Attitudes to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) – Baseline Study
Executive Summary
Prepared for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Supplier name: EKOS Research Associates
Contract number: 30001-170061/001/CY
Contract Value:
Contract Award Date: February 15, 2018
Delivery date: June 12, 2018
Registration number: 101-17
For more information on this report, please contact the Canadian Security Intelligence Service at:
townsendj@smtp.gc.ca
Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français
Attitudes to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) – Baseline Study
Executive Summary
Prepared for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Supplier name: EKOS Research Associates
June 2018
This Public opinion research report presents the results of a telephone survey of 1,221 Canadians between 12-21 March 2018.
Cette publication est aussi disponible en français sous le titre : Attitudes du public à l’égard du Service canadien du renseignement de sécurité (SCRS)
This publication may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes only. Prior written permission must be obtained from the Canadian Security Intelligence Service. For more information on this report, please contact the Canadian Security Intelligence Service at: townsendj@smtp.gc.ca or at:
Communications Branch
Canadian Security Intelligence Service
P.O. Box 9732
Postal Station T
Ottawa, ON
K1G 4G4
Catalogue number:
PS74-8/1-2018E-PDF
International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-27046-3
Related publications (registration number: POR 101-17):
Catalogue Number PS74-8/1-2018F-PDF (Final Report, French)
ISBN 978-0-660-27048-7
© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada
Table of Contents
- Executive Summary
- Background and Methodology
- Attitudes to Security and Privacy
- Familiarity with CSIS
- Attitudes to CSIS
- Openness to a Career with CSIS
- Appendix A: Questionnaires
- Appendix B: Data Tables
Executive Summary
Background and Methodology
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is Canada's national security intelligence service. CSIS investigates activities which may, on reasonable grounds, be suspected of posing a threat to the security of Canada. CSIS also has the authority to take measures to reduce these threats if there are reasonable grounds to believe that national security is at risk. Finally, it provides the Government of Canada with intelligence products that help inform decision-makers about Canada’s security posture.
One of CSIS’ organizational objectives is to strengthen the trust and confidence of its stakeholders through the delivery of valuable results, and continued lawfulness and privacy protection. As such, a first objective of this research study is to examine public views towards CSIS (including levels of trust in the organization) in order to shape communications strategies, and provide a baseline measurement to help measure their success. A second facet of this research study is to help shape recruitment strategies. This study is the first time CSIS has undertaken a public opinion research project and will serve as a baseline for future surveys.
The methodology for this study involved a bilingual, probability-based telephone survey of 1,221 Canadians. The sample frame consisted of, nationally, 587 landline respondents and 634 cell phone respondents.
Survey Findings
Outlined below are key findings from this study. The remainder of this report describes survey results in more detail.
Attitudes to Security and Privacy
The survey began with a series of broader questions related safety, security, and privacy in Canada. Respondents were asked about how safety in Canada has evolved over the past five years. Six in ten (59 per cent) feel that Canada is no more or less dangerous than it was five years ago. Among those who suggested a shift, the lean is towards a more dangerous outlook, with one-quarter (26 per cent) saying that Canada has become more dangerous. Just twelve per cent believe that Canada has become a safer place over the past five years. Tracking since 2007 reveals a seven-point decrease in the proportion of Canadians who believe that their country has become more dangerous, and a corresponding six-point increase in the percentage who say that there has been no change.Footnote 1
Results reveal moderate public trust in intelligence agencies, but also highlight the public’s concerns when it comes to the amount of private information that these organizations hold. More than half of Canadians agree that the federal government can be trusted to strike the right balance between security and civil liberties (57 per cent, compared to 24 per cent who disagree), and that Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when collecting information about Canadians (54 per cent versus 17 per cent).
Four in ten (41 per cent), however, expressed concerns about the information that intelligence agencies collect on them; and the plurality of Canadians (44 per cent) disagree with the idea that police and intelligence agencies should be given additional powers to ensure security if it means curtailing personal privacy safeguards.
Tracking reveals that the proportion of Canadians who say they trust the federal government to strike a balance between security and civil liberties is up 13 points since 2007. Support for providing additional powers to police and intelligence agencies is up nine points since 2015, although this figure remains well below the average for the ten years following the September 11th attacks.
