\n August 17, 2026 <\/p>\n
Our latest survey, conducted from August 7 to 12 as Canada and the United States continued negotiations ahead of the August 19 tariff deadline, finds Canadians are paying close attention to the dispute, expect significant economic consequences if the tariffs take effect, but are much less certain about how the Carney government should respond.<\/p>\n
Seventy-three percent say they have seen, read or heard at least some about the threatened 50% tariffs, including 31% who have heard a lot.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Awareness of the New US Tariffs on Canadian Products<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
How much, if anything, have you seen, read, or heard about the United States imposing new tariffs of 50% on a range of Canadian products starting August 19?<\/p>\n
How Much Canadians Have Seen, Read, or Heard<\/p>\n
Awareness of the new American tariffs is close to universal, with 91% of Canadians having seen, read, or heard at least a little about them. Roughly three in ten report hearing a lot and a further 42% some, while just 9% have heard nothing at all.<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. NET Aware combines a lot, some, and a little.<\/p>\n
How much, if anything, have you seen, read, or heard about the United States imposing new tariffs of 50% on a range of Canadian products starting August 19? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
Awareness rises steadily with age, from 81% among those 18 to 29 to 97% among those 60 and over. Regionally it is highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 95% and lowest in Atlantic Canada at 86%. Attentiveness is uniformly high across party lines, ranging only from 90% to 93%, though Liberal and Bloc voters are the most likely to say they have heard a lot.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLNET: Aware91%91%94%95%90%91%86%A lot31%30%30%28%33%32%23%Some42%42%44%48%42%37%42%A little18%19%19%19%15%22%21%Nothing at all9%9%6%5%10%9%14%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+NET: Aware91%81%89%90%97%A lot31%17%25%36%38%Some42%45%47%36%40%A little18%19%17%18%19%Nothing at all9%19%11%10%3%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocNET: Aware92%91%93%90%93%93%A lot31%31%39%28%20%40%Some39%42%40%42%51%33%A little22%17%14%20%22%20%Nothing at all8%9%7%10%7%7%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
Despite that awareness, Canadians are uncertain whether the tariffs will actually take effect. Thirty-eight percent think they definitely or likely will happen, while 40% put the odds at 50\/50. Only 10% think they are unlikely or definitely will not happen.<\/p>\n
There is relatively little partisan difference on this question. Thirty-seven percent of Liberal supporters think the tariffs are likely to happen, compared with 39% of Conservatives, 43% of NDP supporters and 46% of Bloc supporters.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Expected Likelihood the Tariffs Take Effect<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
How likely is it that these tariffs will take effect on August 19?<\/p>\n
Perceived Chance the Tariffs Take Effect on August 19<\/p>\n
Canadians are far from certain the tariffs will actually arrive, with the largest single group, 40%, calling it a 50\/50 chance at this point. Some 38% expect them to take effect, including 10% who say definitely, while only 10% think they are unlikely and 12% are unsure.<\/p>\n
Definitely will happen<\/p>\n
10%<\/p>\n
50\/50 chance at this point<\/p>\n
40%<\/p>\n
Definitely will not happen<\/p>\n
1%<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. NET figures are reported as printed and may differ by a point from the sum of their components because they are calculated before rounding.<\/p>\n
How likely is it that these tariffs will take effect on August 19? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
Expectations are notably firmer in the Prairies, where 46% in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and 45% in Alberta expect the tariffs to land, against 35% in both British Columbia and Ontario. Bloc voters are the most convinced, with 22% saying the tariffs will definitely take effect, more than double the national figure. British Columbians are the most sceptical, at 16% saying unlikely.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLNET: Likely38%35%45%46%35%38%44%Definitely will happen10%9%14%14%7%12%6%Likely will happen28%25%31%32%28%26%38%50\/50 chance at this point40%42%37%38%43%39%37%NET: Unlikely10%16%7%6%10%9%4%Unlikely to happen9%14%7%6%9%7%4%Definitely will not happen1%2%0%0%0%2%0%Don’t know12%8%11%10%13%14%15%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+NET: Likely38%42%38%39%35%Definitely will happen10%4%10%15%8%Likely will happen28%38%29%24%27%50\/50 chance at this point40%36%40%36%45%NET: Unlikely10%5%9%12%10%Unlikely to happen9%5%9%11%9%Definitely will not happen1%0%1%1%1%Don’t know12%17%12%13%9%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocNET: Likely38%38%37%39%44%46%Definitely will happen12%9%7%11%10%22%Likely will happen25%29%30%28%33%24%50\/50 chance at this point39%41%41%42%39%42%NET: Unlikely10%10%10%9%12%5%Unlikely to happen7%9%10%8%11%5%Definitely will not happen2%1%0%1%1%0%Don’t know13%12%11%10%6%7%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
