A new poll on the USMCA suggests Canadians are feeling deal-makers' remorse - Macleans.ca
More respondents were disappointed with the deal than pleased with it, meaning a presumptive plus for the Liberals could be a liability
macleans.caHere’s a quick update on recent public opinion polls related to Canada–U.S. trade talks.
- Canadians have shown rising skepticism about a quick trade deal with the United States. A Bloomberg/Nanos poll in November 2025 found about two-thirds of Canadians doubt a deal reducing U.S. tariffs would materialize in the next six months, with roughly 28% believing it could happen in that window. This reflects concerns about how negotiations have unfolded and U.S. tariff actions.[2][6]
- A late-2025/early-2026 set of polls similarly indicated that many Canadians prefer taking more time to secure a stronger deal rather than rushing to an agreement, citing doubts about whether the U.S. administration would adhere to terms and the broader political dynamics around U.S.–Canada trade tensions. For example, Abacus Data reported in May 2026 that a sizable share of Canadians preferred patience for a better deal, while confidence in the U.S. administration sticking to terms remained low.[1]
- The general mood across these polls has been stability-seeking: Canadians want a comprehensive, durable agreement and are wary of rapid deals that might leave the economy exposed to ongoing tariff disputes or sectoral concessions.[1][2]
Key takeaways
- Public sentiment leans toward patience and thoroughness over speed in pursuing a Canada–U.S. trade deal.[2][1]
- Confidence in enforcement of any agreement by the U.S. administration is relatively low among Canadians in these polls, influencing preference for stronger, more comprehensive terms.[1][2]
- The polling landscape around U.S.–Canada trade has remained highly contextual, with positions potentially shifting on tariff developments, the U.S. political climate, and the timing of a U.S.–Mexico–Canada Agreement (USMCA) review.[6][2]
If you’d like, I can pull the latest specific poll results (dates, sample sizes, margins of error) and summarize them in a concise table or chart. I can also compare regional differences within Canada (e.g., Quebec vs. Ontario) if that’s helpful. Please tell me which format you prefer (brief bullet summary, table, or chart).
Citations:
- Canadians skeptical about a quick trade deal with the U.S. (Bloomberg/Nanos poll)[2]
- Abacus Data findings on patience for a better deal and doubts about U.S. enforcement[1]