- Many adults in 20 countries think Canada is an independent force on the international stage, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies for Maclean's. 57 per cent of respondents believe Canada is a global leader in working for human rights and peace in the world, while 43 per cent think the country does pretty much what the United States wants it to do.

In Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Mexico, Lebanon, France, Italy and South Africa, more than 60 per cent of respondents regard Canada as an independent force. Conversely, more than half of respondents in Russia, Israel, Germany, South Korea, Spain and Turkey say Canada acts alongside the U.S.

Canadian soldiers are currently participating in the war on terrorism in Afghanistan, but the federal government—headed at the time by Liberal prime minister Jean Chrétien—did not back the invasion of Iraq in 2003.

Canadians renewed the House of Commons in January. The Conservative party—led by Harper—received 36.3 per cent of the vote, and secured 124 seats in the 308-member lower house. Since February, Harper leads a minority administration after more than 12 years of government by the Liberal party.

On Jul. 6, Harper met with United States president George W. Bush in Washington. The Canadian prime minister discussed the situation in Afghanistan, saying, "We have 2,300 men and women on the ground as part of the Canadian forces. They're playing an important role in security and development in order to protect our national interest, rebuild Afghanistan, and ensure it never becomes again a safe haven for terrorists."

Polling Data

Which of the following statements do you agree with more: "Canada is a global leader in working for human rights and peace in the world" or "In foreign affairs, Canada does pretty much what the United States wants it to do"?

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