Familiarity with CSIS
The survey then narrowed its focus to awareness and attitudes toward CSIS. Results suggest relatively limited top-of-mind awareness of CSIS. Respondents were asked, unaided, if they could name the organization that is responsible for investigating threats to Canada. Just three in ten (30 per cent) were able to identify the organization as CSIS, and roughly six in ten (63 per cent) were unsure.
Respondents were then given a brief description of CSIS and asked whether they had heard of the organization. While top-of-mind awareness of CSIS is quite low, results suggest that most Canadians are aware of the organization, even if they cannot identify it by name. Six in ten (59 per cent) say they have heard something about CSIS, while an additional seven per cent believe they ‘may’ have heard something. One-third (33 per cent) do not recall seeing or hearing anything about the organization.
Attitudes to CSIS
Results reveal that although awareness of the organization may be fairly low, Canadians place a great deal of importance on CSIS’ role in protecting Canada against terrorism and espionage threats. Seven in ten (69 per cent) rate CSIS’ mission as very important, while a further one in four (26 per cent) say it is somewhat important. Virtually no respondents (one per cent) believe that the responsibilities borne by CSIS are of little to no importance.
Results also reveal broad public confidence in CSIS. More than eight in ten Canadians (84 per cent) indicate at least some confidence in the organization, although the bulk of these individuals (64 per cent) expressed only ‘some’ confidence.
Echoing these findings, survey results reveal wide-ranging trust in CSIS. Eight in ten (80 per cent) place at least some trust in CSIS’ ability to safeguard Canadians’ rights and freedoms, although most (65 per cent) say they ‘somewhat’ trust the organization.
Respondents were presented with a list of three examples of how CSIS has protected Canadians from terrorism and espionage and asked how each one would impact their support for CSIS’ activities. All three examples increased support for CSIS: more than eight in ten Canadians feel that they would be more likely to support CSIS upon learning that it has assisted in foiling acts of terrorism within Canada (86 per cent), that it has prevented suspected terrorists from immigrating to Canada (85 per cent), or that it has caught foreign spies attempting to steal classified information (84 per cent).
Despite high levels of trust in CSIS (and reflecting privacy concerns discussed earlier in the report), Canadians strongly prefer that CSIS err on the side of transparency rather than secrecy in its operations. Fully two-thirds (68 per cent) believe that, while some level of secrecy may be necessary, Canadians ought to know more about the information that CSIS collects. Only three in ten (29 per cent) feel the benefits of secrecy outweigh the risks.
Openness to Career with CSIS
Respondents who were not retired were asked how important each of a range of job-related aspects are to them. Results reveal that stability, potential income growth, benefits, and intellectual stimulation rank as the job characteristics that Canadians most value in a career. Two-thirds place a high degree of importance on job stability (67 per cent), good benefits such as a pension (66 per cent), and a good income that grows steadily over time (65 per cent), while six in ten (61 per cent) rate an intellectually challenging job as very important. Half (48 per cent) rated a job that serves an important public purpose as a very important factor, while four in ten (42 per cent) put a great deal of importance on a job that is very well paid. Prestige ranks as a comparatively lesser priority, with just 15 per cent rating this factor as highly important.
Among respondents who are not retired, four in ten (38 per cent) indicated that they would consider a career with CSIS, while six in ten (58 per cent) would not. Those who indicated they would not consider a career with CSIS were asked, unprompted, to explain why they would not be interested in working for the organization. Responses generally centred around three themes: satisfaction with one’s current career path, concerns about suitability, and an aversion to relocating. One-quarter (26 per cent) indicated that they already settled in a career path and, similarly, 15 per cent say they are not planning on changing careers at this stage in their lives. One in six are concerned that the job requirements would not be suited to their strengths (14 per cent) or indicated that they did not want to move to Ottawa (12 per cent). Seven per cent do not feel qualified to work at CSIS, and five per cent do not want to relocate.
Background and Methodology
Background and objectives
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) is Canada's national security intelligence service. Its mandate and authorities are defined in the CSIS Act. CSIS investigates activities which may, on reasonable grounds, be suspected of posing a threat to the security of Canada. CSIS also has the authority to take measures to reduce these threats if there are reasonable grounds to believe that they jeopardize national security. Finally, it provides the Government of Canada with intelligence products that help inform decision-makers about Canada’s security posture.
