Business Leaders’ Views on US Policies

27 March 2025

We conducted a survey of senior Canadian business leaders to explore their views on the current economic and political situations in Canada and the United States. This survey of senior decision-makers was conducted among members of our exclusive LEO Decision panel, a proprietary panel of Canadian business leaders built by Leger in collaboration with HEC Montreal.

Highlights include…

  • 63% of senior Canadian business leaders are satisfied with the Canadian government’s response to tariffs imposed by the US government.
  • 88% of senior Canadian business leaders are worried that inflation may rise significantly over the next 6 months, an increase of 9% from last month.
  • 78% of senior Canadian business leaders support expanding trade with the European Union and the United Kingdom, while 16% say that the US should remain Canada’s largest trading partner.
  • Since the uncertainty surrounding tariffs, 51% of senior Canadian business leaders are looking for alternatives to US suppliers or clients, 52% have started investing more in Canada, and 38% have reduced spending in general.

Methodology

This was an online survey among 250 Canadian business leaders from March 19 to 25, 2025, using Leger’s proprietary and unique LEO Decision business panel, built in collaboration with HEC Montréal. Respondents had the option of completing the survey in English or French. 

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