Canadians prefer stronger ties with India than China

PUBLIC OPINION SEEMS TO HAVE ALTERED — TWO YEARS AGO, THOSE NUMBERS WERE TILTED SHARPLY IN CHINA’S FAVOUR AT 58% AGAINST 42% FOR INDIA.

TORONTO: More Canadians prefer that their government direct its efforts towards strengthening economic ties with India than with China, albeit by a narrow margin, when asked to choose directly between the two Asian giants, according to a new survey released by a Canadian public interest research organisation.

The report by the Angus Reid Institute pointed out: “Responses to this question have shifted in India’s favour since April 2015, a fact that may be attributable to media and government scrutiny of Chinese investment in Canadian real estate and business ventures in the intervening years.”

These findings were part of a larger poll that was conducted in the shadow of the Donald Trump administration undertaking a review of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), and attempted to gauge which countries Canadians are looking at in terms of partnerships going ahead.

The Angus Reid Institute conducted the online survey during August 22 – 25 among a representative, randomised sample of 1,505 Canadian adults.

While the head-to-head numbers may be heartening for India boosters, overall when asked the nations Canada ought to develop closer trade ties with, China had 24% support, nearly double the number for India.

Washington’s recent rhetoric may have pulled it down in Canadian perception, as more citizens prefer the EU, at 44%, three per cent higher than America, when it comes to Ottawa pursuing closer trade ties.

These findings will still be welcome for those seeking a stronger bilateral framework between Canada and India, as it shows India is gaining traction among regular Canadians.