May 31, 2003

Abstract: (CPOD) May 31, 2003 - Residents of Ontario are split over the use of racial profiling, according to a poll by Compas Inc. for CanWest News and Global Television. 49 per cent of respondents in the Canadian province believe the practice should be allowed in the fight against terrorism, during a medical crisis and to combat crime.

(CPOD) May 31, 2003 - Residents of Ontario are split over the use of racial profiling, according to a poll by Compas Inc. for CanWest News and Global Television. 49 per cent of respondents in the Canadian province believe the practice should be allowed in the fight against terrorism, during a medical crisis and to combat crime.

Since the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Canadians of Arab origin have complained about harassment when journeying to the United States. In some instances, travellers carrying Canadian passports have been fingerprinted, due to their ethnic origin or religion.

Toronto's Chinese community complained of a backlash after the outbreak of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). While Ontario's law enforcement officers deny ever engaging in racial profiling, the province's Court of Appeal has ruled that the practice does exist.

Polling Data

Should racial profiling be used in the fight against terrorism?

Yes	49%
No	39%

Should racial profiling be used during a medical crisis?

Yes	50%
No	37%

Should racial profiling be used to combat crime?

Yes	46%
No	44%

Source: Compas Inc. / CanWest News / Global Television
Methodology: Telephone interviews to 500 Ontario residents, conducted in mid-May. Margin of error is 4.5 per cent.