Majority of Canadians want their provinces to put national interests first as trade tensions with the United States intensify, according to a new poll.
The Angus Reid Institute survey finds 69 per cent of Canadians want a “Team Canada” approach from their province when responding to the ongoing trade dispute.
Support for the approach is shared by a majority in every province, ranging from 57 per cent in Saskatchewan to 75 per cent in Manitoba.
The findings come as Canada and the U.S. remain locked in a trade dispute that has dragged on for 18 months, with no immediate end in sight.
Canadians are also increasingly concerned about how the trade war could affect their home provinces.
Two-thirds (66 per cent) say they expect the trade dispute to affect their province very or badly.
That includes 70 per cent of respondents in both Ontario and Quebec and 68 per cent in British Columbia, three provinces expected to bear the brunt of potential job losses from the latest round of tariffs.
Frustration grows as trade war drags on
After 18 months of tariff threats, negotiations and uncertainty, frustration and anger are the most common emotions Canadians associate with the dispute.
According to the poll, 19 per cent describe their feelings as frustration or anger, while eight per cent say they feel anxiety, worry or fear. Another seven per cent describe themselves as disappointed.
The poll comes after Prime Minister Mark Carney walked away from trade talks with the United States, putting the two countries on a path toward what could be an extended trade war.
Canadians were also asked how governments should fund financial assistance for people and businesses affected by tariffs, 51 per cent say governments should redirect money from existing programs, while just 17 per cent support borrowing or raising taxes to fund tariff assistance.
Another 16 per cent say governments should not provide major financial assistance.
The federal government has already announced $25 billion to assist those affected by tariffs as Canada and the provinces consider their next steps.
The Angus Reid Institute survey asked more than 1,700 Canadians to describe in their own words how the ongoing trade dispute is making them feel.
