Most Canadians feel Afghan mission had no impact on world peace and security: poll

Wednesday marked the end of Canada's 12-year mission to Afghanistan.

As explained by the National Post, since 2001, Canada contributed over 40,000 Canadian Armed Forces and millions of dollars in order fight the insurgency and rebuild that country following the U.S.-led response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks.

Our nation also paid the ultimate price losing 158 soldiers and four civilians.

Over the past week, journalists and pundits have done an excellent job analyzing our efforts and outcomes — here, here and here. Some believe that Canada deserves credit for bringing peace, for rebuilding the country's infrastructure and for facilitating the education of thousands of girls. Others, however, suggest that the country's problems continue and that advancements cannot be sustained.

[ Related: Toxic stew' of militants lurk in Afghanistan as NATO heads home ]

The Canadian public — or at least a large sample size — have now had the chance to weigh-in with their opinions.

Pollster Angus Reid asked 1,507 Canadians this question:

"All things considered, would you say that Canada's mission in Afghanistan had:"

"Just over one-third of Canadians (35%) said the mission had a positive impact on world peace and security. This sentiment was highest in Saskatchewan and Manitoba (48%) and Alberta (42%), and lowest in Quebec (28%)," notes the report.

"Most Canadians (42%) felt the investment of troops and public dollars had no impact on world peace and security, with Quebecers (47%) and British Columbians (42%) feeling most strongly about this. Atlantic Canadians (37%) were least inclined to feel this way. Canadians aged 55+ feel this way more strongly."

Angus Reid was careful not to disrespect the service of the Canadian Forces and especially those that died. The pollster warned that the numbers should not be interpreted as support or opposition for the troops on the ground.

The online survey of Canadian adults was conducted on March 13, 2014 with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.5 per cent, 19 times out of 20.

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