Attitudes to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS)

Report

Prepared for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Supplier name: EKOS Research Associates
Contract number: 30001-200055/001/CY
Contract Value: $61,194.02
Contract Award Date: January 28, 2021
Delivery date: March 2021

Registration number: 109-20
For more information on this report, please contact the Canadian Security Intelligence Service at:
media-medias@smtp.gc.ca

Ce rapport est aussi disponible en français

Attitudes to the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) – Baseline Study

Report

Prepared for the Canadian Security Intelligence Service
Supplier name: EKOS Research Associates
March 2021

This Public opinion research report presents the results of a telephone survey of 1,204 Canadians between February 1-17, 2021.

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: media-medias@smtp.gc.ca or at:

Communications Branch
Canadian Security Intelligence Service
P.O. Box 9732Postal Station T
Ottawa, ON
K1G 4G4

Catalogue number:
PS74-8/1-2021E-PDF

International Standard Book Number (ISBN):
978-0-660-38978-3

Related publications (registration number: POR 109-20):

Catalogue Number PS74-8/2-2021E-PDF (Final Report, French)

ISBN 978-0-660-38979-0

© Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada

Table of Contents

• Executive Summary
• Background and Methodology
  • Background and objectives
  • Methodology
• Attitudes to Security and Privacy
  • Perceived danger in Canada
  • Views on Canadian intelligence agencies
• Familiarity with CSIS
  • Awareness of CSIS
  • Familiarity with CSIS
• Attitudes to CSIS
  • Perceived importance of CSIS
  • Confidence in CSIS
  • Trust in CSIS to safeguard Canadian rights
  • Impact of information on support for CSIS
  • Views on secrecy within CSIS
• Threat Environment
  • Primary terrorism concern
  • Primary espionage concern
  • Ranking of threats to national security
  • Ranking of threats to Canadian interests
• Appendix A: Questionnaires
• Appendix B: Data Tables

Executive Summary

Background and Methodology

CSIS is Canada's national security intelligence service. Its mandate and authorities are defined in the CSIS Act. CSIS investigates threats which may, on reasonable grounds, be suspected of posing a threat to the security of Canada. 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, the primary objective of this research study is to measure public views towards CSIS (including levels of trust in the organization) against baseline measurements obtained in 2018 in order to shape communications strategies and to help measure their success.

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, 1,204 Canadian adults aged 18 and over responded to the survey (594 landline respondents and 610 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 February 1-17, 2021.

Survey Findings

Outlined below are key findings from this study. The remainder of this report describes survey results in more detail. Where available, results are tracked to the CSIS baseline survey conducted in 2018.

Attitudes to Security and Privacy

Respondents were asked about how safety in Canada has evolved over the past five years. Six in ten (60 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 (25 per cent) saying that Canada has become more dangerous. Thirteen per cent believe that Canada has become a safer place over the past five years. Interestingly, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians’ views on how dangerous the country has become have remained largely stable since 2018.

Survey 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. Roughly half of Canadians agree that the federal government can be trusted to strike the right balance between security and civil liberties (56 per cent), and that Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when collecting information about Canadians (49 per cent). Four in ten (41 per cent), however, expressed concerns about the information that intelligence agencies collect on them, and five in ten (52 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 has remained largely stable since 2018. However, there has been a five point decrease in the proportion who feel Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when they collect information about Canadians, and a six point decrease in agreement that police and intelligence agencies should have more power to ensure security if it means Canadians have to give up some personal privacy safeguards

Familiarity with 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 (34 per cent) were able to identify the organization as CSIS, and six in ten (60 per cent) were unsure. These results are largely the same as those found in 2018.

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 (68 per cent) rate CSIS’ mission as very important, while a further one in four (25 per cent) say it is somewhat important. Virtually no respondents (four per cent) believe that the responsibilities borne by CSIS are of little to no importance. These results have remained stable since 2018.

Results also reveal broad public confidence in CSIS. Consistent with 2018, more than eight in ten Canadians (84 per cent) indicate confidence in the organization, although the bulk of these individuals (63 per cent) expressed only ‘some’ confidence.

