U.S. relations including tariffs, and fiscal issues top of mind for Canadians, poll shows
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Posted Mar 25, 2025 06:08:44 AM.
As the federal election race enters its first week of campaigning, a CityNews-Leger poll conducted earlier this month finds U.S. relations, including tariffs under the Trump administration, the cost of living, and the economy, are the most important issues for Canadians.
Health care, affordable housing, immigration and the environment rounded up the top issues respondents were asked about in the poll.
Overall, the poll also found that voters surveyed considered the federal Liberals and its leader, Mark Carney, the best equipped to deal with U.S. relations.
Below is a breakdown of the results.
The online poll was conducted between March 10 and March 13 among 1,504 Canadians aged 18 years of age or older, which were weighted according to age, gender, region and education to ensure a representative sample of the Canadian population. A probability sample of this size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.49 per cent.
On Sunday, Carney formally met with the Governor-General to dissolve the 44th parliament, sending Canadians to the polls on April 28.
Issues top of mind today vs. after election
When asked what the most important issue is when thinking about Canada today, 26 per cent of voters polled pointed to U.S. relations, while 22 per cent said inflation, and 10 per cent said the economy.
Among those polled, 41 per cent of Liberal voters said the most important issue to them is U.S. relations, whereas Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) voters are more concerned with inflation (25 per cent) and the economy (15 per cent).
Regionally, 32 per cent of Quebec residents said Canada-U.S. relations is the most important issue, while 29 per cent of Albertans said inflation is top of mind.
Those aged 55 and older polled (39 per cent) are more concerned with U.S. relations, while inflation and the economy are more important to those in the 18-34 and 35-54 age groups, at 25 per cent and 29 per cent, respectively.
According to the poll, Canada-U.S. relations continue to be the top priority for one-third (36 per cent) of Canadians for when a new federal government is elected, versus 27 per cent for the cost of living, and 16 per cent saying the economy.
Across the country, U.S. relations seem to be more important to Ontarians (38 per cent) but less so for those in B.C. (29 per cent). Their concern for the relationship increases with age, with those aged 55 and older more likely to agree with that sentiment. While those under 55 are more likely to lean towards the cost of living.
Meanwhile, U.S.-Canada relations under the Trump administration are a “greater priority” for Liberal voters (52 per cent) and NDP voters (37 per cent), while the cost of living is more important for CPC voters (32 per cent).
Party preference among Canadians on key issues
When it comes to which party is best equipped to handle relations with the U.S., 37 per cent of those polled said the Liberals, compared to 31 per cent for the CPC. However, the Conservatives fare better on fiscal matters. The two parties are equal when it comes to health care; however, the CPC edged the Liberals on immigration issues, at 36 per cent versus 25 per cent for the Liberals.
However, around 20-25 per cent of Canadians admitted they don’t know which party is best to manage U.S.-Canada relations, inflation, the economy, health care, immigration, and the environment.
The poll also found there is a regional variance on which party is better equipped to manage U.S. relations.
In Ontario and Quebec, more than 40 per cent of those polled in each province sided with the Liberals, while in B.C. and the Atlantic provinces, support in each region garnered over 35 per cent. Meanwhile, in Alberta and Saskatchewan/Manitoba, over 40 per cent of those polled in each province considered the CPC the best to handle the issue.
The topic of Canada-U.S. relations also varied with different individuals.
“While men are equally as likely to say Liberal as they are to say CPC, they’re more likely to say CPC than women. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to say they’re unsure,” according to the results of the poll.
“Older Canadians are more likely to feel the Liberals are better equipped to manage the issue.”
Party leader preference among Canadians on key issues
Overall, 37 per cent of those polled think Carney will be able to best address U.S. relations under a Trump administration and 36 per cent say the Liberal leader is the preferred choice in dealing with the economy. However, 34 per cent say CPC Leader Pierre Poilievre is expected to better handle immigration and 31 per cent favour him to handle the cost of living and affordability.
However, a “sizeable proportion of Canadians” say they don’t know which leader is best equipped to handle the main issues.
CPC and Liberal voters, (75 per cent and 64 per cent, respectively) are more likely to think their own party leader is best to manage the U.S. relations; while 52 per cent of NDP supporters and 34 per cent of Green voters are more likely to opt for Carney.
Regionally, there are differences in who voters think is the best candidate to handle U.S. relations.
In B.C., Ontario and Quebec, 40 per cent of those polled in each province sided with Carney, while 42 per cent in Alberta and Saskatchewan/Manitoba favoured Poilievre.
Carney also appears to have more support among older Canadians. However, more men believe Poilievre is the best suited to handle the issue.
“While men are equally as likely to say Carney as they are to say Poilievre, they’re more likely than women to pick Poilievre to manage the issue. Women, on the other hand, are more likely to say they’re unsure. Older Canadians are more likely to feel Carney is better equipped to manage the issue,” the poll results state.
