Are Canadians warming to building new oil and gas pipelines?
Feb 11, 2025
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Jon Roe, a Research Associate at the Angus Reid Institute, dives into the evolving landscape of Canadian public opinion on oil and gas pipelines. He reveals that Canadians are now more supportive of pipeline projects, such as the Energy East, especially in light of economic pressures and potential trade wars with the U.S. The conversation also touches on the tension between environmental concerns and the practicality of addressing rising cost-of-living issues. Roe highlights how shifting priorities are reshaping national perspectives on energy infrastructure.
Recent polling shows a rising Canadian support for pipeline projects, driven by economic uncertainties linked to U.S. trade tariffs.
Public concern for climate change is diminishing, as Canadians prioritize economic stability over environmental issues amid financial challenges.
Deep dives
Changing Public Sentiment Towards Pipelines
Recent polling indicates a significant shift in Canadian public opinion regarding the construction of oil and gas pipelines, particularly in light of economic uncertainties fueled by U.S. trade tariffs. Support for the Energy East pipeline has risen from 58% in 2019 to 65%, reflecting an increasing recognition of its potential benefits for national economic resilience. Additionally, the Northern Gateway pipeline has seen a similar positive trend, with approval climbing to 54% overall, highlighting a growing willingness among Canadians to embrace infrastructure projects. This sentiment illustrates how external factors, such as U.S. tariffs, are prompting Canadians to reconsider their energy strategies and reduce dependency on the United States as a trading partner.
Economic Concerns Over Environmental Priorities
As economic challenges take center stage, public concern for climate change appears to wane, suggesting a shift in priorities among Canadians. Economic issues related to housing affordability and the cost of living have overshadowed environmental issues, causing climate change to drop in importance. Despite persistent recognition of climate change as a real threat, Canadians prioritize economic stability, particularly in the face of potential U.S. tariffs that could severely impact the economy. This changing landscape indicates a willingness to support pipeline projects as part of broader economic strategies, even if they raise environmental concerns.
Political Responses and Future Pipeline Initiatives
Political leaders across Canada are beginning to respond to the changing public attitudes towards pipelines, suggesting that a renewed pipeline agenda may be on the horizon. With various provincial leaders expressing openness to pipeline construction, such as Nova Scotia Premier Tim Houston's call for Energy East to be built, there is momentum building for infrastructure projects. Federal officials also recognize the need to address Canada’s energy independence amidst the trade uncertainties posed by the U.S. This dynamic reflects a confluence of public sentiment and political will that could lead to a significant reevaluation of Canada’s energy development strategies in the near future.
In the face of a possible trade war, Canadians are increasingly supportive of plans to reduce our reliance on the U.S. as a trading partner.
That includes politically sensitive industries, like oil and gas and politically sensitive projects like pipelines.
New national polling shows Canadians are increasingly open to reviving pipeline projects that were abandoned in the late-2010s. Yes, even in Quebec.
But what about the environment and other concerns?
Host David Smith speaks with Jon Roe, research associate with the Angus Reid Institute, about this latest shift in public opinion in response to the U.S. tariff threat.
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