Majority disapprove of payout to Omar Khadr — more believe U.S. government than Khadr

In the sixth wave of the Campaign Research Poll, a national online public opinion omnibus survey conducted among a sample of 1,540 Canadian voters, the majority, 6 in 10, disapprove of the $10.5 million payout and apology given to Omar Khadr (60%), whereas one fifth approve of this payment (20%). One fifth have no opinion in the matter (19%). Disapproval is characteristic of boomers (55 to 64 - 74%), males (63%) more so than females (58%), in Alberta (73%), among Conservatives (84%) and among the wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 66%). Approval of the settlement is common to the youngest (30%), in BC and Quebec (26%), among federal Liberals (31%) and among the less wealthy ($20K to $40K - 24%).

PLURALITY SEE KHADR AS CHILD SOLDIER, NOT TERRORIST

Canadians were asked which of four terms described Omar Khadr. The plurality, 3 in 10, say he is a former child soldier (30%), while one quarter describe him as a terrorist (23%). About one tenth choose the descriptor “war criminal” (12%) and about one twentieth find him innocent (6%). As many as one quarter don’t know enough about the case to comment (24%). Describing Khadr as a child soldier is characteristic of the oldest (41%), in Quebec (40%), Liberals (37%) and Bloquistes (45% - caution: small base size) and among the wealthy ($80K to $100K - 39%). Thinking Khadr is a terrorist is common to the oldest (28%), males (29%) more than females (18%), among Conservatives (42%), in Alberta (33%) and among the wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 29%). Describing Khadr as a war criminal is also most common in Alberta and among Conservatives.

PLURALITY BELIEVE U.S. GOVERNMENT, NOT KHADR

Twice as many Canadians believe the findings of the U.S. military tribunal which convicted Khadr (29%) as believe Omar Khadr’s own account of his case (15%). One fifth believe neither can be trusted as the truth (21%), while a similar proportion believe there is an element of truth in both accounts (18%). A similar proportion don’t have enough information to choose (16%). Incidence of believing Khadr’s account is highest among the youngest (22%), Quebecers (22%) and among Green Party voters (28%). Believing the U.S. military is characteristic of the oldest (55+ - 35%), males (34%) more than females (25%), in the Prairies (36%) and Alberta (37%) and among Conservatives (52%) and among the very wealthiest ($100K to $250K - 33%).

“Canadian perceptions of Omar Khadr are varied. Many believe him to be a terrorist or a war criminal, while others believe he was a child soldier. It is clear, however, that regardless of how Canadians perceive him, they are steadfastly against paying Omar Khadr a settlement and/or apologizing to him” said Eli Yufest, CEO of Campaign Research. Eli can be reached at eyufest@campaignresearch.ca or at (647) 931 4025, ext 109

METHODOLOGY

This online poll was conducted between July 7 and July 10, among a panel of 1540 Canadian voters. A probability sample of this size would have a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5%, 19 out of 20 times.