As tensions mount between Canada and the U.S. over Donald Trump’s latest tariff policies, a new Nanos Research poll reveals that Canadians favor Liberal leadership candidate Mark Carney over Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre and other potential leaders to negotiate with the U.S. president.
Carney Seen as Best Leader to Negotiate with Trump
When asked “Which of the following politicians would do the best job at negotiating with U.S. President Donald Trump?”, Canadians responded as follows:
- Mark Carney – 40%
- Pierre Poilievre – 26%
- Chrystia Freeland – 13%
- Karina Gould – 1%
- Unsure – 12%
- Wouldn’t make a difference – 9%
With two out of five Canadians (40%) backing Carney, he emerges as the preferred negotiator in Canada-U.S. trade relations. Poilievre, the Conservative Party leader, ranked second, while Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland garnered only 13% support.
Notably, leaders of other political parties were not included in the survey, which focused primarily on individuals viewed as likely to be in power during upcoming negotiations.
The poll also found that support for retaliatory measures against Trump’s tariffs has surged, with nearly 58% of Canadians advocating for an immediate response—a significant jump from 29% in December 2024.
In contrast, those who believe Canada should negotiate to lift tariffs has declined from 47% to 21% in the same period.
When asked about specific retaliation measures, Canadians showed strong support for various strategies:
- 88% support or somewhat support pulling U.S. wine, beer, and liquor from Canadian stores.
- 89% back dollar-for-dollar counter-tariffs on U.S. goods.
- 76% support or somewhat support cutting off oil, natural gas, and electricity exports to the U.S..
Trump has repeatedly criticized Canada for not meeting NATO’s defence spending target of 2% of GDP and has even suggested increasing that target to 5% of GDP. The poll indicates a majority of Canadians (64%) now support raising defence spending to the 2% target, while 12% would even back a further increase to 5%.
Meanwhile, 14% prefer to maintain current spending levels (1.37% of GDP), and 6% want to reduce defence spending.
With Trump’s tariffs looming and Canada responding with its own countermeasures, public opinion is shifting toward stronger economic and military positioning. The poll suggests that Canadians favor Carney’s experience and background for future negotiations, though the next federal election will ultimately determine who takes on this role.
As trade and defence issues remain at the forefront, Canada’s approach to handling Trump’s policies will be a key factor in shaping public and political discourse in the months ahead.