OTTAWA — A recent poll indicates that nearly half of Canadians believe Prime Minister Mark Carney effectively represented Canada during his face-to-face meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. The Leger poll reveals that 48 percent of respondents felt Carney "clearly stood up for Canada’s interests" in the discussions held on May 6, 2025.
In addition to those who felt Carney adequately defended Canadian interests, another 24 percent of participants suggested that he should have adopted a "stronger stance" during the meeting. This suggests a range of opinions among Canadians regarding the adequacy of Carney’s representation of the country.
The Leger report also highlights that a significant 80 percent of Canadians engaged with media coverage related to the historic bilateral meeting between the two leaders. This high level of engagement illustrates the importance and interest Canadians place on their relationship with the United States and the actions taken by their Prime Minister on the international stage.
During the May 6 meeting, Carney notably rejected Trump's proposals for Canada to integrate more closely with the United States. This point became a highlight of the meeting, reflecting Carney's commitment to maintaining Canada’s sovereignty and interests amidst the pressures exerted by the U.S. administration.
When asked about the overall impact of the meeting on Canada-U.S. relations, 40 percent of respondents felt that there was no significant effect. Conversely, 25 percent believed that the meeting likely improved bilateral relations, while 13 percent thought it had a negative impact on the already complex relationship between the two countries. This varied perception showcases the diverse views Canadians hold regarding the outcomes of diplomatic engagements with their southern neighbor.
Conducted online, this poll reached out to 1,500 Canadians between May 9 and May 11, 2025. However, due to the online nature of the survey, it cannot be assigned a traditional margin of error that is often seen in public opinion polling.
This form of polling is instrumental in gauging public sentiment regarding international relations and the effectiveness of leadership in navigating these complex dynamics. As global affairs continue to evolve, the responses from this survey reflect a snapshot of Canadian perspectives on Prime Minister Carney's recent actions on the international stage.
In summary, the Leger poll illustrates a divided opinion among Canadians about their Prime Minister's performance in discussions with U.S. leadership. While many believe he adequately defended Canadian interests, others call for a more assertive approach. This reflects the ongoing complexities of Canada-U.S. relations and the high stakes involved in how these dialogues are conducted.
