Ipsos-Reid released the results of its latest poll comparing U.S. and Canadian attitudes, revealing convergence on a host of issues ranging from the role of government in caring for the poor and the elderly, to the importance of environmental protection as a critical component of economic development. To view the full poll results, click here.
Ipsos-Reid released the results of its latest poll on May 9, 2005, comparing U.S. and Canadian attitudes toward a host of issues and policy questions in both countries. The poll was conducted on behalf of the Canada Institute of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and the Toronoto-based Canada Institute for North American Issues (CINAI).
Results suggest a growing convergence on several core values held dear by both Canadians and Americans, but, paradoxically, also underscored a diminished view of how each regard decisions by the other's government.
The full results of the poll detail attitudes on both sides of the border vis-à-vis trade relations, economic integration, energy policy, visa requirements, missile defense, health care & social security, civil liberties & the fight against terrorsim, global warming, and environmental policy. Respondents also gave their views on bilateral friendship and trust. While the bonds of amity remain strong, the number of of those who felt positively about their neighbors has dimished over the course of the past year, a general trend also present in results to other questions in the poll.
This poll is part of series attempting to gauge the evolution of attitudes on both sides of the border toward issues of importance in Canada and the United States. Last year, Ipsos-Reid conducted a poll on U.S. and Canadian attitudes toward energy issues on behalf of the Canada Institute, which was released on March 1, 2004 to coincide with the Woodrow Wilson Forum on Cross-Border Business in Calgary, Alberta.
The poll garenered wide coverage in the Canadian press. The Globe and Mail published a lead story on May 9, "Cross-border amity eroding: poll," and columnist John Ibbitson commented on it: too: Poll shatters tired, old myths.
The mission of the Wilson Center's Canada Institute is to raise the level of knowledge of Canada in the United States, particularly within the Washington, DC policy community. Research projects, initiatives, podcasts, and publications cover contemporary Canada, US-Canadian relations, North American political economy, and Canada's global role as it intersects with US national interests. Read more
