Canadians Sympathize With Ukraine but Resistant to Direct Military Intervention: Internal Federal Poll

The flag of Ukraine is seen beside the Peace Tower, on the same day as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s address to Parliament in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, on March 15, 2022. The Canadian Press/Justin Tang

Canadians say while they sympathize with Ukraine and believe Parliament should do everything possible to stop Russia’s invasion, they do not wish to see Canada involved in direct military intervention, according to an internal poll conducted for the federal government.

“While participants reiterated a desire for Canada to assist in any way it could most remained hesitant about the Canadian Armed Forces or NATO taking a more direct role in defending Ukraine, expressing concern this could escalate the conflict further and potentially put Canadian lives at risk,” said a Privy Council Office report, titled “Continuous Qualitative Data Collection Of Canadians’ Views.”

The report, first obtained by Blacklock’s Reporter, was based on findings drawn from focus groups held nationwide from March 3 to 30. The Privy Council Office commissioned the survey under a $2.4 million annual contract with The Strategic Counsel.

Russia launched its attack on Ukraine on Feb. 24. Since the invasion started, Western nations have imposed a barrage of economic sanctions targeting Russia’s banking system, state-controlled companies, and oligarchs, with an aim to cripple the Kremlin’s ability to fund their military campaign.

Canada has moved to ban imports of Russian crude oil, offered $1.95 billion in federal loans, and provided over $626 million in military aid to support Ukraine. Canadian aid to Ukraine has totalled $3.1 billion since February.

‘Potential Escalation’

Despite the measures taken, most respondents said they do not think the invasion will cease in the near future and that Ukraine’s plight may worsen still.

“Few felt the conflict would end soon with many reiterating concerns regarding the potential escalation into a larger conflict and the possible deployment of nuclear weapons by Russia,” the report said.

Respondents, including those opposed to direct Canadian military intervention, also acknowledged that “neighbouring countries” could also be at risk if Russia continues its invasion of Ukraine.

“A number of participants shared concerns that if nothing was done to halt Russia’s advance into Ukraine it was possible that other neighbouring countries could also fall under attack,” said the report.

In his virtual speech to the House of Commons on March 15, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky urged Canada to do more, including supporting a no-fly zone over Ukraine.

“Please understand how important it is for us to close our airspace from Russian missiles and Russian aircraft,” Zelensky said. “Can you imagine the famous CN Tower in Toronto if it was hit by Russian bombs?”

To date, neither NATO nor Canada has backed Zelensky’s proposal, with officials arguing it will only lead to war with Russia.