Repeated bouts of threats and attempted coercion from the Trump Administration have left few Canadians willing to make further concessions to stave off yet another wave of threats.
A new Abacus Data survey shows the Canadian public mood on trade negotiations with the U.S. is decidedly against making further concessions.
When asked to choose between responding to new American tariffs with counter-tariffs even if counter-tariffs raise prices and risk escalation, continuing to negotiate without imposing new counter-tariffs even if U.S. tariffs remain in place for now, and offering concessions to the U.S. like ending alcohol bans and easing restrictions on U.S. dairy products, 36% chose the first path, 30% the second, and 18% the third. By a two-to-one margin, Canadians would prefer to retaliate over conceding.
The poll also showed an openness to ending CUSMA, with 55% saying Canada should prepare to do so and build trade relationships with other countries, while 34% said they wanted to preserve the agreement.
These numbers are an indication that Trump’s strategy of using threats and intimidation to force submission is not working on Canadians, and that, in an echo of the words of former Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Canadians are willing to make sacrifices to preserve our sovereignty.
Spencer Fernando
I believe in an ethical, compassionate, and beautiful future where the circle of rights continues to grow, technology is embraced, abundance is widely shared, and humanity steps further into the stars. On Patreon, I write about how we can get there.
I would be honoured to have you join the community.