Canadians Favor Palestinian Recognition Despite Trump's Objection in Trade Dispute, Survey Reveals
Canadians are displaying a steady yet cautious outlook towards tariffs and trade negotiations with the U.S., according to a recent survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute. The poll was carried out against the backdrop of escalating trade talks between Canada and the U.S., triggered by a 35% tariff imposed by President Trump on Canadian imports not covered by CUSMA.
The survey revealed that 49% of Canadians have lost confidence in Prime Minister Carney's negotiating team, a rise from previous figures. However, public optimism remains uneven across demographic and political groups, with ongoing uncertainty about the economic future under higher tariffs.
Despite these concerns, a majority of Canadians support a tough approach to negotiations. 58% favour matching the U.S. dollar-for-dollar on tariffs, and 95% of those who favour tit-for-tat tariffs say Canada should stay the course even if it triggers another U.S. retaliation. This support for a "hardball" approach has increased from 63% in July to 69% in August.
Moreover, the survey found that 63% of Canadians support Prime Minister Carney's decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state, despite potential complications with the U.S. This figure outnumbers those who think the nation should reverse course to safeguard trade relations (20%).
The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey from July 31 to Aug. 1, 2025, among a randomized sample of 1,333 Canadian adults. The sample was weighted to be representative of adults nationwide according to region, gender, age, household income, and education, based on the Canadian census.
Interestingly, the survey also showed that 76% of Canadians who favour tit-for-tat tariffs are prepared to face higher prices or financial consequences at home, with public backing for Carney's tougher negotiation strategy strengthening.
In the political arena, Ontario Premier Doug Ford supports the federal government's approach and calls for stimulus measures, framing tariffs on Canada as effectively taxes on Americans. Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre advocates maintaining targeted Canadian tariffs to pressure the U.S. for better trade terms.
The survey was self-commissioned and paid for by the Angus Reid Institute. It's worth noting that another 17% of respondents were unsure about the issue, indicating a need for continued dialogue and understanding as Canada navigates these complex trade negotiations.
- The survey conducted by the Angus Reid Institute revealed that Canadians are divided on their confidence in Prime Minister Carney's negotiating team, with 49% having lost trust, but this is against the backdrop of ongoing concerns about the economic impact of tariffs and trade negotiations with the U.S.
- In the realm of politics, Canadians support a tough approach to negotiations with the U.S., with 58% favoring matching dollar-for-dollar on tariffs and 95% of those supporters willing to face potential retaliation, a figure that has increased from 63% in July to 69% in August.
- The Angus Reid Institute's survey also found that 63% of Canadians support Prime Minister Carney's decision to recognize Palestine as an independent state, despite potential complications with the U.S., while only 20% think the nation should reverse course to safeguard trade relations.
