Poll: Canadians question environment works

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Nov. 21 (UPI) -- A large percentage of Canadians are unhappy with their government's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, results of a survey indicate.

The (Toronto) Globe and Mail reported Saturday more than 75 percent of participants in a poll compiled by the Hoggan & Associates public relations firm said the Canadian government should be taking a more active role in the environmental effort worldwide.

The April survey, which polled 4,368 Canadians, found that participants tabbed the environment the third-most important issue facing Canada right now.

On top of the list of critical Canadian issues was the state of the economy with healthcare in second place ahead of the environment.

Among participants, 72 percent said climate change would have a serious impact on the environment, while 28 percent felt such concerns were exaggerated.

A separate survey of nearly 1,000 top Canadian members of business, government, media and universities indicated the environment was the top issue for participants. Second on the list of key issues for the participants in that survey was the economy, the Globe and Mail reported.