OTTAWA — A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians believe the country is paying too high a price in blood and treasure for its involvement in Afghanistan.
The Canadian Press-Harris Decima survey also shows an overwhelming number of respondents were uncertain about whether the Kandahar mission has been a success.
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To date, 96 Canadian soldiers, one diplomat and two aid workers have died in Afghanistan. The Conservative government has set aside $1.9-billion for aid and reconstruction in the war-torn country.
The survey found that 61 per cent of respondents believed the cost of the country's mission in lives and money has been unacceptable, while only one in three – 32 per cent – said it was acceptable.
When asked overall, whether they would say the mission in Afghanistan has been a success, a failure or that it is too soon to tell, a majority of respondents, roughly 48 per cent, took the wait-and-see answer.
At least 30 per cent were prepared to categorically declare the mission a success.
It also appears that Canadians are resigned to carrying out the country's duty in Kandahar until 2011, but would oppose attempts to “lengthen or increase its commitment.”
The survey said 57 per cent of respondents didn't want to stay longer in Afghanistan, even if the request came from United States.
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