Seven in Ten Expect Economic Damage<\/p>\n
If the tariffs do take effect, Canadians overwhelmingly expect negative consequences.<\/p>\n
Seventy percent (70%) believe the tariffs would have a negative impact on the economy in their area, including 29% who expect a very negative impact. Only 9% expect a positive impact.<\/p>\n
The view crosses regional lines: 75% in Quebec expect a negative effect, as do 74% in British Columbia and Alberta, 68% in Ontario, 65% in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, and 58% in Atlantic Canada.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Expected Impact of the Tariffs on the Local Economy<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
If these tariffs take effect on August 19, what impact do you think it will have on the economy in your area?<\/p>\n
Anticipated Effect on the Economy in Respondents’ Own Area<\/p>\n
Seven in ten Canadians expect the tariffs to harm the economy where they live, with 29% anticipating a very negative impact. Just 9% foresee any positive effect and 10% expect no real impact, leaving little constituency for the view that the tariffs are locally harmless.<\/p>\n
Somewhat positive impact<\/p>\n
5%<\/p>\n
Somewhat negative impact<\/p>\n
41%<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. NET figures are reported as printed and may differ by a point from the sum of their components because they are calculated before rounding.<\/p>\n
If these tariffs take effect on August 19, what impact do you think it will have on the economy in your area? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
Expected harm rises sharply with age, from 58% among Canadians 18 to 29 to 79% among those 60 and over. Bloc voters are the most pessimistic of any group at 89%, and francophone Quebecers at 78% run ten points above other Canadians. The youngest cohort is the only group where positive expectations reach double digits, at 19%.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLNET: Positive9%5%12%14%8%9%9%Very positive impact4%3%6%8%2%4%5%Somewhat positive impact5%3%7%6%6%4%4%No real impact10%12%9%10%11%6%16%NET: Negative70%74%74%65%68%75%58%Somewhat negative impact41%43%50%38%37%45%35%Very negative impact29%31%24%27%31%30%23%Don’t know11%9%5%10%12%10%17%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+NET: Positive9%19%16%5%3%Very positive impact4%7%8%3%0%Somewhat positive impact5%12%8%2%2%No real impact10%10%11%10%9%NET: Negative70%58%61%74%79%Somewhat negative impact41%37%34%43%46%Very negative impact29%21%27%31%33%Don’t know11%13%12%11%9%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocNET: Positive7%9%8%12%6%4%Very positive impact3%4%3%5%3%2%Somewhat positive impact4%5%6%6%4%1%No real impact6%11%11%11%11%1%NET: Negative78%68%70%66%76%89%Somewhat negative impact47%39%43%38%43%57%Very negative impact30%29%28%29%34%32%Don’t know9%11%10%11%6%6%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
And for many Canadians, the trade dispute already feels personal.<\/p>\n
Seventy-four percent say the dispute with the United States over the past year and a half has had an impact on their household, including 30% who describe it as major. This finding is remarkably consistent across regions and age groups.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Impact of the Trade Dispute on Household Finances<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
Over the past year and a half, how much of an impact, if any, do you think the trade dispute with the United States has had on you and your household’s finances?<\/p>\n
Self-Reported Effect Over the Past Year and a Half<\/p>\n
Nearly three quarters of Canadians, 74%, say the trade dispute with the United States has already affected their household finances. Thirty percent describe the impact as major and 44% as minor, while 16% report no real impact and 10% are unsure.<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. NET Impact combines a major impact and a minor impact and is reported as printed.<\/p>\n
Over the past year and a half, how much of an impact, if any, do you think the trade dispute with the United States has had on you and your household’s finances? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
Reported financial strain is broadly shared, ranging only from 67% among Bloc voters to 79% in Saskatchewan and Manitoba and among NDP voters. Quebecers and francophone Quebecers report the least exposure at 68%, and both Conservative and NDP voters are the most likely to describe the impact as major, at 34%.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLNET: Impact74%76%72%79%77%68%71%A major impact30%28%34%30%32%25%33%A minor impact44%48%37%49%45%43%38%No real impact16%15%20%13%13%21%18%Not sure10%9%9%8%10%11%11%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+NET: Impact74%70%75%73%76%A major impact30%29%32%35%26%A minor impact44%41%42%38%50%No real impact16%15%13%16%18%Not sure10%15%12%11%6%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocNET: Impact68%76%76%74%79%67%A major impact23%32%27%34%34%25%A minor impact44%44%49%41%45%42%No real impact21%15%15%17%12%25%Not sure12%10%9%8%8%9%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
Canadians Are Divided on the Response<\/p>\n
While Canadians largely agree about the risks, they do not agree about what Ottawa should do.<\/p>\n
