Majority of Ontarians fear economic fallout from US tariffs on Canada: Survey

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - A survey Wednesday revealed that more than 70% of Ontarians are concerned about the economic effect of US tariffs against Canada.

According to a Nanos Research survey commissioned by CTV News, 76% of respondents said they were worried that the tariffs could negatively affect Ontario’s economy, while 15% were somewhat concerned.

Only 6% were not concerned, and 2% were somewhat not concerned.

Nearly 80% of respondents in the Greater Toronto Area said they were worried, while 80% expressed concern about economic repercussions.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford traveled to Washington and urged American business leaders to push back against the tariffs and lobby Republican lawmakers to reconsider.

The survey, which was conducted between Feb. 8 - 10, comes as Trump fulfilled an election campaign promise and signed an executive order to impose a 25% tariff on imports from Canada and Mexico and a 10% tariff on imports from China.

Canada, in a swift response, announced a 25% levy on US imports.

After a telephone conversation with Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that the US paused the tariffs for 30 days.

The tariff talks, however, have spurred calls for stronger Canadian economic independence.