Canadians back Carney’s stand, but economic fears grow
Canada is now subject to US trade penalties under a so-called Section 338 tariff order, with Ottawa preparing to respond with dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs targeting US steel, dairy, appliances, and agricultural goods – measures set to take effect the Tuesday after Labour Day, September 8.
A united front that crosses party lines
Support for Ottawa’s stance holds at majority levels in every province, bottoming out at 65% in Saskatchewan and 67% in Alberta, according to the Angus Reid Institute.
Notably, 53% of those who voted Conservative in the 2025 federal election say it was right to walk away rather than accept a bad deal, suggesting the national consensus reaches well beyond Carney’s own political base.
Three-in-five (62%) called Canada’s counter-tariff response “about right under the circumstances,” with at least half in every province agreeing the retaliation is proportionate.
Seven-in-10 (69%) say Carney showed “strength by refusing to accept terms he believed were not in Canada’s interests.”
