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Canadians overwhelmingly support the protection of Canadian auto jobs and other key industrial sectors, according to a new Pollara survey. The nationwide poll shows three-in-four (74%) believe if the Canadian auto sector collapsed, it would have a “devastating” impact on the Canadian economy.
Importantly, 70% feel Canada should not sacrifice the auto sector to get a good trade deal with the US, with that figure rising to 75% in Ontario.
“Canadians fully understand the significance of this U.S. attack Canadian workers, their communities and to the country’s entire industrial base,” said Unifor National President Lana Payne. “As a nation it’s clear that we do not want to back down and allow Trump to kill Canadian auto and manufacturing jobs.”
The Pollara poll, commissioned in partnership by Unifor and the Automotive Parts Manufacturers' Association, sampled more than 2,700 people and was in the field Oct. 11 to Oct. 20, 2025.
“Canadian automotive suppliers invest billions of dollars annually in advanced manufacturing work that helps keep this country globally competitive. Canadians understand that this is under threat from abroad precisely because of the high-level employment and economic benefit these commitments generate,” said Flavio Volpe, President, Automotive Parts Manufacturers’ Association.
Facing Trump’s targeted tariffs and rising global uncertainty, Canadians expressed clear concern for key industries. 78% said they worry about the future of the auto sector, tied with forestry (78%), with steel (76%), aluminum (74%), and oil and gas (73%) close behind.
Unifor represents 24,000 forestry sector members spread across 10 Canadian provinces.
As of Oct. 14, 2025, the combined general softwood duty rate now exceeds 45% after the U.S. imposed new Section 232 tariffs by an additional 10% tariff. There are further planned increases on certain upholstered furniture, and kitchen cabinets and vanities, slated to increase by an additional 24% in January 2026.
In June 2025, the U.S. increased the tariff on Canadian aluminum and steel from 25% to 50% under a Section 232, where Trump classifies the imports as a national security threat.
Earlier this month, Unifor cautioned the federal government against entering into piecemeal trade negotiations with the U.S. that could weaken Canada’s overall bargaining position and surrender critical leverage—in steel, aluminum and energy, the very materials the U.S. needs to run its industries—before comprehensive agreements are reached in key sectors such as auto and forestry.
“Canadians know that Trump’s attacks don’t end at our auto industry–they are concerned how these other key sectors in his crosshairs will create instability for them, and threaten our jobs,” added Payne.
“This is an overall attack on Canada’s industrial base.”
The poll also revealed that:
▪63% of Canadians (including 80% of Liberal voters) feel the Government of Canada should provide financial support to keep the auto sector afloat for the duration of the trade war with the US.
▪Two-in-three (67%) Canadians would boycott or consider a boycott of a company that moved its operations from Canada to the US due to tariffs.
View the full poll findings here.
