Canada Digs In: Ottawa Treats Tariffs as the New Normal

Canada signalled a more assertive approach to rising U.S. protectionism this week, unveiling a series of moves that suggest the government is preparing for a more contested North American trade landscape. Ottawa framed these actions as part of a broader strategy to shore up key industries, re-examine long-standing policy assumptions, and accelerate diversification toward faster-growing global markets. While the public announcements were brief, they point to significant shifts in Canada’s industrial posture and trade strategy. Public sentiment – captured in our own public opinion research – demonstrates just how strongly the country feels about the need for a revised position. The full breakdown of measures, sector impacts, and implications for international businesses reveals just how far the government is prepared to go as it enters this next phase of economic realignment.