Trust in Canadian Institutions Grows Amid Tensions with U.S.

Public confidence in Canada’s key institutions has seen a notable increase, according to a recent poll conducted by Proof Strategies. The annual CanTrust Index, which surveyed 1,501 Canadians from January 7 to 15, 2026, indicates that trust levels are rising as the country deals with ongoing tensions with the United States.

The findings reveal that trust in government has climbed to **40 percent**, up from **36 percent** in 2025 and **32 percent** in 2021. Trust in small and medium corporations, as well as the news media, has also improved, reaching **45 percent**, an increase from **40 percent** last year. Notably, this marks the highest level of trust in the news media since 2016. Additionally, **57 percent** of Canadians express trust in non-profits and charities, a significant rise from **50 percent** the previous year.

Trust Levels in Various Sectors

While trust in large corporations has declined to **27 percent**, down from **33 percent** last year, other sectors maintain high levels of public confidence. The report indicates that trust in the Canadian electoral system is at a seven-year high of **58 percent**. Other institutions, including the military, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), the healthcare system, the Supreme Court, education systems, and the Bank of Canada, all enjoy trust levels exceeding **50 percent**.

Bruce MacLellan, chair of Proof Strategies, explained the implications of the poll results. He characterized the current sentiment as a “Team Canada” moment, suggesting that the recent pressures from the United States, particularly from the White House, have influenced Canadians’ trust in their own institutions. He stated, “If we assume that the White House will continue to be threatening Canadian sovereignty and Canadian economic independence, I would expect to see Canadians react by circling and showing more trust in our own institutions.”

In the realm of political leadership, Prime Minister Mark Carney emerged as the most trusted federal party leader, garnering **45 percent** support. Trust in other leaders is notably lower: **34 percent** for Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre, **24 percent** for Green Party Leader Elizabeth May, **21 percent** for interim NDP leader Don Davies, and **18 percent** for Bloc Québécois Leader Yves-François Blanchet. Although Carney’s trust rating has decreased from **52 percent** in May 2025, MacLellan noted that the figure remains relatively strong.

Implications for the Economy and Trust in Technology

MacLellan emphasized that high public trust in key institutions fosters a more efficient and productive economy, enhances innovation, and contributes to a better-functioning society. The survey also explored Canadians’ trust in artificial intelligence (AI). While adoption of AI is increasing, trust in its positive economic impact has fallen to **29 percent**, down from **33 percent** in 2025. Only **one in three** Canadians trust the federal government to regulate AI companies, a figure slightly lower than those who trust the government to oversee other sectors such as airports, fisheries, and banks.

MacLellan remarked, “Canadians are having their eyes wide open as they start to use [AI], and it’s certainly not yet at a stage where they can trust it.” The Canadian Research Insights Council notes that online surveys cannot be assigned a margin of error due to the non-random nature of the sampling.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on February 24, 2026.