One of CSIS’ organizational objectives is to strengthen the trust and confidence of its stakeholders through the delivery of valuable results, and continued lawfulness and privacy protection.
As such, a first objective of this research study is to establish a baseline measurement of public views towards CSIS (including levels of trust in the organization) in order to shape communications strategies, and provide a baseline measurement to help measure their success.
To ensure that CSIS can deliver on its mandate, the organization must maintain — and in many cases increase — staffing levels. A sustained effort is required to recruit new employees with the following skill sets:
- Foreign language intelligence analysts who are interested in challenging positions involving analysis, research, translation, transcription and report writing, and have demonstrated interest and ability in information and communication technology.
- IT and computer engineers for the development of software systems, as well as testing and documentation within one of CSIS' main business lines: Information Technology Security (IT Security).
- Intelligence officers who work on some of today's most interesting and challenging problems. They perform research, analyze information, and prepare clear and concise reports on matters related to national security.
- Human Resources Professionals to develop and implement human resources strategies, including advice to clients, recruitment, learning & development, employee relations, compliance with relevant legislation on key HR policies, and administrative functions.
As such, a second objective of this research study is to shape recruitment marketing strategies, and provide a baseline measurement to help gauge their success.
Methodology
The methodology for this study involved a bilingual, probability-based telephone survey of Canadians. In order to increase the proportion of younger Canadians (i.e. 18-34) in the sample, EKOS incorporated cell phone numbers into the sample.
In total, 1,221 Canadian adults aged 18 and over responded to the survey (587 landline respondents and 634 cell phone respondents). The margin of error associated with the total sample is +/- 2.8 percentage points, 19 times out of 20. All data were statistically weighted by age, gender, and region to ensure the sample’s composition reflects that of the actual population of Canada according to Census data. The field dates for the survey were March 12-21, 2018.
The response rate for this survey was 5.7 per cent. The response rate is calculated by dividing the in-scope responding (1,602) by the total (functional) sample (28,211) – see table below.
|
Total Numbers Attempted |
|
34,042 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Invalid numbers |
|
5,831 |
|
Blocked |
119 |
|
|
Business |
253 |
|
|
Duplicate |
6 |
|
|
Invalid |
5,453 |
|
U |
Unresolved |
|
21,099 |
|
No answer |
0 |
|
|
Callbacks |
21,099 |
|
IS |
In-scope – Not responding |
|
5,510 |
|
Household refusal |
0 |
|
|
Respondent refusal |
5,510 |
|
|
Selected respondent not available |
0 |
|
|
Qualified respondent break-off |
0 |
|
R |
In-scope – Responding |
|
1,602 |
|
Language problem |
204 |
|
|
Quota filled |
126 |
|
|
Other disqualify |
51 |
|
|
Completed interviews |
1,221 |
|
|
Total (U + IS + R) |
28,211 |
|
|
RESPONSE RATE (R divided by Total) |
5.7% |
|
Attitudes to Security and Privacy
The survey began with a series of broader questions related safety, security, and privacy in Canada. Please note that all tracking is from EKOS’ Security Monitor syndicated study, or internal surveys conducted by EKOS.
Perceived danger in Canada
Respondents were asked about how safety in Canada has evolved over the past five years. Six in ten (59 per cent) feel that Canada is no more or less dangerous than it was five years ago. Among those who suggested a shift, the lean is towards a more dangerous outlook, with one-quarter (26 per cent) saying that Canada has become more dangerous. Just twelve per cent believe that Canada has become a safer place over the past five years.
- Those ages 45 to 54 are more likely to perceive an increase in the level of danger facing the country (44 per cent, compared to 26 per cent on average).
Tracking since 2007 reveals a seven-point decrease in the proportion of Canadians who believe that their country has become more dangerous, and a corresponding six-point rise in the percentage who say that there has been no change.
Figure 1 - Perceived danger in Canada
Views on Canadian intelligence agencies
Results reveal moderate public trust in intelligence agencies, but also highlight the public’s concerns when it comes to the amount of private information that these organizations hold. More than half of Canadians agree that the federal government can be trusted to strike the right balance between security and civil liberties (57 per cent, compared to 24 per cent who disagree), and that Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when collecting information about Canadians (54 per cent versus 17 per cent).
