A survey released Monday by the Angus Reid Institute found that 76% of Canadians support the federal government’s decision to end trade negotiations with the United States. According to the poll, 13% of respondents disagreed with the decision, while 11% were unsure. The survey of 1,468 Canadian adults was conducted between August 22 and August 23, following the suspension of bilateral trade talks.
The shift in negotiations occurred on Friday evening when Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney withdrew his country’s negotiators. The move preceded the implementation of new U.S. tariffs by the Trump administration. In response, Prime Minister Carney announced on Saturday that Canada would begin imposing retaliatory tariffs on American goods starting September 8.
The U.S. measures include a 50% duty on more than $20 billion worth of Canadian products, specifically affecting sectors such as cement and wine. Carney stated during a press conference that Canada intended to "match Washington’s new tariffs dollar for dollar" to support domestic workers, farmers, and businesses. Following the announcement, President Trump posted on Truth Social that Canada sought the "benefits of being a state, without being one," a reference to his previous suggestion of the U.S. acquiring Canada.
The move represents a significant shift in the trade relationship between the two largest trading partners in North America. Beyond the immediate price changes, the survey indicates low public confidence in a swift resolution. Only 6% of Canadians reported being "very confident" that a new agreement would eventually be reached, while 48% said they were "not confident." This lack of certainty could influence long-term investment decisions for small-business owners and corporations that rely on integrated cross-border supply chains.
The precedent set by this dollar-for-dollar retaliation marks a formal entry into a tariff war between the two nations. What happens next depends on the scheduled implementation of Canada's retaliatory duties on September 8. While the U.S. administration has linked trade status to political integration, the Canadian government has centered its policy on matching U.S. levies to protect its internal market. No further negotiation dates have been announced following the withdrawal of Canadian negotiators.