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New Three-Part Survey Measures What the World Thinks of Canada and Canadians

TORONTO, June 25 /CNW/ - This weekend, Canada hosts the world's leaders at the G8 and G20 Summits. A recent survey commissioned by The Historica-Dominion Institute takes the pulse of the global community's perceptions of Canada and Canadians. The global survey, conducted by Ipsos-Reid presented questions to over 18,000 citizens in 24 countries.

Some highlights include:

    
    Part I: International Affairs, the Economy and Business

    -   62% of global citizens say that Canada is a world economic power. The
        Russians (79%), Brazilians (78%) and Chinese (78%) are most likely to
        agree, while the Swedes (33%), Japanese (40%), Germans (41%), and the
        British (43%) are much less likely.
    -   Two in three global citizens (67%) to say that Canada is a leader in
        working for peace and human rights around the world. South Africans
        (80%) are most likely to agree, while those living n Sweden (37%) and
        Germany (45%) are least likely to believe that Canada is a leader in
        this field.

    Part II: Immigration, Diversity and Multiculturalism

    -   A majority (53%) of people, including 77% of respondents from China
        and 68% of respondents from India, say they'd live in Canada if they
        had an opportunity to move. Interestingly, almost one-third (30%) of
        Americans would choose Canada.
    -   Eight in ten (79%) respondents think that Canadians enjoy one of the
        best qualities of life anywhere in the world.

    -   Most respondents (72%) believe that Canada is welcoming to
        immigrants, including 86% in China and 84% in India.

    Part III: The Environment, Tourism and "The Canadian Character"

    -   Asked if Canada is environmentally responsible in relation to other
        industrialized countries, eight in ten (81%) global respondents
        agreed.
    -   Nine in ten (90%) global respondents agree that Canada has some of
        the most beautiful scenery in the world and 88% say they would like
        to visit Canada.
    -   Eight in ten (80%) global respondents say that Canadians are someone
        they would welcome into their home for a meal.
    -   Seven in ten (71%) global respondents think people who live in Canada
        are "cool", including 92% of respondents in France.
    -   About half (53%) of the world's citizens describe Canadians as
        "sexy". Interestingly, the sex appeal of Canadians is highest in
        India (71%) and Saudi Arabia (70%).
    

The survey is a project of The Historica-Dominion Institute in partnership with the Munk School of Global Affairs with the support of the Aurea Foundation. The Historica-Dominion Institute is the largest charitable organization dedicated to Canadian history, identity and citizenship. Visit www.historica-dominion.ca.

For complete survey results, visit www.historica-dominion.ca/en/polling

For further information: or to schedule an interview, please contact: Chantal Gagnon, Media Relations, 416.575.3627, [email protected]