A recent Leger poll reveals a dual surge of anxiety and patriotism among Canadians following U.S. President Donald Trump's threats to impose hefty tariffs on Canadian exports. Conducted between February 7 and February 10, the survey reached 1,590 adults, highlighting that 82% of Canadians are concerned about Trump leveraging Canada's reliance on U.S. trade to push for closer ties. Meanwhile, a significant portion of the population, 49%, express being "very concerned" about these threats, reflecting heightened unease across the nation.
The poll also underscores a strong sense of national pride amidst these tensions, with 85% of Canadians expressing pride in their nationality. This surge in patriotism coincides with the upcoming 60th anniversary of Canada's flag on Saturday. In a unified call to action, five former prime ministers urge Canadians to display the flag as a symbol of unity and resilience.
Economic concerns add another layer of complexity to the current sentiment, as 86% of Canadians express worry about the economic outlook over the next six months. This anxiety is particularly pronounced in British Columbia and Atlantic Canada, where 90% of residents are apprehensive about worsening economic conditions. Additionally, 88% of women and older Canadians share these economic concerns, highlighting a widespread unease.
Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Central Canada for Leger, notes that there is no recent precedent for this kind of increase in national pride. Enns attributes this patriotic upswing to Trump's aggressive rhetoric, which has unsettled the political landscape in Canada.
The survey's findings paint a picture of a nation grappling with external pressures while rallying around its national identity. The call from former prime ministers to fly the flag is seen as a unifying gesture amid these turbulent times. The online nature of the survey means it does not have a margin of error, but it clearly illustrates both the anxiety and pride permeating Canadian society.
