A recent national poll has uncovered growing apprehension among Canadians regarding potential tariff escalations from the United States under President Donald Trump's administration. The survey indicates that nearly half of Canadians anticipate increased economic pressure from their southern neighbor.
Tariff Concerns on the Rise
The Research Co. poll, conducted between February 11 and 13, 2026, surveyed 1,001 Canadian adults. It found that 46 per cent of Canadians believe President Trump will raise tariffs on Canada, marking a significant increase of 19 percentage points since May 2025. In contrast, only 20 per cent think tariffs will be rescinded, a decrease of 20 percentage points from the previous year.
Mario Canseco, president of Research Co., noted that initial perceptions of Trump's tariff threats as mere bluffs have shifted dramatically. "There was a moment when they felt Trump is going to come to his senses and he's not going to do anything stupid to jeopardize the relationship that he has with Canada," Canseco explained in an interview. "And now more people are essentially saying...we got two years and a few months to go before we deal with a different president in the White House."
Economic Impact and Consumer Response
The poll reveals that 76 per cent of Canadians view American tariffs as a continuing threat to the economy. This concern has translated into tangible consumer actions, with 55 per cent of Canadians boycotting American goods when non-American alternatives are available.
Specific boycott measures include:
- Cancelling trips to the United States (34 per cent)
- Avoiding American restaurant franchises in Canada (30 per cent)
- Steering clear of American entertainment options (25 per cent)
Perceptions of Military Threat
Beyond economic worries, the poll uncovered significant security concerns among Canadians. 53 per cent of Canadians now view the United States as a military threat, with notable demographic variations:
- 56 per cent of Canadians aged 18-34
- 54 per cent of those aged 35-54
- 47 per cent of Canadians aged 55 and over
Canseco clarified that this perception stems more from distrust of Trump's leadership style than from realistic invasion scenarios. "Because of the erratic nature of his statements, I think that is making Canadians a little bit more uneasy about the chances of something like this happening," he stated.
Political and Regional Divisions
The poll revealed stark political differences in threat perception. Among voters in the 2025 federal election, 60 per cent of Liberal supporters believe America represents a military threat, compared to 46 per cent of Conservative voters.
Regional approval ratings for provincial leaders' handling of tariff threats show particular dissatisfaction in Alberta. Premier Danielle Smith's approval stands at just 36 per cent, down 11 percentage points since May 2025—the lowest among leaders in Alberta, British Columbia, Ontario, and Quebec.
Canseco connected these concerns to broader political anxieties, referencing a previous poll where 45 per cent of Canadians believed Trump might interfere in Alberta independence matters. "Regardless of the result of the referendum, that might do something detrimental to Canada," he warned.
The findings paint a picture of a Canadian public increasingly wary of U.S. economic policies and presidential leadership, with concerns permeating both economic and security domains as the Trump administration continues.
