The Looming Trade War and Canada’s Concerns
A Growing Concern: Canada-U.S. Relations
The threat of a trade war with the United States has been making headlines lately, and many Canadians are growing increasingly concerned about the state of Canada’s relationship with its closest ally. A recent Ipsos poll conducted for Global News reveals that 11% of Canadians surveyed consider the Canada-U.S. relationship as the third-most important issue facing the country today. Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Global Public Affairs, explains that this concern stems from both a sense of national pride and a fear of personal economic impact, especially with U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats of imposing significant tariffs on Canadian goods. Canadians are worried about how these tariffs could affect their personal well-being, making this issue a pressing concern for many.
Generational and Political Divides
The poll also highlights some interesting demographic and political trends. For instance, older Canadians aged 55 and above are more concerned about Canada’s relationship with the U.S., with 19% ranking it as their top priority, compared to 8% of those aged 35-54 and just 5% of those aged 18-34. Additionally, Liberal voters are more likely to prioritize this issue, with 19% of Liberal supporters considering it the most pressing concern, compared to 8% of NDP voters and 6% of Conservative voters. This suggests that the issue resonates more strongly with certain age groups and political affiliations, indicating a diverse response across different segments of the Canadian population.
Economic Tensions and Trade Threats
The tensions between the U.S. and Canada have escalated since Trump’s election, with the U.S. threatening to impose a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods as early as next week. Trump has also threatened additional tariffs on Canadian steel, aluminum, and vehicles, as well as global reciprocal tariffs. In response, Canada has prepared its own list of counter-tariffs, signaling a potential trade war. These economic threats have understandably heightened anxiety among Canadians, making the Canada-U.S. relationship a hot topic of discussion.
The “Buy Canadian” Movement and National Sentiment
Amid the ongoing tariff disputes, Trump has also joked about Canada becoming the 51st state, a notion that Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has swiftly dismissed. These comments, combined with the tariff threats, have led to widespread frustration among Canadians. As a result, there has been a surge in the “Buy Canadian” movement, with 68% of Canadians surveyed expressing a more negative view of the U.S. and two-thirds indicating they plan to avoid purchasing U.S.-made goods and traveling to the U.S. This shift in consumer behavior reflects a strong sense of national pride and a desire to support domestic industries in the face of external threats.
Polling Insights and Methodology
The Ipsos poll, conducted between February 21 and 24, 2025, surveyed 1,000 Canadians aged 18 and older online. The results were weighted to ensure the sample reflects the Canadian population according to census data. The poll has a credibility interval of ±3.8 percentage points, providing a reliable snapshot of public opinion. The findings underscore the significance of the Canada-U.S. relationship in the minds of Canadians, highlighting both the economic and emotional aspects of this issue.
Conclusion: Navigating a Changing Relationship
In summary, the Canada-U.S. relationship has emerged as a critical concern for many Canadians, driven by fears of economic impact and national pride. The generational and political divides in the polling data suggest that this issue resonates differently across various segments of the population. As trade tensions continue to escalate, it remains to be seen how Canada will navigate this challenging landscape and maintain its relationship with its closest ally. The rise of the “Buy Canadian” movement indicates a strong public response, emphasizing the importance of national unity and economic resilience in these uncertain times.
