Economic Concerns

12 February 2025

From February 7 to 10, 2025, we surveyed Canadians on economic concerns.

Highlights include…

  • Overall, Canadians (82%) are concerned that Donald Trump could use tariffs or trade sanctions to pressure Canada into a closer union with the U.S.​ Concern is highest among Liberal (93%) and NDP (92%) voters, while Conservative supporters are less worried (75%)​. In response to these threats, a majority of Canadians (81%) plan to or have increased purchases of Canadian-made products, while 59% say they will or did stop buying U.S. alcohol, and 56% will or avoid traveling to the U.S.
  • With 86% of Canadians worried the economy may worsen, many say they already feel the impact of rising costs, particularly for fresh fruits and vegetables (72%) and packaged goods (67%)​. Concerns over price increases for groceries are higher among Quebecers (76%), whereas concerns over gasoline prices (59%) are highest in British Columbia (78%) and the Prairies​ (69%). Half of Canadians (54%) also say they have postponed major household purchases due to economic uncertainty. This proportion is higher among Canadians ages 18 to 34 years old (62%).
  • Most Canadians (85%) feel proud to be Canadian, with 58% saying that they are very proud​ and 55% considering Canada one of the best countries to live in. The threats of tariffs and President Trump’s comments appear to influence Canadians’ sense of pride, as both measures have seen significant increases since the last survey on that topic in June 2024. At that time, 76% of Canadians said they were proud to be Canadian, and 41% considered it the best country.

Methodology

The results for this wave of research are based on online research conducted from February 7 to 10, 2025, with a representative sample of 1,590 Canadian adults 18 years of age and older from Leger’s LEO panel.

The data was statistically weighted according to 2021 Canadian Census figures. ​

A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample in a panel survey, but for comparison purposes, a probability sample of 1,590 would have a margin of error of +/- 2.46%, 19 times out of 20.

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