📊 Ipsos Poll: “Buy Canadian” Support Remains Strong but Nuanced
Sept 25, 2025
The latest poll in Ipsos’ Trump, Tariffs and Turmoil series surveyed 2,001 Canadian adults between Sept. 9–12. It found that a majority of Canadians who changed their purchasing habits because of trade tensions intend to stick with Canadian goods even when relations improve; 82% said they will keep buying Canadian products (Ipsos). Avoidance of U.S. goods is showing signs of fatigue — 57% plan to keep avoiding American products, down seven points from August.
Generational differences are stark. Boomers are far more likely to prioritize buying Canadian (70% vs. ~50% among Gen X and Millennials) and to avoid American goods (71% vs. ~52% for younger cohorts). The poll also warns companies against “maple washing” — 53% of respondents said they would stop buying from a firm that falsely exaggerates how Canadian its products are. Ipsos’ methodology notes a ±2.7 percentage-point credibility interval.
Our Take
The poll underscores that the “Buy Canadian” movement is more than a flash-in-the-pan reaction to tariffs; it’s becoming a durable part of consumer identity. Older Canadians, who hold more purchasing power, are driving the movement, but waning enthusiasm for avoiding U.S. goods hints at fatigue. Companies that hope to ride the patriotic wave must be careful not to misrepresent the Canadian content of their products or they risk a backlash.
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