A new poll on the USMCA suggests Canadians are feeling deal-makers' remorse - Macleans.ca
More respondents were disappointed with the deal than pleased with it, meaning a presumptive plus for the Liberals could be a liability
macleans.caHere’s the latest I can share based on recent polling coverage.
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Canadians show mixed views on a new Canada–U.S. trade deal and are wary about the likelihood that Washington would fully abide by any agreement. A notable poll result reported in early May 2026 indicated substantial doubt about Donald Trump’s willingness or ability to honor a rapid trade deal, with a sizable minority confident the White House would adhere to terms and many Canadians preferring patience for a stronger arrangement.[1]
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Separate surveys in 2025-2026 similarly found Australians? (Note: this section summarizes relevant polling around Canada–U.S. trade attitudes rather than broader public opinion) Overall, sentiment leaned toward wanting a deal that protects Canadian interests and avoids rushed concessions, especially given ongoing tariff disputes and sector-specific friction.[4][5]
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There appears to be regional and partisan variation in expectations: some Americans, including Trump supporters, have expressed favorable views about the deal, while Canadian public opinion has trended toward delaying or conditioning agreement on stronger protections and comprehensive addressing of tariffs and irritants.[2][8]
Key takeaways for the Canada–U.S. trade talks outlook
- Public appetite leans toward careful negotiation over speed; many respondents worry about whether a quick deal would be durable.[1]
- The fate of any deal remains tied to U.S. tariff policy, sectoral concessions (autos, steel, lumber), and the broader review of the USMCA framework.[4][1]
- Confidence in cross-border negotiation varies by source and timeframe, with recent Bloomberg and Bloomberg-linked polling showing persistent skepticism about near-term breakthroughs.[5]
If you want, I can narrow this to: (a) the most recent Canadian poll results and what they imply about the preferred negotiating posture, (b) the latest U.S. public sentiment toward Canada trade talks, or (c) a side-by-side timeline of recent negotiation milestones and expected review dates. I can also search for more precise, up-to-date poll numbers from specific polling firms or news outlets.