A strong majority of Canadians — including notable support in Quebec — are backing the construction of new oil pipelines to both the East and West Coasts, according to a new national poll. The shift in public sentiment may strengthen Prime Minister Mark Carney’s efforts to position Canada as a dual-energy superpower through large-scale infrastructure investment.
A CLEAR MANDATE FOR NEW PIPELINES
The survey, conducted by Environics Research, found that 73% of Canadians support building new oil pipelines. Remarkably, this includes 59% of Quebec respondents in favor of a West Coast pipeline and 55% backing an East Coast project — a significant departure from historically skeptical views in the province.
Support for this infrastructure push comes amid heightened trade tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened to slap a 35% tariff on select Canadian exports starting next month, raising concerns about Canada’s economic stability.
Despite the pressure, Prime Minister Carney and several provincial leaders have signaled they won’t be rushed. “We’ll get the best deal for Canada, deadline or not,” one insider familiar with the trade talks said.
Back to 2024…
Canada’s oil majors have been carefully repositioning, opting out of international M&A frenzies to instead double down on domestic opportunities. We explored here:
👉 Why Canada’s Oil Giants Are Skipping the Global M&A
ENERGY SUPERPOWER — WITH A TWIST
The poll focused on public alignment with Mr. Carney’s energy strategy: a blend of traditional oil sands development with clean energy investments. The results show broad public support for this dual approach, with 50% of Canadians favoring a mix of conventional and clean energy projects. Only one in six respondents preferred prioritizing fossil fuels alone, while one in four opted for renewables.
Even in Alberta, home to the country’s oil sands and a vocal opponent of federal environmental regulations, 55% of those surveyed supported a mixed-energy future. Quebec was the only region where a majority still leaned toward clean energy alone.
Among voters, the divide is slightly partisan but still mixed: 60% of Liberals and 52% of Conservatives support a balanced project portfolio, though Conservatives are slightly more inclined toward conventional infrastructure.
TURNING POINT FOR RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT
Another standout finding: a majority of respondents support reducing red tape for natural-resource projects, and back recent federal moves to shorten project approval timelines. Contrary to past fears, most Canadians now believe these changes will speed up development without sacrificing environmental safeguards.
“This is a major reversal from public opinion ten years ago,” said Sarah Roberton, SVP of Corporate and Public Affairs at Environics. “We’re in a new policy landscape. Canadians are looking for action, not delays.”
Environics has also tracked a rebound in support for the oil sands, now at 62% — a level not seen since 2012.
SKEPTICISM PERSISTS ON INDUSTRY COMMITMENTS
Still, the poll reveals a clear caveat: 78% of Canadians remain concerned about environmental harm from industry. While support for infrastructure is rising, the oil and gas sector continues to face credibility challenges regarding its commitment to sustainability.
Nonetheless, there’s a strong consensus that clean tech investment is essential. 81% of respondents back increased spending on sustainable energy, and few believe it would harm the economy — even in traditional oil regions such as Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Roberton notes this suggests a rare moment of national alignment: “Canadians want economic momentum, and they want to use every tool available — both oil and clean tech — to get there.”
At the same time, federal backing for infrastructure projects tied to both oil and clean energy is reaching historic highs. If you're wondering how Canada is planning to balance pipelines with renewables, don’t miss our deep dive into the country’s $60 billion push — from wind and hydrogen to LNG:
👉 Inside Canada’s $60B Clean Energy Push: From Wind Power to LNG Exports