Four in ten (41 per cent), however, expressed concerns about the information that intelligence agencies collect on them (although a similar proportion – 39 per cent – disagree that this is an issue). Roughly the same proportion (38 per cent) believe that police and intelligence agencies should be given additional powers to ensure security, even if it means curtailing personal privacy safeguards, although the plurality (44 per cent) reject this idea.
- Compared to women, men are more likely to disagree that police and intelligence agencies should be given additional powers (48 per cent versus 39 per cent) or that the Government of Canada can be trusted to balance security with civil liberties (29 per cent versus 20 per cent).
- Those under of age of 45 express greater opposition to providing more powers to police and intelligence agencies (52 per cent disagree, compared to 30 per cent among those ages 65 and over).
- Residents of Alberta are more likely to disagree that the federal government can be trusted to strike a balance between security and civil freedoms (36 per cent, compared to 24 per cent nationally).
- University graduates are more likely to trust the federal government to strike a balance between security and civil freedoms (62 per cent, compared to 51 per cent of high school educated).
- The likelihood of disagreeing that information collected by intelligence agencies is cause for concern rises with household income (from 23 per cent among those earning less than $20,000 to 50 per cent among those earning $150,000 or more). Those with an annual household income of $20,000 or less are more apt to say that the federal government can be trusted (71 per cent, compared to 57 per cent on average).
Tracking reveals that the proportion of Canadians who say they trust the federal government to strike a balance between security and civil liberties is up 13 points since 2007. Support for providing additional powers to police and intelligence agencies is similarly up nine points since 2015, although this figure remains well below the average for the ten years following the September 11th attacks.
Figure 2 - Views on Canadian intelligence agencies
Figure 3 - Tracking balance of security and civil liberties
Figure 4 - Tracking enhanced powers for intelligence agencies
Familiarity with CSIS
The survey then narrowed its focus to awareness and attitudes toward CSIS.
Awareness of CSIS
Results suggest relatively limited awareness of CSIS. Respondents were asked, unaided, if they could name the organization that is responsible for investigating threats to Canada. Just three in ten (30 per cent) were able to identify the organization as CSIS, and roughly six in ten (63 per cent) were unsure. A handful of other respondents incorrectly named another agency, such as the RCMP.
- Men are relatively more likely to identify CSIS as the agency that is responsible for addressing threats to Canadian security (38 per cent, compared to 23 per cent of women).
- Residents of Quebec are the least likely to recognize CSIS (13 per cent, compared to 30 per cent nationally).
- The likelihood of correctly identifying CSIS rises with both educational attainment (from 14 per cent among high school educated to 37 per cent among university graduates) and household income (from 11 per cent among those earning less than $20,000 to 45 per cent among those earning $150,000 or more).
Figure 5 - Awareness of CSIS
Familiarity with CSIS
Respondents were then given a brief description of CSIS and asked whether they had heard of the organization. While top-of-mind awareness of CSIS is quite low, results suggest that most Canadians are aware of the organization, even if they can not identify it by name. Six in ten (59 per cent) say they have heard something about CSIS, while an additional seven per cent believe they ‘may’ have heard something. One-third (33 per cent) do not recall seeing or hearing anything about the organization.
- Those under age of 35 are less likely to say they have heard of something about CSIS (50 per cent, compared to 59 per cent on average).
- Once again, Quebeckers are the least likely to say they have heard of the organization (37 per cent, compared to 59 per cent nationally).
- The likelihood of recognizing CSIS rises progressively with educational attainment (from 44 per cent among high school educated to 67 per cent among university graduates) and household income (from 39 per cent among those earning less than $20,000 to 72 per cent among those earning $150,000 or more).
Figure 6 - Familiarity with CSIS
Attitudes to CSIS
Perceived importance of CSIS
Results reveal that although awareness of the organization may be fairly low, Canadians place a great deal of importance on CSIS’ role in protecting Canada against terrorism and espionage threats. Seven in ten (69 per cent) rate CSIS’ mission as very important, while a further one in four (26 per cent) say it is somewhat important. Virtually no respondents (one per cent) believe that the responsibilities borne by CSIS are of little to no importance.
