Majority of Canadians Concerned About China’s Interference in Canadian Society: Poll

Most Canadians are concerned by China’s intrusion in Canadian society. new poll According to findings, seven in ten people consider it a significant threat to the country’s democracy.

Nanos Research conducted the poll. It found that nearly nine out ten Canadians were concerned (59%) or somewhat concerned (32%), about Beijing’s interference with Canadian soil.

The results were based upon 1,012 random online surveys among Canadians aged 18 or above, from February 26 to March 1.

CTV News published the results of their survey on March 3.

Respondents over 55 (68 percent concern, 27 percent somewhat concerned), indicate a “higher intensity of concern” Those aged 18-34 (43 percent concern, 44 percent somewhat concerned) are more concerned than those who were (18-34 years old.

This poll was conducted amid cross-partisan calls to Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada. to launch a public inquiry To review recent reports on China’s alleged interference operations in Canada, which include its meddling in the 2019 federal elections and 2021 federal elections.

One of the allegations is a Nov. 7, 2022 report by Global News A report by the reveals that China provided funding for at least 11 candidates during the 2019 campaign. Globe and Mail In February, leaked documents from the Canadian Security Intelligence Services – CSIS (Canadian Security Intelligence Services) revealed that Beijing had attempted to interfere with Canada’s election with the intent of having a minority Liberal government elected.

Trudeau has insisted The Canadian election process is still intact.

‘Major Threat’

Jody Thomas (national security and intelligence advisor to Trudeau) testified before the Commons House Procedure and Affairs committee, PROC on March 1.multiple times“About Beijing’s interference in the elections.

CSIS Director David Vigneault was summoned to the PROC hearing on the following day due to leaked documents from his agency. Director Vigneault stated that he was of the opinion there were no incidents This threatened the integrity and fairness of the recent elections.

Nanos poll results showed that almost all respondents believed that Beijing’s attempt to interfere with Canada’s federal election in 2021 is a threat for the country’s democracy. According to the results, 71% of respondents considered it a serious threat while 23% thought it was minor.

Only 18% of those surveyed said Canada is able to protect its elections from foreign interference. “good” (15 percent) “very good” (3 percent) job.

The results were stark contrast to those who disapproved. Just under 40 percent replied “poor” (20%) “very poor” (19%) for protecting the integrity and security of elections against foreign actors

Another 30% of the questions were answered “average,” 13% said they were “unsure.”

March 2nd, the PROC passed a motion We are calling for the Trudeau government’s to launch an inquiry into China’s election interference. The motion, introduced by NDP MP Peter Julian, was passed through a 6–5 vote with Liberal MPs voting against it.

Andrew Chen, Peter Wilson and others contributed to this report.