Angus Reid Global Monitor : Polls & Research
Canadians Assess Action on Huseyin Celil Case
(Angus Reid Global Monitor) - Many adults in Canada have a clear idea of the way their federal administration should deal with the case of Huseyin Celil, according to a poll by Angus Reid Strategies. 53 per cent of respondents think the Canadian government should protest the treatment of Celil, who is being held by Chinese authorities on terrorism charges, through regular diplomatic channels.
Conversely, 21 per cent of respondents want the government to publicly condemn China’s actions, even if it risks possible retaliation, while 12 per cent would let the Chinese legal system determine whether Celil is guilty.
On Feb. 9, Canadian prime minister Stephen Harper responded to the statements of a Chinese official who warned Canada not to criticize the Asian country’s human rights record because it could harm bilateral relations, saying, "I would point out to any Chinese official that just as a matter of fact, China had a huge trade surplus with this country, so it would be in the interest of the Chinese government to make sure any dealings on trade are fair and above board." 72 per cent of respondents think Canada should place more emphasis on human rights and minority rights, regardless of the economic implications, in its long-term policy with China.
In relation to the Celil’s case, Harper added: "There are those in the opposition who will say, ‘You know, China is an important country, so we shouldn’t really protest these things (...) so maybe someday we’ll be able to sell more goods there.’ I think that’s irresponsible. I think the government of Canada, when a Canadian citizen is ill-treated and when the rights of a Canadian citizen need to be defended, I think it’s always the obligation of the government of Canada to vocally and publicly stand up for that Canadian citizen. That is what we will continue to do."
Celil immigrated to Canada in 2001, and was arrested and sent to China during a trip to Uzbekistan in 2006. China has treated Celil as a Chinese citizen, despite the fact that the country signed an agreement with Canada in 1997, where it pledges to consider any person travelling with a Canadian passport as a Canadian citizen, regardless of his or her place of birth.
Polling Data
As you may know, a dual Chinese-Canadian citizen named Huseyin Celil is being held by Chinese authorities on terrorism charges. The Canadian government believes there is no clear evidence that Celil, a minority rights activist, has committed any offences. Which of these statements comes closest to your own view?
| The Canadian government should | 53% |
| The Canadian government should | 21% |
| The Canadian government should do | 12% |
| Not sure | 14% |
In terms of Canada’s long-term policy with China, where do you think we should place more emphasis?
| On human rights and minority rights, | 72% |
| On the trading relationship, regardless | 28% |
Source: Angus Reid Strategies
Methodology: Online interviews with 1,175 Canadian adults, conducted on Feb. 13 and Feb. 14, 2007. Margin of error is 2.9 per cent.
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