Figure 7 - Perceived importance of CSIS
Confidence in CSIS
Results also reveal broad public confidence in CSIS. More than eight in ten Canadians (84 per cent) indicate confidence in the organization, although the bulk of these individuals (64 per cent) expressed only ‘some’ confidence. Just one in ten (nine per cent) say they have a limited degree of confidence, and three per cent have no confidence at all.
Figure 8 - Confidence in CSIS
Trust in CSIS to safeguard Canadian rights
Echoing the findings in the previous section, survey results reveal wide-ranging trust in CSIS. Eight in ten Canadians (80 per cent) place at least some trust in CSIS’ ability to safeguard Canadians’ rights and freedoms, although most (65 per cent) say they ‘somewhat’ trust the organization. Only one in ten (11 per cent) express reservations about CSIS’ ability to uphold Canadian rights, and five per cent say they do not trust the organization at all.
Figure 9 - Trust in CSIS to safeguard Canadian rights
Impact of information on support for CSIS
Respondents were presented with a list of three examples of how CSIS has protected Canadians from terrorism and espionage and asked how each one would impact their support for CSIS’ activities. All three examples increased support for CSIS: more than eight in ten Canadians feel that they would be more likely to support CSIS upon learning that it has assisted in foiling acts of terrorism within Canada (86 per cent), that it has prevented suspected terrorists from immigrating to Canada (85 per cent), or that it has caught foreign spies attempting to steal classified information (84 per cent).
- Those with a university education express comparatively more support in light of the fact that CSIS has apprehended foreign spies attempting to steal top secret information (88 per cent, compared to 77 per cent of those with a high school education).
- Those with a household income of $100,000 or more are consistently more likely to rate these statements as compelling reasons to support CSIS.
Figure 10 - Impact of information on support for CSIS
Views on secrecy within CSIS
Despite high levels of trust in CSIS (and reflecting privacy concerns discussed earlier in the report), Canadians strongly prefer that CSIS err on the side of transparency rather than secrecy in its operations. Fully two-thirds of respondents (68 per cent) believe that, while some level of secrecy is may be necessary, Canadians ought to know more about the information that CSIS collects. Only three in ten (29 per cent) feel the benefits of secrecy outweigh the risks.
- Residents of Alberta are more likely to say that CSIS should lean more heavily towards secrecy (39 per cent, compared to 29 per cent nationally).
Figure 11 - Views on secrecy within CSIS
Openness to a Career with CSIS
Stage of career
Turning to Canadians’ openness to a career with CSIS, respondents were first asked at what stage of their career they were at. Three in ten indicated that they are not in the work force and are either retired (25 per cent) or in school (six per cent). One in five (18 per cent) say they are in the early stages of their career, while one-quarter are in the middle years (25 per cent) or the twilight years (22 per cent) of their career.
Figure 12 - Stage of career
Importance of various career aspects
Those who were not retired were asked how important each of a range of job-related aspects are to them. Results reveal that stability, potential income growth, benefits, and intellectual stimulation rank as the job characteristics that Canadians most value in a career. Two-thirds place a high degree of importance on job stability (67 per cent), good benefits such as a pension (66 per cent), and a good income that grows steadily over time (65 per cent), while six in ten (61 per cent) rate an intellectually challenging job as very important. Half (48 per cent) rated a job that serves an important public purpose as a very important factor, while four in ten (42 per cent) put a great deal of importance on a job that is very well paid. Prestige ranks as a comparatively lesser priority, with just 15 per cent rating this factor as highly important.
- Residents of Quebec attach somewhat less importance to job prestige (41 per cent say somewhat or very important, compared to 50 per cent nationally).
- The likelihood of rating an intellectually challenging job as somewhat or very important rises with educational attainment (from 83 per cent among those with a high school education to 97 per cent among university graduates).
Figure 13 - Importance of various career aspects
Willingness to consider a career with CSIS
Among respondents who are not retired, four in ten (38 per cent) indicated that they would consider a career with CSIS. Six in ten (58 per cent), however, say they have no interest in working for the organization.