Echoing the findings in the previous section, survey results reveal wide-ranging trust in CSIS. Consistent with 2018 results, eight in ten Canadians (80 per cent) place at least some trust in CSIS’ ability to safeguard Canadians’ rights and freedoms, although most (63 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: nine in ten Canadians feel that they would be more likely to support CSIS upon learning that it has assisted in preventing acts of terrorism within Canada (90 per cent), that it has prevented suspected terrorists and spies from immigrating to Canada (86 per cent), or that it has caught foreign spies attempting to steal classified information (88 per cent). There has been a modest increase in support for CSIS activities based on the information provided in all three of these examples.

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 seven in ten respondents (69 per cent) believe that, while some level of secrecy is may be necessary, Canadians should know more about the information that CSIS collects. Only three in ten (27 per cent) feel the benefits of secrecy outweigh the risks. These results have remained largely stable since 2018.

Threat Environment

The survey also included a number of new questions examining Canadians’ views on various threats to the country. When asked whether they were more concerned about religiously motivated violent extremism (RMVE) or about ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE). Results reveal that Canadians are somewhat more concerned about ideologically motivated extremism. More than half (53 per cent) express concern about IMVE, while three in ten (33 per cent) are more concerned about RMVE.

Respondents were then asked whether they were more concerned about espionage against classified government information or about economic espionage against Canadian companies. Results reveal somewhat mixed views on this issue. Half (50 per cent) feel that espionage against Canadian companies is more of a concern, and a similar proportion (42 per cent) feel that espionage against government is the greater concern.

Canadians were also asked to rank different threats to national security. Results reveal that, among the issues examined, respondents place cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure as the highest threat to national security (33 per cent). Terrorism (25 per cent) is seen as the second highest threat, followed by foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada (22 per cent). Terrorists and spies entering Canada, and espionage against government and Canadian companies are seen as lower level threats to national security.

Background and Methodology

Background and objectives

CSIS is Canada's national security intelligence service. Its mandate and authorities are defined in the CSIS Act. CSIS investigates threats 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 pose a threat to 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, the primary objective of this research study is to measure public views towards CSIS (including levels of trust in the organization) against baseline measurements obtained in 2018 in order to shape communications strategies and to help measure their success.

More specifically, this survey aims to:

• Measure views towards CSIS in order to help determine the success of future communications initiatives.
• Better understand the public’s awareness and attitudes towards CSIS to help shape communications strategies.
• Measure the public’s attitudes towards various threats to national security including how their views have shifted since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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, 1,204 Canadian adults aged 18 and over responded to the survey (594 landline respondents and 610 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 February 1-17, 2021.

The response rate for this survey was 6.8 per cent. The response rate is calculated by dividing the in-scope responding (1,869) by the total (functional) sample (27,553) – see table below.

Attitudes to Security and Privacy

The survey included a number of broader questions related to safety, security, and privacy in Canada. Where available, results are tracked to the CSIS baseline survey conducted in 2018; tracking from earlier than 2018 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 (60 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 (25 per cent) saying that Canada has become more dangerous. Thirteen per cent believe that Canada has become a safer place over the past five years.

Interestingly, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadians’ views on how dangerous the country has become have remained largely stable since 2018

• Those ages 65 and up are more likely to perceive an increase in the level of danger facing the country (39 per cent, compared to 25 per cent on average).

Figure 1 - Perceived danger in Canada

Figure 1 - Text version

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. Roughly half of Canadians agree that the federal government can be trusted to strike the right balance between security and civil liberties (56 per cent, compared to 27 per cent who disagree), and that Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when collecting information about Canadians (49 per cent versus 19 per cent).

Four in ten (41 per cent), however, express concerns about the information that intelligence agencies collect on them, and the majority of Canadians (52 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 has remained largely stable since 2018. However, there has been a five point decrease in the proportion who feel Canadian intelligence agencies act within the law when they collect information about Canadians, and a six point decrease in agreement that police and intelligence agencies should have more power to ensure security if it means Canadians have to give up some personal privacy safeguards.

