Posted on 1-4-2004

Canadians Prefer Independence From U.S.A.

OTTAWA, ONTARIO – An Ipsos-Reid poll released today shows that Canadians
support independent policies from the U.S.

Canadians were informed that the Canadian government wishes to repair
relations with the U.S. after a series of high-profile disagreements,
including over the invasion of Iraq. Yet most Canadians

* disagree that “Canada should actively support the Bush
administration’s missile defence system even if it may require
dedicating military spending to the program or allowing US missile
launchers in Canada” (69%),
* think “Canada’s limited military spending should be used to enhance
our abilities in peacekeeping and conflict resolution rather than
trying to maintain multi-purpose forces intended for heavy combat
alongside US military forces” (77%),
* believe “Canada should establish an energy policy that provides
reliable supplies of oil, gas and electricity at stable prices and on
protection of the environment, even if this means placing restrictions
on exports and foreign ownership of Canadian supplies” (90%), and
* agree that “Canada should maintain the ability to set its own
independent environmental health and safety standards and regulations,
even if this might reduce cross-border trade opportunities with the
United States” (91%).

“This poll is a wake-up call to all politicians to listen to the values of
Canadians and to reject the growing corporate lobby push for deeper
integration with the U.S.,” said Council of Canadians National Chairperson
Maude Barlow. “In that sense, the next federal election will be a real
test for democracy.”

The Prime Minister’s support for missile defence could be a liability for
the government as it struggles to increase its popular support, according
to Polaris Institute project director Steven Staples. "It doesn’t take a
rocket scientist to know that Paul Martin should probably withdraw from
missile defence negotiations with the U.S. before he calls the election,"
said Staples.

Council of Canadians Campaigner Guy Caron noted, “Time and time again,
Canadians have repeated that they want foreign trade, energy and social
policies that strengthen Canada, not weaken its ability to chart its
future.”

The Ipsos-Reid poll was conducted with 1056 Canadian adults between March
23 and March 25 2004 and was commissioned by the Council of Canadians and
the Polaris Institute. The results are considered accurate to within ± 3.1
percentage points, 19 times out of 20, and are available from
www.ipsos-reid.com.