Most Canadian business leaders support dollar-for-dollar retaliatory tariffs: KPMG [Video]

The vast majority of Canadian business leaders want a targeted, dollar-for-dollar retaliatory response if the United States delivers on its tariff threats this week, a new KPMG in Canada survey found.

The survey, which polled 250 Canadian business leaders, found eight in 10 are bracing for a recession but are still prepared to endure “short-term pain” to negotiate a fair deal that protects Canadian interests.

“One of the most important themes coming out of our survey is that business leaders in this country want Canada to stand firm, fight back and be united,” said Joy Nott, a partner in the trade and customs practice at KPMG in Canada.

Six in 10 businesses said they could withstand a prolonged trade war, the report said.

The survey comes as federal and provincial governments prepare for a trade war with the U.S., which could come as early as Saturday.

U.S. President Donald Trump’s …