Breaking: Canadians dumping U.S. trips & booze…but you won’t believe what they can’t give up!

In a recent poll conducted by Leger, Canadians appear to be ready to flex their financial muscles in response to U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff threats and attacks on Canadian sovereignty. The survey, which included 1,590 Canadian participants from Feb. 7 to Feb. 10, 2025, reveals some interesting insights into consumer behavior amidst these geopolitical tensions.

1. Increased Support for Canadian Products
   • An overwhelming 81% of respondents shared that they have already started or plan to increase their purchases of Canadian-made products.
   • This surge in support for domestic products reflects a strong sense of national pride and a desire to uphold Canadian industries.
2. Streaming Services Loyalty
   • Surprisingly, only 28% of Canadians indicated they would be cancelling their subscriptions to U.S. streaming services, while 34% expressed they would not be doing so.
   • The reluctance to part ways with platforms like Netflix and Disney+ despite political tensions might indicate a lack of viable alternatives in the Canadian market.
3. Travel and Alcohol Decisions
   • A significant portion of respondents, 56%, stated they are ready to cancel or avoid travel to the U.S., and 59% are ditching U.S. alcohol.
   • These decisions to forgo travel and alcohol originating from the U.S. may signify a collective stand against policies seen as detrimental to Canadian interests.
4. Political Affiliation
   • The survey uncovered variations in responses based on political leanings, with Liberal and Bloc Québécois supporters showing more enthusiasm toward cancelling streaming services compared to NDP or Conservative backers.
   • This divide among support bases may reflect differing perspectives on how to express dissent against U.S. policies.
5. Generational Differences
   • Interestingly, almost two-thirds of respondents over 55 years old and nearly half of those between 18 and 34 stated they would avoid or cancel travel to the U.S.
   • These age-related distinctions in behavior highlight how geopolitical tensions can influence travel decisions across different age groups.
6. Economic Uncertainty Impact
   • The Leger survey also pointed out that economic anxiety is causing many Canadians to postpone major household purchases, with over half of respondents delaying such decisions due to economic uncertainty.
   • This hesitance to make big-ticket purchases underscores the impact of political tensions on consumer confidence and financial decisions.

In conclusion, the survey findings shed light on how Canadians are navigating their consumer choices in response to geopolitical factors. While there is strong support for Canadian products and a readiness to make certain sacrifices, such as avoiding travel to the U.S., loyalty to U.S. streaming services remains relatively high. As the political landscape continues to evolve, it is evident that consumer behavior reflects a complex interplay of national pride, economic concerns, and individual preferences. Businesses and policymakers alike can glean valuable insights from these trends to adapt their strategies and offerings to align with shifting consumer sentiments.