- Men are comparatively more open to exploring a career with CSIS (44 per cent, compared to 33 per cent of women).
- Those under the age of 45 are more receptive to considering a career with CSIS (43 per cent).
Figure 14 - Willingness to consider a career with CSIS
Reasons for not considering a career with CSIS
Those who indicated they would not consider a career with CSIS were asked, unprompted, to explain why they would not be interested in working for the organization. Responses generally centred around three themes: satisfaction with one’s current career path, concerns about suitability, and an aversion to relocating. One-quarter (26 per cent) indicated that they already settled in a career path and, similarly, 15 per cent say they are not planning on changing careers at this stage in their lives. One in six are concerned that the job requirements would not be suited to their strengths (14 per cent) or indicated that they did not want to move to Ottawa (12 per cent). Seven per cent do not feel qualified to work at CSIS, and five per cent do not want to relocate.
- Perhaps not surprisingly, those ages 55 and over are much more likely to say they have no intention of changing careers at this stage in their lives (43 per cent).
Reasons for not considering a career with CSIS |
Total |
|---|---|
Have a job/career already |
26% |
Not planning on changing careers at this point |
15% |
Doesn’t match competences/strengths |
14% |
Don't want to work in Ottawa |
12% |
Don’t feel qualified to work at CSIS |
7% |
Don’t want to relocate |
5% |
Doesn’t match education/skills |
4% |
Don't want to work for government |
3% |
Don't support CSIS activities |
3% |
Not interested (general mention) |
3% |
Hadn't considered it |
2% |
Does not know enough about CSIS |
2% |
Too dangerous/high profile |
1% |
Other |
2% |
Don't know/No response |
2% |
Base: Those who would not consider a career with CSIS; March 12-21, 2018, 2018, n=511, MOE +/- 4.3%, 19 times out of 20
Appendix A
Questionnaire
PINTRO
My name is __________ from EKOS Research Associates, the Government of Canada is conducting a research survey on issues of interest to Canadians. The survey takes between 7 and 10 minutes to complete. Your participation is voluntary and completely confidential. May I continue?
Would you prefer that I continue in English or French? Préférez-vous continuer en français ou en anglais?
IF ASKED: The survey is registered with the Marketing Research and Intelligence Association.
INTERVIEWER NOTE: If respondent prefers French, switch language or, if cannot conduct in French, read: "Je vous remercie. Quelqu'un vous rappellera bientôt pour mener le sondage en français."
Continue................................................................................................................................... 1
Refuse (THANK & TERMINATE)...................................................................................... 9 ->THNK2
PRIV
This call may be recorded for quality control or training purposes.
QAGEX
In what year were you born?
NOTE: ANSWER THE FULL YEAR, I.E. 1977 as "1977"
Year :......................................................................................................................................... 1 >
No response............................................................................................................................ 99
QAGEY
If hesitant
If... QAGEX = 99
May we place your age into one of the following general age categories?
18-24 years............................................................................................................................... 1
25-34 years............................................................................................................................... 2
35-44 years............................................................................................................................... 3
45-54 years............................................................................................................................... 4
55-64 years............................................................................................................................... 5
65 years or older...................................................................................................................... 6
(DO NOT READ)Refuse...................................................................................................... 99
QPROV
In which province or territory do you live?
British Columbia..................................................................................................................... 1
Alberta....................................................................................................................................... 2
Saskatchewan.......................................................................................................................... 3
Manitoba.................................................................................................................................. 4
Ontario...................................................................................................................................... 5
Quebec...................................................................................................................................... 6
New Brunswick........................................................................................................................ 7
Nova Scotia.............................................................................................................................. 8
Prince Edward Island.............................................................................................................. 9
Newfoundland and Labrador............................................................................................. 10
Yukon..................................................................................................................................... 11
Nunavut.................................................................................................................................. 12
Northwest Territories............................................................................................................ 13
(DO NOT READ)Prefer not to say..................................................................................... 98 SX ->THNK2
QGENDR
DO NOT ASK - INTERVIEWER RECORD GENDER
Male........................................................................................................................................... 1
Female....................................................................................................................................... 2
Other.......................................................................................................................................... 3
Prefer not to answer.............................................................................................................. 98
Q1
As you may be aware, there is a government agency that is responsible for investigating threats to Canada such as terrorism, espionage, and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.
