As President-elect Donald Trump continues to make waves with his trade and border demands, a new survey reveals that Canadians are deeply concerned about the potential impact of his policies but are not inclined to back down from a tough stance.According to data from the Angus Reid Institute, 86% of Canadians are worried about Trump’s proposed 25% tariffs on Canadian exports, with 44% expressing that they are "very concerned." However, when it comes to how Canada should respond, half of the public supports a hardline approach, advocating for a firm stance against the U.S. even if tariffs are imposed. In contrast, one-third would prefer a more cautious approach, while just 10% would comply with Trump’s demands to avoid tariffs, with much of that group aligning with Conservative Party supporters.The ongoing tension between the two nations has been fueled by Trump’s criticisms of Canada’s defence spending, border security, and drug trade management, as well as his frequent posts on social media. Despite these threats, Canadians appear resolute in their desire to protect national interests.Confidence in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s handling of the situation has decreased since 2017, with only 42% now expressing trust in his ability to manage relations with Trump, down from 60% at the time of his first trip to the U.S.Meanwhile, Trump’s recent suggestion that Canada could simply become the 51st U.S. state has not resonated with the public. A mere 5% of Canadians expressed any interest in the idea, showing no desire to entertain the prospect of joining the United States.
