A new Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) poll reveals that 66% of Canadians consider China a significant threat, far exceeding the 34% who view Iran as such. The survey, conducted by Ekos Research Associates with 2,051 respondents, also found 70% see Russia as a significant threat.
Poll Details and Methodology
The March 31 survey, titled "Attitudes to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service," cost $77,695. It showed that 61% of Canadians are very concerned about foreign interference in elections, 58% about government interference, and 48% about interference on social media platforms.
Other countries named as considerable threats include India at 33% and Pakistan at 21%. The report noted that "the greatest concern is in terms of elections."
Context of Prime Minister Carney's China Policy
The poll follows Prime Minister Mark Carney's recent announcement of a "new partnership" with China. On January 7, he stated, "We are creating a dense web of new connections to attract investment." During a speech to the Canada-China Business Council in Beijing, Carney praised China's "formidable" strengths, saying, "We need to learn from, partner with and access and build supply chains with China."
However, in an unscripted 2025 debate, Carney called China the biggest threat to Canadian security, a remark he never repeated.
Canadians' Perception of Safety
The survey also found a pessimistic view of Canada: 52% of respondents feel Canada is more dangerous than it was five years ago. Researchers noted that "tracking results indicate Canadians are now more likely to feel Canada has become more dangerous than they were in 2018 or 2021."
