An escalating economic conflict with the United States has led many Canadians to express concerns about their job security, yet a recent Angus Reid poll reveals a strong majority supports the Canadian federal government's decision to withdraw from trade negotiations with the U.S. The nation's trade relations, particularly under President Donald Trump’s administration, have deteriorated, with both countries exchanging escalating threats.

The poll highlights that a significant 76 percent of Canadians believe that walking away from the negotiations was the right choice, emphasizing a preference for avoiding a poor deal. This sentiment is reflected across all provinces, with support levels varying but remaining substantial—65 percent in Saskatchewan and 67 percent in Alberta.

Intriguingly, political affiliation seems to play a less decisive role in shaping opinions on this issue than might be expected. For instance, 53 percent of individuals who voted Conservative in the 2025 federal election concur that it was appropriate for Canada to step back from the talks rather than accept an unfavorable agreement.

Canadians Back Counter-Tariffs

In alignment with the government's strategy, Prime Minister Mark Carney's commitment to implement dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs has also garnered widespread approval. According to the poll, 62 percent of Canadians view the proposed counter-tariffs as "about right under the circumstances."

Despite the prevailing support for the government's response to the trade tensions, an underlying anxiety persists among the Canadian workforce. The survey indicates that 13 percent of workers express they are "very" concerned about potential job losses, while an additional 25 percent report varying levels of apprehension regarding their job security.

Nevertheless, a majority of Canadians, approximately 64 percent, hold an optimistic belief that the nation will emerge strengthened from the current challenges, as it seeks to reduce its economic dependency on the United States. Conversely, about 26 percent harbor concerns about the long-term damage this trade conflict could inflict on Canada's most vital trading relationship.

CityNews conducted informal interviews at Toronto’s Union Station, gathering various opinions on the topic. One individual expressed resolve, stating, "We should not bow down to Trump’s bullying; we should stay strong and stand against what he’s doing." Another remarked on the unfortunate breakdown of negotiations, attributing it to the unpredictable nature of U.S. leadership. Additionally, one woman demonstrated her preference for Canadian products, saying she is willing to pay higher prices to support local goods rather than contributing to the U.S. economy.

Methodology: The Angus Reid Institute conducted an online survey from Aug. 22–23, 2026, with a sample of 1,468 Canadian adults. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of +/- 2 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.