Canada Divided on China Trade: New Poll Reveals Split

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 5:20 GMT by Global News
      Locales: CANADA, CHINA

Ottawa, February 8th, 2026 - A new poll released today underscores the increasingly complex and divided views Canadians hold regarding the country's relationship with China. The Leger poll, conducted for Global News, reveals a nation split on the benefits of trade with Beijing, and deeply wary of the perceived potential conflicts of interest arising from former Bank of Canada governor Mark Carney's advisory role with a major Chinese sovereign wealth fund.

The poll, completed between January 30th and February 1st with a sample of 1,634 Canadians (with a 2.3% margin of error), found that 41% of respondents support continued trade with China, while 39% oppose it. The remaining 20% remain undecided, reflecting a significant level of ambivalence. This near-even split highlights the delicate balancing act Canada faces: leveraging the economic opportunities presented by the world's second-largest economy while navigating growing concerns about its political system and international behavior.

However, the findings regarding Mark Carney's involvement with CIC Capital, a unit of China Investment Corporation (CIC), paint a far more concerning picture. A substantial 63% of Canadians expressed concern over Carney's position on the international advisory council, a role he's held since 2021. This apprehension isn't simply a matter of personal dislike; it stems from a widespread belief that his expertise, honed during years of leadership within the Canadian financial system, could inadvertently benefit a state-owned entity linked to the Chinese government.

"There's a sense that there's a potential conflict of interest when somebody who's previously held a key position in Canada is now advising an entity that's directly tied to the Chinese government," explained Philip Fournier, president of Leger. This sentiment is echoed by critics who argue that Carney's knowledge of Canadian financial institutions and policy, coupled with CIC's massive $200+ billion in assets, creates a national security risk.

Conservative MP James Milman has been a vocal critic, publicly calling for Carney to resign. "He's got a lot of experience with Canadian financial institutions, with Canadian policy. That's valuable, and it's concerning that that knowledge is now being used to advise a Chinese state-owned enterprise," Milman stated. The argument isn't necessarily that Carney is acting maliciously, but that his advice, however well-intentioned, could strengthen China's economic and potentially strategic position at the expense of Canadian interests.

The poll further confirms a growing perception among Canadians that China is actively attempting to increase its influence over Canada. A majority - 58% - believe this to be the case, while only 23% disagree. This belief is fuelled by ongoing reports of Chinese cyberattacks targeting Canadian infrastructure, alleged interference in Canadian elections, and concerns over the treatment of Uyghurs and other minorities within China.

This heightened level of concern comes at a critical juncture for Canada-China relations. While China remains a vital trading partner for various Canadian industries--particularly in resource extraction and agriculture--Ottawa is under increasing pressure to diversify its trade relationships and reduce its economic dependence on Beijing. The recent trend towards 'friend-shoring,' prioritizing trade with allied nations, reflects this strategic shift.

Furthermore, the incident with Canadian citizens Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor, detained in China in 2018 in apparent retaliation for the arrest of Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou, continues to cast a long shadow over the relationship. The perceived lack of reciprocity and the arbitrary nature of their detention have solidified a sense of mistrust among many Canadians.

The current situation demands a nuanced approach from the Canadian government. A complete severance of trade ties with China is unrealistic and would likely inflict significant economic pain. However, a continuation of 'business as usual' is equally untenable, given the growing security and ethical concerns. Experts suggest a focus on strengthening domestic resilience, diversifying trade partnerships, and implementing robust safeguards to protect Canadian intellectual property and critical infrastructure. The debate surrounding Mark Carney's role serves as a microcosm of the broader challenge: how to engage with a powerful and increasingly assertive China while safeguarding Canadian sovereignty and values.