Canadians support suspension of oil exports to US, but share concerns about fairness to Alberta: Poll
The majority of Canadians are in favor of stopping oil exports to America in response to U.S. tariffs, but they also believe it would be unjust for Alberta to bear the economic consequences of such a decision, according to a recent survey.
However, 52 percent believe it would be unfair to expect Alberta to deal with the repercussions of such a ban, especially when Canada continues to export products that benefit other provinces, like hydroelectric power in Quebec and automotive parts in Ontario, the survey revealed.
This sentiment is shared by 71 percent of respondents in Alberta, 54 percent in Ontario, 52 percent in British Columbia, and 51 percent in the Prairies. In Atlantic Canada and Quebec, less than half of the residents thought an export ban would be unfair, with 47 percent and 42 percent respectively.
Trump initially threatened to impose a 25 percent tax on Canada’s products starting Jan. 20, but he is now considering Feb. 1 as the start date for tariffs against Canada and Mexico in response to illegal immigration and drug trafficking into the U.S.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has indicated that Canada would retaliate with matching tariffs against any U.S. tariffs imposed on Canada.
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Trudeau stated that all options are on the table to address U.S. tariffs, including halting oil and gas exports across the border. Currently, Canada provides 25 percent of the oil consumed by the U.S.
Alberta Premier Danielle Smith has voiced her opposition to this approach and did not sign a joint statement with Ottawa and other premiers regarding potential responses to Trump’s tariff threats. She believes that the federal government’s reluctance to exclude energy export cuts from consideration in response to the anticipated U.S. tariffs violates provincial jurisdiction.
Long-Term Pain?
The survey of 1,000 Canadians also found that most respondents were concerned about the long-term effects of short-term actions.
Fifty-six percent of those surveyed believe Canada should be cautious about taking actions in the short term that could harm its long-term relationship with the U.S. Only 12 percent disagreed, while 31 percent had no opinion or were unsure.
Residents of Alberta expressed the highest level of concern at 59 percent, followed closely by Ontario and the Prairies at 58 percent each, and Atlantic Canada at 56 percent. B.C. residents and Quebecers also voiced concern at 53 percent and 50 percent, respectively.
In every province, a significant number of respondents did not provide an opinion on the matter, ranging from 17 percent in Atlantic Canada to 26 percent in Quebec.
