A new global survey by the Pew Research Center shows 59 percent of Canadians believe the US poses a threat, up sharply from just 20 percent in 2019. At the same time, 55 percent still call the US their closest ally, highlighting the complicated emotions many Canadians feel about their powerful neighbor to the south.
“Canada stands out. The change in views toward the US here has been significant,” said Janell Fetterolf, senior researcher at Pew.
With US President Donald Trump pushing new tariffs and hinting at annexation rhetoric, even suggesting Canada could become a US state, Canadians are feeling uneasy.
Economic friction and fear
Canada was an early target of Trump’s aggressive trade tactics. He imposed steel and aluminum tariffs tied to fentanyl trafficking concerns in March, then rolled them back days later for goods meeting the Canada-US-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) terms. He also floated massive tariffs on copper (50 percent) and pharmaceuticals (200 percent).
A July 21 deadline looms for finalizing a new Canada-US economic and security agreement. If no deal is reached, Ottawa has warned it will respond with counter-tariffs, possibly hitting the auto sector, a move the Canadian Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association strongly opposes.
“Counter-tariffs hurt Canadian jobs too,” the association said in a statement.
Views shift across the globe
Pew’s study, conducted across 24 countries from January to April, shows the US was labeled a top economic threat by many. Russia was named the top security threat in Europe, while China was seen as both across the Asia-Pacific region.
In Canada, 75 percent said the US is an economic threat, and 53 percent said it’s a national security threat.
Meanwhile, Americans remain largely positive about Canada, with 74 percent holding a favorable view, according to a separate Pew poll conducted in March.
What’s next?
Prime Minister Mark Carney has walked a diplomatic tightrope. He’s emphasized trade diversification, increased defense spending to reassure allies, and avoided confrontation with Trump at last month’s G7 summit in Calgary.
Canada and the US share the world’s longest border, deep economic ties, and cultural connections, but more Canadians now wonder if a best friend can also be a threat.
