New Poll Shows Strong Canadian Opposition to U.S. Greenland Ambitions
A significant majority of Canadians express concern about potential United States ambitions toward Greenland and want the federal government to formally protest any takeover attempt, according to a new national survey. The poll, commissioned by the Association for Canadian Studies and conducted by Leger, reveals deep-seated apprehension about American designs on the strategically important Arctic territory.
Overwhelming Public Concern About U.S. Intentions
The survey found that 71 per cent of Canadians believe Canada should be concerned about former U.S. President Donald Trump's attempts to acquire Greenland from Denmark. Only 13 per cent said Canada should not be concerned, indicating a clear majority position on this geopolitical issue. When asked specifically about government action, 61 per cent of Canadians think Ottawa should protest a U.S. takeover of Greenland, demonstrating substantial public support for diplomatic intervention.
"There is a fairly robust consensus amongst Canadians that we will be affected negatively by a U.S. takeover of Greenland and to a significant degree those who are concerned want our politicians to let the U.S. know about it and do so unambiguously," said Jack Jedwab, president of the Association for Canadian Studies.
Geographic Proximity Fuels Canadian Apprehension
The close geographic relationship between Canada and Greenland contributes significantly to Canadian concerns. Canada's Ellesmere Island sits just 26 kilometres from Greenland across the Nares Strait, creating a natural connection that makes Arctic developments particularly relevant to Canadian interests. Additionally, Canada and Denmark share a land border on Hans Island, a small uninhabited territory located between Ellesmere Island and Greenland.
"Canada is geographically much closer to Greenland than the U.S.," Jedwab noted, emphasizing the practical implications of any change in Greenland's status for Canadian sovereignty and security interests in the Arctic region.
Regional and Demographic Variations in Opinion
The poll revealed interesting variations in concern levels across different regions and age groups:
- Provincial differences: Concern about Trump's Greenland plans ranged from 67 per cent in Manitoba and Saskatchewan to 76 per cent in Atlantic Canada
- Age disparities: Canadians 55 and older showed the highest concern at 84 per cent, while those aged 18 to 34 expressed less concern at 56 per cent
- Support for protest: Among Canadians 55 and over, 72 per cent want government protest, compared to 47 per cent of those aged 18 to 34
Jedwab explained the generational gap as potentially "related to less awareness or interest in the issue" among younger Canadians rather than support for a U.S. takeover.
Perceived Negative Impacts and Diplomatic Considerations
The survey also measured perceptions of how a U.S. takeover would affect Canada:
- 61 per cent of all Canadians believe a U.S. takeover would negatively affect Canada
- 84 per cent of Canadians 55 and older see detrimental effects, compared to 47 per cent of younger Canadians
- Regional concern about negative impacts ranged from 66 per cent in British Columbia to 57 per cent in Alberta
Interestingly, 24 per cent of survey respondents weren't sure Canada should speak up about the issue. Jedwab suggested this mixed response might reflect concerns about diplomatic relations, noting that "those who prefer Canada stay low do nonetheless feel that Canada will be negatively affected. They're probably more concerned with the damage a government protest against U.S. actions in Greenland will adversely affect relations with our neighbour."
Timing and Political Context
The poll was conducted between January 16 and 18, 2026, just before Trump announced on social media that he had "formed the framework of a future deal with respect to Greenland and, in fact, the entire Arctic Region" following his speech at the World Economic Forum. Trump declared that "this solution, if consummated, will be a great one for the United States of America, and all NATO Nations," highlighting the broader strategic implications of Arctic control.
The survey results demonstrate that despite varying levels of concern across demographic groups, a clear majority of Canadians recognize the strategic importance of Greenland and want their government to actively protect Canadian interests in the rapidly changing Arctic geopolitical landscape.
