NATIONAL PULSE – Canadians are ready to play hardball for the long haul

Posted on April 4, 2025 in Feedback, National Pulse, Page One // 0 Comments

Trump.

Even in the case of a recession, few say Canada should concede to American demands

By ANGUS REID INSTITUTE

April 4, 2025 – It was the prop chart seen around the world. U.S. President Donald Trump stood in a windy Rose Garden on Wednesday holding up a list of reciprocal tariffs on dozens of nations.

Not included on the list was Canada. For now, it appears that the tariff tit for tat between Canada and the U.S. is relegated to previously disclosed issues, from steel and aluminum, to dueling duties on auto parts. Some breathed a sigh of relief while others braced for the next round of turmoil.

New data from the non-profit Angus Reid Institute finds Canadians expecting more of the manufactured uncertainty in the coming years, and ready to hunker down and play hardball, even if the consequences are dire.

The largest group of Canadians (39%) say that they expect this trade war to persist until Trump is gone from office – if he does indeed leave after a second term. Others are scattered in smaller groups expecting this to be resolved in less time or simply unsure how long it will last.

The outlook among Canadians is increasingly confrontational as the country embraces an “elbows up” approach. In December, 49 per cent said Canada should play hardball, a number that has risen to 63 per cent now. Three-in-10 (28%) are more inclined to negotiate, while three per cent say they would concede whatever the U.S. demands in order to avoid tariffs. That latter proportion has dropped from 10 per cent in December.

Notably, respondents were asked about what they would do if tariffs created a recession and significant job loss in Canada. In this case, the numbers barely budge. Three-in-five (61%) would continue to play hardball.