Poll: The majority of Canadians oppose the Afghan mission
In 2002, only 20 per cent of Canadians were opposed to the mission in Afghanistan. But that number has climbed to 54 per cent, according to an EKOS poll commission by CBC. The strongest opposition exists in Quebec (73 per cent), while 42 per cent of Albertans continue to back the mission. Support was also divided along gender lines, with more women in opposition. Another recent poll, conducted by Ipsos Reid, showed that–despite general resentment of the mission–82 per cent of Canadians are “proud of the men and women who serve in Canada’s Armed forces.” That’s up from 77 per cent two years ago. The Ipsos Reid poll also revealed that 52 per cent of Canadians say that the mission should end as planned in 2011. “People are expressing the view, to a majority, that it’s time to bring the men and women who have been serving, home,” said John Wright, senior vice-president of Ipsos Reid.