27% of Canadians Now View the U.S. as an “Enemy,” New Poll Finds

A recent Leger survey shows that 27% of Canadians consider the United States an “enemy”—a significant shift in public perception. Meanwhile, 30% still view the U.S. as an ally, and another 27% see it as a neutral country.

This data comes amid rising tensions between the two countries. U.S. President Donald Trump has proposed new tariffs targeting Canadian exports and has suggested that Canada should consider becoming a U.S. state.

Survey Overview

• Conducted: February 14–17, 2025
• Participants: 1,500 Canadians and 1,000 Americans
• Method: Online survey (no margin of error assigned)

Sébastien Dallaire, Leger’s executive vice-president for Eastern Canada, noted the division among Canadians was surprising. “The United States has long been a strong ally, yet many Canadians now express animosity,” he said.

Canadians’ Perception of the U.S.

• 27% consider the U.S. an enemy
• 30% see the U.S. as an ally
• 27% view the U.S. as neutral

Dallaire acknowledged the “rally-around-the-flag” effect shaping these views, likely influenced by recent political rhetoric and economic threats.

Americans’ Perception of Canada

• 56% see Canada as an ally
• 1% view Canada as an enemy
• 43% consider Canada neutral or had no opinion

This contrast highlights how tensions are less reciprocated by Americans.

Views on President Trump

Canadians overwhelmingly disapprove of Trump’s leadership:

• 74% hold an unfavorable view of Trump
• 13% view him favorably
• 7% are unsure

Among Canadian political party supporters:

• 27% of Conservatives have a favorable opinion of Trump
• 5% of Liberals and 7% of NDP supporters feel the same
• Bloc Québécois voters largely disapprove

Partisan Divide on U.S.-Canada Relations

Political affiliation plays a key role in Canadians’ views:

Conservative Supporters

• 48% see the U.S. as an ally
• 18% view it as an enemy

Liberal Supporters

• 20% see the U.S. as an ally
• 37% call it an enemy

NDP Supporters

• 21% view the U.S. as an ally
• 34% consider it an enemy

Bloc Québécois Supporters

• 47% view the U.S. as an enemy country

Dallaire commented, “There’s a clear partisan gap, with Conservatives more favorable toward the U.S. compared to other party supporters.”

Economic Concerns Fuel Sentiment Shift

Trump’s proposed tariffs on Canadian goods raise economic fears. Many Canadians worry about potential job losses and higher costs for imported goods.

Economic experts warn that trade disruptions could impact industries like automotive manufacturing, agriculture, and technology.

While Canada and the U.S. share deep economic and cultural ties, recent political tensions have shifted Canadian public opinion. As economic policies evolve, these attitudes may continue to change.

The Leger poll reflects growing concerns over cross-border relations, with political rhetoric and economic threats playing a significant role.

More…

• https://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/article/new-poll-says-27-of-canadians-view-the-united-states-as-an-enemy-country
• https://toronto.citynews.ca/2025/02/20/new-poll-says-27-of-canadians-view-the-u-s-as-an-enemy-country
• https://www.stalbertgazette.com/national-news/in-the-news-today-canadians-perception-of-us-changing-as-new-lumber-tariffs-loom-10259710