As the Iran war reshapes global diplomacy and energy markets, new Leger data shows Canadians are paying attention, opposing direct alignment with U.S. and Israeli strikes, and prioritizing neutrality, affordability, and de-escalation.
According to Leger’s most recent poll regarding the matter, 67% of Canadians say they are closely following the conflict. This figure is similar to that in the United States, though Americans are more likely to say they are following the conflict very closely (30%), compared to 21% of Canadians.
These findings come as Ottawa continues to stress de-escalation and civilian protection, while energy markets and global supply routes remain under pressure. In Canada, public opinion appears to be shaped less by support for intervention than by concern over prices, jobs, and stability.
Most Canadians Oppose Military Escalation
Public opinion in Canada leans clearly against the strikes. Nearly six in ten Canadians (58%), oppose U.S. and Israeli bombing of Iran. Only 25% support the military action.
While Canadians are following the conflict closely, their views differ from those seen in the United States, where opinion is more divided, with 44% opposed and 38% supportive.
Strong Preference for a Neutral Canadian Position
Canadians are also clear about the role they want Canada to play. Most Canadians are not looking for Ottawa to pick a side militarily. They are looking for restraint.
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- 67% say Canada should remain neutral and not support either side in the conflict.
- While only 25% believe Canada should support the United States and Israel in their attacks on Iran.
Economic Fallout Is the Dominant Concern
The strongest reaction in the survey is tied to affordability and economic risk.
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- A striking 91% of Canadians say they are concerned the conflict will drive up the cost of gasoline and groceries.
- Another 82% worry that the war could contribute to a global recession and layoffs in Canada.
For many Canadians, the Iran war is not only a foreign policy issue. It is also a cost of living issue.
However, these concerns reflect different national priorities in the U.S. Since the U.S. began attacking Iran, gas prices in the U.S. have skyrocketed, which could be a significant factor in U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision on when to end the war. Nevertheless, Americans show a little more concern about security risks:
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- 78% about terrorism;
- 76% about military involvement.
Canadians Distinguish Between Defence and Regime Change
Even so, neutrality does not mean indifference. Views become more nuanced when the question shifts from offensive action to defensive engagement.
Canadians appear to distinguish between offensive action and limited, defensive involvement. A majority, 59%, would support committing ground troops to defend a NATO member attacked by Iran. Support drops to 54% for protecting oil refineries and shipping, and to 39% for joining a coalition aimed at regime change in Iran.
Energy Security Is Also Part of the Considerations
The conflict is also shaping views on domestic energy capacity. Nearly three quarters of Canadians (74%) say Canada should immediately take steps, where possible, to expand oil and natural gas production capacity in response to supply disruptions linked to the conflict.
There is also a clear sense that this crisis may not end quickly. While 14% of Canadians think the conflict will last only a few more weeks, 35% expect it to continue for a few months and 27% think it will last at least a year. That uncertainty matters politically. The longer the Iran war continues, the more likely it is to remain tied to questions of affordability, security, energy, and Canada’s place within allied decision-making.
Methodology
This online survey was conducted from March 13 to March 16, 2026, among 1,608 Canadians and 1,006 Americans aged 18 and older. Respondents were randomly recruited from Leger’s LEO online panel. Results were weighted by age, gender, mother tongue, region, education and presence of children in the household in order to ensure a representative sample of the Canadian population, and according to age, gender, region, education, ethnicity, and number of people in the household in order to ensure a representative sample of the American population.
A margin of error cannot be associated with a non-probability sample. For comparison purposes, a probability sample of this size yields a margin of error no greater than ±2.44%, (19 times out of 20) for the Canadian sample, ±3.09%, (19 times out of 20) for the American sample.
