March 31, 2003

(CPOD) Mar. 31, 2003 - Many Canadians supports their government's decision to stay out of the Iraq conflict, but a large percentage believes it is time for Canada to participate in the war, according to a poll by Ipsos-Reid released by CTV and the Globe and Mail. 59 per cent of respondents say they are glad Canada is out of the Iraq conflict, while 45 per cent say the country should join now, and support the United States.

Prime minister Jean Chrétien stated on Mar. 17 that Canada would not participate in any war effort without backing from the United Nations (UN) Security Council. 67 per cent of respondents say this decision shows the country is an independent player in the world stage. However, 47 per cent say Canada turned its back on the U.S.

Last week, U.S. ambassador to Canada Paul Cellucci publicly censured Ottawa for not fully supporting the coalition effort. 61 per cent of respondents feel that failure to participate in the war will bring serious economic consequences for Canada.

Most respondents overwhelmingly support Canada's involvement in humanitarian efforts. The government has committed $68 million U.S. in aid to Iraq.

Polling Data

Are you glad Canada decided to stay out of the Iraqi conflict?

Yes	59%
No	38%

Is it time to offer military support to the coalition?

Yes	45%
No	53%

Does the decision not to participate in the war show Canada is an independent player on the world stage?

Yes	67%
No	30%

Did Canada turn its back on the United States by not participating in the Iraqi conflict?

Yes	47%
No	51%

Will Canada face serious economic consequences for not joining the coalition?

Yes	61%
No	37%

Should Canada be involved in humanitarian aid in Iraq?

Yes	91%
No	8%

Source: Ipsos-Reid / CTV / Globe and Mail
Methodology: Inyerviews to 1,000 Canadian adults, conducted from Mar. 25 to Mar. 27, 2003. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.

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