• Compared to women, men are more likely to disagree that police and intelligence agencies should be given additional powers (58 per cent versus 46 per cent) or that the Government of Canada can be trusted to balance security with civil liberties (32 per cent versus 22 per cent).
• Those under of age of 35 express greater opposition to providing more powers to police and intelligence agencies (63 per cent disagree, compared to 39 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 (39 per cent, compared to 27 per cent nationally).
• University graduates are more likely to trust the federal government to strike a balance between security and civil freedoms (61 per cent). Those with an annual household income of $20,000 or less are also more apt to say that the federal government can be trusted on this issue (67 per cent, compared to 56 per cent on average).
• The likelihood of disagreeing that information collected by intelligence agencies is cause for concern rises with household income (from 34 per cent among those earning less than $20,000 to 45 per cent among those earning $150,000 or more).

Figure 2 - Views on Canadian intelligence agencies

Figure 2 - Text version

Figure 3 - Tracking balance of security and civil liberties

Figure 3 - Text version

Figure 4 - Tracking confidence in adherence to law

Figure 4 - Text version

Figure 5 - Tracking concerns over information collected

Figure 5 - Text version

Figure 6 - Tracking enhanced powers for intelligence agencies

Figure 6 - Text version

Familiarity with CSIS

The survey also examined Canadians’ 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 (34 per cent) were able to identify the organization as CSIS, and six in ten (60 per cent) were unsure. A handful of other respondents incorrectly named another agency, such as the RCMP. These results are largely the same as those found in 2018.

• Men are relatively more likely to identify CSIS as the agency that is responsible for addressing threats to Canadian security (40 per cent, compared to 28 per cent of women).
• Residents of Quebec are the least likely to recognize CSIS (13 per cent, compared to 34 per cent nationally).
• The likelihood of correctly identifying CSIS rises with both educational attainment (from 21 per cent among high school educated to 41 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 7 - Awareness of CSIS

Figure 7 - Text version

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 (57 per cent) say they have heard something about CSIS, while an additional nine per cent believe they ‘may’ have heard something. One-third (32 per cent) do not recall seeing or hearing anything about the organization. Again, these results have remained largely stable over the past three years.

• Those under the age of 35 are less likely to say they have heard of something about CSIS (51 per cent, compared to 57 per cent on average).
• Once again, Quebeckers are the least likely to say they have heard of the organization (36 per cent, compared to 57 per cent nationally).
• The likelihood of recognizing CSIS rises progressively with educational attainment (from 44 per cent among high school educated to 65 per cent among university graduates) and household income (from 39 per cent among those earning less than $20,000 to 78 per cent among those earning $150,000 or more).

Figure 8 - Familiarity with CSIS

Figure 8 - Text version

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 (68 per cent) rate CSIS’ mission as very important, while a further one in four (25 per cent) say it is somewhat important. Virtually no respondents (four per cent) believe that the responsibilities borne by CSIS are of little to no importance. These results have remained stable since 2018.

Figure 9 - Perceived importance of CSIS

Figure 9 - Text version

Confidence in CSIS

Results also reveal broad public confidence in CSIS. Consistent with 2018, more than eight in ten Canadians (84 per cent) indicate confidence in the organization, although the bulk of these individuals (63 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 10 - Confidence in CSIS

Figure 10 - Text version

Trust in CSIS to safeguard Canadian rights

Echoing the findings in the previous section, survey results reveal wide-ranging trust in CSIS. Consistent with 2018 results, eight in ten Canadians (80 per cent) place at least some trust in CSIS’ ability to safeguard Canadians’ rights and freedoms, although most (63 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 11 - Trust in CSIS to safeguard Canadian rights

Figure 11 - Text version

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: nine in ten Canadians feel that they would be more likely to support CSIS upon learning that it has assisted in preventing acts of terrorism within Canada (90 per cent), that it has prevented suspected terrorists and spies from immigrating to Canada (86 per cent), or that it has caught foreign spies attempting to steal classified information (88 per cent). There has been a modest increase in support for CSIS activities based on the information provided in all three of these examples.

• Those with a university education express comparatively more support for the organization when informed that CSIS has apprehended foreign spies attempting to steal top secret information (91 per cent, compared to 83 per cent of those with a high school education).
• Those with a household income of $80,000 or more are consistently more likely to rate these statements as compelling reasons to support CSIS.

Figure 12 - Impact of information on support for CSIS

Figure 12 - Text version

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 seven in ten respondents (69 per cent) believe that, while some level of secrecy may be necessary, Canadians should know more about the information that CSIS collects. Only three in ten (27 per cent) feel the benefits of secrecy outweigh the risks. These results have remained largely stable since 2018.

