Recent polling data reveals a significant surge in national pride among Canadians in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariffs and controversial sovereignty threats. Conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies, the findings indicate that the pride of Canadians in their national identity has jumped from 80 percent in November 2024 to a remarkable 86 percent this March.

The data indicates that older Canadians express the highest levels of pride, with a staggering 92 percent of people aged 55 and over proudly identifying as Canadian. This is contrasted with 86 percent of those aged 35 to 54 and 75 percent among the youth aged 18 to 34, highlighting a generational divide in feelings of national pride.

The survey, which sampled over 1,500 Canadians between March 1 and March 2, showcases varied responses across different provinces. In Quebec, pride increased from 81 percent to 86 percent, while in Ontario, it jumped from 80 percent to 87 percent. The Canadian Prairies also saw a rise in pride, increasing from 77 percent to 86 percent in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, as well as a notable increase from 70 percent to 90 percent in British Columbia.

However, not all regions shared this wave of pride. In Atlantic Canada, pride slightly declined from 91 percent to 89 percent since November, and Alberta witnessed an even more pronounced drop from 84 percent to 74 percent.

The demographic breakdown also reveals interesting disparities. Among younger Canadians aged 18 to 34, pride is notably higher among francophones (80 percent) compared to their anglophone counterparts (74 percent). However, in older age categories, anglophone pride surpasses that of francophones, with 93 percent of anglophone Canadians aged 55 and older voicing their national pride compared to 87 percent of francophones.

Importantly, the survey discovered that pride transcends ethnic and cultural divides, boasting figures such as 81 percent of visible minorities, 85 percent of immigrants, and 85 percent of Indigenous respondents expressing pride in being Canadian.

Jack Jedwab, president and CEO of the Metropolis Institute and the Association for Canadian Studies, noted that the recent actions from the Trump administration, particularly his threats to exert "economic force" against Canada, have prompted Canadians to reflect on their national identity. Jedwab remarked that this unique challenge has fostered an unprecedented sense of unity among Canadians, stating, “The threats from the Trump administration have really made Canadians think about the value of their country.”

Perhaps more surprisingly, while 53 percent of Canadians believe they have more in common with Americans than with any other nationality, an overwhelming 78 percent assert that Canadians share distinct values that set them apart from their American neighbors. Respondents identified qualities such as friendliness, kindness, inclusiveness, and respect for civil rights as key characteristics that differentiate Canadians.

Jedwab adds, “I think some of that perception stems from the current climate in the U.S., which has given the impression that we’re dealing with bullies. That doesn't align with who we are as Canadians.”

As reactions to these poll results continue to unfold, one thing is clear: the challenges posed by the external political climate have ignited a profound sense of national pride across Canada that shows no signs of waning.

Stay tuned as we continue to monitor how this pride evolves in the face of future geopolitical challenges!