According to a recent survey, Canadians are afraid that political instability in the United States would impair security and economic progress at home, as an anti-vaccine mandate demonstration hailed by former U.S. President Donald Trump seized the capital and disrupted the border.

The Angus Reid Institute survey's worry serves as a backdrop for rallies around the country, along the international border, and notably in Ottawa, the capital, where authorities claim Americans have supplied "substantial" financial and organizational assistance.

The 13th day of the Ottawa protest has been marred by the appearance of hateful symbols, such as the Confederate flag, associated with the aggressive populism embraced by Trump supporters, and some protesters say their goal is not only to repeal vaccine mandates but also to overthrow the government.

"The success or failure of the United States will have a profound impact on Canada," said Bruce Heyman, former American ambassador to Canada from 2014-2017. "Part of the more extreme nature of our politics over the last few years has now moved to occupy some part of Canada today."

According to the study, 78 percent of Canadians are concerned about how America's political strife would damage their country's economy and security. The survey of 1,620 Canadians was performed between January 27 and January 31, the dates of the Ottawa demonstration.

Two-thirds of Canada's 38 million people reside within 100 kilometers (62 miles) of the US border, and the two nations are each other's most important commercial partners.

Canada's trading connection with the United States is critical to its survival, with 75 percent of all exports flowing to the southern neighbor. The United States accounts for half of all Canadian imports, including 60% of all imported fresh veggies.