Some 48 percent said relations between the neighboring countries had deteriorated in the past year, over the US-led invasion of Iraq, a trade dispute over Canadian construction lumber and environmental policies, said the poll published in the Globe and Mail.

Of those who said relations were worsening, 63 percent blamed the United States, while 28 percent blamed Canada, the survey carried out by the Strategic Counsel showed.

Ottawa's relations with Washington have become an issue in Canada's election campaign, with Prime Minister Paul Martin criticizing US policies on global warming and trade.

A majority of 61 percent said Martin was right to rebuke the United States over its refusal to endorse a multilateral plan to cut greenhouse gases at a recent UN climate conference held in Montreal. Martin called on Washington to respect the "global conscience".

The US ambassador to Canada, David Wilkins, replied that blasting the US as a campaign tactic was a "slippery slope" that could have "a long-term impact on the relationship".

A defiant Martin fired back that he would not "be dictated to" and would continue to defend Canadian values and interests.

Canadian newspapers have said the exchange boosted Martin's support ahead of the January 23 vote.

However, the poll also showed that 56 percent said the US ambassador was within his rights to speak up for Washington even during an election campaign.

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