Thirty-six percent want Canada to respond with new counter-tariffs, even if that raises prices and risks escalation. Thirty percent prefer continued negotiations without new counter-tariffs. Just 18% favour offering concessions to the United States, such as easing dairy restrictions or ending bans on American alcohol, if doing so gets the tariffs removed.<\/p>\n
Quebecers are particularly reluctant to concede: only 12% prefer that option, compared with 22% in Ontario and 23% in Alberta.<\/p>\n
There is also a political difference. Just 16% of Liberal supporters and 14% of NDP supporters favour concessions, compared with 26% of Conservatives and only 6% of Bloc supporters.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Preferred Canadian Response to the Tariffs<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
As you may know, starting August 19 the United States will apply a new 50% tariff to about $20 billion worth of Canadian exports, including many products that were previously traded tariff-free under the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA). Which of the following comes closest to your view about how Canada should respond?<\/p>\n
Which Approach Comes Closest to Canadians’ Own View<\/p>\n
Canadians are split three ways on how to answer the tariffs, with 36% favouring new counter-tariffs even at the risk of higher prices and escalation. Another 30% would keep negotiating without retaliating, while 18% would offer concessions such as easing alcohol and dairy restrictions to get the tariffs lifted. Fifteen percent are not sure.<\/p>\n
Respond with new counter-tariffs on American products, even if that raises prices and risks escalation<\/p>\n
36%<\/p>\n
Keep negotiating without new counter-tariffs, even if the American tariffs stay in place for now<\/p>\n
30%<\/p>\n
Offer concessions to the US, such as ending bans on American alcohol and easing dairy restrictions, if that gets the tariffs removed<\/p>\n
18%<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Bar colours distinguish the response options and do not indicate severity.<\/p>\n
As you may know, starting August 19 the United States will apply a new 50% tariff to about $20 billion worth of Canadian exports, including many products that were previously traded tariff-free under the Canada-US-Mexico trade agreement (CUSMA). Which of the following comes closest to your view about how Canada should respond? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
Appetite for retaliation is strongest among Bloc voters at 48% and in Saskatchewan and Manitoba at 46%, and weakest among Conservative voters and Canadians aged 30 to 44, both at 29%. Those same two groups are the most willing to offer concessions, at 26% and 24% respectively, against just 10% of francophone Quebecers and 6% of Bloc voters.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLCounter-tariffs36%36%31%46%36%39%30%Keep negotiating30%35%28%31%28%34%26%Offer concessions18%15%23%10%22%12%17%Not sure15%14%19%12%13%15%27%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+Counter-tariffs36%36%29%38%41%Keep negotiating30%24%33%32%30%Offer concessions18%19%24%14%16%Not sure15%20%14%16%13%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocCounter-tariffs40%36%39%29%43%48%Keep negotiating34%29%31%30%30%37%Offer concessions10%20%16%26%14%6%Not sure16%15%14%15%14%9%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
A Majority Is Ready to Look Beyond CUSMA<\/p>\n
The longer-term finding may be even more consequential.<\/p>\n
Fifty-five percent say Canada should prepare to move on from CUSMA and build trade relationships with other countries, compared with 34% who want to keep working to preserve and update the North American agreement.<\/p>\n
That view is shared by 60% of Liberal voters, 72% of NDP voters and 59% of Bloc voters. Conservative supporters are the exception: 47% favour preserving the agreement while 43% favour preparing to move on.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026<\/p>\n
Views on the Future of the Canada, US, and Mexico Trade Agreement<\/p>\n
n=1,499 Canadians \u00b7 August 7\u201312, 2026 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
\n Overall
\n By Demographics
\n Methodology\n <\/p>\n
The free trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico remains in force, but the US declined to renew it at a required review earlier this summer. When it comes to the trade agreement, which comes closest to your view?<\/p>\n
Whether Canada Should Move On From CUSMA or Preserve It<\/p>\n
A clear majority of Canadians, 55%, would have the country prepare to move on from the trade agreement and build relationships elsewhere. Just over a third, 34%, would keep working to preserve and update it with the United States and Mexico, while 11% are unsure.<\/p>\n
Canada should prepare to move on from the agreement and build trade relationships with other countries instead<\/p>\n
55%<\/p>\n
Canada should keep working to preserve and update the agreement with the US and Mexico<\/p>\n
34%<\/p>\n
Respondents chose one option. Percentages may not sum to 100 due to rounding. Bar colours distinguish the response options and do not indicate severity.<\/p>\n
