Canadians Have Mixed Feelings on Banning Exports to the U.S. in Response to Tariffs
While a majority (54%) of Canadians would initially support banning critical exports to the U.S. if Trump imposes tariffs, they feel it is unfair to ask Alberta to disproportionately suffer as a result of such bans. They also fear short-run actions may result in long-term pain.
These are some of the findings of an Innovative Research Group (INNOVATIVE) survey of 1,000 Canadians. The online survey was conducted between January 16th to 21st, 2025.
Survey respondents were informed that currently Canada supplies one quarter of all the oil used in the U.S., and there is a debate over whether the federal government should ban the export of oil to the U.S. if the U.S. places tariffs on Canadian exports to the U.S.
With this in mind, 59% agree that since Canada supplies 25% of all the oil used in the U.S., banning Canadian oil exports to the U.S. is a very effective way to put pressure on the U.S.
However, 52% feel it is unfair to ask Alberta to bear the economic damage of banning oil exports to the US while Canada continues to export products that create benefits in other provinces like hydro in Quebec and car parts in Ontario. In Alberta, 71% share this sentiment, 54% in Ontario, and 42% in Quebec.
And, finally, 56% say given the jobs and long-term economic benefits created by Canada’s oil and gas exports, we should be careful not to take actions in the short run that could hurt our long-term relationship.
Click here to read the full report!
