Most Canadians disagree with Trudeau's plan to withdraw CF-18s, poll suggests

A new pollsuggests thatmajority of Canadians disagree with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau'spledgeto withdraw Canada's CF-18 fighter jetsby the end of Marchfrom the U.S.-led bombing mission against the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria.

When asked what Canada's role should be in the fight against ISIS, only 27 per cent told theAngus Reid Institutethat theywere on the same page as Trudeauin wantingto stop Canada's bombing mission and focus only on training local troops in Iraq and Syria.

Meanwhile, 11 per cent of respondents wanted to stop Canada's involvement in the fight against ISIS altogether.

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The majority of Canadians disagreed with theprime minister, with 37 per cent saying the Liberal governmentshould continue the current level of bombing and training provided by Canada, while 26 per cent wanted the levels increased.

Even though the withdrawal of CF-18s was a key issue during Trudeau'selectioncampaign last year, slightly more past Liberal voters were in support of maintaining the current level of Canada's involvement than were in support of withdrawing Canada's fighter jets, at 37 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.

Almost two in three of those surveyed64 per cent believe the danger ISIS poses has been "growing,"which could explain the majority support for continuing Canada's bombing mission against the militant group.

Canada's global reputation

If Trudeau does follow through with his promise to withdraw fighter jets, almost half of the respondents say the move will damage Canada's standing on the global stage.

When asked what effect, if any, withdrawing CF-18 fighter jets from the ISIS mission would have on Canada's international reputation, 47 per cent of those surveyedsaid it would have a "negative effect", more than doubling the 18 per cent who said it would have a "positive effect."

Although the majoritypolled prefer a different course of action than the prime minister's in the fight against ISIS, a slight majority saidthe prime minister's office has what it takes to get the job done.

When asked how confident they were in the Trudeau government's ability to manage Canada's mission against ISIS, 54 per cent responded with either "very confident" or "somewhat confident."

The poll results are based on an online survey conductedJan. 27-31, 2016, of 1,503 adult Canadians who are members of the Angus Reid Forum.