More than three-quarters of Canadians say they want an immediate federal election so the federal government can have a “strong mandate” to deal with U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threat, according to a new poll.
The Ipsos survey, released on Jan. 21 from a sample size of 1,001 Canadians, found 67 percent are confident in Canada’s ability to respond to tariffs. Additionally, 59 percent believe Prime Minister Justin Trudeau should be leading the country’s response to the threat, rather than the premiers.
The survey also suggested that 77 percent of respondents want to have an election right away so the federal government can have a strong mandate to deal with the issue.
The survey also found 82 percent support Canada responding with its own tariffs on American goods entering the country. The federal government has indicated that all options, including retaliatory tariffs, are on the table, with Trudeau recently saying Ottawa will “not hesitate to act.”
Canadians are split on Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s insistence that oil and gas export restrictions not be a response to tariffs, as 55 percent disagree with her and 45 percent agree. Smith refused to sign on to a recent joint statement between Ottawa and the provinces because of her opposition to reducing energy exports to the United States.
A total of 55 percent of respondents believe Trump’s threat of 25 percent tariffs on Canadian exports is merely a bluff to make Ottawa act on issues like border security and defence spending. In December, the federal government announced a $1.3 billion spending plan to tackle illegal immigration and trafficking.
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Meanwhile, only 29 percent of Canadians believe tariffs would have little impact on them personally, while 71 percent think otherwise. According to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, the 25 percent tariffs could shrink Canada’s economy by 2.6 percent and cost each family $1,300 per year.
After winning the election in November, Trump said he would impose 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico unless they took action to stop the flow of drugs and illegal migrants into the United States.
After being inaugurated on Jan. 20, the new president said the tariffs may start on Feb. 1.
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre has called for Parliament to immediately return amid the national “crisis,” in order to “pass new border controls, agree on trade retaliation, and prepare a plan to rescue Canada’s weak economy.”
Parliament has been prorogued since Jan. 6, when Trudeau announced he would step down once the Liberal Party had chosen a new leader. The party has set March 9 as the date to choose its next leader. Parliament is set to return on March 24.
A federal election must be held by Oct. 20.
