Poll Finds Growing Support for Pipeline Projects in Canada
Canadians are increasingly showing support for the Energy East and Northern Gateway pipeline projects and the expansion of domestic energy infrastructure in response to the looming threat of a trade war with the United States, according to a recent survey.
Two-thirds of Canadians now back the Energy East pipeline, as revealed in a poll released on Feb. 10 by the Angus Reid Institute. The survey found that 65% of respondents support the oil pipeline project, compared to 58% in 2019. Nineteen percent oppose the initiative, while 16% are unsure.
The Energy East pipeline, spanning 4,600 kilometers, was initially proposed in 2013 to transport crude oil from Alberta across six provinces to an export terminal in Saint John, N.B. The project was put on hold by TC Energy in 2017 due to regulatory obstacles.
Fifty-four percent of Canadians are in favor of reviving the Northern Gateway pipeline, intended to carry oil from Alberta to the northern coast of British Columbia. Meanwhile, 25% oppose the project, with 21% expressing uncertainty.
Following the Liberal government’s decision to rescind approvals for the project due to a ban on oil tankers in northern B.C. and lack of proper consultation with indigenous communities, public opinion suggests growing support for new energy policies as Canada faces potential tariffs from the U.S. next month. Nearly half of respondents believe the federal government is not doing enough to enhance pipeline capacity, and 63% believe the economy would benefit significantly from expanding oil and gas pipeline capacity.
Related Stories
Men are more supportive of pipelines than women, with 72% of men believing in the economic benefits of such projects compared to 52% of surveyed women.
Recently, U.S. President Donald Trump halted tariffs imposed on Canada on Feb. 1, which included a 10% tax on Canadian energy imports. The decision followed an agreement between Trump and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to enhance border security measures.
Despite the temporary pause, the tariffs could be reinstated if Trump deems Canada’s progress unsatisfactory. There are also plans to introduce additional tariffs on various countries, including Canada, starting in April, citing a trade deficit and a desire to prevent Canada from exploiting the U.S.
Provincial Breakdown
Support for the Energy East pipeline has seen a significant rise in Quebec, with 47% of respondents indicating support, up from 33% in 2019.
Support for the project exceeded two-thirds in all other provinces, with Saskatchewan leading at 77%, followed by Alberta at 67%, Atlantic Canada at 70%, Ontario at 69%, British Columbia at 68%, and Manitoba at 66%.
A poll released on Feb. 5 by Angus Reid revealed that 79% of participants agreed that Canada should have “oil and gas pipelines running from sea to sea across the country.”
The concept garnered strong support in Alberta (89%), as well as in other provinces where opposition to pipelines has been prevalent, such as Quebec and British Columbia. Support was also high in Saskatchewan (86%) and moderate in Manitoba, Ontario, and Atlantic Canada (all at 80%). British Columbia residents showed 76% support, while Quebec had the lowest at 74%.
