Canadians Reconsider Ties: Majority Support Stronger Trade Relations with China

As Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on a pivotal visit to China aimed at mending trade ties, recent polling indicates a notable shift in Canadian sentiment toward closer economic relations with the Asian powerhouse. According to an Ipsos survey, 54% of Canadians now favor stronger ties with China, contrasting sharply with the eight out of ten who advocated for distancing from China's economic influence just a few years ago.

The Changing Landscape of Canadian Trade Opinions

The Ipsos poll, conducted in early December 2025, reflects a recalibration of Canadian perspectives influenced by external economic pressures rather than an intrinsic affinity towards China. Darrell Bricker, CEO of Ipsos Public Affairs, suggests that the shift is more about re-evaluating Canada’s global trading strategy in light of U.S. trade policies than a newfound respect for China. “People are thinking about who in the world we’re going to trade with,” Bricker explained, emphasizing the economic realities following the U.S. trade war under President Trump.

The Background: A History of Tension and Tariffs

Historically, Canada’s relations with China have been fraught with tension, particularly following the highly publicized detention of Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor in 2018, which was widely considered retaliation against Canada’s arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou. Trade policies took a hit as a result, with Canada imposing significant tariffs on a variety of Chinese imports, leading to reciprocal tariffs from China on Canadian agricultural products. Notably, the introduction of a 100% tariff on Chinese electric vehicles and a 25% tax on aluminum reflects a strategy mirroring U.S. policies aimed at protecting local industries.

Political and Economic Stakes of the Carney Visit

With Carney’s upcoming trip marking the first official visit by a Canadian prime minister to China since 2017, the stakes are high. This meeting presents not merely an opportunity to foster better diplomatic ties but also a chance to navigate complex challenges in trade relationships. Political leaders from provinces reliant on agriculture, such as Saskatchewan, are advocating for a reevaluation of tariffs to restore vital agricultural exports to China.

Public Opinion and Economic Concerns

The latest survey also reveals a pragmatic lineup of priorities in Canadians’ perceived value of trade agreements. A dominant 71% of respondents underscore the necessity for economic benefits, surpassing concerns for human rights and environmental standards, which ranked lower overall in terms of critical importance. This pragmatism highlights a shift towards prioritizing immediate economic advantages over moral considerations in trade negotiations.

Trade Balance: Values Versus Economic Interests

Despite the apparent emphasis on economic benefits, there remains substantial discourse around balancing trade with ethical considerations. A considerable faction of the population, approximately 25%, supports pursuing trade agreements based exclusively on democratic values and human rights, even at the cost of slower economic growth. However, the poll indicates that a significant majority (around 75%) would favor economic opportunities over adherence to strict values-based trade deals.

Implications for Canadian Businesses

Amidst these shifting sentiments, industry experts caution that Canadian businesses must tread carefully. Concerns voiced by analysts like Margaret McCuaig-Johnston emphasize the necessity of setting “guardrails” around transactions with China to safeguard national interests and avoid pitfalls that could jeopardize business integrity. “We have to be really careful about our relations with China,” she notes, underlining the potential risks associated with deepening economic ties under the current political climate.

Future Perspectives: Navigating Complex Identities

As Canadians contemplate their nation’s relationship with China, the conversation poses an intriguing complexity: how to align economic pursuits with national integrity and security. Kovrig’s commentary brings an important perspective to the debate, advocating for a keen awareness of the implications of trade that entangles values and economic reality.

Conclusion: Moving Forward

The path forward will require nuanced strategy and a deep understanding of both Canadian public sentiment and global economic realities. With opinions on trade with China shifting from outright opposition to cautious engagement, it will be essential for Prime Minister Carney to negotiate a balance that acknowledges the ever-evolving dynamics of international trade, while also upholding Canadian values.