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67% Canadians Favor US Trade, Joly Threatens Tariffs

5/6/2026

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Summary

Story summary

A poll by the Angus Reid Institute found 67 percent of Canadian adults favor a trade stance toward United States.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly threatened and imposed tariffs on Canadian imports after President Donald Trump said on Jan 13 the United States needs no cars made in Canada or Mexico.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said nations have “irritants” but that Canada can negotiate and diversify while USMCA partners meet before July review.

History

Historical Context

In 1985 a Royal Commission led by Donald S. Macdonald recommended free trade; Mulroney and Reagan negotiated the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement signed in 1988, removing most tariffs. Decades of tariff-free flow have been punctuated by disputes like softwood lumber. Today Minister Mélanie Joly’s threat of new tariffs echoes that 1988 precedent as Canada reassesses supply-chain ties.

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Story summary

A poll by the Angus Reid Institute found 67 percent of Canadian adults favor a trade stance toward United States.
Industry Minister Mélanie Joly threatened and imposed tariffs on Canadian imports after President Donald Trump said on Jan 13 the United States needs no cars made in Canada or Mexico.
Prime Minister Mark Carney said nations have “irritants” but that Canada can negotiate and diversify while USMCA partners meet before July review.

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