• Residents of Saskatchewan and Manitoba are more likely to say that CSIS should lean more heavily towards secrecy (38 per cent, compared to 27 per cent nationally).

Figure 13 - Views on secrecy within CSIS

Figure 13 - Text version

Threat Environment

The survey also included a number of new questions examining Canadians’ views on various threats to the country.

Primary Terrorism Concern

Respondents were asked whether they were more concerned about religiously motivated violent extremism (RMVE) or about ideologically motivated violent extremism (IMVE). Results reveal that Canadians are somewhat more concerned about ideologically motivated extremism. More than half (53 per cent) express concern about IMVE, while three in ten (33 per cent) are more concerned about RMVE. Fourteen per cent are unsure.

• Those under the age of 35 express greater fear of IMVE (64 per cent, compared to 47 per cent among those ages 65 and over).
• Residents of Atlantic Canada (64 per cent) and university graduates (58 per cent) are also more concerned about violent extremism motivated by ideological ideas.

Figure 14 - Primary terrorism concern

Figure 14 - Text version

Primary Espionage Concern

Respondents were then asked whether they were more concerned about espionage against classified government information or about economic espionage against Canadian companies. Results reveal somewhat mixed views on this issue. Half (50 per cent) feel that espionage against Canadian companies is more of a concern, and a similar proportion (42 per cent) feel that espionage against government is the greater concern.

• Men are more likely to express concern about espionage against Canadian companies (56 per cent, compared to 44 per cent of women).
• Those with a household income less than $20,000 (56 per cent) and residents of BC (50%) are more likely to express concern about espionage against government.
• High school graduates express less concern about espionage against Canadian companies (43 per cent, compared to 53 per cent of university graduates).

Figure 15 - Primary Espionage Concern

Figure 15 - Text version

Ranking of Threats to National Security

Canadians were also asked to rank different threats to national security. Results reveal that, among the issues examined, respondents place cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure as the highest threat to national security (33 per cent). Terrorism (25 per cent) is seen as the second highest threat, followed by foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada (22 per cent). Terrorists and spies entering Canada, and espionage against government and Canadian companies are seen as lower level threats to national security.

• Residents of Quebec (38 per cent) and university graduates (37 per cent) are particularly likely to feel that cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure is the most significant threat.
• Those earning less than $20,000 (37 per cent) and women (28 per cent) are more likely to see terrorism as the most critical threat to national security.
• Residents of BC are more likely to consider foreign governments that try to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada as a threat (35 per cent, compared to 22 per cent on average.
• Men are more likely to feel that foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada are a threat to national security (26 per cent, versus 18 per cent of women).

Figure 16 - Ranking of threats to national security

Figure 16 - Text version

5.4 Ranking of Threats to Canadian Interests

Respondents were then presented with a list of selected countries and asked to rank them based on their threat to Canadian interests. A clear majority (58 per cent) see China as the biggest threat to Canada, followed distantly by Russia (18 per cent), North Korea (10 per cent) and Syria (4 per cent).

• Men (65 per cent) and those aged 55 to 64 (65 per cent) are particularly likely to see China as the greatest threat.
• Women are more likely to rank Russia as the biggest threat to Canada (20 per cent, compared to 15 per cent of men).
• Those earning $80,000 to $100,000 (16 per cent), those aged 35 to 44 (15 per cent) and Quebeckers (15 per cent) are more likely to see North Korea as the greatest threat.

Figure 17 - Ranking of threats to Canadian interest

Figure 17 - Text version

Appendix A

Questionnaire

PINTRO
Hello/Bonjour,
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?
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

 Would you be willing to tell me in which of the following age categories you belong?
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 provided 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 foreign interference 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 preventing 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 classified 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 helped prevent suspected terrorists and spies 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                             

D1
Violent extremism takes many forms. Would you say you are more concerned about religiously motivated violent extremism (e.g. Al-Qaeda and ISIS) or ideologically motivated violent extremism (e.g. neo-Nazi groups)?
RMVE (Religiously motivated violent extremism)............................................................. 1                                          
OR.............................................................................................................................................. 2     NB                             
IMVE (Ideologically motivated violent extremism)........................................................... 3                                          
Don't Know/No response.................................................................................................... 99        B                             

D2
Espionage takes many forms. Would you say you are more concerned about espionage against classified government information (e.g. stealing military secrets) or economic espionage against Canadian companies (e.g. stealing patents and technology)?
Espionage against government............................................................................................. 1                                          
OR.............................................................................................................................................. 2     NB                             
Espionage against Canadian companies.............................................................................. 3                                          
Don't Know/No response.................................................................................................... 99        B                             

D3P
What do you consider to be the most critical threat to national security? Rank them from highest to lowest:
(Select one as 1 "Lowest", one as 2, 3, 4, and one as 5 "Highest.)

