BROAD DISSATISFACTION WITH FEDERAL TRANSPARENCY
[Ottawa – December 10, 2009] – The issue involving allegations of torture of prisoners handed off to Afghan authorities by the Canadian Forces is clearly a significant and possibly growing problem for the government.
A clear majority of Canadians believe that Canadian Forces handed off prisoners with the knowledge that they might be subject to torture (61% nationally and over 70% outside of CPC supporters). Of that, the vast majority (83%) believe that transferred prisoners were undoubtedly subjected to torture.
Turning to the question of satisfaction with the Government’s level of transparency and disclosure on this issue, it is noteworthy that only about one in four (24%) Canadians expresses any degree of satisfaction. In the Conservatives’ favour is that about one in three (35%) are sitting on the fence and awaiting the final verdict before drawing conclusions on this part of the issue. The clear plurality (41%), however, is dissatisfied with the government’s handling of this issue.
The final question updates the public’s attitudes to a request from the American administration to have Canada extend its military mission in Afghanistan. A clear majority (52%) continues to reject this proposition, but there is some evidence of a modest increase in receptivity, suggesting that the refocused American plan may be increasing the perceived prospects for success. This would be consistent with our analysis that suggests that the prospects for success are the key factor underpinning support/opposition for the mission. This slight warming is harshly divided across party affiliation with CPC supporters leaning to acceptance and the rest of the spectrum staunchly opposed. The proposition is also decisively rejected in Quebec and is less popular amongst young Canadians.
Click here for the full report: full_report_december-10
I submit that many
Canadians are finally awakening to what a deceitful Government the Conservative Government is. They have ruined the name of Canadians abroad and to the thinkers in this country. What took so long? Our reputation has never been so tarnished. Is Stephen Harper so naive? Does he think that we are a country unto ourselves and does he think the Canadian public is ignorant of our responsibilities in times of war. He proves that his training in accountancy pertains only to his field of experience?