76% of Canadians view the new Trump tariffs as a threat, but they are divided on how to respond: Leger poll

Awareness of the latest U.S. tariff threat is high among Canadians, according to a new Leger poll, but only 50 per cent support some level of tariff response.

Overall, 68 per cent of poll respondents are following Canada–U.S. trade developments closely, the new data suggest. More men (77 per cent) are doing so than women (59 per cent). Meanwhile, Canadians 55 and over are more engaged in the tariff news (79 per cent) than younger Canadians, 18-34 (59 per cent).

The poll results state that 80 per cent of respondents had heard about U.S. President Donald Trump’s most recent tariff announcement of a new 50 per cent tariff on certain goods imported from Canada. Looking to age demographics, those 55 and over were most aware (89 per cent). Among respondents 35-54, that number was 76 per cent, with those 18-34 less so, at 70 per cent.

“Economic issues, generally, and tariffs, more specifically, aren’t particularly sexy or eye-catching topics,” says Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Leger’s Central Canada operations, “but what is different is they are associated with a very attention-getting individual — Donald Trump.”

Enns told National Post in an email on Wednesday afternoon that “we seem to have a few very high-profile instances where the U.S. administration has been publicly embroiled with Canada.” He pointed to the U.S. legislators blaming Canada for the wildfire smoke south of the border, along with the saga over the Gordie Howe Bridge.

“These issues put U.S. relations at the forefront for people, so as an extension, news around tariffs gets noticed.”

The tariffs are perceived widely to be an economic threat, according to the poll. Approximately three-quarters of respondents (76 per cent) consider them a serious threat to the Canadian economy. That includes 31 per cent who view them as “very serious” and 45 per cent as “somewhat serious.”

This perception of the tariffs as threatening was consistent across the country — highest in British Columbia (83 per cent).

Canadian confidence in Prime Minister Mark Carney’s leadership to achieve the best possible outcome with the U.S. is mixed, but moderately positive. A small majority of respondents (53 per cent) expressed high confidence in Carney’s ability to achieve the best possible outcome. That compares with 38 per cent who expressed low confidence and 9 per cent who were uncertain. Confidence in Carney is highest in Atlantic Canada (64 per cent) and among respondents aged 55 and older (58 per cent).

Leger found that greater awareness of American tariffs against Canada is linked to higher confidence and lower uncertainty with regard to Carney’s ability. Among respondents following the issue closely, 60 per cent expressed high confidence in Carney, compared with 39 per cent of respondents who have not been following the tariff news closely.

The data shows older Canadians, age 55 and over, are more likely to be following trade developments closely, noted Enns. “While we did not have a ballot question in this poll, you can look at any recent federal ballot polls and they will show older 55-plus voters are decidedly supporting Mark Carney and the Liberals these days,” he wrote.

“Our June poll had this voter demographic at 57 per cent supporting Liberal, compared to 47 per cent among 18-34. I infer from that that because those following trade development closely are older, they therefore are likely to also be supporters of Carney and still have faith he will deliver.”

Looking to how the Canadian government should respond to the newest tariff threat, a preference for Ottawa to impose tariffs on select U.S. goods scored highest among all respondents (29 per cent). Just behind that, 25 per cent favoured focusing on negotiations without imposing additional tariffs. A further 21 per cent preferred matching retaliatory tariffs even if this extends the trade dispute, while 11 per cent favoured compromise in order to end the dispute. Finally, 13 per cent responded that they didn’t know how Ottawa should proceed.

Most respondents indicated that they expect modified rather than fully implemented tariffs. Forty per cent expect some tariffs to be taking effect while others are reduced, delayed or cancelled. Only 16 per cent expect full implementation, while 27 per cent think the tariffs will not proceed.

This online survey of 1,516 Canadians 18 or older was conducted on July 25 to 27, 2026. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size yields a margin of error no greater than ±2.5 per cent (19 times out of 20).