Plurality
approves of Omar Khadr’s release
Few view him favourably or think he’s a danger to society
TORONTO May 14th,
2015 - In a
random sampling of public opinion taken by the Forum Poll™ among 1286 Canadian
voters, the plurality, close to half, approve of the court’s decision to free
Omar Khadr (45%), while one third disapprove of this decision (33%). Just fewer
than a quarter have no opinion (23%). Approving of Khadr’s release is common to
the oldest (48%), the wealthiest ($80K to $100K - 52%, $100K to $250K - 55%),
in Quebec (51%), among Liberals (54%) and New Democrats (60%), but not
Conservatives (20%), among the best educated (post grad - 65%) and among
Francophones (53%).
Few see Khadr as a danger to society
Just
3-in-10 voters see Omar Khadr as dangerous to society (31%), 4-in-10 do not
(41%) and more than a quarter have no opinion (28%). Voters are deeply
polarized on this issue. The wide majority of those who approve of his release
see him as no danger to others (80%), whereas an equally large majority of
those who disapprove of his release believe he is (77%).
Few have favourable opinion of Khadr
Just
one fifth of voters have a favourable view of Omar Khadr (20%), and a third
have an unfavourable view (34%). Fully one half have no view one way or another
(46%). A favourable view of Khadr is characteristic of the oldest (65+ - 25%),
the wealthier ($80K to $100K - 27%), in Quebec (25%), among Liberals (25%) and
New Democrats (29%) but not, of course, among Conservatives (7%). Post grads
(29%) and Francophones (26%) also have a favourable view of Khadr.
Khadr is seen as child soldier rather than terrorist
Four-in-ten
voters would describe Omar Khadr as “a child soldier” (39%), while just one
quarter would identify him as a “terrorist” (25%). Three-in-ten haven’t formed
an opinion (29%). Describing Khadr as a terrorist is common to the oldest
(28%), the least wealthy (less than $20K - 28%, $20K to $40K - 31%), in the
prairies (33%), Alberta (32%), among Conservatives (47%) and among the least
educated (secondary school or less - 35%).
"While Canadians may not like
Omar Khadr, and may not like what he’s done, they recognize he was dealt a
grave injustice at far too young age, and should now be allowed to live a
normal life," said Forum Research President, Dr. Lorne
Bozinoff.
Lorne Bozinoff, Ph.D. is the president and founder of Forum
Research. He can be reached at lbozinoff@forumresearch.com or at (416)
960-9603.
