APF Canada's 2015 National Opinion Poll: Canadian Views on Asian Investment

VANCOUVER, BRITISH COLUMBIA--(Marketwired - June 2, 2015) - According to the 2015 National Opinion Poll (NOP) Canadian Views on Asian Investment released today by the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada), Canadians are optimistic about the benefits of direct foreign investment from Asia, but somewhat cautious of investment from large economies like China.

Results of APF Canada's annual poll show a majority of Canadians hold positive views about investment from major Asian players, including Japan (78%), South Korea (67%), and India (59%). This is comparable to Canadians' favourable views on investment from the United States (77%), Canada's largest source of foreign direct investment. When it comes to China, Canadian attitudes are more mixed, with two-fifths (42%) being favourable to Chinese investment and half (49%) expressing opposition.

"This year's National Opinion Poll took a closer look at our perceptions of specific countries and discovered that for the most part Canadians welcome foreign investment from Asia," said APF Canada President and CEO, Stewart Beck. "Canadians are well informed and they understand that as Asian market growth outpaces that of Europe and North America, we need to engage Asia if we want to be players in the new global economy."

Added Beck: "However, Canadians remain cautious about the possibility that investment from a global power like China will lead to a loss of control over our natural resources, which according to our poll is the way many of us still feel about investment from the United States, our closest ally. Canadians want to see proof on the ground that companies from these countries are going to add value to the Canadian economy and benefit Canadian society."

For over 10 years, APF Canada's National Opinion Poll has examined Canadian opinion and attitudes towards Canada's engagement with Asia. This year, APF Canada commissioned EKOS to conduct the survey. A total of 1,548 adult Canadians were polled between March 24 and April 6, 2015.

The 2015 NOP found that while Canadians have an accurate understanding of investment rules and practices (e.g. 69% know that Canada plays a role in approving large foreign investments), Canadians overestimate the extent of foreign investment in Canada, particularly investment from China.

In summary, our 2015 NOP results showed that when it comes to foreign investment, Canadians generally are cautious, informed and open to persuasion through positive, demonstrable contributions to Canadian society.

The full poll results are available at www.asiapacific.ca.

About the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada:

The Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada (APF Canada) is a not-for-profit organization focused on Canada's relations with Asia. Our mission is to be Canada's catalyst for engagement with Asia and Asia's bridge to Canada.

A leader in research and analysis on Canada-Asia relations for over 30 years, APF Canada partners with government, business leaders, academics, and opinion makers in Canada and across the Asia Pacific region to offer clear, specific, and actionable policy advice.

Established by an Act of Parliament in 1984, APF Canada's thematic priorities include: promoting trade, investment, and innovation; mobilizing energy assets; building skills and competencies; and, understanding Asia now.

Visit APF Canada at www.asiapacific.ca.