A poll of 1000 Canadians carried out by the firm Strategic Counsel from December 6 to 9 found that Canadians prefer a somewhat arms-length relationship with the United States.  When asked what they saw as the major factor influencing Canadian foreign policy, the largest percentage, 25%, said that it is the relationship with the United States, but when asked what should be, only 5% cited that relationship. 

Respondents were also asked what they saw as Canada’s greatest foreign policy achievement, and the greatest percentage, 33%, said it was the decision to stay out of the invasion of Iraq.  When the current Prime Minister Stephen Harper was in opposition at the time of the invasion, he wanted to participate, but he has lost his enthusiasm, not just because he is in a minority government position.