Can you name this agency?
DO NOT READ LIST
The Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS).......................................................... 1
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP)................................................................. 2
The Communications Security Establishment (CSE)....................................................... 3
Department of National Defence (aka the Canadian Armed Forces).......................... 4
Global Affairs Canada (aka DFAIT or Foreign Affairs).................................................. 5
Bureau of Intelligence Analysis............................................................................................ 6
Bureau of Economic Intelligence......................................................................................... 7
Other (Please specify)........................................................................................................... 77 B
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
B1
Do you feel that, overall, Canada is safer, more dangerous or about the same as it was five years ago?
Safer.......................................................................................................................................... 1
More dangerous....................................................................................................................... 2
About the same....................................................................................................................... 3
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
PB2
To what extent do you agree or disagree with each of the following statements. Please rate your response on a scale of 1 to 7, where 1 means "strongly disagree," 7 means "strongly agree," and the mid-point 4 means you neither agree nor disagree.
B2A
I can trust the Government of Canada to strike the right balance between security and civil liberties.
Strongly disagree 1.................................................................................................................. 1
2.................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Neither agree nor disagree 4.................................................................................................. 4
5.................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Strongly agree 7....................................................................................................................... 7
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
B2B
Police and intelligence agencies should have more powers to ensure security even if it means Canadians have to give up some personal privacy safeguards.
Strongly disagree 1.................................................................................................................. 1
2.................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Neither agree nor disagree 4.................................................................................................. 4
5.................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Strongly agree 7....................................................................................................................... 7
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
B2C
Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when they collect information about Canadians.
Strongly disagree 1.................................................................................................................. 1
2.................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Neither agree nor disagree 4.................................................................................................. 4
5.................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Strongly agree 7....................................................................................................................... 7
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
B2D
I am concerned about information that government intelligence agencies may be collecting about me.
Strongly disagree 1.................................................................................................................. 1
2.................................................................................................................................................. 2
3.................................................................................................................................................. 3
Neither agree nor disagree 4.................................................................................................. 4
5.................................................................................................................................................. 5
6.................................................................................................................................................. 6
Strongly agree 7....................................................................................................................... 7
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
C1
The Canadian Security intelligence Service, or CSIS, is the federal government agency responsible for investigating threats of terrorism, espionage and weapons of mass destruction, and advising government about these threats. Based on this description, would you say that you have ever heard, seen or read anything about CSIS?
Yes............................................................................................................................................. 1
Maybe....................................................................................................................................... 2
No............................................................................................................................................... 3
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
C2
Based on the description above and what you may know about CSIS, would you say that its mission is very important, somewhat important, not very important or not at all important to Canada's national security?
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
C3
To what extent would you say that you have confidence in CSIS' ability to keep Canadians safe from threats of terrorism, espionage and weapons of mass destruction? Would you say you have a great deal of confidence, some confidence, not very much confidence, or no confidence at all in CSIS' ability to keep Canadians safe?
A great deal of confidence.................................................................................................... 1
Some confidence..................................................................................................................... 2
Not very much confidence.................................................................................................... 3
No confidence at all................................................................................................................ 4
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
C4
To what extent would you say that you trust CSIS to safeguard Canadians' rights and freedoms in fulfilling its mandate? Would you say you completely trust, somewhat trust, do not trust very much or do not trust CSIS at all to safeguard Canadians' rights and freedoms?
Completely trust...................................................................................................................... 1
Somewhat trust........................................................................................................................ 2
Do not trust very much.......................................................................................................... 3
Do not trust at all..................................................................................................................... 4
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
PC5
Would you be much more likely, somewhat more likely, somewhat less likely or much less likely to support the activities of CSIS if you knew the following?
C5A
CSIS has assisted in foiling acts of terrorism within Canada
Much more likely to support................................................................................................. 1
Somewhat more likely to support........................................................................................ 2
Somewhat less likely to support........................................................................................... 3
Much less likely to support.................................................................................................... 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
C5B
CSIS has caught foreign spies attempting to steal Top Secret information from Canada
Much more likely to support................................................................................................. 1
Somewhat more likely to support........................................................................................ 2
Somewhat less likely to support........................................................................................... 3
Much less likely to support.................................................................................................... 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
C5C
CSIS has prevented suspected terrorists from immigrating to Canada
Much more likely to support................................................................................................. 1
Somewhat more likely to support........................................................................................ 2
Somewhat less likely to support........................................................................................... 3
Much less likely to support.................................................................................................... 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
C6
Which of the following comes closest to your own point of view?
