Global Affairs Canada is dedicated to developing and implementing policies and programs informed by thorough analysis and evidence. This includes public opinion research (POR), consultations, and engagement with Canadians and international stakeholders. The department plays a key role in fostering the development and application of international law in Canada’s foreign relations. Given the extensive and vital Canada-U.S. relationship, it is essential for Canada to:

  • Understand the perspectives of both Canadian and American public on key issues.
  • Explore perceptions of our shared allies and international organizations.
  • Reflect on past efforts and identify likely areas of interest for the immediate future.

Of note, there is limited research on Canadians’ & Americans’ attitudes towards Canada or Canadian policies/events/issues beyond broad trends (e.g., support for trade) or high-profile issues such as the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA).  Because of these gaps, public opinion research is being commissioned to help support the development of a communications and advocacy strategy that will resonate with stakeholders in Canada and the United States and which supports Canada’s global role as it intersects with U.S. national interests.

The research will provide key information on the public environment in Canada and the United States as it relates to Canadian issues of interest in the bilateral relationship. The results of this study will help support the development of communications and policies that resonate with the Canadian and American public on key issues of interest for both countries.

Canada:

The survey is comprised of 1,532 Canadians, 18 years of age and older. The survey was conducted across Canada. The survey sample was drawn from the Nanos Research Insights Lab, a probability online panel. It contains about 48,000 Canadians who were randomly recruited to join the panel by RDD land and cell-lines with live agents. The sample drawn is probabilistic in nature and can be extrapolated to the Canadian population.

Results are weighted to population proportions for region, age, and gender from the 2021 Census.

All respondents self-administered the survey online. The randomly recruited probability sample has a margin of error of +/-2.5% at a 95% confidence interval.

The fieldwork was conducted between March 16th and 22nd, 2025. Details on the rate of participation can be found in Appendix A and the questionnaire is provided in Appendix B.

U.S.:

The survey is comprised of 1,870 Americans, 18 years of age and older. The survey was conducted across the U.S.. The survey sample was drawn from the National Opinion Research Centre (NORC) AmeriSpeaks Panel, a probability online panel in the U.S. The panel currently contains approximately 66,000 panelists who were randomly selected from the NORC National Frame and other address-based sample (ABS) frames and recruited by mail, telephone and in-person field interviews. The sample drawn is probabilistic in nature and can be extrapolated to the U.S. population.

Results are weighted to U.S. population proportions for region, age, and gender from the most recent Census.

All respondents self-administered the survey online. The randomly recruited probability sample has a margin of error of +/-2.3% at a 95% confidence interval.

The fieldwork was conducted between April 17th to 21st, 2025. Details on the rate of participation can be found in Appendix A and the questionnaire is provided in Appendix B.

To view the full report in English, click here

To view the full report in French, click here