OTTAWA—As parliament continues to debate the role of Canadian Forces in the fight against the Islamic State group, a new poll shows support remains strong for CF-18 airstrikes in Iraq.

The poll, released by Forum Research, found that 63 per cent of Canadians somewhat or strongly approve the Conservatives’ decision to send six CF-18 fighter jets for airstrikes in Iraq.

The support, largely unchanged since November, was strongest among Conservative voters (82 per cent). Regionally, Forum found more support in the Prairies and Alberta (70 per cent and 67 per cent), while Quebec respondents were least likely to support the mission (39 per cent disapproved).

When Forum pointed out that Canadian troops were fired on multiple times — and have returned fire — a slight majority (60 per cent) of Canadians approved of Canadian ground troops engaging Islamic State group fighters on the ground in Iraq.

A strong majority of Conservative voters (82 per cent) approved ground combat, while support was more muted among opposition voters (59 per cent of identified Liberals approved, while 43 per cent of New Democrat voters approved).

The poll also found that almost three in four Canadians (73 per cent) believed that the Canadian Forces will suffer casualties in the fight against the Islamic State group. As many as 69 special forces members are on the ground, although Parliament has approved a non-combat aid and assist role only.

The automated phone survey of 1,382 voting-aged Canadians was conducted on Jan. 27 and 28. Results are considered accurate within 3 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

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