There’s something about an external threat that unites people like nothing else. And if there’s one thing Donald Trump has been consistent about, it’s giving Canadians a reason to stand together. His tariffs and threats against Canada’s sovereignty have done something no government policy or national initiative ever could—they’ve reignited a strong sense of Canadian pride across the country.
A new poll conducted by Leger Marketing for the Association for Canadian Studies shows that national pride among Canadians has surged, jumping from 80% in November 2024 to 86% this month. That’s an impressive shift in just a few months, and the numbers tell an even more interesting story when you break them down.
Perhaps the most surprising finding in this poll is that Quebec—historically the most nationalistic and sometimes the most skeptical of Canadian identity—is significantly contributing to this newfound unity. Pride in Canada among Quebecers has risen from 81% to 86%, helping drive the national increase. For decades, Quebec has often seen itself as distinct from the rest of Canada, but Trump’s aggressive rhetoric seems to be reminding many people in the province that Canada as a whole is worth defending.
Ontario, the Prairies, and British Columbia have also seen large spikes in national pride. British Columbia, in particular, has had the most dramatic increase, jumping from 70% to 90%. It’s clear that in the face of external pressure, Canadians are rallying around their identity in ways we haven’t seen in a long time.
Interestingly, while national pride has increased across most of the country, the Atlantic provinces and Alberta have seen a decline. Atlantic Canada, which has historically had the highest levels of national pride, saw a small drop from 91% to 89%. Alberta’s decline, from 84% to 74%, is more significant and likely tied to the province’s long-standing economic frustrations and political tensions with Ottawa.
This division isn’t new—Alberta has often felt alienated from the rest of the country, particularly regarding energy policies and economic decisions. But while the rest of Canada is finding common ground against a shared external adversary, Alberta’s frustration with federal policies may be dampening the effect.
Despite the increase in national pride, Canadians remain aware of their complex relationship with the U.S. Another Leger poll found that while 53% of Canadians believe they have more in common with Americans than with any other people in the world, a strong majority—78%—still believe Canadians have unique shared values that set them apart.
Canadians overwhelmingly see themselves as more welcoming, kind, and respectful of civil rights compared to Americans. In the age of Trump, this distinction has become even more pronounced. While some of this sentiment might be a reaction to Trump’s bombastic and divisive approach, it also reflects deeper values that Canadians hold dear.
Jack Jedwab, president of the Metropolis Institute and the Association for Canadian Studies, noted that these polling numbers are the highest levels of Canadian pride he’s seen in decades. He attributes much of it to Trump’s threats, which have forced Canadians to reflect on what their country means to them. Even former prime minister Jean Chrétien recently remarked that Trump has united Canadians “as never before.”
At a time when political divides often feel more pronounced than ever, it’s remarkable to see Canadians from coast to coast (with a few exceptions) coming together in solidarity. The question now is: can this renewed sense of unity last? Or will it fade as soon as the immediate threat disappears?
For now, though, let’s take a moment to appreciate what’s happening. Canadians are standing up, recognizing what makes their country special, and feeling a sense of belonging that sometimes gets taken for granted. If it took Trump to remind us how much we love our country, maybe that’s one good thing to come out of his presidency after all.
