A recent survey indicates that fewer Canadians now view the United States as a reliable ally, reflecting a broader erosion of global trust in Washington. The poll, conducted by the Canadian research firm Leger, found that only 42% of Canadians consider the U.S. a dependable partner, down from 58% just two years ago.
Global decline in U.S. credibility
The findings are part of a larger trend: across 12 countries surveyed, confidence in U.S. reliability has fallen to an average of 48%, a drop of 11 percentage points since 2024. The sharpest declines were observed in Canada, Mexico, and several European nations.
According to Leger executive vice-president Christian Bourque, “The perception of the United States as a steadfast ally has weakened significantly. This is not just a Canadian sentiment; it’s a global one.”
Political and economic implications
The poll comes amid ongoing trade tensions and diplomatic strains between Canada and the U.S., including disputes over softwood lumber, dairy tariffs, and the renegotiation of the USMCA. Bourque noted that “the erosion of trust could have lasting effects on bilateral cooperation, from security to trade.”
Only 35% of Canadian respondents said they believe the U.S. government acts in the best interests of its allies, compared to 52% in 2024. The survey also found that 61% of Canadians think the relationship between Prime Minister Mark Carney and President Donald Trump is poor.
Reactions from officials
Prime Minister Carney, speaking at a press conference in Ottawa, said the poll results are “a wake-up call for our southern neighbour. Trust must be earned, and it cannot be taken for granted.” He added that Canada will continue to engage with the U.S. but will also diversify its partnerships.
U.S. Ambassador to Canada David Cohen dismissed the findings, stating, “The United States remains the most reliable ally in the world. These polls are often misleading and do not reflect the true strength of our relationship.”
Methodology
The Leger poll surveyed 2,000 Canadian adults online between June 10 and 15, 2026, with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. The global component included 10,000 respondents across 12 countries.
