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Poll finds strong national support for expanding Alberta’s pipeline connections
A new survey by Leger suggests Canadians broadly support expanding Alberta’s pipeline network to reach overseas markets, including proposals for a second West Coast export line, an Energy East revival, and a route to Churchill, Manitoba.
The poll by Leger finds nearly half of Canadians support Alberta pursuing a new pipeline to the British Columbia coast, compared with only 16 per cent who oppose. Support climbs to 63 per cent in Alberta and 59 per cent in Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
Almost three quarters of respondents, 72 per cent, say new pipelines are important to Canada’s economic future. That includes 24 per cent who call them extremely important.
The survey also indicates most Canadians want a balanced approach to energy transition. Forty five per cent say the country should both build pipelines and reduce fossil fuel use, while only 20 per cent favour prioritizing emissions cuts alone.
A majority, 55 per cent, say they are confident pipelines can be built while protecting the environment. Confidence is strongest in Atlantic Canada and the Prairies.
The federal government is also being urged to play a role. Fifty two per cent of Canadians believe Ottawa should support Alberta’s export pipeline efforts, including routes beyond North America, while only 16 per cent oppose federal involvement.
The online survey of 4,099 Canadian adults was conducted Oct. 17 to 19 and is weighted to reflect the population. A comparable probability sample would carry a margin of error of plus or minus 1.53 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.
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