The overwhelming majority of the business panel backs the head of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters in his criticism of the Prime Minister for hypocrisy in attacking other countries for their trade barriers and for his continued defence of agricultural supply arrangements. Most see Canada’s agricultural subsidies as harming poor countries. Few back current levels of protectionism in poultry, wheat, eggs, and dairy.

A number of individuals volunteered strongly held reservations about the majority perspective. Several highlight the threat to public health posed by agricultural imports while others point to a certain hypocrisy in highlighting agricultural protectionism while ignoring protectionism in the auto and other sectors.

These are the principal findings from the most recent web survey on trade issues conducted among the COMPAS business panel for the National Post under sponsorship of BDO Dunwoody.

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