Nanos Poll Finds Four in Five Canadians Back Counter-Tariffs Despite Higher Prices
New polling finds strong support for September 8 counter-tariffs and widespread avoidance of U.S. goods despite concern about household costs.
Four in five Canadians support or somewhat support dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on U.S. imports even if the measures raise prices at home, according to a Nanos Research survey released September 5. Outright support reached 59%, the highest level in the firm's tracking, while another 21% somewhat supported retaliation. The result gives Ottawa broad public backing as the September 8 tariff start approaches, but it does not change the policy or its timing.[1][2]
The survey also found that 75% outright supported Canada's rejection of the recent U.S. trade proposal despite possible economic risks, with another 10% somewhat supporting that choice. Nanos surveyed 1,037 Canadian adults from August 30 to September 2 using telephone and online interviews. The reported margin of error is plus or minus 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.[1][2]
Canadians remain concerned about the personal cost of the dispute. Twenty-three per cent said they were worried and 45% were somewhat worried about how U.S. tariffs would affect them or their families. Even so, 38% said they were willing and another 31% somewhat willing to pay higher prices for everyday goods as part of Canada's response. The findings show that concern about household costs has not yet erased support for retaliation.[2]
The survey also points to changes in consumer behaviour that matter for businesses on both sides of the border. Seventy-eight per cent said they had sought Canadian products in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's comments about Canada, while 77% said they had avoided U.S. goods or services. Another 47% reported cancelling travel to the United States. These are self-reported actions rather than sales or border-crossing data, but they suggest that the dispute is shaping purchasing and travel choices.[2]
Expectations for a quick settlement were weak. Only 3% expected a successful agreement that Canadians would support within 30 days. Twenty-two per cent expected one before the end of 2026, 25% expected it sometime in 2027, and 24% said never. About one quarter were unsure. That spread points to prolonged uncertainty for importers, exporters and households planning around the dispute.[2]
Canada's scheduled countermeasures are set to begin at 12:01 a.m. on September 8. The official list covers $27.6 billion in U.S. imports and applies rates of 15%, 25% or 50% across more than 700 products. The new poll does not measure the tariffs' actual economic effects, but it provides fresh evidence about the political and consumer setting in which they will begin.[3]