READ
Secrecy is crucial to the work that CSIS does to keep Canada safe, since secrecy prevents criminals, terrorists and hostile foreign entities from knowing what we know and how we know it........... 1
OR.............................................................................................................................................. 2 NB
Some level of secrecy may be important to the work that CSIS does, but Canadians have the right to know more about information the government collects and the purposes it has for collecting it. 3
Don't Know/No response..................................................................................................... 99 B
E1
Retired, skipped to DEMIN
Which of the following best describes you?
I am a student and have not yet started my career.......................................................... 1
I am in the early years of my career (less than 10 years)................................................ 2
I am in the middle of my career (10 to 20 years).............................................................. 3
I am in the latter part of my career (20 years or more).................................................... 4
I am retired............................................................................................................................... 5 ->DENIM
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
PE2
How important do you consider each of the following to be when you think about your career? Would you say it is very important, somewhat important, not very important, or not at all important?
E2A
A job that is very well paid
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2B
A job that provides a good income that grows steadily over time
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2C
A prestigious job
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2D
An intellectually challenging job
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2E
A job that provides good benefits, such as a pension
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2F
A job that serves an important public purpose
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E2G
A stable job with low risk of unemployment
Very important........................................................................................................................ 1
Somewhat important.............................................................................................................. 2
Not very important................................................................................................................. 3
Not at all important................................................................................................................ 4
Don't Know/ No response.................................................................................................... 99 B
E3
CSIS is currently hiring software developers, IT specialists, Intelligence Officers, foreign language specialists and other professionals for positions in Ottawa. Would you consider a career with CSIS?
Yes............................................................................................................................................. 1
No............................................................................................................................................... 2
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
E4
If... E3 = 2
What is the main reason you are not interested in a career with CSIS?
DO NOT READ
Don't want to work in Ottawa............................................................................................... 1
Don't want to work for government..................................................................................... 2
Have a job/career already..................................................................................................... 3
Hadn't considered it................................................................................................................ 4
Don't support CSIS activities................................................................................................ 5
Pay too low............................................................................................................................... 6
Other (Please specify)........................................................................................................... 77 B
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
DENIM
Now I have a few more questions to be used for statistical purposes only.
QEDUC
What is the highest level of formal education that you have completed?
READ LIST - ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE
Elementary school or less...................................................................................................... 1
Secondary school.................................................................................................................... 2
Some post-secondary............................................................................................................. 3
College, vocational or trade school...................................................................................... 4
Undergraduate university program...................................................................................... 5
Graduate or professional university program.................................................................... 6
(DO NOT READ)Refuse...................................................................................................... 99
QEMPLOY
What is your current employment status?
DO NOT READ LIST - ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE
Employed full-time for pay (i.e. more than 30 hours)...................................................... 1
Employed part-time for pay................................................................................................. 2
Self-employed.......................................................................................................................... 3
Unemployed, and currently seeking work.......................................................................... 4
Homemaker............................................................................................................................. 5
Student...................................................................................................................................... 6
Disabled.................................................................................................................................... 7
Retired....................................................................................................................................... 8
Other (Please specify)........................................................................................................... 77 X
(DO NOT READ)Don't know/No response....................................................................... 99 X
INC
Which of the following best describes your total household income? That is, the total income of all persons in your household combined, before taxes. Is it...?
READ LIST - ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE
<$20,000................................................................................................................................... 1
$20,000-$39,999..................................................................................................................... 2
$40,000-$59,999..................................................................................................................... 3
$60,000-$79,999..................................................................................................................... 4
$80,000-$99,999..................................................................................................................... 5
$100,000-$149,999................................................................................................................ 6
$150,000 or more.................................................................................................................... 7
Don't know/No response...................................................................................................... 99
THNK
That concludes the survey. Thank you very much for your thoughtful feedback. It is much appreciated.
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