(TORONTO – 1 August 2025) – The 2025 federal election proved one thing beyond doubt: economic nationalism isn’t just a political talking point anymore—it’s become a defining issue for Canadian voters. From Mark Carney’s rise as the “steady hand” to manage Trump’s trade threats, to Pierre Poilievre’s promises to put “Canada First,” the campaign centred on a fundamental question: How much are Canadians willing to sacrifice for economic independence
That’s why we at Pallas Data developed Canada’s first Economic Patriotism Index—a comprehensive measure that goes beyond political rhetoric to reveal what Canadians actually believe about the trade-offs between prosperity and sovereignty
Why Now? The Perfect Storm of Economic Nationalism
Three major forces have made economic patriotism the defining issue of our time:
Trump’s Trade War Reality: With 25% tariffs on Canadian goods and threats of annexation, the U.S.-Canada relationship has never been more transactional. The Bank of Canada projects these tariffs could wipe out Canadian economic growth for years, forcing every Canadian to confront a stark choice: prosperity or independence.
The Carney Factor: Mark Carney’s unprecedented rise from central banker to Prime Minister without ever holding elected office reflects Canadians’ desire for technocratic competence over political experience. His entire mandate rests on managing the economic costs of standing up to Trump—the very trade-offs our index measures.
Post-Election Reality Check: The Liberal victory surprised pollsters who had predicted a Conservative landslide. Why? Because when faced with external threats, Canadians chose stability and sovereignty over change. Our index captures this sentiment that traditional polling missed.
Beyond Political Posturing: What the Index Actually Measures
Political parties talk about “standing up for Canada,” but what does that mean in practice? Our Economic Patriotism Index moves beyond rhetoric to measure four key dimensions:
Economic Pain Tolerance: Are Canadians willing to accept higher prices for gas and food to protect Canadian jobs? The answer reveals how serious we are about economic independence when it hits our wallets
Consumer Patriotism: Do Canadians put their money where their maple leaf is? We measure actual willingness to pay premiums for Canadian-made products—the clearest test of economic nationalism.
Sovereignty vs. Growth: When forced to choose between maximum economic growth and economic independence, where do Canadians stand? This fundamental trade-off shapes everything from trade policy to foreign investment rules.
Real Behaviour vs. Stated Beliefs: We validate responses with questions about actual purchasing behaviour. This catches the gap between what people say they believe and what they actually do.
The Trump Effect: Why This Matters More Than Ever
Donald Trump’s return to power has fundamentally changed the Canada-U.S. relationship. His trade war isn’t just about tariffs—it’s about testing Canadian resolve. Every policy decision now carries the implicit question: Are we willing to pay the price to remain independent?
Consider the current reality:
- Retaliatory tariffs are raising consumer prices
- Business investment is declining due to trade uncertainty
- The Canadian dollar has weakened, making imports more expensive
- Supply chains are being disrupted, affecting everything from automotive to agriculture
In this environment, understanding Canadian attitudes toward economic sacrifice isn’t academic—it’s essential for policy-making. Leaders need to know how much economic pain Canadians will accept before support for independence erodes.
Beyond the Headlines: What We’re Really Measuring
The Economic Patriotism Index isn’t just about trade policy—it’s about Canadian identity in a globalized world. When we ask if Canadians will accept lower living standards for economic independence, we’re really asking: What does it mean to be Canadian when being Canadian costs more?
This question has never been more relevant. As global supply chains fragment and economic nationalism rises worldwide, every country faces the same choice between efficiency and sovereignty. Canada’s response will shape our economy for decades.
The Data Democracy Deserves
Canadian democracy needs better data about what citizens actually believe. Traditional polling asks who you’ll vote for—our index asks what you’re willing to sacrifice for your values.
The Economic Patriotism Index provides policymakers, businesses, and citizens with the data needed to navigate our new economic reality. It’s not about left versus right—it’s about understanding the true costs Canadians are willing to bear for the country we want to be.
Looking Forward: A Tool for Turbulent Times
As Canada negotiates its future relationship with the United States, faces decisions about foreign investment, and debates everything from supply chain independence to trade diversification, the Economic Patriotism Index provides a crucial benchmark.
The 2025 election showed that economic patriotism isn’t just a campaign theme—it’s a governing reality. The Economic Patriotism Index helps us understand what that reality actually costs, and whether Canadians are prepared to pay the price.
The Economic Patriotism Index is based on a national survey of Canadian adults conducted via IVR polling. Results are weighted to reflect the Canadian population by age, gender, region, and education. Please click here to The Margin of Truth, Pallas Data CEO’s Joseph Angolano’s Substack to get the results delivered to your inbox on Tuesday, August 5th.
