Canadians Worry About US Tariffs, Trust Trudeau to Handle Trade Dispute

Canadians are closely following developments in Canada-US trade relations, particularly after US President Donald Trump's recent tariff announcement. According to a Leger poll, 68% of respondents are paying close attention to these issues, with men (77%) more engaged than women (59%). Canadians aged 55 and over (79%) are also more aware of the tariff news compared to younger Canadians (18-34) at 59%. The majority (80%) of respondents have heard about Trump's announcement of a new 50% tariff on certain goods imported from Canada, with those aged 55 and over being most aware (89%).

The tariffs are widely seen as an economic threat, with three-quarters (76%) of respondents considering them a serious threat to the Canadian economy. This perception is consistent across the country, with British Columbia having the highest percentage (83%) viewing the tariffs as a threat.

Canadian confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership on this issue is mixed but moderately positive. A small majority (53%) expressed high confidence in his ability to achieve the best possible outcome, compared to 38% who expressed low confidence and 9% who were uncertain. Confidence in Trudeau is highest in Atlantic Canada (64%) and among respondents aged 55 and over (58%).