D3A
Lowest
1
Espionage against government and Canadian companies............................................... 1                                          
Terrorism.................................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure........................................................................ 3                                          
Terrorists and spies entering Canada.................................................................................. 4                                          
Foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada.............. 5                                          
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D3B
2
Espionage against government and Canadian companies............................................... 1                                          
Terrorism.................................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure........................................................................ 3                                          
Terrorists and spies entering Canada.................................................................................. 4                                          
Foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada.............. 5                                          
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D3C
3
Espionage against government and Canadian companies............................................... 1                                          
Terrorism.................................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure........................................................................ 3                                          
Terrorists and spies entering Canada.................................................................................. 4                                          
Foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada.............. 5                                          
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D3D
4
Espionage against government and Canadian companies............................................... 1                                          
Terrorism.................................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure........................................................................ 3                                          
Terrorists and spies entering Canada.................................................................................. 4                                          
Foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada.............. 5                                          
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D3E
Highest
5
Espionage against government and Canadian companies............................................... 1                                          
Terrorism.................................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Cyber-attacks against critical infrastructure........................................................................ 3                                          
Terrorists and spies entering Canada.................................................................................. 4                                          
Foreign governments trying to manipulate policies and outcomes in Canada.............. 5                                          
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D4P
Which country do you believe is the biggest threat to Canadian interests? Rank them from highest to lowest:
(Select one as 1 "Lowest", one as 2, 3, 4, and one as 5 "Highest.)

D4A
Lowest
1
China.......................................................................................................................................... 1                                          
North Korea............................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Russia......................................................................................................................................... 3                                          
Syria........................................................................................................................................... 4                                          
Other (please specify) :  ...................................................................................................... 77        B                             
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D4B
2
China.......................................................................................................................................... 1                                          
North Korea............................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Russia......................................................................................................................................... 3                                          
Syria........................................................................................................................................... 4                                          
Other (please specify) :  ...................................................................................................... 77        B                             
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D4C
3
China.......................................................................................................................................... 1                                          
North Korea............................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Russia......................................................................................................................................... 3                                          
Syria........................................................................................................................................... 4                                          
Other (please specify) :  ...................................................................................................... 77        B                             
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D4D
4
China.......................................................................................................................................... 1                                          
North Korea............................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Russia......................................................................................................................................... 3                                          
Syria........................................................................................................................................... 4                                          
Other (please specify) :  ...................................................................................................... 77        B                             
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

D4E
Highest
5
China.......................................................................................................................................... 1                                          
North Korea............................................................................................................................. 2                                          
Russia......................................................................................................................................... 3                                          
Syria........................................................................................................................................... 4                                          
Other (please specify) :  ...................................................................................................... 77        B                             
Don't Know/No response...................................................................................................... 9        B                             

DENIM
Now I have a few more questions to be used for statistical purposes only.

QEDUC
What is the highest level of schooling that you have completed?
READ LIST - ACCEPT ONE RESPONSE
Less than High School diploma or equivalent                     ............................................... 1                                          
High School diploma or equivalent                               ....................................................... 2                                          
Registered Apprenticeship or other trades certificate or diploma................................. 3                                          
College, CEGEP or other non-university certificate or diploma   ................................. 4                                          
University certificate or diploma below bachelor's level        ......................................... 5                                          
Bachelor's degree                                               .................................................................... 6                                          
Post graduate degree above bachelor's level                     .............................................. 7                                          
Prefer not to answer............................................................................................................. 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.

THNK2
Thank you for your cooperation! Based on the information you have provided, unfortunately you are not eligible to complete the remainder of this survey.