The free trade agreement between Canada, the United States, and Mexico remains in force, but the US declined to renew it at a required review earlier this summer. When it comes to the trade agreement, which comes closest to your view? (By key demographics)<\/p>\n
This is the most partisan question in the set. NDP voters back moving on by 72% to 20%, while Conservative voters are the only group to lean the other way, splitting 43% to 47% in favour of preserving the agreement. British Columbians are the most ready to move on at 63%, and Albertans the least at 49%.<\/p>\n
By Region<\/p>\n
ResponseCanadaBCABSK\/MBONQCATLMove on from the agreement55%63%49%58%53%55%53%Keep working to preserve it34%26%40%36%35%36%26%Not sure11%10%11%6%12%10%21%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column. The Canada column is shown for reference.<\/p>\n
By Age Group<\/p>\n
ResponseCanada18-2930-4445-5960+Move on from the agreement55%57%51%53%58%Keep working to preserve it34%28%36%35%34%Not sure11%15%13%12%8%<\/p>\n
Highlighting marks the three highest values in each column.<\/p>\n
By Francophone Quebecer Status and 2025 Vote<\/p>\n
ResponseFranco. Qc YesFranco. Qc NoLiberalConservativeNDPBlocMove on from the agreement56%54%60%43%72%59%Keep working to preserve it35%34%29%47%20%36%Not sure9%12%12%11%8%5%<\/p>\n
Vote columns reflect reported 2025 federal vote. Francophone Quebecer columns are a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists were invited to complete the survey from a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to manage out potential skews in the data from a single source.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure that the sample matched Canada’s population. Totals may not add up to 100 due to rounding. Regional, age, and vote results are subsamples and carry wider margins of error than the national figure. Francophone Quebecer results describe a subgroup of Quebec respondents.<\/p>\n
All research conducted by Abacus Data is based on responses from real human participants recruited through verified, double opt-in panel partners. No synthetic, simulated, or AI-generated responses are used at any stage. All research complies with CRIC Public Opinion Research Standards and Disclosure Requirements.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data.<\/p>\n
Abacus Data \u00b7 Abacus Data \u00b7 Trade and Tariffs \u00b7 August 2026 \u00b7 n=1,499 \u00b7 MoE \u00b12.5%<\/p>\n
abacusdata.ca<\/p>\n
The Upshot<\/p>\n
The dilemma facing the Carney government is fairly clear.<\/p>\n
Canadians want a deal because they believe the consequences of new tariffs will be serious. Seven in ten expect damage to their local economy and three quarters say the broader trade dispute has already affected their household.<\/p>\n
But there is very little appetite for visible concessions.<\/p>\n
Only 18% choose concessions as the preferred response, and that falls to 12% in Quebec. At the same time, there is no majority demanding retaliation either. Our polling out yesterday found a big drop in Liberal support in Quebec that I think may, in part at least, be attributable to the talk of concessions on dairy.<\/p>\n
So the public seems to want the government to be firm, avoid escalation where possible, and get an agreement without appearing to give too much away.<\/p>\n
The longer-term shift is just as important. A majority now say Canada should prepare for a future in which it is less dependent on the North American trade agreement.<\/p>\n
That gives Carney room to resist U.S. pressure. But it also means the political test of any agreement will not simply be whether tariffs are removed. Canadians will judge whether the government secured greater stability without conceding too much to get it.<\/p>\n
Methodology<\/p>\n
The survey was conducted with 1,499 Canadians from August 7 to 12, 2026.<\/p>\n
A random sample of panelists was invited to complete the survey through a set of partner panels based on the PureSpectrum platform. These partners are typically double opt-in survey panels, blended to help manage potential skews that can arise from relying on a single source.<\/p>\n
The data were weighted according to census data to ensure the sample matched Canada\u2019s population.<\/p>\n
The margin of error for a comparable probability-based random sample of the same size is plus or minus 2.5 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.<\/p>\n
Totals may not add to 100 because of rounding.<\/p>\n
This survey was paid for by Abacus Data Inc.<\/p>\n
About Abacus Data<\/p>\n
We are\u00a0Canada\u2019s most sought-after, influential, and impactful polling and market research firm. We are hired by many of North America\u2019s most respected and influential brands and organizations.<\/p>\n
We use the latest technology, sound science, and deep experience to generate top-flight research-based advice to our clients. We offer global research capacity with a strong focus on customer service, attention to detail, and exceptional value.<\/p>\n
And we are growing throughout all parts of Canada and the United States and have capacity for new clients who want high quality research insights with enlightened hospitality.<\/p>\n
Our record speaks for itself:\u00a0we were one of the most accurate pollsters conducting research during the 2025 Canadian election following up on our outstanding record in the 2021, 2019, 2015, and 2011 federal elections.<\/p>\n