Canadians see Trump’s new tariffs as serious threat, split on response

Leger’s latest poll indicates that awareness of President Donald Trump’s announcement of a 50% tariff on certain Canadian imports is widespread, reaching 80% of adults. Three-quarters of those surveyed deem the measure a serious threat, especially in British Columbia where concern peaks at 83%. Confidence in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s handling of the issue is mixed, with a slight majority expressing high confidence, particularly among older respondents.

Preferred Canadian responses vary: 29% favor imposing selective tariffs on U.S. goods, 25% support pure negotiations, and 21% would match the U.S. measures even if it prolongs the dispute. About 40% anticipate a mixed outcome where some tariffs are applied while others are delayed or cancelled. The online poll of 1,516 Canadians was conducted from July 25-27, 2026, with a margin of error of ±2.5%.