About two-thirds of Canadians support the mission in Iraq and consider the Islamic State a threat to Canada that must be confronted overseas, a new poll says.

Days after Canada’s third bombing mission destroyed a warehouse and training ground in northern Iraq Tuesday, a Forum Research poll found 66 per cent of voters agree with the Canadian effort to combat the Islamic State, also known as ISIL. Our contribution to this war effort includes bombing missions by six CF-18 fighter jets.

The survey found that 30 per cent do not agree with the mission — a position mirrored by 40 per cent of voters aged 18-34, and 37 per cent of those polled in Quebec.

The poll also discovered more Canadians agree that ISIL poses a direct threat to Canada today (67 per cent) than did in a September poll (56 per cent).

About two thirds of voters support the claim that the Islamic State must be combatted in Iraq to stop the group from spreading into Canada.

A strong majority of Canadians — 70 per cent — believe the country needs tougher anti-terrorism laws.

Of those polled, 72 per cent agree that Canadians deemed “high risk,”who might travel abroad to participate in jihadist movements, should have their passports revoked. And 86 per cent agree that such individuals should not be allowed back into Canada once they have left.

Voters were evenly divided on whether attacks on Cpl. Nathan Cirillo and Warrant Officer Patrice Vincent justified Canada’s involvement in the U.S.-led mission in Iraq.

Forum put Ben Franklin’s famous adage to voters: “Those who give up their freedom for security deserve neither freedom nor security.” Less than half — 45 per cent — agree with Franklin, a quarter do not and just under one-third have no opinion on the statement.

The poll was taken by telephone using an interactive voice response survey on Nov. 19 and 20. The sample was made up of a random selection of 1,500 Canadians aged 18 and older. Forum said its results are accurate plus or minus three percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

With files from The Canadian Press

Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading... Loading...

Read more about: