A recent Leger poll indicates that 27% of Canadians now perceive the United States as an “enemy” nation, while 30% still regard it as an ally, and another 27% consider it neutral. This survey, conducted online between February 14 and 17, 2025, involved 1,500 Canadian and 1,000 American participants.
The poll’s release coincides with escalating tensions between Canada and the U.S., notably due to President Donald Trump’s threats to impose significant tariffs on Canadian goods and his proposition that Canada should become a U.S. state. These developments have sparked debates about Canadian sovereignty and identity.
Sébastien Dallaire, Leger’s executive vice-president for Eastern Canada, expressed surprise at the division in Canadian sentiment, noting that the U.S. has long been considered a strong ally. He described the term “enemy” as particularly strong and indicative of the current animosity felt by some Canadians.
In contrast, the survey found that only 1% of Americans view Canada as an enemy, with 56% considering it an ally. The poll also highlighted a widespread unfavorable opinion of President Trump among Canadians, with 74% expressing an unfavorable view. This sentiment varies across political lines; 27% of Conservative supporters have a favorable view of Trump, compared to 5% of Liberal and 7% of NDP supporters.
The survey further revealed partisan differences in perceptions of the U.S.:
- Conservative Party Supporters: 48% view the U.S. as an ally; 18% see it as an enemy.
- Liberal Party Supporters: 20% consider the U.S. an ally; 37% label it an enemy.
- NDP Supporters: 21% see the U.S. as an ally; 34% view it as an enemy.
- Bloc Québécois Supporters: 47% regard the U.S. as an enemy nation.
These findings underscore a significant shift in Canadian public opinion, reflecting growing concerns over the current U.S. administration’s policies and their impact on bilateral relations.