Canadian support for retaliatory measures grows ahead of imposition of tariffs; favourability of U.S. tanks
ONTARIO – As United States President Donald Trump addresses congress for the first time in his second presidential term, he’ll likely find a sizable audience north of the border.
It won’t be a favourable one.
New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians feeling angry (55 per cent), betrayed (37%) and anxious (29%) ahead of the expected implementation of tariffs on Canadian goods entering the United States.
This doesn’t mean that Canadians are feeling defeated, however.
The proportion of those who support retaliatory measures in response to Trump’s tariffs has grown since January.
There has been a six- to eight-point increase in support for three policy responses, including a blanket 25-per-cent tariff on U.S. goods (66% support), targeted tariffs on key U.S. imports (70%), and a ban on critical Canadian exports to the U.S. (65%).
These ongoing tensions have pushed Canadian views of Trump and his country to historic lows. Three-quarters view the United States unfavourably (73%), three-times the number who say the opposite (24%).
Further, just 17 per cent hold a favourable view of the president, compared to four-in-five (79%) who view him unfavourably.
Key findings
Trump’s senior advisor and “special government employee” Elon Musk is viewed equally critically in Canada. Four-in-five (79%) say they view him negatively, and seven-in-10 (71%) support a moratorium onTesla sales in Canada.
The United States’ 24 per cent favourability is four-points higher than China’s (20%) and well behind the United Kingdom (82%) and Mexico (75%).
When asked what they view as a successful outcome from the tariff threat, three-in-five say that it would be Trump backing down entirely. A handful (4%) say reduced tariffs would be a win, while 28 per cent say there’s no winning.
Half of Canadians (51%) believe their government should approach the U.S. as a threat to national interests (38%) or an enemy (13%). Those views have skyrocketed from November (13% threat, 2% enemy).
