Close X
Monday, November 25, 2024
ADVT 
National

NATO should ready for battle: survey respondents

Darpan News Desk The Canadian Press, 15 Mar, 2022 10:11 AM
  • NATO should ready for battle: survey respondents

OTTAWA - A new poll suggests nearly three-quarters of Canadians believe NATO allies should prepare for military intervention as Russian aggression escalates in Ukraine, even as half hold out hope for a diplomatic resolution.

The online survey of 1,515 Canadians and 1,002 Americans was conducted by Leger between Friday and Sunday.

The survey cannot be assigned a margin of error because internet-based polls are not considered truly random samples.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has signalled its solidarity with Ukraine in the form of supplies, weapons and sanctions since the early days of Russia's latest incursion into its territory, but has not deployed troops for combat.

"This is the first time where people say, 'Give diplomacy and sanctions a chance but brace for potentially this becoming military involvement,'" said Leger executive vice-president Christian Bourque.

Approximately 49 per cent of Canadians still believe a diplomatic end to the war is possible, but 64 per cent said the conflict between Ukraine and Russia will be protracted, and will last many years.

Sixty-five per cent of Canadians said governments should impose more severe sanctions against Russia, even if it means higher gas prices for western countries, even though 62 per cent agreed the sanctions mainly hurt the Russian people and not Russian President Vladimir Putin directly. Only 35 per cent believe economic sanctions will actually convince Putin to back down.

Canadians seem to understand the stakes are high, and they increasingly believe the conflict could escalate into a world war, the poll shows. About three-quarters report they believe the situation has the potential to lead to a third world war in this latest poll, compared to 66 per cent of Canadians polled at the end of February when the conflict first began.

Nearly half of those polled, about 47 per cent, say they believe Putin will use nuclear weapons if the conflict doesn't go his way.

"The fear factor is high," Bourque said.

Under Article 5 of the North Atlantic Treaty, an attack on a NATO country is considered an attack on all NATO countries, and they all must help to restore security.

According to the poll, about two-thirds of Canadians believe Ukraine should be allowed to join NATO — a move that could draw the allied countries into direct conflict with Russia.

Ukraine, currently considered a NATO partner, has repeatedly requested to join the treaty and even enshrined that goal into the country's constitution in 2019.

As for who will win the conflict, 41 per cent of respondents admit they don't know, and the remaining 59 per cent are split. Russia will win the war, according to 27 per cent of those who responded, while 33 per cent believe Ukraine will successfully drive the Russians off.

MORE National ARTICLES

Canadians organize rallies in support of Ukraine

Canadians organize rallies in support of Ukraine
Demonstrations have been planned in Montreal, Toronto, Edmonton and Vancouver today to denounce the Russian military strike against Ukraine, and the Canada-Ukraine Foundation has launched a fundraiser for humanitarian aid.

Canadians organize rallies in support of Ukraine

Canada brings in stronger sanctions for Russia

Canada brings in stronger sanctions for Russia
The new sanctions will target 58 people and entities connected to Russia, including members of that country's elite and their families, the paramilitary organization known as the Wagner Group and major Russian banks.

Canada brings in stronger sanctions for Russia

Emergency powers end but questions linger

Emergency powers end but questions linger
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced Wednesday the extraordinary, time-limited powers would be pulled back now that the immediate crisis is over. They were brought in last week to respond to protests and blockades against COVID-19 restrictions and the Liberal government.

Emergency powers end but questions linger

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse
One of the occupants of the SUV tried pulling her inside the vehicle and stealing her purse. The suspect or suspects then fled in this vehicle after their attempt was unsuccessful.

Attempted robbery in Richmond involves snatching of a senior's purse

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2
BA.2 was detected in Canada as early as December, according to Health Canada data, but a report last week from the B.C. COVID-19 modelling group suggests the newer Omicron strain could be spreading faster in parts of the country than the current dominant version, BA.1.

A look at the Omicron subvariant BA.2

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices
 It's budget day in Alberta, and Premier Jason Kenney says there will be a massive infusion of money for the health-care system. Kenney says the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed a system that has too few hospital beds, labs and intensive care spaces.

Alberta budget set to rebound on high oil prices