Key Takeaways:
- A slim majority of Canadians (56%) support building a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast, despite opposition from the B.C. government.
- 55% of Canadians support lifting the ban on tanker traffic to facilitate the pipeline.
- 57.4% of British Columbians support a new pipeline, despite the province’s government opposing it.
- Canadians prioritize green energy projects, with 22% saying they should be the top priority for the federal government’s Major Projects Office.
- The majority of Canadians (43%) would support a pipeline regardless of Indigenous co-ownership, but 29% would only support it if it has Indigenous co-ownership.
Introduction to the Poll Results
The results of a recent poll conducted by Nanos Research, commissioned by The Globe and Mail, have shed light on the opinions of Canadians regarding the construction of a new oil pipeline from Alberta to the West Coast. The poll, which surveyed 1,009 Canadian adults from November 29 to December 2, found that a slim majority of Canadians (56%) support or somewhat support building a new oil pipeline, while 37% oppose or somewhat oppose it. This support is notable, given the opposition to the project from the B.C. government.
Geographical Breakdown of Support
The poll also revealed a significant geographical breakdown in support for the pipeline. Residents of the Prairies were found to be twice as likely to support a new pipeline from Alberta to B.C. and the lifting of the tanker ban compared to Quebec residents. Furthermore, 57.4% of British Columbians support a new pipeline, despite the province’s government opposing it. According to pollster Nik Nanos, British Columbia can be thought of as "two provinces," with the interior of the province tending to be more similar to Alberta, and the coast and Lower Mainland being vastly different. This dichotomy is likely to influence attitudes towards the pipeline, with those in the interior being more supportive.
Shift in Public Opinion
The poll’s findings also indicate a shift in public opinion on pipelines since earlier in the year. In April, a Nanos survey found that nearly three-quarters of Canadians supported an East-West pipeline for oil and liquefied natural gas. In July, an Environics Research poll found similar levels of support for building a new oil pipeline to the West or East Coast. However, the most recent poll shows that support has slipped, with 56% of Canadians supporting a new pipeline. This shift may be attributed to various factors, including changing economic conditions and growing concerns about climate change.
Indigenous Co-Ownership and Consent
The poll also touched on the issue of Indigenous co-ownership and consent. While 43% of respondents said they would support a pipeline regardless of whether or not it has Indigenous co-ownership, 29% said they would only support such a project if it did have Indigenous co-ownership. However, Mr. Nanos cautioned against conflating the issue of Indigenous ownership with consent, emphasizing that "Plan A would always be a project that is supported by Indigenous peoples, whether they support it outright, or whether they are our partners in the project themselves." This highlights the importance of meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities in the development of any major project.
Prioritizing Green Energy Projects
The survey also asked respondents about the types of developments that should be prioritized by the federal government’s Major Projects Office. Despite support for a new oil pipeline, green energy projects topped the list of sectors that respondents said should be a priority, at 22%. Electricity transmission and grid upgrades came next with 16.5%, then pipelines at 16.1%. According to Mr. Nanos, this suggests that Canadians want a "portfolio approach" to major projects, with a focus on a range of initiatives, including green energy, transmission, and critical minerals. This approach would allow Canada to diversify its energy mix and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels, while also supporting economic growth and development.
Conclusion and Future Directions
In conclusion, the poll’s findings highlight the complex and nuanced nature of public opinion on pipelines and energy development in Canada. While there is support for a new oil pipeline, there are also significant concerns about the environmental and social impacts of such a project. The federal government’s Major Projects Office will need to carefully consider these factors as it prioritizes and regulates major energy and infrastructure projects. By taking a portfolio approach and prioritizing green energy projects, Canada can work towards a more sustainable and diversified energy future, while also supporting economic growth and development. Ultimately, the success of any major project will depend on meaningful consultation and collaboration with Indigenous communities, as well as a commitment to environmental sustainability and social responsibility.
