OTTAWA

A shocking new poll indicates that 40% of Canadians are deeply concerned about losing their jobs due to the escalating trade war with the United States and the implementation of tariffs by former President Donald Trump.

The Leger poll surveyed over 1,500 Canadian adults from March 7 to March 10, revealing that job security fears are particularly pronounced in Ontario, where more than half of the workforce expressed worries. In contrast, only about 24% of workers in Atlantic Canada reported similar fears.

The uncertainty is felt across the country: 39% of respondents from both British Columbia and the Manitoba/Saskatchewan region voiced concerns, while 35% of Albertans and 26% of Quebeckers reported distress over job security. Notably, men were significantly more anxious about unemployment than women—44% versus 36%. Younger workers aged 18 to 54 were also more apprehensive, with 42% fearing job loss compared to just 34% of those over 55.

This trend of rising job loss anxiety among Canadians has fluctuated since the start of the year, hitting a peak of 42% in late February. Meanwhile, while a reassuring 61% of respondents classified their household finances as “good,” nearly half reported living paycheck to paycheck.

Andrew Enns, executive vice-president of Central Canada for Leger, highlighted the detrimental impact of widespread job loss fears on the economy, as these anxieties cause individuals to postpone purchases and investments. He speculated that Ontario's high concern levels during the recent provincial election were influenced by dire predictions from politicians regarding the adverse effects of Trump’s tariffs on employment.

A more in-depth analysis revealed a disturbing uptick in the proportion of individuals who categorized themselves as “very” concerned about job security, rising from 11% to 15% in just a matter of weeks. If significant layoffs occur as a result of these tariffs, Enns anticipates that the polling figures could change even more drastically in the coming weeks.

The repercussions of Trump’s aggressive tariff policies are already being felt in the business sector, with new data from the Bank of Canada showing that 40% of companies are curtailing their hiring and investment initiatives amid increasing trade uncertainty. Since these policies took effect, markets have been volatile, with the administration imposing a 25% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from all countries, including Canada.

In industries closely tied to exports, job security concerns are particularly acute. The Bank of Canada survey found that nearly 75% of workers in mining, oil, and gas expressed apprehension about their job stability, while 60% of manufacturing employees share these fears. Even in finance, insurance, and agriculture sectors, close to half of those surveyed reported worries about potential job losses.

Bea Bruske, president of the Canadian Labour Congress, expressed alarm over growing sentiments among workers, some of whom are contemplating selling their homes due to looming uncertainty. She mentioned “pockets of layoffs” reported across the nation, indicating that even though current layoffs may be limited, employers are signaling their anxiety about the future.

Business owners, particularly in manufacturing, have noted a decline in orders from U.S. clients, adding to the climate of unease. Bruske forecasted a potential increase in layoffs if tariffs persist, emphasizing that people are anxious about what their employment futures may hold.

As this situation unfolds, experts and analysts are closely monitoring the implications of these tariffs on the Canadian job market and the wider economy, with many urging the importance of addressing these fears before they escalate further.

Stay tuned for updates as this ongoing story develops!