Canadians Overwhelmingly Support Retaliatory Export Taxes on Oil Shipments Amidst Trump Tariffs

A recent poll by Nanos Research Group reveals widespread support among Canadians for imposing export taxes on oil shipments if necessary to counter President Trump's tariffs. The poll indicates that the majority of Canadians are angered by Trump's actions and believe that the government should threaten such levies if the tariffs are reimposed.

Key Findings:

* 82% of Canadians support raising the price on oil exports to the US in response to tariffs on other goods.
* 72% of residents in oil-rich Prairie provinces support this measure.
* 90% of people in Atlantic provinces with offshore oil projects support using export taxes.
* 79% nationwide support retaliatory tariffs on US imports, despite potential price increases.

Context:

Export taxes on energy have been a politically contentious issue in Canada. However, the strong public support suggests that Trudeau's government may have greater flexibility in threatening these measures.

Trump's executive order initially proposed a 25% tariff on all Canadian exports except for "energy," which would have been subject to a 10% tariff. Trump claimed this was necessary to address fentanyl trafficking, but evidence suggests this is not a significant issue.

After talks with Trudeau, the tariffs were delayed for 30 days. Canada agreed to pause its own retaliatory tariffs, but Trump has warned that the threat remains.

Canadian Response:

Prime Minister Trudeau has adopted a cautious approach, indicating that he does not want any region or industry to bear an undue burden. He is working with provincial leaders to explore other options to resolve the trade dispute.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has vehemently opposed export taxes, arguing that they would harm the provincial economy. Smith has refused to support the federal government's response plan while the threat of tariffs remains.

Implications:

Export taxes on oil would likely be a last resort for Canada in a trade war with the US. They would impact a major economic driver and potentially increase the cost of oil flowing through US pipelines.

However, the public support for such measures gives the Canadian government leverage in negotiations and signals that Canadians are willing to take action to protect their economy.