Full Breakdown
Canadians Back Counter-Tariffs as Trump Threatens 50% Duties
7/28/2026, 9:28:22 PM
Public Backing for Counter-Tariffs Amid Imminent U.S. Tariffs
A July 23-25 online survey of 1,790 Canadian adults by the Angus Reid Institute found 62 % want Ottawa to impose counter-tariffs if the United States follows through on its threat of 50 % duties on a broad range of Canadian goods. 34 % favor matching the U.S. tariffs dollar for dollar, while 28 % prefer a more limited response. 19 % would rather pursue a negotiated trade deal, and 7 % say Canada should concede to avoid tariffs.
Background & Context
President Donald Trump announced the new tariffs under Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930, targeting Canadian products the U.S. says retaliate against restrictions on American cars, alcohol and dairy. The levies would affect items such as wine, cosmetics, wigs and hockey sticks and are scheduled to take effect in mid-August unless a deal is reached.
Data & Statistics
- Support for retaliation: 62 % overall; 34 % for dollar-for-dollar matching, 28 % for limited counter-tariffs.
- Preference for negotiation: 19 % want Ottawa to seek a deal without retaliatory measures.
- Capitulation: 7 % would accept U.S. demands.
- Trust in the Trump administration: 13 % trust it to honor any agreement, 75 % do not.
- Party-specific attitudes: 79 % of Liberal, 76 % of NDP and 73 % of Bloc Québécois voters support counter-tariffs, compared with 43 % of Conservative voters.
Official Statements & Responses
Prime Minister Mark Carney told reporters Ottawa is intensifying negotiations and is prepared to respond if the tariffs take effect, adding that “everything’s on the table” should a deal not be reached. Provincial leaders offered divergent strategies: Ontario Premier Doug Ford called for a dollar-for-dollar match, British Columbia Premier David Eby suggested limiting U.S. access to critical minerals, and Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe advocated a more flexible approach while joining Alberta in opposing export restrictions on oil and gas.
On-the-Ground Reports
Toronto residents expressed frustration with the dispute, describing the situation as “never-ending” and noting the personal anxiety it creates. Some said the United States is “paying the tariffs” and suggested Canada could redirect its exports elsewhere.
What’s Next
If no agreement is reached, the 50 % tariffs are slated to begin in mid-August. Opposition parties have called for an emergency parliamentary committee meeting to review the government’s trade strategy, and provincial premiers are expected to continue lobbying for their preferred approaches as negotiations progress.
