percent in Saskatchewan to 75 percent in Manitoba.
How many Canadians expect the trade war to affect their province negatively?
66 percent of Canadians expect the trade war to affect their province very badly or badly. In Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia, 70 percent, 70 percent, and 68 percent respectively say they expect serious negative effects.
How do most Canadians want to fund financial assistance for those affected by tariffs?
51 percent of Canadians say governments should redirect money from existing programs to fund financial assistance for those affected by tariffs, while only 17 percent support borrowing or raising taxes.
What is the top emotional response Canadians have to the trade dispute?
19 percent of Canadians describe their feelings as frustration or anger after 18 months of tariff threats, negotiations, and uncertainty.
