Canadians are more concerned about a terrorist attack on Canada now than before 9/11, says a new study. Enhanced airport security, no-fly lists and Canada's participation in the Afghanistan war are just some of the considerable measures taken after 9/11, but Canadians are still worried about potential terrorist attacks within our borders. Half of the respondents said they felt "no change" in safety levels with military intervention and just under half feel 'more safe' as a result of domestic security measures.
Here are some highlights from the Ipsos Reid Poll:
- 58 per cent of Canadians agree they are more concerned about a terrorist attack in Canada now than before 9/11.
- 77 per cent disagree that Canada and the U.S. can relax security measures now that there hasn't been an attack in 10 years.
- 74 per cent of respondents believe the Canadian government's response has been "appropriate."
- 48 per cent say Canada is safer as a result of the domestic security actions taken by the Canadian government.
- 35 per cent of Canadians say military actions taken by the Canadian government have made Canada safer, while 50 per cent say there has been no change.
- 30 per cent believe that Canada is needlessly losing its sovereignty by harmonizing its security and border policies with the United States and by sharing information on travellers with the American government. In contrast, 70 per cent believe it's a necessary and prudent course of action for Canada to be taking in order to increase security on a North American level.
John Wright, senior vice-president of public affairs at Ipsos Reid, said the poll shows "vigilance" among the public. Though there have not been terrorist attacks in Canada, he said Canadians are concerned about terrorist attacks because of the involvement in the Afghanistan war. "Terrorism strikes from the unknown to the unknowing," said Wright, explaining the poll numbers show that Canadians don't think about terrorism on a daily basis, but know it's still happening and that has created concern that Canada could be vulnerable to an attack.
Wright also said the fact Canadian authorities were able to catch problems and terror suspects before anything occurred have made Canadians feel safer, as compared to sentiments right after 9/11, when concern about potential attacks was high.
Ipsos Reid used a national sample of 1,012 adults who were interviewed online between Aug. 26 and 30. The margin of error is 3.1 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
Everybody is vulnerable to an attack. I hope through prayers not only of Catholics but including all the peace loving people in the world no sects no creeds, no discriminations ... would change the thinking of those who are planning anything bad. And that the 'Earth' would again be the perfect place to live in, for this is the only thing man have. Let us not ruin it.
ReplyDeleteI wouldnt say we are...
ReplyDelete... we are, hand in hand. Through the power of prayers.
ReplyDeleteI dont think any of us are safer after 9/11, no matter what is done, those terrorists will do what they will to kill. We the people have to be vigilant and be aware of our surroundings and if we see or hear something that we think is suspicous, we are the ones responsible to make sure the authorities are also aware. It takes the whole country, whether it be America or Canada to keep our countries safe. Eyes and ears and our own gutt feelings is what it will take to deter any and all attacks
ReplyDeleteAn interesting poll.
ReplyDeleteI wrote a tad of the past as 9/11 did change the world but how we tend to it is that of our own to render.
ReplyDeleteYeah it's a time Grammy which some look at it from a distance and I looked at it from
ReplyDeletejust leaving there and then from a distance. I have no worries yet there was a time which
I had many too many all at the same very time.